2017 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions 7-round mock
Delano Hill
Safety, Michigan
In a deep defensive draft, the Lions will make sure that they hit every layer of the defense. They also head back to their home state of Michigan to pluck another Wolverine away from the fighting Jim Harbaughs.
The Lions safety depth, like most of their depth on the defensive side of the ball, is not strong. Glover Quin is not a bad centerfielder, but they have a question mark at strong safety. Currently, Tavon Wilson, an outcast of the New England Patriots is starting there. Wilson is average at best, though and offers more special teams value than starter value. Behind him is Miles Killebrew. Killebrew was a mid round pick and a rookie last season who excelled on special teams. While he may be able to compete with Wilson to earn a job this year, Hill can come in and bring more competition as well.
Hill is a liability in coverage, which will have him sliding this far in the draft. However, he has a great burst, good speed, and is a stud at tackling when running downhill. He is great at closing the gap and wrapping up his defender, making him one of the better run defending safeties of the class. While his liabilities in coverage may hinder any chance of playing early in his career, his stud tackling and speed will turn him into an asset on special teams.
It can help ease the loss of Killebrew if he does go to defense, and the two can compete with Wilson for defensive snaps in camp.