2015 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions should select Eric Rowe in First Round

With the 2015 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, Detroit Lions fans are all likely ready to see how this years draft selections will shake out.

We’ve all seen, read, or even wrote our fair share of draft analysis, player breakdowns and mock drafts over the past few weeks. Despite the frequency of these reports popping up however, it’s quite often that none were one in the same this year.

If you’ve been keeping tabs, you’ve seen everything from reports that Detroit will target a defensive tackle in round one to help dissipate the void left by Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, to reports that an offensive tackle will be priority No. 1. Recently speculation has even ramped up about the possibility of Todd Gurley donning the Honolulu blue and silver in 2015.

While any of those picks are a distinct possibility, (some less likely than others) it is my belief that the Lions will go a bit of a different route come April 30.

Best Player Available?

When the Detroit Lions went on the clock in the 2014 NFL Draft, I’d say that it’s very safe to assume no one thought Eric Ebron would be the name announced at the podium. Draft pundits and fans alike were sold on the idea that Detroit had to go cornerback in round one, and Justin Gilbert was the hot name headed into the big day.

Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

When Ebron was the pick, the Motor City as a whole was shell-shocked.

Martin Mayhew and company seemingly decided on the best player available, despite the Lions already having two formidable tight ends on the roster. Everyone would eventually settle down (at least until this off season) once Ebron’s versatility and skill sets were brought to the fore front, but at the time many called it a foolish pick.

In 2015, could the “best player available” strategy come into play once again?

It’s possible, but you might like this one.

In 2015, the best player available when Detroit hits the clock at pick No. 23 may be Eric Rowe.

The name Eric Rowe has been steady climbing NFL Mock Drafts everywhere since his sensational performance at the NFL Combine. It was there that the 6-foot-1, 205 pound defensive back ended up being the top performer in nearly every category.

40-yard dash: 4.45 sec.
Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 39 inches
Broad Jump 125 inches
3 Cone drill: 6.7 seconds
20-yard Shuttle: 3.97 seconds
60-yard Shuttle: 11.48 seconds

Despite the incredible numbers posted above, some still have Rowe dropping to day two of the NFL Draft. For myself, I think he’ll go near the end of round one.

9. Thinking Utah's Eric Rowe is going to be taken higher than a lot of people suspect, and a number of teams like him best at S, not CB.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) April 14, 2015

That’s why Detroit should pull the trigger at No. 23.

Now, I know that many will be quick to shout, “We need an offensive lineman!” — and I agree. There is however talent to be had beyond round one. Guys like Jake Fisher and Cedric Ogbuehi could very easily be around when the Lions go back on the clock for pick No. 54 overall, and both would be a great addition to next years squad.

To add a guy like Rowe would be huge. He’s a dual threat player in the sense that he can play both safety and corner back formidably.

Damarious Randall is my No. 3 safety in this class, & only because I have Eric Rowe listed there. Otherwise, would be right behind Collins.
— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) April 10, 2015

2015 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Should Select Eric Rowe In First Round

By Nate Williams | Apr 19, 2015

Best Player Available?

In 2015, the best player available when Detroit hits the clock at pick No. 23 may be Eric Rowe.

That’s why Detroit should pull the trigger at No. 23.