Detroit Lions: Late-round sleeper targets in 2020 NFL Draft
Defensive Sleepers Part 1
Tyler Clark, IDL, Georgia
The Detroit Lions need to add an interior defensive lineman that can rush the passer. With the way the 2020 NFL Draft class and the needs of the team line up, drafting an interior defender might end up waiting until day three of the draft.
If that does happen, a lineman to watch is Georgia senior Tyler Clark. Clark is not a well-known name but created major hype in 2017 and 2018 by constantly disrupting plays by penetrating the offensive line. He was good against the run, often breaking through even double teams to blow up the play. In those two seasons combined he totaled 72 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and three and a half sacks.
In 2019, Clark upped the ante to eight tackles for a loss in one year while tying a career-high of two and a half sacks. Clark wins through a mixture of power and savvy, bursting through offensive lines to wreak havoc in the backfield. He was lost in the mix of numerous impressive outings last year, but shouldn’t be ignored when he makes to the NFL.
Projected Draft Range: Round 5 – Round 6
Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad is an under the radar prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. Strnad has the size that the Detroit Lions look for in their linebackers, reaching six-foot two-inches in height and the mid 230s in weight.
He meets the size thresholds and is projected to be picked late enough that he could be a target on the Lions’ draft board. His draft projection lines up with the team need and the rounds they may select a linebacker in.
Strnad brings more than just height to his game. He can range from sideline to sideline despite not being the quickest or fastest guy on the field. His solid instincts on the field allow him to track the ball carrier and get to the player quickly.
Unfortunately, he has a habit of missing tackles and will need to clean up his tackle attempts if he’s to become a steady contributor to an NFL defense. Moving on, another reason to look for Strnad’s name is that he can cover pass-catchers well in zone coverage and good enough in man coverage.
Adding a linebacker of this size to the corps that can cover as he can would be a welcome addition to a position group that has long struggled to cover offensive weapons.