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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?

By John Buhler

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 3, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) tackle the scramble of Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) in the first half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) tackle the scramble of Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) in the first half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
21

Takkarist McKinley

Defensive End, UCLA Bruins

The Detroit Lions should again be one of the better teams in the NFC in 2017. This is the second year that Bob Quinn has been the Lions’ general manager. He will need to make the most of his drafts picks this fall. Why not take a passer rusher to complement Ziggy Ansah at No. 21?

Ansah was a Pro Bowler in 2015. While the sacks weren’t as prevalent as they were two years ago, Detroit has a sure thing in him in their pass rush. Getting a promising pass rusher in the first round won’t be overly difficult in 2017. This is  a loaded draft for pass rushers. UCLA Bruins defensive end Takkarist McKinley could be the pick at No. 21.

Like Ansah was coming out of BYU, McKinley brings a lot of upside to the plate, but is very much a raw football player. Fortunately for the Lions, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin knows what he’s doing on that side of the ball. McKinley can be a solid complementary pass rusher right away for the Lions.

Getting after the passer might be the best way for the Lions to take the leap into the upper echelon of the NFC. This teams overachieved in 2016. Maybe McKinley does the same for the Lions as a rookie in 2017?

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