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NFL Mock Draft 2018: Full first round – Who’s the Detroit Lions top pick?

By Michael Kirkland

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Connor Williams, Texas
BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Offensive lineman Connor Williams #55 of the Texas Longhorns waits for the snap against the California Golden Bears in the fourth quarter on September 17, 2016 at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Cal won 50-43. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

10. player. 28. . OAKLAND RAIDERS (6-10). . Connor Williams, LT - Texas

The Raiders were one of the biggest disappointments of the 2017 season. Derek Carr, their young Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback, was injured. The protection for Carr was substandard, and needs to be addressed now, if they want to protect their huge investment.

Tackle, Donald Penn, is turning 35, and the other tackle position has been a consistent issue. Bringing in a left tackle capable player could add much needed stability and talent in front of Carr.

The defense needs help all over, too. Da’ Raid-uh’s need linebackers, corner backs, and defensive tackles. I would say just take the best athlete, but the priority has to be Carr’s health. There is an offensive tackle that should go around here, and I believe that a run on offensive linemen could have started with San Francisco.

Williams is a 6-5, 315 pound tackle who plays mean, and is a powerful, gritty blocker. Although he lacks ideal lateral quickness, he can learn to compensate with good technique. His lack of ideal measureables will keep him out of the Top 5, but for both need and talent, he should go somewhere around Top 10.

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