Embed from Getty Images It does not take long to see the connections between the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions. Just look at the coaching staff, front office and roster. You can argue about plans all day. You can go back and forth on theories and philosophies and how to judge the best way forward. That way is the Matt Patricia Patriot Way, which boils down to getting players who accept his hard-driving style.
With the NFL combine set (February 23-March 2) the question is what the Detroit Lions could do with the No. 3 pick? The Detroit Lions have been linked to two players, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown (No. 2). With glaring needs at both cornerback and defensive tackle.
Jeffrey Okudah, the chance for him to come in and play coverage, he is the best defensive back in this years class and it is not even close. Particia believes you work your defense back to front, fit more of the philosophy, if you are going to go by the Patriots and how they have done things and make that connection.
Much like Okudah, equally glowing things can be said about Derrick Brown, who could help replenish the Lions severely depleted interior defense following news the team plans to release Damon Harrison. Brown is the closest player to former Lion Ndamukong Suh, who everybody in Detroit knows quite well.
Brown is brutally strong and powerful. “Brown can really punch off blocks, separate, find the ball, make plays. He plays really hard. Derrick Brown is outstanding and I think if the Lions draft him they can plug him in there, talk about immediate impact, Brown would make an immediate impact on every single down as an interior player.
Even if Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn trades down and accumulates more draft picks, odds are he would only slide down two-four slots. Brown and Okudah could both be there. If Quinn picks up more picks and walks away with either Okudah or Brown that would be viewed as a huge win for the Detroit Lions and help a defensive unite that is being rebuilt this off season.
