Detroit Lions Draft Preview Edge

Lions need depth at both DE and Jack LB. The Lions released Devon Kennard and signed Jamie Collins.

Defensive End- Set a solid edge against the run, slide down over a guard for pass rush.

Chase Young Ohio State 6047 264 7.5 Top 3
Perfect pass rusher for either DE or Jack. Has elite quickness and power.
36 games 29.5 sacks 41.5 TFL 8 FF

Jason Strowbridge UNC 6042 275 4.89 26 31" 905 7.45 4.37 6.4 3rd-4th round
A poor man's Trey Flowers. Big enough to play any position on the Line (interior 283 G, 272 T), quick enough to play on the edge (111 snaps) . Caught the attention of the Lions at Senior Bowl. He played mostly the 3 technique during the Senior Bowl. 44 games 11 sacks 21.5 TFl 2 FF.

AJ Epenesa Iowa 6051 275 5.04 17 32.5 909 7.34 4.46 6.4 2nd round
Strong player at the point of attack. Technical pass rusher. Lacks burst and bend off the edge. Loved his tape vs. Minnesota and USC. Fits the Lions scheme. 39 games 26.5 sacks 14.5 TFL 9 FF

Alton Robinson Syracuse 6030 264 4.69 25 35. 911 7.32 4.32 6.3 4th-5th round
Can play either edge position. I don't like him over the guard as I think he can stay outside. Is he physical enough against the run to be a 3 down player? 36 games 19.5 sacks 32.5 TFL 5 FF. Played for the North at DE.

Bradley Anae Utah 6033 257 4.93 25 31" 907 7.44 4.43 6.3 3rd- 4th round
Too small for a 3 down end and too slow for a Jack. Anae finds his way into the rotation as a situational pass rusher. Made his name at the Senior Bowl for the North and could be a value early on day 3. 47 games 30 sacks 41.5 TFL 6 FF

Jabari Zuniga Florida 6031 264 4.64 29 33 1007 6.3 3rd-4h round
Probably could be play both positions but End fits him best. Has good burst and speed to rush the passer. Could be a starter down the road. 42 games 18.5 sacks 34.5 TFl 1 FF

Curtis Weaver Boise State 6023 265 4.84 32.5 908 7 4.27 6.2 3rd round
Strong player that can set a good edge. Has power to bull rush. Not a speed rusher that will threaten NFL tackles. Will have to slid down over guards on pass downs. Not an elite athlete.
41 games 34 sacks 46.5 TFL 3 FF

Jon Greenard Florida 6034 262 4.87 22 30.5 905 7.13 4.34 6.2 4th round
Will play end in the NFL. Hard worker, plays non stop. Coaches will love this guy.
37 games 19 sacks 38 TFL 4 FF

Kenny Willekes MSU 6036 264 4.87 32 32.5" 911 6.1 4th round
Overachiever. Walk on in college. Tested better than I thought. Strong and relentlessness. Will make a team and be a rotational pass rusher. 40 games 26 sacks 51 TFL 4 FF Played for the Lions at the Senior Bowl.

Khalid Kareem Notre Dame 6036 268 5.9 Day 3
Smart player. Doesn't get fooled. Stands his ground against the run. Not a speed pass rusher. Good on stunts. A # 3 end in the NFL. 42 games 13 sacks 26 TFL 4 FF

Nick Coe Auburn 6045 280 4.89 21 29" 908 7.29 4.59 5.8 Day 3
This guy flashed for me on tape. Big guy who moves pretty well. Can play the DE on run downs and over the guard on pass downs. 36 games 9 sacks 21 TFL 2 FF

James Smith-Williams NC State 6034 265 4.6 28 32" 1003 7.35 4.59 Day 3
Athlete who had a strong combine, Might be able to play some Jack LB. Probably will be a 4th end and special teams guy.

Mike Danna Michigan 6020 257 5.8 day 3
Tweener, who played at CMU before transferring to Michigan. Dominated the Shrine game. Reportedly had a 44" Vertical Jump at CMU. 51 g 18 sacks 17.5 TFL 5 FF 3 FR

Austin Edwards Ferris State 6030 265 5.8 Free Agent
DII Defensive Lineman of the year. Played well at the Shrine game. Not having a pro day hurts his draft status but will likely make an NFL roster.

La Darius Hamilton North Texas 6020 264 4.89 27 30" 906 7.66 4.49 Free Agent
Showed good burst and technique at the Shrine game. Followed it up with a good combine. Lacks length but has a motor some juice.

Late Round or Free Agent
Jonathan Garvin Miami 6041 263 4.82 23 36" 1005
Niko Lalas Dartmouth 6045 268 Hula Bowl
Kendall Coleman Syracuse 6024 255 4.95 32" 906 7.5 4.62 Shrine Game
Chauncey Rivers Mississippi State 6020 262 4.97 20 30.5" 810 7.33 4.7 NFLPA
Qaadir Sheppard Ole Miss 6033 261 4.83 28 31.5" 907 NFLPA
Mike Scott Oklahoma State 6032 256 4.95 20 904 7.52 4.65 Hula Bowl