There may not be a player in the NFL Draft that is a more perfect fit for the Detroit Lions — in terms of both need and scheme — than Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen. At nearly 6-5 and 262 pounds, Allen could line up anywhere across the front seven, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks from a variety of positions. As Lions Wire’s Erik Schlitt has noted, Allen would be able to do it all in Matt Patricia’s multiple-front defense:

Allen might be the number one target on the Lions board, as he is the perfect combination of scheme fit, athleticism and production in the entire draft. Adding Allen would give the give the Lions an every-down player who could start at WILL as well as being an EDGE option when Flowers pushes inside or when the Lions want to disguise their intentions.

Of course, other teams know this about Allen too, which is why he’s likely to be one of the first players to have his name called during the first round of the Draft. But about the only thing predictable about the Draft is its unpredictability.

So how might Allen slide down the board on April 25? Let’s take a look at the seven teams drafting ahead of the Lions and find out.

Arizona Cardinals, pick No. 1

It all starts with the Cardinals. If, as expected, Arizona takes quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall pick, that’s great news for the Lions. (Both Murray and his agent were reportedly visiting Arizona yesterday.) If, however, Arizona takes a defender — even if that defender is not Allen — the Allen-to-Detroit dream likely dies as teams adjust their draft boards accordingly.

San Francisco 49ers, pick No. 2

The 49ers almost certainly will look defense at this pick, but most mock drafts have them focused on Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, who many consider the best defensive player in the draft. If Bosa goes first overall to Arizona though, Allen could be San Francisco’s consolation prize.

New York Jets, pick No. 3

This is the spot that the Lions have to be most worried about. The Jets targeted Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr in free agency, and while they missed out on him, Allen would fill the same role in the Jets defense. Rumors persist, however, that the Jets desperately want to trade down. If a team like Denver gets anxious for a quarterback or Atlanta is truly in love with Ed Oliver, you can expect the Jets to make a deal, keeping you on the edge of your seat for the next four picks.

Jets trading down, especially if they say, go to 10 so Denver can come up to take QB, is also how Josh Allen somehow slides to Detroit at 8. Still unlikely, but that's one of the dominoes that probably needs to fall if it has any chance. https://t.co/fcmdeo3TCy — Scott Warheit (@swarheit) April 9, 2019

Oakland Raiders, pick No. 4

There may be no team in the league more unpredictable than Oakland. That said, if Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is still on the board here, it would be hard to see Oakland passing. On the other hand, the Raiders have always loved players who test off the charts, and Montez Sweat, Ed Oliver and D.K. Metcalf would all fit that bill. Allen would be a strong possibility too, but may not be the “splashy” player Oakland usually covets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pick No. 5

One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL may be the affinity the Bucs have for LSU linebacker Devin White. If Allen is to fall to Detroit, Lions fans have to hope those reports are right. Tampa Bay could also look closely at Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, especially given rumors it may move on from longtime star Gerald McCoy.

Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver has a top-30 visit with the Bucs today, a source tells me. The Bucs also sent defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to his pro day. With the uncertainty surrounding Gerald McCoy, Oliver could fill that need. https://t.co/GIf2tZG57O — JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 3, 2019

New York Giants, pick No. 6

Another pick where Lions fans will need to hold their breath if Allen is still on the board. The Giants could do almost anything here, from taking a quarterback like Drew Lock or Dwayne Haskins, to going defense. Allen would likely be hard to pass up, but Rashan Gary, Sweat, and Oliver could all be possibilities too. The two New York teams are the squads that scare me the most in terms of Allen’s potential landing spots.

Jacksonville Jaguars, pick No. 7

The Jaguars spent a mint on former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles in free agency, and many mock drafts have them looking to the offensive line in order to best protect their investment. Jawaan Taylor of Florida makes a lot of sense.

Detroit Lions, pick No. 8

If Allen is still somehow on the board at No. 8, the Lions should run – not walk – to the podium.

Would I bet on Allen falling all the way to No. 8 for the Lions? Probably not. But two months ago, it may not have seemed likely that the Lions would have been able to sign Trey Flowers either. Sometimes franchises just need a few breaks to go their way. And while that usually doesn’t happen for Detroit, maybe, just maybe, this is the off-season where that starts to change.