Detroit Lions Draft Coverage: 2022 First round big board
By Tejas Bedi
Detroit Lions Big Board Tier 6: Best case options at 32 and 34
18. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Treylon Burks is an exciting receiver who could form a deadly duo with sophomore Amon-Ra St. Brown. Burks reminds me a lot of former Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate. Both are strong receivers whose acceleration, vision, and toughness make them deadly with the ball in their hands.
On top of short passes and screens, Burks was effective in the deep passing game with his strength and frame to attack deep passes. In the NFL, Burks will need to develop on route running for intermediate passes and complex routes, but he should be one of the most exciting NFL receivers from the jump.
19. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Lewis Cine is a versatile safety who could be a perfect fit in Detroit’s defense as a two-high safety. Cine’s 4.37-speed shows as a one or two high safety where he covers a ton of ground and can shut down the deep ball. Cine is not a safety who wants to stay back and out of the muck though. He loves to fly around the field and makes a ton of tackles on plays in front of him. If the Lions want a true two high safety, Cine would be the best in the draft as someone who can stop the deep ball but can fly up and make tackles in the run and short pass game.
20. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Daxton Hill out of Michigan should be the pick if the Lions want a nickel-safety hybrid. Hill is excellent as a high safety with incredible anticipation and speed to make plays on the ball. However, where Hill shines is in the slot. Hill looks like another corner when in man coverage and does a great job shutting down slot receivers.
He will need to put on some weight in order to lock down bigger tight ends, but there is no reason to think he won’t be able to. Cine versus Hill will come down to preference with the Lions. If they want a rangy, physical Cover-2 safety, Cine will excel, or if they want a versatile piece who is better in man-coverage, Hill would be a great fit.
21. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Another Georgia defender, Nakobe Dean, would infuse the Lions’ LB core with a ton of athleticism. Two apparent things watching Dean are his speed and intelligence, making him an incredibly effective linebacker. Because of these two, Dean is always around the ball in the run game and is a highly effective blitzer.
In coverage, Dean knows how to identify routes and is effective in his zone. Dean does not do a great job getting off blocks, but if he can beat the blockers to the hole, he can compensate for that deficiency. Dean would be an exciting addition to a weak linebacker room perfect for the modern speed-based NFL.