The Lions made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons and moved down six spots in the fourth round and picked up a sixth-round selection to recoup the one they traded away to get Will Harris yesterday. With their fourth-round pick, they added Clemson EDGE Austin Bryant to assist on the defensive line.
Even though the Lions went out and signed arguably the best free agent on the market this year in Trey Flowers and resigned Romeo Okwara, they were going to still need to address the EDGE depth. Bryant was being hailed as a potential Day 3 selection but the reason why he fell was because of the pec injury he sustained not allowing him to test at the combine.
He might have been overshadowed by his counterparts at Clemson, but Bryant has the tools to be an effective rusher, recording 17 sacks the last two years. He has the capabilities to play either hand in the dirt or standing up, leading to believe he will provide JACK linebacker depth behind Devon Kennard. He has top-notch athleticism and strength that will allow him to get on the field in situational passing downs.
Bryant lacks the necessary tools to be an every-down pass rusher, as his agility, explosive, and pass rushing moves could all use some attention. Additionally, he has some issues finding consistency on the line, he would show up for a little bit, but then you have a hard time trying to find him. Some of this could be attributed to his injury and hopefully, he will show improvement when he returns to full health as is expected to happen before training camp.
Bryant processes the size and length (6-4, 271 lbs, 34 5/8-inch arms) Coach Matt Patricia adores having on the defensive line. He may be listed on the defensive line, but I think he will be depth at JACK linebacker, something the Lions surely need. Because of the injury, we didn’t get to see what he is fully capable of, but if he brings what you see in his 2017 season, they will have another diamond in the rough for this defensive line and tremendous value in the fourth round.
