Detroit Lions Draft 2017: Players Who May Fall to the Lions Third Round Pick
By Ash Thompson
Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Achilles injuries are terrifying for players that rely on explosiveness. If they are serious, or are not rehabbed perfectly, they can end careers. Sidney Jones might be the best cover corner in this extremely talented and deep draft class. but he blew a tire during his pro day, and that makes him a question mark. There are a dozen corners that are all but ready for the league as rookies, and that will likely hurt Jones’ draft stock more than most seasons.
The Lions have Nevin Lawson, D.J. Hayden and Quandre Diggs fighting for the order apart from Darius Slay. Only Diggs of the three is under contract after 2017, leaving a sizable hole in the team’s future at the position. Red-shirting an elite corner prospect to move across from Darius Slay in 2018 would not be a bad plan.
Wolson’s hands are the first trait that jumps off the film. He puts his hands on receivers, never shying away from contact. At 186 lbs though that isn’t always good, bigger receivers can toss him around a bit. his feet are the second trait that pulls on your eyes. he takes short, choppy steps when changing direction, never stopping and planting. That leaves his always in a good position to react to double moves and fakes, or close on a throw. He doesn’t lock on to the quarterback’s eyes or his man in off coverage, but maintains awareness of both at all times.
That Achilles tendon injury is a problem, make no mistake, but this could be a pro bowler if he recovers well. After surgery he said that the surgeon had told him the prognosis was good for him to be able to play this year. That likely means it was not a full tear if it is true, which is great news for Jones’ long term prospects. He is a slender player, but has the physicality to make up for it.
Jones is one of the draft’s premier red flag deals. The team that takes him may get a Hall of Famer or a bust. The Lions are in a position to let him ease in to the league rather than forcing him on to the field immediately. That makes them an ideal landing spot for the player if he falls this far on day two of the draft. He would be a spectacular value as the Lions draft pick.