Detroit Lions: Post-NFL combine seven round mock draft 1.0
By Bob Heyrman
Fifth round, No. 154
MLB: Shaquille Quarterman, Miami
Remember, in the opening; I mentioned the Detroit Lions would be wise to upgrade their linebacking core? Here is an absolute beast of a middle linebacker the Lions will have an opportunity to draft in round five.
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Shaquille Quarterman is a tackling machine. Sure, he has his limitations in pass coverage, he isn’t a three-down backer, but he’s a first and second down anchor that hits like a sledgehammer. The Lions should consider drafting the Miami product and split time with Davis.
As a senior, Quarterman recorded a career-high 107 tackles. He was a four-year starter at the “U” never recording less than 80 tackles in a single season. He also registered 15.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 5 passes defended, 2 fumbles recovered, and 1 fumble forced.
Quarterman stands 6 feet tall, weighing in at nearly 240 pounds. To go with that size, Shaquille ran a 4.74 40-yard dash. He completed 23 reps on the bench, 31.0 vertical jump and a 120.0 broad jump. If Quarterman failed to earn himself a starting job, he’d be a reliable backup that could play special teams. At this point in the draft, he’s worth a shot.
Sixth round, No. 162
WR: Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon State
The Detroit Lions could use another young wide receiver as Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola, and Marvin Jones are entering the final year of their contracts. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions extend their top receiver, Golladay, this summer. He’s coming off of a stellar campaign where he led the league in receiving touchdowns with 11 in 2019. An impressive feat considering Stafford only played eight games last season.
It’s a draft filled with talented receivers, but with the Detroit Lions needing plenty of other positions to fill out their roster, we’ve waited until now to address the fourth/fifth wideout need. With other teams gobbling up the WR’s in the first two rounds, Detroit will be able to land Taylor in round two.
The Lions are ok in the meantime with their above-average group and can afford to use their last pick on a player with potential that’s likely to be overlooked until at least the sixth round. Isaiah Hodgins is a 6’4 receiver that isn’t going to blow you away with speed as he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash at the combine. He was only able to complete 9 bench press reps, which is a bit concerning.
You’d usually hope a WR lands around 4.4 with their 40 time, so Hodgins is a bit below average. A primary concern of mine is, will Hodgins be able to create separation for himself downfield? Or will he be another Roy Williams type at best? That being said, it’s the sixth round, and he’s worth taking a flier on.
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As a junior, Hodgins enjoyed a breakout year hauling in 86 balls totaling 1171 and 13 touchdowns with Oregon State. As of now, according to NFL.com, Hodgins is expected to be a reliable backup receiver at the NFL level with the potential to grow into a starter. At this point, his redzone size and ability is something the Lions shouldn’t look past.