Detroit Lions - First Round Draft Prediction

Information sourced from: RAS, Jimmy Liao MD on X, Mike Payton @ AtoZ Sports

Each year, I take the time a couple weeks out from the draft to select who I think the Detroit Lions will select in the first round. My best prediction was likely TJ Hockenson. Last year I couldn’t decide but stated to many friends that we were going to take a defensive tackle to add someone besides Alim, and help fill in as he worked back into the lineup. I have been right and I have been wrong, and that is the fun of the NFL draft.

I have made a number of selections in mocks this year (some published, some not), and have been a proponent of Max Iheanachor, Gennings Dunker, Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling and Caleb Lomu (I still really like the prospect of Lomu or Freeling and would be happy with them). Additionally, I have largely stayed away from defensive ends in the first round as I think there is more premier talent in this draft at that position than there is at tackle. However, I have landed on one player that I think will meet everything the Lions want, limit their risk, and not (necessarily) necessitating them moving up or down in round one.

This year, I am coming out to say the Lions will select Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State. Now, a lot of people may get concerned with this selection as it does not address the pressing need at tackle. However, I think there are many reasons will take Ioane:

• Ioane is a specimen of a player, only allowing one sack last year, and as many people have pointed out he fits the Brad Holmes / Dan Campbell player type. He would slot right in to starting in one position or another.

• Ioane has great positional versatility, with the ability to play up and down the line. Yes, that means he can play tackle. I even think there’s a possibility the Lions could try him permanently there (the biggest concerns I have read are short arms, which are only .5 inches less than Penei Sewell, and agility which doesn’t seem to me to be a big issue). However, even if the Lions do not move him to tackle this would make their interior line set for some time to come.

• The Lions have been vocal about their approval of Larry Borom at right tackle. Additionally they have Miles Frazier, who can play tackle as well. Either of these could be your new right tackle.
  

• Ioane has been reported to be largely medically clean by Dr. Jimmy Liao MD of Detroit Morning Rounds.
  

• Ioane’s age concerns have been put to rest, with a fairly confident statement that he is 22.
  

• While he does not have a full RAS profile, his explosion grade shows just a small bit of the athleticism he has:

A versatile, athletic, offensive lineman to set this line up for years and years to come. He would ensure Goff is kept clean, and I would fully be behind this pick. I also would point out my first ever draft article was about Ioane so this is not a new idea for me, I’m simply coming back around to my original stance. Special thanks to Mike Payton and his article on drafting Ioane (you opened my eyes Mike!) , and my friend MCBC for bringing up the idea once again in our chat.