One aspect the Detroit Lions need to concentrate on this offseason is the defensive line, particularly searching for someone to pressure alongside Aidan Hutchinson. During the previous offseason, Detroit sought to resolve this issue by signing Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million.
Regrettably, Davenport experienced several injuries during the initial three weeks of the 2024 season, including a notable elbow injury that kept him out for the entire season. Consequently, Hutchinson became the sole pass-rushing threat on the defensive line until he endured a season-ending injury in Week 6.
After Hutchinson’s injury, the Lions acquired Za’Darius Smith in a trade, who provided essential pass rush support. Even though Smith is under contract with Detroit for another season, it would be wise to look at younger prospects in the draft. Recently, Pro Football Focus published a revised mock draft in which the Lions select Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams with the 28th pick.
Is it possible for Detroit to acquire Mykel Williams with the 28th overall selection?
PFF’s mock draft is among the few that has Williams dropping out of the top 15 selections. Sources like The Athletic and CBS Sports indicate that Williams will be picked in the top 10. That being mentioned, there is a reason for the difference in draft placement.
Williams is poised to join the NFL boasting top-five skills, although he didn’t have significant production during his college career. During his three seasons at Georgia, Williams accumulated 67 tackles, 14 sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over 40 games. Williams achieved a total of five sacks only once during his college career, which was in the most recent season.
Initial scouting reports suggest that some believe Williams will be chosen in the top 10. As stated by Bleacher Report, Williams possesses strengths such as being tough against the run, showcasing good size, frame, arm length, movement abilities, and athleticism that aid in his development as a pass rusher. He also possesses a strong ability to collapse pockets.
Conversely, Williams’s flaws consist of insufficient explosiveness off the line, lacking a reliable signature move, demonstrating poor pass-rush integrity, and showing inadequate run-gap discipline. Although Williams has significant weaknesses, they are not insurmountable issues. Consequently, it is difficult to envision a scenario where PFF’s projected draft spot for Williams is correct.
However, if the draft truly goes as PFF forecasts, the Lions should definitely pick Williams and nurture him in the upcoming season.