2017 NFL Mock Draft: Brad Kaaya, Deshaun Watson headline class

9. player. 50. <p>Strong defensive line play is the core of what makes the Detroit Lions defense go. It was that way when Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley were running the show. It’s that way now with Ezekiel Ansah. When that unit plays well, the entire team benefits.</p> <p>The tricky part is it was inconsistent last year and key member Haloti Ngata continues to wage a losing battle with Father Time. It’s no time to start slacking off on keeping that front strong. Besides, it’s not like people would be unhappy if the Lions got Jonathan Allen.</p> <p>The Alabama defense had a lot of good players during their championship run last year, but the man that helped make it all go was Allen. He was their best pass rusher, finishing with 12 sacks on the year. What sticks out about him is how quick and mobile he is for being such a big guy.</p> <p>He’s shown the ability to move inside and outside depending on situations and is not a one-trick pony. Allen works just as hard stopping the run as he does rushing the quarterback. Put him together with Ansah on that line and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin my die of happiness.</p>. DL. Alabama. Jonathan Allen