The Detroit Lions hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. While NFL mock drafts are all the rage, it seems everyone has a strong opinion on which players are going where this April. As for the latest Detroit Lions rumors, it seems a consensus that no matter which player they select, it will be on the defensive side of the ball. The team may also be eyeing a quarterback in the first round. That may not be totally true, depending on who is left on the board after the first seven selections.
Defense first, maybe
According to Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, the Lions would be selecting defensive tackle Ed Oliver out of Houston.
If Oliver was already selected, odds are that LSU cornerback Greedy Williams and defensive ends Rashan Gary (Michigan) and Clelin Ferrell (Clemson) will still be on the board.
While you never know if these guys will become great NFL players, just by looking at those names and how they performed in college, on paper the Lions can’t lose with any of them. Oliver is one of the best pass rushers out there, and both Gary and Ferrell were two of the best defensive ends in college football in 2018. Although something about Greedy Williams is intriguing.
The 21-year-old would be a great addition to the Lions secondary playing opposite of Darius Slay. Williams was one of the best defensive backs in the SEC and he brings a flare of confidence with his game.
Confident, not cocky is a great way to play.
QB instead?
What if the Lions go the total opposite direction and select the heir apparent to Matt Stafford? With some big-armed quarterbacks in the draft, is it time to start looking? If so, Drew Lock may still be on the board when the Lions select at No. 8. While many mocks have Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray and Oklahoma State's Dwayne Haskins being selected in the top seven, Lock could fall right into the Lions lap.
The only question is will they select him - or one of the other two if they are still on the board?
Tate reunion?
Many fans gave new head coach Matt Patricia a hard time after finishing 6-10 in his rookie season, but let’s be honest here. When you trade your top receiver, lose another to a season-ending injury and lose your best running back in years with eight weeks left to the season, things are going to be tough.
Now, looking ahead, the question is will the Lions go after Tate in free agency? Maybe they will try for Le'Veon Bell?
The door may be open for a Tate reunion more than fans think. First off, it’s not a great free-agent receiver class overall – and the Lions need another wideout. Kenny Golladay is a star in the making. Marvin Jones, Jr. is very good when he isn’t hurt. Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham, Jr. are demanding trades, but at what price? Jamison Crowder, Adam Humphries, and Cole Beasley are all on the market, and they are better than average wideouts.
However, with Tate, you know what you get – and it is pretty darn good. The Athletic is reporting that the Lions have over $30 million they can spend and possibly up to $50 million if they officially released TJ Lang and Glover Quinn.
Quinn was released last week and Lang has publicly said he would restructure his contract if it meant improving the team. It may be a long shot but don't be surprised if the Lions at least reach out to Tate this offseason.