2017 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions 7-round mock
The Detroit Lions have eight selections in the 2017 NFL Draft. Who should they add to bolster their playoff roster?
The Lions were the surprise team to make the playoffs in 2017. Still, they seem to be everyone’s candidate to fall back into place next season, rather than emerge into Super Bowl contenders. They did a great job adding to their offensive line via free agency, and now have a draft where they can add some talent, find some year one producers, and also find some stability for the future.
How should the Lions address their 2017 NFL Draft? Here is our 7-round mock.
Taco Charlton
Defensive End, Michigan
The first pick for the Lions will be to keep a former Michigan player in state. The Lions will go with Taco Charlton, a defensive end out of Michigan. When looking at the Lions defensive line, it is clear this position will need to be addressed through the draft.
Ziggy Ansah was injured most of the season and even looked a step slow when he returned to the lineup. The teams most formidable outside pass rushing threat was Kerry Hyder, an unknown player who may profile best as a rotational edge helper. Aside from Ansah and Hyder, all that is currently on the roster is Anthony Zettel and Cornelius Robinson. The need to add another guy in the mix may be the biggest on the team.
This means there is no better time to address the position than round one. Charlton would fit everything they are looking for. He is long and does not play well in space or in coverage, so a 4-3 is his best fit. However, he stuffs the run and uses his long arms to get a push and to beat an offensive lineman, giving him releases to the quarterback.
As a rookie, he can rotate with the four Lions edge players, but with Ansah and some injury issues, he may be the brightest spot on the team by the end of his rookie season. It is a great value and fits a need which makes Charlton a very likely pick.