Detroit Lions mock draft: Complete 7-round edition

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) celebrates his ten-yard touchdown catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Zack Sanchez (15) prior to the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Yet another prospect on the Lions’ mock that is coming out of college early to enter the NFL Draft, Zack Sanchez is an impressive talent at cornerback. Detroit hasn’t had the best pass defense over the past few years and adding some pieces in a loaded defensive back draft could be key for future success.

Sanchez started for three seasons at Oklahoma, totaling 37 career games. He started off his career with a bang, earning Freshman All-American honors from FWAA and finishing his first year with 46 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.

The next season saw even more promise as he finished with 43 tackles, six interceptions, and eight pass breakups. He continued his ball-hawking ability as a junior in 2015, racking up 45 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and seven pass breakups.

One issue that seems pretty obvious is his size. Standing 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, the Sooners’ cornerback is considered slight of frame and has a tough time bringing down ball-carriers in the open field on his own. He needs to build on his strength to add to his athleticism if he’s going to become a starting corner at the next level.

Sanchez could be a one or two-year project for the Lions, but he’s a high-reward pick in the third round.

Next: Fourth Round

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