2012 NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly To Lions

by Sean Yuille on Feb 13, 2012 2:43 PM EST in NFL Draft

As of right now, linebacker isn't considered one of the biggest needs for the Detroit Lions. While guys like DeAndre Levy and Stephen Tulloch are free agents, both are expected to return right now. Levy is a restricted free agent, so he will almost certainly be back. And although Tulloch may command a bigger salary than last season after playing very well in 2011, the expectation is for the Lions to re-sign him.

If something happens where the Lions don't re-sign Tulloch, they could look to the NFL Draft for his replacement. In SB Nation's latest 2012 NFL mock draft, that is exactly what the Lions are predicted to do. SB Nation has them taking Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly with the 23rd overall pick. Here's why:

Detroit got a steal when they signed Tulloch to a one-year deal for 2011. He will command a much higher price as a free agent, and the Lions might be better served to look elsewhere. If Kuechly falls this far, the Lions would pounce at the chance to get a player of his ilk.

Kuechly, who won the 2011 Lombardi Award, Butkus Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, had a ridiculous 191 total tackles in 2011. He finished his three-year career with 516 total tackles, which is pretty amazing when you consider he played in only 37 games during his career.

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I really dislike this pick.

Why replace Tulloch? Oh, yeah, M-O-N-E-Y !

"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 13, 2012 2:56 PM EST reply actions

I don't think money nor position will deter this pick.

http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls

by CLF on Feb 13, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

If the Scouts rank..

this kid the highest when #23 rolls around, then by all means, get him.

http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls

by CLF on Feb 13, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

What is wrong with me?

I read that as “peter this dick”, which didn’t make any sense at all. I need more sleep.

by mcivor on Feb 13, 2012 6:31 PM EST up reply actions

That is a lot of tackles

One question….

Are they mostly behind the O line or in front of it?

We have enough “wait behind the D line” for the tackle LBs on the roster already. I want a LB that can actually fill the proper hole and attack the RB.

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-There are approximately 45 cats and dogs for every person born.
-Only 1 out of 10 dogs born ever get a home.
-Only 1 out of 12 cats born ever find a home.
-Approximately 800 dogs & cats are KILLED each HOUR in the United States, because there are not enough homes for them!

by joshsun on Feb 13, 2012 4:34 PM EST reply actions

Luke is a beast!

As a BC fan, this guy is an absolute monster, though I would think the Lions have more pressing needs than linebacker. While he would be a great player for us, I hope the lions can make a pick that also fits a need, rather than be compelled to take Luke b/c he’s the best on the board.

by chicagofire1871 on Feb 13, 2012 7:29 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

All I can say is YES PLEASE

Playoff run in '11!!
Superbowl ring in '12

by lionsfan_772 on Feb 13, 2012 5:52 PM EST reply actions

No

Bleacherreport draft report

Kuechly’s success in the NFL will be based solely on how well the defensive line in front of him plays. NFL guards, fullbacks and tight ends will dominate Kuechly at the point of attack. He is not the type of downhill linebacker who will crash the gaps and make plays at the line of scrimmage. Instead, he’ll fade back and make plays three, five or seven yards downfield.

We don’t need that. Bleacherreport has him as a third rounder and produces lots of Youtube footage to back it up.

[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."

by NobodySpecial on Feb 13, 2012 8:45 PM EST reply actions

Normally B/R doesn't get much love

But Matt Miller knows his stuff. Our D-line is pretty good, but the linebackers have to shut down the RBs at the line, not in the secondary.

by mcivor on Feb 13, 2012 9:21 PM EST up reply actions

If he is the best at 23 then more than likely he will be in Detroit.

I dont really care who we get in the draft this year at this time more focused on FA that will give some indication on which way Jim and Martin could go.

" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32

by SmittyJ on Feb 14, 2012 12:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions

You said it all Smitty

I can’t add anything to it other than some colorful joke. We have seen the way this regime is going to go when draft days roll around, BPA and it does not matter if it is a position of need or strength.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Feb 15, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions