Detroit Lions Pre-Draft Visits: How They Fit And Where They Fall
By Tony Fischer
Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) celebrates a turnover against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Tackle
Jordan Phillips – Sophomore Defensive Tackle – Oklahoma
Date of pre-draft visit: March 17th
Projected Round: Late First
Height 6′ 5″
Weight 329 lbs
Jordan Phillips is one of the younger prospects in this years draft but has arguably the biggest upside. Phillips is a monster in the middle with all the physical attributes of an elite defensive tackle. According to scouting reports he is an alert run stopper with great awareness to the pass.
While clogging up the middle he can disrupt passing lanes with his reach. An all around great player who still needs some development. He could get the necessary tutelage playing alongside Haloti Ngata. Other teams with interest include the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos.
Xavier Cooper – Junior Defensive Tackle – Washington State
Date of pre-draft visit: March 3rd
Projected Round: Second
Height 6′ 3″
Weight 293 lbs
Scouting reports have Xavier Cooper pegged as a solid interior pass rusher who struggles against the run and is best suited for a 4-3 defense. His skill set could make him a solid second round choice and a nice compliment to the run stopping style of Haloti Ngata.
Cooper is projected for the second round but his combine performance could help his stock rise a bit headed into draft day.
If the Lions decide to draft a defensive tackle early in the draft nabbing one with pass rushing skills will have to be a priority.
Mario Edwards Jr. – Junior Defensive Tackle – Florida State University
Date of pro-draft visit: March 4th
Projected Round: 2nd or 3rd
Height 6′ 3″
Weight 279
Mario Edwards jr comes form a good bloodline and has good size but has the least upside of the prospect the Lions have brought in so far. Scouting reports say that Edwards is “usually the last linemen off the ball”. That is not an attribute one looks for in a defensive linemen.
The Lions interest in Edwards has to be as a 3rd round selection after they have filled other needs. Drafting Edwards in the 2nd round would be a bit of a stretch considering the other talent that will be on the board when the Lions pick comes around for the second time.
Next: Offensive Line