Each Saturday during the college football season, we’ll highlight five prospects with locally televised matchups who could be a fit for the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, based on projected needs.
The list aims to highlight early-, mid- and late-round prospects. This will give you a chance to watch the players performing live, instead of playing catch-up in the weeks before the draft.
Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech (No. 19)
Texas Tech at No. 7 TCU, 12 p.m., FOX
One of the things the Lions have lacked this year is a true, edge-setting defense end, capable of knocking back an offensive tackle or tight end and funneling runs his direction back inside. That’s a role Romeo Okwara has filled in the past, but as a potential cap casualty with a $14.5 million cap hit next season, the Lions could be in the market for a replacement.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Wilson fits the bill. The versatile lineman has the length and strength to lock down an edge, while showcasing more consistency as a pass-rusher throughout his senior season. Despite just 215 rush snaps this year, he’s affected the quarterback 40 times, including 6.5 sacks. Compare that to 352 rush snaps, 37 pressures and seven sacks in 13 games a year ago.
Wilson, paired with 2022 second-round pick Josh Paschal, could continue to free up the Lions to utilize Aidan Hutchinson as more of a pure pass-rusher against the open side of the defensive formation, allowing him to operate from his preferred two-point stance while naturally lessening the amount of double teams he faces.
Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (No. 5)
No. 2 Tennessee at No. 1 Georgia, 3:30 p.m., CBS
The Lions fired defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant earlier in the week after the team’s cornerbacks had failed to live up to expectations. And while Jeff Okudah has been unquestionably solid in his return from a ruptured Achilles, the team has plenty of question marks going forward at the position.
First of all, Amani Oruwariye’s contract is expiring. That was probably a bigger concern before his play fell off a cliff this season. Okudah, meanwhile, has two years left on his deal, but the second of the two is a fifth-year team option that isn’t cheap or guaranteed to be exercised. That leaves Jerry Jacobs, who admittedly played well as an undrafted rookie a year ago, but is a bit of an unknown as he eases his way back from an ACL tear.
So to suggest the Lions are in need of talent in the secondary is clear.
Ringo is a big, physical and athletic cornerback who is capable in both zone and man coverage concepts, but has the ability to truly thrive when pressing his coverage assignment at the line. Through his two seasons as a starter, he’s been targeted 86 times in coverage and is allowing just 44.2% of those throws to be completed. The ball skills aren’t elite, but he’s getting his hands on a fair share of those passes, breaking up 11 and intercepting two.
And given its importance to Detroit’s scheme and coaches, Ringo is active in run support, with the frame to beat the blocks of receivers and the length and strength to wrap up a back in the open field.
Will Anderson, edge, Alabama (No. 31)
No. 6 Alabama at No. 15 LSU, 7 p.m., ESPN
While it becomes increasingly likely the Lions grab a quarterback at the top of the draft if they’re in position to do so, the consensus top prospect in this class is Anderson. A quality contributor since first stepping on the field as a true freshman in 2020, his production exploded his sophomore season when he racked up 17.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in 15 games for the championship runners-up.
Anderson hasn’t gotten to the quarterback as frequently this season as offenses have thrown more resources to slowing him down, but he’s still managed six sacks, eight additional quarterback hits and 37 total pressures through eight games.
Listed at 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Anderson doesn’t possess a big frame for an edge defender. He’s more Von Miller than Myles Garrett. If you’re looking for a Lions comp, he’s built similarly to Charles Harris. But unlike Harris, and more like Miller, look for Anderson to validate the elite athleticism, burst and movement skills that show up on film at the scouting combine.
If the Lions end up winning a couple of games and holding the No. 3 pick, Anderson becomes a no-brainer if he’s still on the board. In fact, he’s the type of talent you consider giving up additional assets to move up and secure. Pairing the Alabama standout with Hutchinson could give the Lions one of the league’s best pass-rushing tandems for years to come.
Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson (No. 13)
No. 5 Clemson at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m., NBC
Given the durability concerns with Levi Onwuzurike, I was reluctant to include Davis in this space. The Clemson standout has battled his own injury issues the previous two season. He was limited to seven games in 2020 due to various concerns and tore his bicep in 2021 after eight games.
You go into the medical evaluations knowing that history, and understanding it might cause the talent to drop a bit in the draft, presenting an opportunity for value. That’s because when Davis is on the field, the 6-foot-2, 300-pounder is a disruptive force.
In six games this season, playing primarily from interior alignments, he’s tallied four sacks and 21 quarterback pressures, all while playing elite run defense by taking advantage of his natural leverage and underrated quickness.
Being able to play the run is requisite on the inside, but it’s the ability to affect the pocket that elevates Davis’ appeal, especially since it continues to be a major issue for the Lions’ interior group. As a collective, Detroit’s defensive tackles have fewer pressures than Davis this season.
Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn (No. 0)
Auburn at Mississippi State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
There aren’t many obvious plug-and-play linebacking prospects in this class, which is unfortunate, given it’s one of Detroit’s biggest areas of need.
Pappoe is admittedly a bit of a projection. He’s a player with immense physical gifts, high football character and a known leader, but also someone who hasn’t fully put it together at the college level. What’s clear on film is he’s explosive and fast, capable of closing ground in a hurry. But he can be overly aggressive and susceptive to eye candy, pulling him out of position to do his job with the efficiency desired. If his processing can be coached up, the athleticism becomes a far bigger asset on defense and not just special teams.
There’s also some size concerns, given he’s listed at just 225 pounds, but those seemingly decrease by the year as the NFL continues to desire speed over bulk to counter pass-happy offenses.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers