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Detroit Lions mock draft emphasizing the defensive side of the ball

By Michael Johnson

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson sacks Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021.Mich Iowa
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson sacks Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021.Mich Iowa /
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Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions: Timmy McClain #9 of the South Florida Bulls looks to pass against Darrian Beavers #0 of the Cincinnati Bearcats in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 12, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Third-round pick: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

Late Day 2 should see the Lions add another defensive player. Their linebacker room is terrible. Adding a player to place the anemic play from their linebackers. Romeo Okwara got hurt while Trey Flowers missed 25 of 36 games since becoming a Lion in 2019. They need a playmaker on the second level. Cincinnati’s Darrian Beavers has all the tools to be a big-time player in Aaron Glenn’s defense.

Beavers is the perfect blend of size, speed, and athleticism. He plays fast and does a great job coming downhill. At 6-3, 242-pounds Beavers shows promise as a pass rusher. The Bearcat backer is tough, aggressive, and isn’t afraid to take on guards. He’s quick to disengage from guards and lays the wood when he hits backs.

His athleticism, length, and fluid hips give the Lions a backer capable of dropping in zone coverage. Although he’s still learning, he’s an ideal fit for the Lions, especially if they decide to keep Trey Flowers.

Third-round pick: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky

Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson will get a little more hype once we get closer to the draft. For now, he’ll make Detroit Lions’ fans happen as a late Day 2 prospect. Robinson is a dynamic weapon that will provide immediate impact in the NFL.

The Wildcat wideout showed how electric he was with the ball in his hands. He’s sudden with a quick step and does a great job making guys miss. Robinson is a hands catcher who plucks the ball out of the air. He works well off play-action quick passes and does a great job separating and eating up cushions.

What’s surprising about Robinson is how tough he is after the catch. He’ll fight for extra yards and try to break tackles. That’s a trait Dan Campbell can appreciate. Over his career, the former running back carried the ball 141 times for 691 yards.

Robinson is a versatile offensive weapon that offensive coordinator Anthony Lynch can plug into the slot. Pickens (Georgia) would man one side while Amon-Ra St. Brown mans the other, giving the Lions a solid receiving core.

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