Detroit Lions: 2020 complete seven-round mock draft
By Bob Heyrman
RT. Huskies . Jared Hilbers. 182. player. 818.
Jared Hilbers is a monster of a man standing 6’7, weighing in at 320-pounds. Hilbers will be a work in progress at the NFL level, but there is enough raw talent to select with the 182nd pick overall.
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The Detroit Lions need to replace Rick Wagner, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai is the expected solution, but he can also play either guard position or left tackle. Having a deep group of offensive linemen at the NFL level is necessary. Playing as a lineman on either side of the ball is like being in a car crash on every play. Very rarely, the five starters can remain healthy for the duration of the season.
The Detroit Lions will have a decision to make in a year from now regarding starting left tackle Taylor Decker who is entering the final year of his contract this year. Hilbers started at left tackle in 2018 with the Washington Huskies. According to Pro Football Focus (PPF), Hilbers allowed just 14 total pressures on 302 passing downs.
After making the switch to right tackle in 2019, Hilbers managed to improve both as a run and pass blocker. He’d allow just 12 pressures on 453 pass-blocking opportunities, which granted him an impressive 81.5 pass-blocking grade courtesy of PPF.
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Hilbers will enter the NFL as a backup but, over time, could play himself into a starting right tackle position, but it will remain a work in progress. If he makes strides in the right direction after being coached up by NFL coaches, Detroit will have flexibility with Vaitai able to play anywhere on the OL. Considering this is the sixth round, it’s ok to take a flier on a prospect.