Detroit Lions Draft 2016: Adding a Money Linebacker

Detroit Lions Draft 2016: Adding a ‘Money Linebacker’

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Deone Bucannon (20) sacks and strips the ball from Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 27, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Joseph Yearby (2) runs past Duke Blue Devils safety Jeremy Cash (16) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeremy Cash, Duke, Star linebacker/strong safety

Many evaluators consider Cash a strong safety but when you watch his tape, you’ll see he spent most of his time lined up in the linebacker position. Nearly a third of his 98 tackles came within two yards of the line of scrimmage. Cash’s strength is his tackling ability.

His coverage skills need polishing but he is more than capable of getting the job done. His SPARQ percentage is unavailable due to a late pro day. Detroit met with him twice at the combine. When I mentioned it to USA Today Draft Wire writer Jon Ledyard, he responded:

Cash’s versatility is different than Lee’s in that Cash can drop back into the strong safety role if Detroit wanted to use him in a sub package. His skill set and positional flexibility make him an attractive choice at pick 46 in round two.

Next: Su’a Cravens

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