Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Louisville vs Houston
By Erik Schlitt
Houston’s Linebackers
NFL defenses are relying on speed in their linebacker units more and more. This has opened up opportunities for undersized speedsters like Steven Taylor (senior, #41, 6’1″, 225) to earn starting roles. With a relentless motor and the closing burst of a safety, Taylor both covers and blitzes in Houston’s defensive scheme.
With six sacks and a pick six on his 2016 stat sheet, Taylor has worked his way into the day two draft conversation. An ideal 43 “Will” linebacker in the NFL (and special team contributor), Taylor will appeal to teams looking to add a playmaker at the second level. If the Lions aren’t confident that DeAndre Levy will return to his 2014 form, Taylor will surely find his name on Detroit’s draft board.
Taylor’s linebacking partner, Tyus Bowser (senior, #81, 6’2″, 240) broke a bone in his face in September and just returned to the field last week. Bowser made an immediate impact, registering three sacks against Tulane, giving him six and a half through his five games played in 2016. While not as dynamic as Taylor, Bowser has NFL linebacker size and is projected to be a late round draft pick.
Defensive Lineman
Defensive lineman BJ Singleton (senior, #93, 6’3″, 314) and Cameron Malveaux (senior, #94, 6’5″, 270) are both unlikely to be drafted but they have enough talent to find themselves in an NFL training camp this summer.
Singleton is a two-gapper who can line up at nose tackle or at the five-technique. He isn’t a pass rusher but will appeal to 34 teams looking for depth on their defensive line. Malveaux is a slightly undersized five-technique but he has the length to appeal to teams of different schemes. His strength is in stacking up blockers to allow Houston’s talented linebackers to run free. But, he doesn’t create enough to make a consistent impact as a next level starter.