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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taco Charlton

Edge, Michigan

For most of the 2016 NFL season, it looked like the Detroit Lions were going to run away with the NFC North. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was playing some of the best football of his career, and the defense actually looked better than advertised. It all fell apart towards the end of the season, and with their Week 17 loss to Green Bay, they would have to settle for the Wild Card.

Once in the playoffs, the Lions did not put up much of a fight against the Seattle Seahawks, and it certainly was a disappointing end to the season. However, there is a lot to be happy about, as they do have a talented roster to work with this offseason. One area of need is the pass rush, and bringing in a versatile player like Taco Charlton would be a nice upgrade for the upcoming season.

Charlton can do it all on the football field, and could be either a defensive end, or linebacker at the next level. He is a tremendous athlete, and can not only get the edge, but also run down running backs with ease. The Lions need players who are going to get after the quarterback, as playing Aaron Rodgers twice a year has to be a tall task to take on each season.

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