Throughout the draft, the Detroit Lions have selected players from top schools like Alabama and Tennessee, but their last two picks have come from schools that are not known for pushing out many NFL players. First, the selection of Brodric Martin from Western Kentucky, and now they tagged OL Colby Sorsdal from William & Mary.
The selection left many draft pundits and Detroit media scrambling to find out about Sorsdal, as he wasn’t on many radars through the draft process. However, it did not take long for many to realize why the Lions gravitated to the young man.
Sorsdal was an instant starter at William & Mary as a freshman and went on to become team captain, a trait you can find in common with many of the Lions draft picks. He mostly played tackle, but many believe he can also find success along the interior. Like Martin, Sorsdal participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. PFF said he was the second-highest-graded (89.9) FCS offensive tackle this season, only behind North Dakota State Cody Mauch. He also allowed no sacks in 2022 and was the third-best run blocker (89.2) among FCS tackles.
Sorsdal might’ve been a relatively unknown prospect after his selection, but one of the best in the business for offensive linemen knew who knew exactly what the Lions were getting and gave a very glowing review.
.@Lions just got the sleeper of the draft @colby_sorsdal 🦾🦾🦾
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) April 29, 2023
Many more provided strong insight into Sorsdal.
.@WMTribeFootball @colby_sorsdal is a day 3 prospect who wasn’t invited to the combine was has 4 critical components; he has size, he has experience , moves very well; and most of all he has toughness. Good looking prospect to me. #nfldraft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/lB6DVyOGJV
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 8, 2023
🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞🥞 https://t.co/hmCNRIqnQk
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) April 29, 2023
Sorsdal is exactly the type of player the Lions want to bring into the room and more than looks the part with his size, strength, instincts, and toughness. He will look to round out the Lions offensive line, which needs depth, and with his versatility, he could be a strong piece that you can slot in. But, more than likely, his best bet would be lining up as their swing tackle, and from the looks of it, he will pave the necessary holes for the running game, pancaking anyone in sight.
Grade: B+
