When free agents are finally allowed to sign with new teams later this week, many expect the Detroit Lions to be quite active in adding higher-end talent to both sides of the ball.
One player who the Lions should find quite appealing is former Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley.
C.J. Mosley, LB, Baltimore Ravens
6-foot-2, 241 pounds
26 years old
Mosley is a premium target even though he’s not a high-end pass rusher (8.5 sacks in 5 years). Why?
He is consistently one of the best defenders in the league in the middle of the field against both the run and pass. That’s how the 2014 first-round pick from Alabama has earned his way into the last three Pro Bowls.
Mosley has racked up just under 600 career tackles in his five seasons, playing in all but three games over that timeframe. He’s annually near the top of Pro Football Focus’ tackling efficiency figures for LBs.
While he’s not great in man coverage, Mosley is quite smart and proficient in short-area zones and at diagnosing when and where he needs to be to make an impact in the passing game. He’s picked off 7 passes and defended 20 others in the last three seasons. His ability to fly to the point of attack and still have balance and power once he gets there is special.
Mosley’s cerebral football savvy and ability to play inside or outside are invaluable to a team like the Lions, who play multiple fronts defensively. He’s an optimal pairing with Jarrad Davis, who blitzes well and has some man-coverage skills.
Per Spotrac, Mosley projects to sign for over $10 million a year based on comparable players and recent contracts. The Lions have enough cap room and cash available to go higher, if necessary.
