2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round
By Brad Weiss
Christian Wilkins
Defensive Tackle, Clemson
The Detroit Lions surprised a lot of people last season, as they looked like they were going to walk away with the NFC North title. However, they faltered late in the season, and had to settle for a Wildcard spot. Still, it was an impressive season for a team that wasn’t supposed to do much when wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired after the 2015 season.
While the Lions should be decent again in 2017, making it to the playoffs may be a bit of a stretch. The team went out and spent a ton of money on quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason, with a contract that may handcuff the organization down the road. They need to continue to add talent via the NFL Draft, and Christian Wilkins would be a solid pick at No. 12.
Wilkins has been a beast for the Clemson Tigers during his time at the school, establishing himself as one of the best defensive lineman in the country. He has teamed with Dexter Lawrence to give the Tigers one of the best defensive fronts in the ACC, while picking up a national title along the way. He would be perfect for the Lions 4-3 front, as Haloti Ngata is starting to get up there in age.
In order to do well in the NFC North, you have to be able to be strong up front. The Lions have turned this area into a strength in recent years, and they should continue to do so in the upcoming NFL Draft. Wilkins is definitely a first round talent, but the only question is whether the Lions will be able to get him after the first 10 picks are off the board.