Detroit Lions draft preview Defensive Line 2015

Deep class of lineman this year. Good thing, Lions need to replace Suh, Nick, CJ, George Johnson and possibly Flu.

Here are my thoughts and grades on some of the top lineman:

Arik Armstead Oregon DT- Strong, holds the line. Lacks explosive moves. 3-4 teams will love him. Not a scheme fit for Detroit. 6.5 possible rookie starter

Vic Beasley Clemson DE- Flamethrower, Game changer, My # 1 player in draft. Should be top 5 pick 7.5 impact player

Michael Bennett Ohio State DT, Quick, 1 gap DT. Good motor can rush the passer. Poor against the run. Gets washed. 6.4 rotational guy, possible starter Lions target 2nd round.

Angelo Blackburn Auburn DT Big guy but lacks strength. Has potential Late round pick 5.8 has a chance.

Malcolm Brown Texas DT Strong, good movement. I think this guy should be the Lions pick at #23. 6.5 Starter in rookie season

Xavier Cooper Washington State DT Quick, Great movement, ate up Oregon Lions Target in round # 2. 6.5 Starter in rookie season.

Chris Covington Rice DT Fits the Lions scheme. Up field 3 technique. Possible 3 rd round

Carl Davis Iowa DT Tough evaluation. 2 gapper at Iowa but played well at the senior bowl. Possible 2nd round target 6.4 Rotational Guy

Mario Edwards Florida State DE Solid Strong side end. Not a pass rusher could help on early downs 6.2 rotational guy

Eddie Goldman Florida State DT Plugger, not a pass rusher. Gets stuck on blocks. Not a 1st rounder 6.4 rotational guy

Randy Gregory Nebraska DE Total boom and bust guy. I took him off my board. Looks the part 6.6

Marcus Hardison ASU DT This guy is growing on me. I think he was game. Can get up field and rush the passer. 3rd round 6.3

Eli Harold Virginia DE Not in love with his game. Lacks moves and upper body in the pass rush. Strong at the point of attack. 3-4 guy

Danielle Hunter LSU DE overrated. Blew up the combine but nothing on film. Has potential. 6 possible starter with potential

Grady Jarrett Clemson DT Late riser. Good quickness, plays hard, Possible Lions target in 2nd round.
6.3 rotational

Owa Odighizuwa UCLA DE Love this guys game. Can bend and play the run. Has injury history I like him in the 2nd round


Nate Orchard Utah DE Good player, tore up Andrus Peat. Not a physical specimen but can play. 6.3 rotational guy 2nd round.

Jordan Phillips Oklahoma DT- Not a scheme fit for Detroit, True NT in 3-4. has injury history 6.3 rotational rookie

Shane Ray Missouri DE- Not a scheme fit. Not long enough to play DE. Probably a 3-4 OLB.

Bobby Richardson Indiana DT I like this guy. Good quickness, long arms Could see him the 3rd round 6.3 rotational guy

Danny Shelton Washington DT Feast Mode. Good 3-4 NT. Huge but can move. top 10 pick

Preston Smith Mississippi State DE Jason Jones clone, good pass rusher can play DT and DE. 2nd round 6.5 starter late in rookie year.

ZaDarius Smith Kentucky DE Good value in the middle rounds played well in the All-start games. Can surprise.

Gabe Wright Auburn DT Did not really like this guy. Got blocked and stayed blocked. Has quickness maybe in the middle rounds