2017 NFL Mock Draft: Clemson stars dominate
By Brad Weiss
Taco Charlton
DE, Michigan
The Detroit Lions looked like they were going to run away with the NFC North this past season, as they got off to a hot start. However, a loss in Week 17 to the hated Green Bay Packers meant they would head to the postseason as a Wild Card, where they would quickly see their season end at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. Despite losing their best player from the year before, the Lions actually took a step forward in 2016, and need to make sure they continue moving in that direction.
One big area of need for the Lions is along the defensive front, where they were just too weak in 2016. The Lions need help getting after the quarterback, and Taco Charlton of Michigan is one of the better players in this draft at doing just that. He is an explosive defensive end, who has the speed to not only run down quarterback, but also running backs if he has to.
During the Wolverines loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, Charlton may have played his best game. Not only did he show he could make an impact on defense, but he also showed that he has incredible physical gifts. He has the body type that was made for the NFL, and he would team nicely with guys like Ezekiel Ansah and Haloti Ngata along the defensive line. Defensive end is going to be a priority this offseason for Detroit, and luckily for them, this draft is loaded with talent at that position.