Detroit Lions draft prospect: guard Matthew Gono

The Detroit Lions are checking the field far and wide in 2018, just like they did to find Jamal Agnew in 2017. Could this year’s small school gem be Wesley guard Matt Gano?

Not all of the Detroit Lions draft interviews are with high profile players who will go Thursday or Friday night. Over the last two seasons under general manager Bob Quinn, the Lions have fostered a reputation for being one of the teams that goes to virtually every pro day. Leaving no stone unturned, the Lions were among the 20 teams attending the Wesley pro day.

The Wesley pro day is not one that attracts a lot of teams most years. The Wolverines finished their season 10-2, with a 9-0 record in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. They were the regular season conference champions. For their level of competition, they have a very good program.

What it takes to get 2/3 of the NFL to attend a division three pro day, however, is a special athlete. It is not often that a team’s MVP is their left tackle. Matthew Gono is that type of athlete. Gono’s 6’4″ 305 lb frame fits in perfectly well with the higher profile NFL combine attendees. His 26 bench press reps, 9’10” broad jump, and 5.1 40 yard dash also fit within the athletic parameters of an NFL lineman.

Gano is the most raw prospect I have looked at in this draft class. He does exactly what you want any D3 prospect you watch to do, however. He throws the low level of competition around like they’re children. Gono is far from ready for the league, but he pulls well and excels at finding targets on the move. He even uses the reactions of his target to determine what the running back behind him is doing on sweeps and screens. Most prospects from D3 are not nearly that mentally capable.

Gono is a pile mover in the run game, and also shows patience in the passing game. He doesn’t overextend himself or chase edge rushers. He keeps himself between where the pass rusher is, and where they want to go. Gano has a high level of spacial awareness in addition to his athletic prowess.

Next: Detroit Lions prospect Isaiah Wynn

The Lions brought Gono in for a private workout. They are not alone in their interest though. The San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears also brought the big man from Jersey in for a closer look. Gono did not receive an invite to the East-West Shrine game or the Senior Bowl. He went to the NFLPA Bowl. He was the best offensive player at the game and that could make him a late round pick for the Detroit Lions.