In a shocking turn of events, SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta has made a bold projection for the Detroit Lions’ upcoming draft. According to Acosta, the Lions are set to select Alabama’s very own Chris Braswell, a highly talented player, to team up with Aidan Hutchinson. This unexpected pairing could potentially revolutionize the Lions’ defense and bring a new level of excitement to the team.
Braswell, known for his exceptional skills and determination on the field, has been making waves in the college football scene. With his lightning-fast speed and impeccable technique, he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. Pairing him with Hutchinson, who is already a formidable presence on the Lions’ roster, could create a dynamic duo that opponents will struggle to contain.
Acosta’s projection has left fans buzzing with anticipation. Many are eager to see how this potential partnership will unfold and what impact it will have on the Lions’ performance in the upcoming season. With Braswell and Hutchinson leading the charge, the Lions could finally have the defensive prowess they need to make a serious push for success.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Lions to see if they follow Acosta’s projection and select Braswell. If they do, it could be a game-changer for the team and a sign of their commitment to building a strong and competitive defense. Only time will tell if this bold move will pay off, but one thing is for certain – the Lions are ready to make a statement in the upcoming season.
In a stunning twist, trade rumors have surfaced in the NFL linking the Detroit Lions to two powerhouse edge rushers, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. While these rumors have generated significant buzz, the Lions may have their sights set on a different long-term solution to support their rising star defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson. According to SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta, the answer could potentially be found in Alabama’s own Chris Braswell.
Acosta recently unveiled his post-Super Bowl mock draft, projecting the Lions to select Braswell with the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Describing Braswell as a physical force with a high motor and a penchant for power, Acosta believes that he perfectly embodies the type of player that Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell desires for his defensive line. Furthermore, Braswell possesses the athletic prowess necessary to excel at the NFL level. Acosta emphasizes that the Lions are in desperate need of a secondary pass rusher to complement Hutchinson, and Braswell fits the bill.
During the 2023 season, Braswell showcased his skills in 14 games, tallying an impressive 8 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He even managed to return an interception for a touchdown, displaying his versatility as a defensive player. With 42 total tackles and 1 pass defense to his name, Braswell proved himself to be a formidable force on the field.
The Lions have often been linked to cornerbacks in various mock drafts, and with good reason. Their lackluster pass defense ranked 27th in the league during the 2023 season, and they also struggled in terms of net yards allowed per pass attempt, coming in at a dismal 29th place. However, it is important to note that the team’s weak pass rush likely contributed to these statistics. Despite leading the team with an impressive 11.5 sacks and consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks, Hutchinson was the only Lions pass rusher who consistently made an impact in 2023. The team’s defensive tackle, Alim McNeill, managed to contribute with 5 sacks, but no other defender surpassed the 3-sack mark.
Considering these factors, it is arguable that the Lions’ acquisition of an edge rusher is just as crucial as their pursuit of cornerback upgrades. Braswell’s breakout performance during his senior season at Alabama, where he achieved career-high numbers in sacks and tackles for loss, further solidifies his potential as a first-round pick. While some rankings place him lower on the list, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 35th and ESPN rating him 42nd among available prospects in the 2024 class, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah sees him as the 48th overall pick. Jeremiah praises Braswell’s athleticism, production, and effort, highlighting his quick first step, active hands, and ability to finish strong in his pass rush.
As the Lions enter the offseason, both edge rusher and cornerback are at the top of their priority list. However, when considering the players set to return, the team appears to be in a slightly better position at edge rusher. Hutchinson and McNeill are still under their rookie contracts, and while there is a possibility of them becoming cap casualties, the Lions also have defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky, and Josh Paschal under contract for 2024. Additionally, exclusive rights free agent James Houston, who was expected to complement Hutchinson in 2023, is likely to return after recovering from a serious leg injury.
On the other hand, the cornerback position presents more uncertainty, as Kindle Vildor, Khalil Dorsey, Jerry Jacobs, and Emmanuel Moseley are all set to become free agents. However, if the Lions address their cornerback needs in free agency, they could then turn their attention to selecting an edge rusher in the first round of the draft. According to Acosta, Braswell is the ideal player to pair with Hutchinson, making him a prime target for the Lions.
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