2020 NFL mock draft: Burrow or Young at No. 1? How far does Tua fall?

The Lions have some good pieces on offense but must upgrade their defense to become playoff contenders. Outside of last year’s second-round pick Jahlani Tavai, they really don’t have a starting quality linebacker.

Isaiah Simmons is the star of a Clemson defense that has won 27 straight games and leads the NCAA this season in points allowed at just 10.1, according to ESPN.

Simmons fits the bill perfectly in terms of what the NFL wants in linebackers in today’s NFL. His size at 6-4, 225 lbs and athleticism gives him the tools to thrive in all aspects of the game, especially in coverage, which is becoming arguably the most important trait for linebackers to have in today’s NFL. So many times you see linebackers get picked on in coverage, so having linebackers who can cover is very valuable.

Linebackers who can simply do it all, stop the run, pass rush, and cover at a high level are rare, which makes Simmons a coveted prospect. According to PFF, “He finishes the regular season with the ACC’s best tackling grade, second-best run-defense grade and second-highest pass-rush grade among linebackers.”

In 12 games this season, Simmons has recorded 84 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and five passes defended.