2020 NFL Draft: Dolphins pass on Tua in this first-round mock draft
Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. Scouting Report. 5. player. 50
The Detroit Lions have not even come close to meeting expectations this season, especially in Matt Patricia’s second season as head coach. It’s tough when your starting quarterback gets hurt, but they were losing before that happened.
It’s going to be do or die for Patricia and his staff in year three, and they need to start strong with the 2020 NFL Draft. Building the defense is important for this Lions team, and since they invested a lot into the defensive line last offseason, finding a top linebacker should be the top priority.
Luckily, a top tier linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft is sitting right here for them. Isaiah Simmons is an excellent player who had a great season for the Clemson Tigers. He had 93 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, and six passes defended in 2019. Simmons is an insane athlete who can fly downhill to make plays and also work sideline to sideline.
Teams may have differing opinions on where to play Simmons (safety or linebacker), but the Lions can use him as a middle linebacker, weak side backer, and in man coverage against tight ends.