With the college football season coming to its end, the Detroit Lions are running out of opportunities to evaluate prospects in game ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
General manager Brad Holmes, who has a background in college scouting, was in attendance for Michigan-Ohio State and has always been active in the evaluation process.
As a result, the Lions often wind up drafting players who wind up having strong impacts at the professional level. Here's a look at five linebackers who the Lions could show interest in when the Draft rolls around in April.
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
The Sooners' defense played a big role in their success early in the season, and Stutsman was a big reason for it. He anchored the unit with 99 total tackles this season, including 16 for loss.
Stutsman has positional versatility, with the ability to play either inside or outside linebacker. Given his physicality, though, he could fit better as a stack linebacker on the inside of Detroit's defense should the Lions see fit.
His versatility lends itself well to the NFL, and he has been an impact player at both the run and pass aspects of the Sooners defense with three career interceptions. He has an affinity for making big plays and is a rangy defender, which would lend itself nicely to a linebacking corps that struggles against the pass.
Smael Mondon, Georgia
Mondon has been the latest in a long line of talented Georgia defenders. Once again, the Bulldogs have completed an unbeaten regular season thanks in part to an exceptional defense.
He's been a key part of the success, with 60 tackles and five for loss. Mondon profiles more as a developmental, middle-round pick that has the athletic traits to develop into a solid player.
Mondon has split time between the MIKE and WILL positions, making him another versatile player who can make an impact.
Barrett Carter, Clemson
Carter is a true middle linebacker. He is physical and a nuisance in the run game, having made nine tackles for loss and three sacks. His regular season finale, a win over South Carolina, was particularly eye-popping with two tackles for loss and a sack.
The Clemson product is considered to be near the top prospects at his position amongst some outlets, an honor he's deserving of. PFF has graded him with a 68.1 overall mark prior to the season finale.
Carter is an experienced player, having played 32 games and totaling just under 100 tackles in his college career. One area working against him, though, is his smaller stature at 6-foot-1. If his athleticism can holds its own against physical players on the ground, he can be an impact defender.
Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
Cooper has been one of the best performing defenders at the collegiate level this season. His PFF grades are super, as he has a 91.3 overall grade and an 85.3 run defense grade.
Cooper has logged 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks this year, both of which are strong numbers. He has the ability to pack a punch on the inside from either the MIKE or WILL positions.
Relatively unknown prior to the season, Cooper has emerged as a favorite amongst pundits for his performance this season. His relentless motor fits Detroit's culture well.
Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
The Buckeyes suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Michigan Saturday. However, Eichenberg played a key role in the defensive effort with seven tackles.
Eichenberg has logged over 250 tackles throughout his collegiate career, being a mainstay on the Ohio State defense for multiple seasons. He isn't as impactful as a pass-rusher, with just 3.5 sacks in his career, but his 21.5 total stops for loss allot for more interest.
The defender is a veteran among the college ranks, having played four seasons for the Buckeyes. His ceiling may not be as high as other players on this list, but Eichenberg has emerged as a reliable and steady player as he prepares for his work at the pro level.