NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Quarterbacks rise post-combine, Redskins land pass catcher

The Lions will have some options with this pick as well. They need some help on the defensive line with Ziggy Ansah likely leaving in free agency. They also could use a high-end tight end, and T.J. Hockenson would fit what Bob Quinn looks for in a lot of his prospects. However, following the combine, I have a tough time imagining that Devin White will make it past this pick.

White was stellar at the combine, blazing a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash. He was great in the on-field drills demonstrating excellent movement ability and the potential to be a three-down player at the linebacker position. And that’s something that the Lions desperately need.

The Lions have former first-round pick Jarrad Davis at linebacker, but they don’t have much else. White would get a chance to play next to Davis and potentially create a solid tandem that could cover a lot of ground.  White totaled at least 123 tackles in each of the past two seasons, so he would do a lot to team up with Davis and improve the Lions’ front seven.

White would also greatly help the Lions linebackers in coverage, as that area was a weakness for them last year. He simply is a football player that is a plug-and-play starter. Matt Patricia will love having him at his disposal, and he’s one of the few game-changing linebackers that will be available in this draft class.