With the NFL Combine wrapped up, and the initial free agency period in full swing, teams have a better idea of their needs and what the top prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft truly have to offer. That means it is time for a mock draft.
Here is my first attempt at a seven-round mock draft for the Detroit Lions. As it currently stands, Detroit has eight total picks. Here we go:
Round 1, No. 21 overall: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
A pass rusher should be Detroit’s top target in the draft. With a strong class of defensive linemen, I expect Myles Garrett, Solomon Thomas, Derek Barnett and Jonathan Allen to be off the board by pick No. 21. It’s also possible Charlton is gone by the time the Lions are on the clock, but if he is there, it makes a ton of sense to add a defensive end opposite of Ziggy Ansah.
Charlton is a lengthy, athletic pass-rusher. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares him to the Arizona Cardinals’ Chandler Jones, which is high praise. Charlton had 13 tackles for loss in 2016, and also led the Wolverines with 9.5 sacks on his way to earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. If Charlton is gone, look for Missouri’s Charles Harris to possibly come off the board here.
Round 2, No. 53 overall: Taylor Moton, OG, Western Michigan
Will the Lions take back-to-back players from Michigan schools to begin the draft? Moton, who is a Michigan native (Okemos), would make sense for the Lions. Larry Warford left in free agency to sign with the Saints. Moton has experience at both right guard and right tackle, which could add an extra element of depth. Detroit landed top free agent right tackle, Ricky Wagner, making guard the pressing need on the offensive line.
The Western Michigan Bronco had a 30.5-inch vertical jump at the combine, which ranked third amongst all offensive linemen. While I’m not sure vertical jumping ability means much for guards, it is an athletic trait that should be considered. He also had 23 reps on the bench press, and a 4.58-second 20-yard shuffle, which ranked fourth for his group. Moton likely solidified himself as a Day 2 guard at the combine.
Round 3, No. 85 overall: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Moreau had an incredible combine. I watched him impress in drills and testing, and a lot of the commentators mentioned that whichever team drafts Moreau is likely going to get a great value. Moreau ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash (second among DBs). He then recorded a 38-inch vertical jump (fifth) and 136-inch broad jump (first).
Cornerback is a need for the Lions. If Moreau is still available with the 85th overall pick, Detroit should not even think twice about taking him. Moreau is good at pressing receivers as well. He did have a Lisfranc injury in his left foot, which caused him to miss most of the 2015 season. It did not seem to bother him in 2016, however. After his strong combine showing, it’s possible he’s moved way up the draft boards and the third round may no longer be viable. We shall see.
Round 4, No. 128 overall: Anthony Walker Jr., ILB, Northwestern
The Lions must address the depleted linebacker position this offseason. The team signed veteran Paul Worrilow in free agency. However, with Josh Bynes and Jon Bostic testing the free agent market, depth still needs to be added. Walker is projected to go somewhere between the third round and the fourth round. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2016, after receiving third-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2015.
Walker didn’t have an overly impressive combine, but I think he tested out around where scouts were expecting. In his college career, he had an impressive 276 total tackles, 38 tackles for loss, four interceptions and eight forced fumbles. Zierlein compares him to Miami Dolphins’ linebacker Kiko Alonso – thick frame, good pursuit to the ball and smart. Walker is also known as being a great teammate.
News just broke that Detroit is releasing outside linebacker DeAndre Levy as well. Linebacker has now become even more of a priority.
Round 5., No. 165 overall: James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh
If you haven’t heard Conner’s story, it is one of the most inspirational in sports. He has overcome Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, as well as a knee injury, to get back on the field. Conner is a fighter and can bolster Detroit’s running back position, which needs help. He rushed for 1,092 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2016, adding 302 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air.
I feel like once Conner is on a roster, he will earn playing time. His combine numbers weren’t spectacular– 4.65-second 40-yard dash and a 29-inch vertical jump – but he did 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and I think he has intangibles that would make him successful in the NFL. Couple that with his blocking and pass-catching abilities and he can be a contributor. If you have a soul, it is impossible not to root for this guy.
Round 6, No. 205 overall: KD Cannon, WR, Baylor
Inconsistencies at the wide receiver position plagued Detroit in 2016. Marvin Jones lit the league on fire through four weeks, then disappeared from the offense. Golden Tate made no impact early on, but then had a strong finish. Anquan Boldin was solid scoring eight touchdowns. However, Boldin is now an unrestricted free agent and the Lions need to replace his production if he goes elsewhere. Cannon is not a great route-runner, but is a vertical threat that can stretch the field in Detroit’s pass-heavy offense.
Cannon ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, which ranked fourth among wide receivers. He is athletic, showing off his 37-inch vertical jump at the combine, which ranked fifth. He’ll need to be coached up on how to run routes and how to catch with his hands. He also needs to bulk up his 182-pound frame, but he could be a good selection in the sixth round.
Round 6, No. 215 overall: Jeremiah Ledbetter, DT/DE, Arkansas
After a disappointing stint in Detroit, Tyrunn Walker is a UFA and his time in Detroit is likely up. The Lions have A’Shawn Robinson, but need to add depth behind him or even somebody who can compete for a starting job. Ledbetter can play either the defensive end or defensive tackle positions. While his game may be better suited to play on the interior, his size may not allow it. Either way, he would give the Lions versatility on the d-line.
As a senior, Ledbetter recorded 49 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Once again, Detroit needs to bolster its pass rush any way possible, and I think Ledbetter could help do that. His value in the late sixth round would be high, as he is projected to go somewhere between the fifth and sixth rounds.
Round 7, No. 250 overall: Trevor Knight, QB, Texas A&M
The Lions have decided to part ways with longtime backup quarterback, Dan Orlovsky, this offseason. If the team doesn’t sign a veteran quarterback in free agency to compete for the backup role, look for them to draft one in the later rounds. Knight’s athleticism was noted at the combine – including easily clocking the fastest 40-time (4.54 seconds) among QBs. He also had the highest vertical jump (35.5 inches) and broad jump (125 inches). However, his lack of accuracy and mechanics have not impressed scouts.
It’s not certain Knight would make the team if those concerns ring true. But it is possible that coaches will fall in love with his athletic traits and build. It is almost inevitable that Knight will never be a starter in the NFL, but with the right coaching and scheme, he could be a career backup.
Look for the Lions to possibly target a safety or tight end in this year’s draft as well, but those positions did not make this list.
A lot can change between now and late April. Let me know how I did, or who you want Detroit to draft this year in the comments section below.
Sources/References:
- NFL.com,
- CBSsports.com,
- WalterFootball.com
- DetroitLions.com
- Spotrac.com
- My own film watching on some of the prospects listed
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