ESPN’s Mel Kiper and The Ringer’s Danny Kelly released their latest tryouts Tuesday, and each took the Detroit Lions with the same first-round positions, even though their approaches were completely opposite.
Both analysts predicted that Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson would come out first overall with the Jacksonville Jaguars and then the Lions would pick quarterback and safety in the first round. The difference was the order in which they were drafted, with Keeper picking safety early and quarterback late, while Kelly flipped him and Detroit picked quarterback as their first pick.
So that got us thinking. If the Lions were going to draft those two positions, what order would bring Detroit the most value?
Let’s let the analysts share their thoughts on why they made their choice, and then you can vote in the poll and chat about it.
Kiper Mock Project ($subscription required)
Choice #2: Kyle Hamilton, C, Notre Dame
Pass rusher Kaivon Thibodeau will be involved here, but better offensive tackles are not an option; The Lions are set with Taylor Decker and Penya Sewell. With Thibodeau there is more risk than I would like for the number 2 pick because there is no guarantee that he will grow to his great potential. I would have preferred a safer choice here and I have come to the conclusion that Hamilton in Detroit pushed my boyfriend Todd McShay a bit. Hamilton is a 6-foot-4 point guard who would immediately raise the ceiling of a defense that has struggled for years. He can play in the box, outside the game and as a center fielder. Normally I would say it’s too much for safety, but Hamilton is a unique and special defender. Detroit returned safety to Tracy Walker, but he could play Hamilton.
Pick #32: Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss
I’m going to leave Corral with the Lions, but I keep hearing that it’s possible he’s the first quarterback off the board. He hasn’t trained at the combine, so teams haven’t seen him since he suffered an ankle injury in early January. He’s going to bring scouts to his professional day on Wednesday, and he can create some buzz there. He throws the ball with some lightning and is extremely strong, although he does not have a huge build (6’2, 212 lbs). The biggest question has to do with the crime he committed in college; his coaches didn’t ask him to read much. There will be adjustments in the NFL. As for the Lions, I just don’t see a future in Jared Goff. This allows them to get a potential quarterback of the future on a convenient five-year contract for the team.
Layout Kelly
Pick #2: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Lions turned to their broad band of successors as free agents, signing DJ Chark to a one-year contract while retaining Caliph Raymond and Josh Reynolds. These moves should provide a softer landing for Willis, who offers unrivaled growth potential in this class of quarterbacks, but he may need time to develop. In 2022, Jared Goff will become the bridge in Detroit.
Pick #32: Duxton Hill, U., Michigan
After re-signing a three-year contract with Tracy Walker, the Lions continue to increase safety by drafting Hill. An explosive and versatile all-around defender, the former Wolverine star is exactly the type of playmaker the Detroit defense needs if it’s going to slow down Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields in the division.
So you have it. Now it’s time to vote and discuss which combination you would prefer.
Survey
Which dummy project do you prefer?
48%
Hamilton and Mel Keepers’ Corral (603 votes)
51%
Willis and Hill Danny Kelly (647 votes)
Total 1250 votes Vote now