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Detroit Lions Offseason Prediction: Linebackers

By Erik Schlitt

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) gestures in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) gestures in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae'lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae’lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Prospects

At the top of the list is one of the fastest rising players in the draft, Temple’s Haason Reddick. Reddick is a fascinating story, recruited as a cornerback, he was moved to defensive end in an effort to get him closer to the ball. At 6’1 1/2″, 237 pounds, it would be next to impossible for him to stay there at the next level.

So when he was invited to the Senior Bowl, he was asked to move to linebacker. But, in a twist, he wasn’t asked to move to rush linebacker but instead to MIKE (inside) linebacker. The MIKE linebacker is asked to make read and react to the play progressing in front of him, quite different from his previous roles at Temple.

Not only did Reddick adjust to the position well, his athleticism made it seem like a very natural switch. He impressed almost everyone in attendance and was talked about as a legitimate first round prospect.

He impressed local Draft expect Jeff Risdon so much, that in his recent 2-round Mock Draft at RealGM.com (Here’s the link), he projected the Lions would draft him at pick 21. Here’s his evaluation of the pick:

"His stellar Senior Bowl week opened eyes that the undersized Owls edge can do any number of LB skills. An elite athlete who never stops attacking, he’d fit nicely in a Lions defense desperate for speed and playmakers."

When I asked Jeff why he projected Reddick to Detroit when other more popularly mocked players were still available like Michigan’s Taco Charlton, he responded:

When I brought up the comparison of Reddick to Jamie Collins, Jeff responded:

The Jamie Collins role in New England (now in Cleveland) was similar to what coaches envisioned for Kyle Van Noy, but he was never able to live up to the expectations. It’s a role, in the Lions defense that could cause real problems for opponents.

Non-First Round Linebackers

If the Lions don’t target Reddick in the first, this draft offers other options that will be appealing to add, including MIKE Linebacker Jarrad Davis (Florida). Like Reddick, Davis is a three-down linebacker who would upgrade a unit that struggled last season. Davis has a lingering ankle injury that will limit his participation in next months combine, but he is expected to be fully healed by Florida’s Pro Day on March 28th.

If the Lions wait until day three to select a linebacker, there are several names who would have a part-time role in 2017 but could grow into a bigger role in the future. Some of my favorites to watch are: 1) Duke Riley (LSU) is undersized but fast; 2) Alex Anzalone (Florida) is also rangy but has a long injury history; 3) Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Tennessee) is a converted safety who last played in October due to a shoulder injury; and 4) Steven Taylor (Houston) who was an inside linebacker in a 34 system, but has incredible instincts for the ball.

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