5 Potential 1st-Round Picks for Lions in 2017 NFL Draft
By Matt Urben
The Detroit Lions hold the 21st pick in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft. With that pick, there should be a variety of potential options and positions available based on both value and need for the Lions to choose from. Since we are pre-NFL scouting combine, take these projections with a grain of salt. Based on early national mock drafts, here are five players I feel would be good options for Bob Quinn to kick off his second draft as G.M. of the Lions.
1. Tim Williams: LB/DE – Alabama
Tim Williams is a really talented prospect with good production (8.5 sacks) and size (6-foot-4, 255 lbs), playing under Nick Saban at Alabama. Now, Williams is an edge-rusher with a role similar to Kyle Van Noy at B.Y.U. and as we all know, Van Noy didn’t exactly pan out (for the Lions at least). Williams can rush the passer and is considered NFL-ready. Whether it’s at outside linebacker or defensive end, the Lions could use a talent like Williams at either spot to help get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This was an area that mediocre QBs like Case Keenum and Brian Hoyer were able to expose in 2016.
2. Caleb Brantley: DT – Florida
Brantley would be a much-needed upgrade to the middle of Detroit’s defensive line. Haloti Ngata’s best days are behind him as a starting defensive tackle. Brantley has prototypical size for the position and was an integral part of what has been a very productive Florida defense the past few seasons. Detroit hit on second-round DT, A’Shawn Robinson, out of Alabama last season. Another S.E.C. defensive tackle could be just what this defense needs to re-create the pressure it lost when All-Pro Ndamukong Suh departed a few seasons ago in free agency.
3. Taco Charlton: DE – Michigan
As recently as a few hours ago, Bleacher Report projected Taco Charlton, the defensive end out of the University of Michigan, to go to Detroit in a mock draft. There’s plenty of reasons Charlton is becoming a trendy selection for Detroit, but mainly because he would be a great fit opposite Ziggy Ansah, bookending what would be an improved defensive line. Devin Taylor is still there in case Charlton is not quite ready as a rookie. Playing under Jim Harbaugh at a big program like Michigan, however, increases his odds for success at the NFL level. Scouts see him as someone that can play multiple spots and may not have reached his full potential in college, similar to that of current Lions defensive end, Ziggy Ansah.
4. Cam Robinson: OT – Alabama
Robinson makes all the sense in the world if he’s there at 21, especially if the Lions lose starting right tackle, Riley Reiff, in the offseason – as many expect them to. Robinson is a physical stud at 6-6, 310 lbs. He’s just another dominant, gigantic offensive lineman from Alabama. Robinson could be an instant-impact rookie, especially if he’s asked to play right tackle instead of left tackle. He and Taylor Decker — last year’s first-round pick — would be a good young tandem of talented offensive tackles for years to come. The Lions need to run the ball better, and Robinson would certainly help Detroit improve in that area.
5. Jabrill Peppers: LB/DB – Michigan
Peppers is a real question mark right now in the minds of scouts as to where he will go and what he will be in the pros. But he could seriously help the Lions’ defense next season. Peppers may be a guy that skyrockets up big boards after the NFL scouting combine because he has such an impressive array of physical skills, plus elite speed that will make NFL general managers salivate. I personally see his lack of a true position as something that hurts his draft value, though, and may knock him down into the early-mid twenties of this draft. Some see him as a linebacker, some at safety, others say a press corner – all are areas the Lions need to upgrade. Also, he could potentially add something to the Lions’ run game. If Peppers is there, I think a lot of people would be happy in this state if Quinn pulls the trigger.
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