TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects who make sense for Lions in first round

3. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Thibodeaux has terrific athletic traits coming off the sting that made him a terrific move rusher at Oregon, but additionally a participant who may set the sting properly within the run sport. He may need the quickest first step of any the move rushers on this yr’s class. He would not have as many pro-ready pass-rush strikes as Hutchinson or Johnson at this level, however these will include NFL teaching. Thibodeaux has a very excessive ceiling.

Holmes was at Thibodeaux’s sport towards UCLA this previous season the place Thibodeaux had 9 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a compelled fumble. The Lions have since carried out plenty of homework on Thibodeaux. He recorded 19.0 profession sacks in 31 video games and his 34.5 tackles for loss are the fifth most amongst energetic Energy 5 gamers because the begin of 2019.

4. Edge rusher Travon Walker, Georgia

After an eye-opening NFL Mix that noticed Walker run the 40-yard sprint in 4.51 seconds at 6-foot-5, 272 kilos, he placed on one other present at Georgia’s professional day just a few weeks later. Walker not solely labored along with his fellow defensive linemen, however he additionally confirmed off his versatility by collaborating in linebacker drills. He made it look fairly straightforward.

The dimensions, athletic traits and flexibility ought to play properly on the subsequent degree. He has the type of measurement and athleticism that might enable him to line up wherever from the three method to the 9 method.

Walker solely had six sacks taking part in on the stellar Georgia protection final yr – however he is an above-average run defender and he has place versatility. His athletic traits may result in extra manufacturing on the professional degree if a crew places him on the sting and lets him simply get after the quarterback.

5. Security Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

The Lions re-signed veteran Tracy Walker to a contract extension by way of the 2024 season, however he nonetheless wants somebody to start out subsequent to him. That may very well be veteran DeShon Elliott, who was signed in free company, however I am positive the Lions wish to make that competitors as robust as they will, whereas additionally bettering their general depth at security.

Hamilton has a singular mix of measurement, instincts and ball abilities that make him top-of-the-line security prospects we have seen in a while. Some fear about his straight-line velocity (excessive 4.5 vary), however velocity is not a problem when watching Hamilton on tape. He is bought the scale to be an enforcer over the center like Kam Chancellor, however the vary and ball abilities to play a free security position as properly. He can come down and canopy athletic tight ends and play within the field as an additional linebacker or security. He has a lot place versatility for a artistic defensive coordinator.

Hamilton accrued eight interceptions, 7.5 tackles for loss, and broke up 16 passes in 31 school video games.