The Detroit Lions were one of several teams confirmed to be in attendance in the Cardinal Stadium press box for the matchup between the host Louisville Cardinals and the top-ranked Clemson Tigers.
There are several players worthy of scouting attention in this game. Among them:
Clemson
Isaiah Simmons, LB – long at a listed 6-foot-4 but light for LB at 230 pounds, Simmons is more of a hybrid LB/S but an extremely talented and instinctive one. His size listings are both optimistic. His team-high 51 tackles, with eight TFLs and four sacks, make NFL scouts very optimistic about his ability to impact the NFL game.
Travis Etienne, RB – Etienne is a big-play, boom-bust runner with outstanding speed and wiggle. He averages over 7 YPC and regularly finds the end zone (24 TDs in 2018). His improvement in the passing game has elevated Etienne to a potential first-round pick in 2020 if he declares.
A.J. Terrell, CB – Terrell is an optimal fit for the Lions with his length (he’s 6-1) and proven ability in man and press coverage. You might recall his pick-6 in the playoff win over Alabama. Terrell has improved his tackling in 2019 and is widely regarded as a top-50 prospect if he declares.
Louisville
Mekhi Beckton, OT – Beckton is massive at 6-foot-7 and near 370 pounds. When he gets his paws on a defender, it’s over. He’s worked on staying lower in his stance and sticking with his blocks when he’s the back side of the run play. Beckton looks like a Day 2 prospect.
