SideLion Report NFL Draft Day 1 Predictions
By Matt Urben
As we are just a couple of hours from the start of the 2017 NFL Draft, the writers here at SideLion Report have given their predictions for what the Lions will do with the 21st pick of the first round. Take a look at what they had to say below.
Al Stahl: Jarrad Davis, LB – Florida
The only thing Lions fans seem to know for sure is that the team isn’t taking a QB or an OL at 21. Everything else is up for grabs when pick 21 comes around and I think all the top RBs, WRs, EDGEs, and CBs will be gone. That leaves the Lions to choose between the best available TE, LB or S. That should end up being David Njoku, Jarrad Davis or Obi Melifonwu. Davis is a reach here, but he makes the most sense. –@LethalSax
Andria Dolan: Haason Reddick, LB – Temple
No question the Lions need some help on the defensive side of the ball. Haason Reddick promises good pass-rushing ability, along with the versatility and explosiveness that Detroit so sorely lacks. The Lions will almost certainly go with a defensive player and Reddick can be that perfect fit to help fill their need at linebacker. –@Fandria7
Jack Ozark: Reuben Foster, LB – Alabama
I considered Haason Reddick, but I think that there is so much love for him in the draft that he actually jumps Foster. Foster also had a slight hiccup during the combine, which shouldn’t really be that serious of a situation, but because it’s the NFL draft, it will be. If there is one player that I trust as a sure thing in any draft it’s an Alabama linebacker. I really hope that I’m right here. –@J_Zark
Mansur Shaheen: Haason Reddick, LB – Temple
The Lions have a desperate need at linebacker and if Reddick falls this far, which he might, there is no reason not to take him. He is fast, strong and one of the better tacklers available at the position. He isn’t the exciting playmaker you may get out of a few other defensive options, but he has potential to hold down the Lions front seven for the next decade. –@Shaheen_____
Matt Urben: Charles Harris, DE – Missouri
Charles Harris has been going up and down in mock drafts over the past few weeks. Today, Mel Kiper has him going at 14th to the Eagles. I know fans want the in-state product, Taco Charlton, but Harris has a better array of pass-rushing moves. He is a fantastic athlete that was extremely productive in the S.E.C. for the past two seasons at Missouri. Harris would be a solid complement to Ziggy Ansah along the Detroit’s front four. –@MattUrben88
Ryan O’Bleness: Taco Charlton, DE – Michigan
As boring as this pick seems, since we’ve seen Charlton mocked to the Lions most often, I would have a hard time believing Detroit passes up on him if he’s there at No. 21. Charlton fills a huge need for a team that ranked 30th in sacks last season. He is a lengthy, athletic pass rusher with a strong arsenal of moves that will give opposing offenses fits. He would be an immediate upgrade to the defensive line. –@RyanOBleness
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