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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Texas A&M at Alabama

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) runs the ball while guarded by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) runs the ball while guarded by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Evans
Senior
#14
Strong Safety
6’0″, 195

Early Draft Projection = 1st round

A junior college transfer, Justin Evans earned a starting job in 2015. He recorded 78 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and three passes defended. He came out of the gate in 2016 on fire, recording eight tackles and two interceptions against UCLA in the season opener. Each week he continues to shine and his stock is on the rise.

Biggest Strengths:

  • Range
  • Play Speed/Acceleration
  • Violent, but doesn’t miss, tackler

Biggest Weaknesses:

  • Stops his feet when tackling
  • Delivers hit with shoulder too often
  • Experience with competition level

Don’t be fooled by his current Draft Grade

CBS Sports ranks Evans as their 89th player overall. Others have him rising up into the second round. But I’m hearing the NFL likes him a lot more than the analysts right now. That idea is backed up by local draft expect Jeff Risdon, who had the Lions selecting Evans in the first round, in his Early 2017 Detroit Lions Mock Draft:

"Evans is a do-it-all kind of safety with all sorts of talent. At 6′ and 200 pounds, the Aggie is a big-time hitter who rarely misses a tackle. He’s at his best picking up tight ends and closing on underneath routes. His closing burst and 1-2-3 step controlled quickness are outstanding. Sound like someone the Lions can use? Expect Evans to continue to rise up draft boards as the senior continues to thrive in one of the best defenses in the nation."

NFL networks Daniel Jeremiah also supports this narrative, reporting this comment from an NFL executive:

"This kid jumps off the tape. He’s a better player than (2016 first-round pick) Karl Joseph. He’s a ferocious hitter and he can cover a lot of ground. He will be a top-20 pick this spring."

How he fits in Detroit

One of the biggest needs on the Lions defense is stability at the strong safety position. Current starter, Tavon Wilson is signed through 2017, but hasn’t proven he’s capable of being an every down player. He’s splitting reps with Rafael Bush, who is in a contract year, and has had issues staying healthy over his career. 2016 fourth round pick Miles Killebrew is still developing, and several analysts, including myself, think his future may be at linebacker.

In Teryl Austin’s scheme, he prefers a traditional “box safety”, but as of right now, there’s no guarantee Austin will be in Detroit in 2017. Regardless of who the defensive coordinator is in Detroit next season, a player like Evans is a day one starter and a massive upgrade to the Lions secondary.

Get on board folks, Justin Evans is a name you need to start connecting with Detroit.

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