Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft watch: Five prospects to watch for Week 4

Detroit News

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.

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (No. 22)

No. 5 Clemson at No. 21 Wake Forest, 12 p.m., ABC

There’s seemingly little doubt the Lions will be in the market for a long-term piece at linebacker next offseason, someone to pair with the emerging Malcolm Rodriguez in the second level of the defense.

As a late first-round or early second-round option, Simpson could fit the bill. Listed at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he’s a do-it-all option who racked up 110 tackles (18.5 for a loss), 10.0 sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in 15 starts last season. His ability to successfully get after the quarterback would be a good fit for coordinator Aaron Glenn’s blitz-heavy schemes.

Scheme versatile, with positional flexibility, Simpson lines up in the box, along the line of scrimmage and routinely flexes out to cover the slot for the Tigers. And despite not having the thickest frame, he’s proven to be a solid tackler throughout his collegiate career. That said, as long as it doesn’t hinder his speed and change-of-direction quickness, he possesses a frame capable of adding some extra mass as he transitions to the next level.

Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn (No. 4)

Missouri at Auburn, 12 p.m., ESPN

It’s easy to conceive the Lions re-signing Jamaal Williams this upcoming offseason, but if they opt to part ways with the veteran leader, the team would be in the market for a power component to the backfield rotation.

As you might suspect with a name like Tank, Bigsby offers the necessary physicality when running north and south. As a sophomore for the Tigers, he churned out nearly 1,100 yards on 223 carries, working across the goal line 10 times.

Whether it’s with a sharp cut or running over a would-be tackler, Bigsby doesn’t go down easily. He made 47 and 48 tacklers miss the past two seasons and is already credited with 23 through three games this year.

Versatility isn’t a strength. He’s largely unproven as a pass catcher, although he makes the most of the throws his way, catching 29 of the 31 targets since the start of the 2021 season. The bigger concern is his pass protection, which has been problematic and could make him a tough sell for Lions running backs coach Duce Staley, who puts a premium on that skill. It’s a greater necessity since Swift isn’t reliable in that department either.

O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida (No. 54)

Florida at Tennessee, 3:30 p.m., CBS

With Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s future with the franchise uncertain — given both his recent back injury and swelling salary-cap hit — signs point to the Lions needing to reinforce the interior of the offensive line next offseason.

Torrence is a monster of a man, listed at 6-foot-5, 347 pounds. He spent the previous three seasons dominating lesser competition at Louisiana Lafayette and is off to a strong start at Florida, proving he’s capable of holding up against higher-caliber athletes in the SEC.

At his size, it’s hardly a surprise to learn he’s a dominant run blocker, able to generate movement in the ground game with a powerful lower half and impressive explosiveness off the line. And there’s enough athleticism there to trust he can hold up as a pass protector or be put on the move as a pulling lineman, even if will never be a strength.

Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin (No. 95)

Wisconsin at Ohio State, 7:30 p.m., ABC

At this point, having long-term concerns about 2021 second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike is merited. He’s missed extensive time each of his first two seasons because of back issues and has yet to showcase the disruption skills he did at the University of Washington.

With Michael Brockers a potential cap casualty, and Isaiah Buggs working on a one-year deal, the Lions could certainly use some talented depth along the interior of its defensive line.

Benton is a nose tackle with some ability to affect the pocket. In 2021, the 6-foot-4, 317-pounder generated 21 quarterback pressures and already has nine through the first three games of the 2022 campaign.

Against the run, he’s not as effective as his frame might suggest, often battling issues with his leverage, particularly when facing double-team blocks. Still, his ability to line up as a nose tackle is appealing because it frees up the Lions to continue moving Alim McNeill to 3-technique, where his athleticism can be better utilized.

Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford (No. 17)

Stanford at Washington, 10:30 p.m., FS1

It’s nearly impossible to have too much talent at cornerback, but with Amani Oruwariye, Will Harris and Mike Hughes all working on expiring deals, it’s lining up so that the Lions will have an even greater sense of urgency to bolster the position through the draft.

Kelly possesses a big frame — listed at 6-foot-1, 188 pounds — paired with a physical playing style on the outside for the Cardinal. That aggressiveness allowed him to break up 11 passes and intercept two a year ago as a junior.

In total, he allowed only 57.6% of the passes in his direction to be completed last season, although some inconsistent tackling (10 whiffs) resulted in more allowed yards after the catch than you’d like to see.

Kelly’s scheme-versatility is a plus. He’s capable and comfortable in either man or zone coverage, having experience playing both. His competitive toughness and durability are also appealing.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers

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