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2016 NFL mock draft: Final edition

By Matt Verderame

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 18: Sheldon Rankins
LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 18: Sheldon Rankins /

Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

The Detroit Lions had a wildly disappointing season in 2015, only one year after going 11-5 and making the playoffs. Part of the problem was losing the middle of their defense, with Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley both moving on in free agency for the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, respectively. Add the loss of middle linebacker DeAndre Levy to a hip injury, and the defense had no chance.

With this thought process, the Lions have to be looking at a defensive tackle with this pick. Detroit would jump at the chance to add Sheldon Rankins, who has been a star at the university of Louisville. Rankins can provide pressure against the pass and stuff the run, usually commanding a double-team. Detroit could finally get some bite back in the interior of its defense line, with Ziggy Ansah beginning to become one of the league’s best pass-rushers on the outside.

If Rankins doesn’t last to this juncture, the Lions still have to find help on the defensive side of the ball. Detroit was aggressive in upgrading the offense in free agency, adding Marvin Jones to replace the retired Calvin Johnson. If the Lions want to be in the postseason picture, defense is the priority.

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