Detroit Lions: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft, version 4.0
By Zac Snyder
Tracy Walker was a surprise pick by the Lions in the 2018 NFL Draft but the move highlighted just how important the safety position is to the Lions defense under Matt Patricia. The example of the importance of safeties goes back to the Patriots and we saw that on display during the Lions’ 2018 season as they often featured three-safety sets on defense.
The Lions are in a spot with their current group of safeties that they could choose to not draft one in the 2019 NFL Draft but don’t be surprised if they do. With that in mind, Amani Hooker looked like an intriguing option here in the fourth round.
Hooker became an important player for the Iowa defense, seeing time as a free safety, strong safety as well as a hybrid safety-linebacker during his Hawkeye career. The versatility will appeal to the Lions but Hooker looks like to me is an eventual replacement for Tavon Wilson. While Wilson still has a role to play, he doesn’t look like much of an option for the Lions beyond 2019. He heads into the final year of his contract and accepted a pay cut to make it happen.
The 2019 season could be a nice hand-off period from Wilson to Hooker, making for an easy transition behind Quandre Diggs and Tracy Walker so the Lions can keep rolling with their three-safety looks.