The Detroit Lions have effectively navigated through the first three rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft, selecting Jarrad Davis and Teez Tabor out of Florida, then trading down and securing Northern Illinois receiver, Kenny Golladay. The fun is only getting started though, as the team has multiple picks in two out of the final four rounds. Check out what Jack Ozark and I had to say about the Lions’ remaining six picks in rounds 4-7 below.
Draft Day 3: 12:00 PM – ESPN & NFL Network
Round 4: Pick 124
Jack’s pick: Desmond King, S – Iowa
The Lions’ safety situation is messy after this year. Because of that, I see the Lions grabbing King who had day two talent but slipped to day three. Giving him a season to learn behind Glover Quin could really help as he attempts to eventually be his replacement.
Matt’s pick: Caleb Brantley, DT – Florida
Why not take another Florida Gator? Brantley is a late first-round talent, who’s stock has fallen for numerous reasons over the past few months. Still, in the fourth round, he’d be a great addition and value. The Lions have lacked penetration from their defensive line since 2014, and Brantley could help change that.
Round 4: Pick 127
Jack’s Pick: George Kittle, TE – Iowa
Back to back Iowa picks for the Lions here. I thought about Jake Butt with this selection, but a part of me thinks he will be gone already, and another part thinks that Kittle fits what the Lions need at tight end a little more. Ebron is obviously going to be the number one, so Kittle could easily spell Ebron on some plays and provide a more balanced look from the tight end position during some situations.
Matt’s Pick: Jake Butt, TE – Michigan
Many feared the Lions would draft a tight end in round one, but Bob Quinn took a linebacker and fans took a collective sigh of relief. Few would complain about grabbing Butt here in the fourth round. He’s a good complement to Eric Ebron and he wouldn’t have to rush back from injury.
Round 5: Pick 165
Jack’s Pick: Deatrich Wise, DE – Arkansas
Any Lions fan knows the defense struggled with getting to the quarterback last year. The team tried to address that in free agency, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t go after somebody in the draft as a cheap set of legs to throw in the mix. The Lions actually talked to him in the predraft process, and considering what I saw the first two days, that means something.
Matt’s Pick: Fadol Brown, DE – Mississippi
Brown may be gone by this selection, however, he has the size and length that Detroit covets out of their defensive ends. He’s not exactly pro-ready and needs to improve his pass rush ability. Still, he could be a rotational player in Teryl Austin’s defense right away.
Round 6: Pick 205
Jack’s Pick: Ryan Glasgow, DL – Michigan
As I said before depth on the defensive line is still a need. I don’t usually pull for locals, but the thought of Glasgow joining his brother was too good to pass up. I mean, maybe they move in together and have a reality show or something. Wouldn’t that be fun to watch? Who knows what kind of antics the two would get into! Oh, and as for talent, he’s a defensive tackle coming from a strong Michigan defense.
Matt’s Pick: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB – Tennessee
The Lions added Jarrad Davis, the talented linebacker out Florida in the first round, but they still need depth at the position in the worst way. While Jack’s idea of a reality TV show is quite appealing to me, I like the Lions to add Tennesee’s Jalen Reeves-Maybin — another linebacker that’s extremely versatile and effective in coverage.
Round 6: Pick 215
Jack’s Pick: Ben Boulware, LB – Clemson
Remember when Clemson managed to beat Alabama last season for the National Championship? Well, Boulware was the guy on the stage going wild after. I like players with an insane amount of energy, especially late in the draft. He seems to be somebody that will give 110% even if he’s on special teams, which is exactly where he will be to starting out.
Matt’s Pick: Storm Norton, OT – Toledo
No, this isn’t exactly a need, but I can’t see Bob Quinn going an entire draft without drafting an offensive lineman. The Lions added Rick Wagner and T.J. Lang in free agency, but depth behind those guys needs to be improved. And, can you really go wrong with a 6-foot-8 offensive tackle in round six?
Round 7: Pick 250
Jack’s Pick: Cooper Rush, QB – Central Michigan
Rush might not be here at this pick, but if he is, I expect the Lions to grab him. A real reason would be because they need to bring somebody else in to put a little fire behind Rudock, making him know that the backup slot isn’t safe. A fake reason would be because I want to see a Central Michigan vs Michigan rivalry erupt amongst fans as to who gets to be the backup. Is the MAC actually better than the BIG 10? This might be the proof we need.
Matt’s Pick: DeAngelo Brown, DT – Louisville
The Lions need help on the interior of their defensive line, and DeAngelo Brown was productive as a nose tackle at Louisville in 2016. Brown is one of the strongest players in the draft, benching 225 lbs an impressive 40 times. He’s a little short, at 6-foot-1, but has a thick frame and would add depth on the inside.
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