With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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50. . Defensive End. UTSA Roadrunners. Marcus Davenport. 20. player

The Detroit Lions have proven in the past that gambling on talent is something they’re willing to do. Despite being viewed as a project and a reach at the time he was drafted, Ezekiel Ansah has become a high-level edge defender.

Detroit slapped Ansah with the franchise tag, but it may be time again to invest in a polarizing defensive lineman with overwhelming upside.

Marcus Davenport could go significantly earlier than this due to many general managers’ willingness to gamble on potential. It would be understandable for such to transpire, as Davenport is a big and athletic pass-rusher who could be a force at the next level.

Davenport proved as much by measuring at just under 6’6″ and running a 4.58 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine—absurd numbers.

There’s obvious concern about whether or not Davenport can become more than a bull-rushing athlete, but there’s plenty to work with here. Paul Pasqualoni could help him develop into the well-rounded player that he’s capable of becoming.

This is more about upside than anything else, but that’s a gamble that the Lions can afford to take at No. 20 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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