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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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Ridley makes a grab
TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 18: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs this reception in for a touchdown against the Mercer Bears at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

32. . ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8). . Calvin Ridley, WR - Alabama. 15. player

This is one of the destinations that would make a lot of sense for Kirk Cousins. A team that even though riddled with some big injuries in 2017, could see a big rebound with the right trigger man.

It is not conducive to a rookie quarterback, at all. The team needs to find a quarterback, there’s no question. Their record, although deeply unsatisfying to the team, puts them pretty far away from a top-flight quarterback, anyway. So, while they could draft a QB at some point, it will likely be to compliment a signing of a veteran to start. If they lose Cousins, a guy like Sam Bradford or Case Keenum might get a deal.

In round one, however, they need to do one of two things: get better weapons for a quarterback, or get better protection up front. While I am tempted to take an offensive lineman here, I believe that this is about where Calvin Ridley offers some value as a WR2.

At just over six foot and 190 pounds, Ridley is a natural pass catcher. Ridley has very good hands, acceleration, and is a very good route-runner. Struggles with upper body strength, getting past press coverage, and a fairly small frame in general, drop his stock. Production in college was not a problem, but even added time to mature hasn’t given him an edge in strength.

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