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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Browns bolster roster

By Brad Weiss

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Stanford defeated Iowa 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2016 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Stanford defeated Iowa 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
21

Christian McCaffrey

RB, Stanford

The Detroit Lions had an impressive season in 2016 when you look at it as a whole, despite the fact they blew a pretty big lead in the NFC North. While they lost the division title to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, they did make it to the playoffs as a Wild Card, which was impressive considering they lost their best player the year before. Without star wide receiver, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford still put up impressive numbers, in arguably the best season of his career.

The Lions need help on the defensive side of the ball, but Christian McCaffrey may be too sexy of a pick to pass up at No. 21. McCaffrey has done nothing but improve his draft stock since playing his last game for the Stanford Cardinal, and would be the kind of weapon in the backfield Stafford has been lacking. Not only can he run the ball through the tackles, but he also can break outside, while being an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield as well.

Detroit is in good position to be good for a few years, and while they could use a pass rusher here, we feel McCaffrey gives them a chance to be very explosive on offense next season. The Lions have to be able to put up points against teams like the Packers, and McCaffrey looks like the real deal. Green Bay has had a rough offseason, so a solid draft class could mean the Lions take over the NFC North in 2017.

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