2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Defenders dominate throughout

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 8: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars warms up before playing against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 8: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars warms up before playing against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Detroit has their pick of Mississippi State defensive linemen with Montez Sweat and Jeffery Simmons still on the board. With Ziggy Ansah set to hit free agency, the Lions need to address the defensive end position. Yes, the Lions are in the top-five in sacks with 13, but most of that production is coming from linebackers.

This is the year of the pass rusher, and Detroit is getting a solid one here in the top-1- with Montez Sweat. He brings a very high motor and a nose for the football on every play.

After posting 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last year, Sweat already has five sacks for the Bulldogs. Two of those sacks came against a ranked Kentucky team two weeks ago.

Detroit needs young pass rushers, and while Da’Shawn Hand is a decent development option coming out of Alabama, the Lions need instant production in a world without Ansah.