With the 23rd pick in the 2015 Arrowhead Pride mock draft, Detroit Lions GM Akr_Baby selects...
The Detroit Lions need to find a way to compete with the Packers. They have not been able to win a game in Green Bay in a very long time. In fact they have lost every single game in Green Bay since 1991, and 3-11 overall since 2009 when Matt Stafford was drafted to play quarterback.
There are a lot of directions I could go with this pick. The Lions need help on both sides of the trenches. Many mock drafters have the Lions taking a running back like Todd Gurley, or Melvin Gordon, but I think Joique Bell can be a solid three down back if the Lions can find a way to improve the o-line in this draft. Everyone knows the Lions lost a couple key pieces on the defensive front, but they do have a future star there in Ezekiel Ansah. A fairly solid group of Linebackersto back up the weak defensive line. However, if they want to compete with Green Bay, a possibly up and coming Teddy Bridgewater, and the Vikings, they need to find a way to get better in coverage.
Drafting this late in the first round, the top tier of edge rushers are off the board. We don't need to force a pick to get the next edge rusher, as we do have Ansah. I was hoping one of the top Corners on my draft board would fall to me here, but Trae Waynes, and Kevin Johnson have been selected as well. My decision is to go BPA at a position of need here, and with the 23rd pick, of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select...
Alabama S Landon Collins
While Landon is not a top notch cover safety like some of the top safeties of previous years, he has a great on field presence, as well as good range. The most well rounded safety in this class. He has shown the ability to play man or zone in a Nick Saban defense, against top notch NCAA competition. Standing 6'0, 228 pounds. he plays big, fast, and physical in coverage, and against the run game. At his best when able to be aggressive, and attack downhill. A sure tackler, with a combination of physicality, and athleticism to match up with Tight Ends, or Wide Receivers. In 2014 he lead Alabama with 103 tackles as a junior, three interceptions, 10 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, with one fumble forced.
Landon will bring a lot of versatility to the Lions defense. Covering tight ends, stepping into the box to help stop the run in short situations, or used as a LB in sub package situations. High football IQ, will have no problem picking up the playbook.
"Collins is one of the few quality safeties in this draft. He’s going to be a late first-rounder. He reminds me a little bit of (Arizona’s) Deone Bucannon. The Cardinals used Bucannon as a strong safety in their base defense and then as a dime linebacker in their nickel and dime packages. I think that’s the best way to use Collins as well. I think that’s his highest and best value. He’s not a great cover safety. He’s more of an in-the-box type. He’s big enough to take on the run, but fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends.’’ - Mike Mayock
Mock draft order
3. Jaguars - DT Leonard Williams
11. Vikings - WR DeVante Parker
14. Dolphins - WR Breshad Perriman
17. Chargers - RB Melvin Gordon
18. Chiefs - WR Dorial Green-Beckham
19. Browns - G / T La'el Collins
22. Steelers - CB Kevin Johnson
23. Lions - S Landon Collins