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

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

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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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

player. 49. . GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-9). . Derwin James, S/LB- Flordia St.. 14

Green Bay lost its best player for most of the year, quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The team continues to struggle in their secondary, as well. Their biggest needs are on the back end of the defense, and to a lesser degree, the linebackers. The Pack needs to find some depth along their offensive line, and a tight end who can catch.

Looking at their needs, only one name seems to fit here, the aforementioned, Derwin James. James is a great athlete, a hybrid safety-linebacker type. DJ can fit into a nickel or traditional defense, and can cover or blitz, accordingly. At 6-2, 211 pounds, he was often referred to as the best athlete in college football.

Could the cheese-head contingent opt for a lineman, receiver, or something else? Sure, it’s the NFL Draft. They would be silly to trade down away from James unless they see a deal that gets them a corner back and something else.

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