Detroit Lions Draft 2016: Defensive Back Metrics

The final benchmark is not a measurable metric. It is based on contact established with the Detroit Lions. A private workout or interview isn’t an end all be all of whether or not a player will be drafted by a team. Keep in mind though, that the Lions are everywhere this year, and if you’re not on their interview list, there appears to be a reason for it.

Final benchmark                                               3-cone      Vert        SS       Bench   Interview

• Jalen Mills, LSU (Rd 2-3)                           6.86          37          4.0           16            No
• Justin Simmons, Boston College (5-6)  6.58          40          3.85        16            Yes
• Sean Davis, Maryland (4-5)                      6.64         37.5       3.97         21           Yes
• James Bradberry, Samford (5)                 6.91          36         4.21          16           Yes
• Jordan Lucas, Penn State (6)                    6.78          38          4.21         Injury     No
• Ryan Smith, North Carolina Central (7) 6.88          36          4.09         18           Yes

Of the six remaining players the Lions have worked out or interviewed four of them (Side Note: Tavon Young was also interviewed by the Lions at his Pro Day, one more bench press repetition and he’d be on this list).

The crown jewel of this list is Safety Justin Simmons. He has had contact with the Detroit Lions in three different venues: East West Shrine Game, Combine, and at Boston College’s pro day. He appears to be the highest rated player on their draft board, and as I mentioned it earlier, he is a candidate to be drafted on day two.

Simmons has experience at free safety and cornerback but projects to either safety position in the NFL. Simmons had the fastest agility scores of all the defensive backs at this year’s NFL combine. I recommend checking out, the SideLion Report’s draft guru Jeff Risdon’s breakdown of him, here.

Maryland’s Sean Davis, like Simmons, is a safety who has experience playing cornerback. The Lions met with him both at the Senior Bowl and in a private workout after his pro day. NE Patriots Draft did a breakdown of his ability, here.

The Lions established a connection with cornerback James Bradberry at Samford’s pro day. For an evaluation on Bradberry, I’ve turned to another FanSided site, the Still Curtain. The Steelers based website evaluation can be found, here.

The Lions defensive backs coach Tony Oden made his way to North Carolina Central’s pro day to spend some time with cornerback Ryan Smith. Smith is a rising player who is more likely a mid-day three pick instead of the 7^th CBS has him graded at. A Panthers fansite, took a closer look at Smith, here.

Next: Lions Running Back Targets in 2016 Draft

One final note for what it’s worth, the Patriots, who have a need at cornerback, have had an interview and/or workout with both Bradberry and Smith.