Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Louisville vs Houston
By Erik Schlitt
The Captain
A two-year captain, senior inside linebacker Keith Kelsey (#55, 6’0″, 236) makes the play calls and adjustments on defense. His high football intelligence is his best asset and has been an efficient tackler over his career. Despite his average size for an interior linebacker, he attacks downhill and is an asset in the run game.
Average speed and burst limits his range, and consistency in space can be a problem, but he flows with the play well and puts himself in the action. Kelsey looks like an early day three prospect unless he can prove to scouts he’s more athletic than he looks on the field.
The Strongman
Senior defensive tackle DeAngelo Brown (#97, 6’0″, 310) is arguably one of the strongest players in college football. An anchor on the Cardinals defensive line, Brown can provide pressure up the middle when pass rushing, as well as being a consistent contributor in the run game.
Brown’s draft status is a little cloudy. Some will attribute his success to lining up next to Sheldon Rankins in 2015, while other say he has stand-alone value. He found himself on PFF’s preseason top 101 college players, coming in at number 95. While CBS sports has him currently listed as the 206th best draft eligible player. His draft value will clear up as we get into off-season workouts.