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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in action against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in action against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tim Williams

LB, Alabama

Prior to the 2016 NFL season, nobody really knew what to make of the Detroit Lions. A perennial loser, the Lions would have to go into the season without their best player, as star wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired after the 2015 campaign. That did not stop quarterback Matthew Stafford from putting together the best season of his career, as he led the Lions to a Wild Card berth in their first year without Johnson.

Once in the playoffs, the Lions were quickly disposed of, as the Seattle Seahawks dominated them in a 26-6 victory. The Seahawks were able to expose the fact that outside of the Lions defensive front, they are pretty weak on that side of the ball, and that is the area they need to draft next April. Alabama linebacker Tim Williams is going to be a very good player at the next level, and he would instantly upgrade the Lions linebacking corps from day one.

Williams is high-energy player who has had some issues with his character off the field. However, he has seemed to put that behind him, and was a catalyst on an Alabama defense that was one of the best in the history of college football. He has the size and strength to play inside or out, and has the speed to make all the plays from sideline to sideline. He would be a perfect fit in Detroit, where the fans love players that wear their heart on their sleeves.

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