Detroit Lions Draft

Brandon Hepburn scouting report

A look at Detroit Lions seventh-round pick Brandon Hepburn and how he fits into the team's plans in 2013.

By Sean Yuille May 11, 2013, 12:00pm EDT

To wrap up the 2013 NFL Draft, we will take an in-depth look at each Detroit Lions pick. Last up is Brandon Hepburn.

LB Brandon Hepburn (Florida A&M) - Round 7, Pick No. 245

The Detroit Lions went defense with their final pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by selecting Florida A&M linebacker Brandon Hepburn, who may very well be one of the smartest players they have ever taken (see the random fact section below). With the Hepburn pick, the Lions finished the draft with a total of four selections that were used on defensive players.

Random fact

Hepburn majored in biochemistry at Florida A&M. During an internship, according to NFL.com, Hepburn "successfully found a way to kill certain cancer cells in rats using copper-loaded nano particles." In other words, he's incredibly intelligent.

What the experts are saying

ESPN.com:

Hepburn has a great frame and thick trunk, providing him with strong point-of-attack skills. However, he lacks ideal instincts and fluidity in space. He can provide depth, but will need to excel on special teams to stick around.

Stats

2010: 14 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 2 INT, 2 passes defended

2011: 63 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.0 sack, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble

2012: 86 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 1 forced fumble

Videos

Outlook for 2013

Hepburn will try to make the team via his play on special teams in his rookie season. He isn't expected to be anything other than emergency depth at linebacker, so if he wants to make the 53-man roster, he will have to stand out on special teams.