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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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies defends against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

. Vita Vea, DT - Washington. 17. player. 13. . LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-7)

The Chargers almost rebounded from a poor start to make the playoffs, but just missed the postseason. Philip Rivers is still playing well, but his protection did not play well in 2017. Rebuilding the offensive line is a big priority, not just for Rivers, but for running back, Melvin Gordon.

On defense, the line needs beef up the middle. The defense gave up a lot of yards on the ground, ranking 31st. Vea is 6-4, and 340 pounds. That’s pretty massive. Having a space-eater like that often frees up linebackers and other defensive personnel to make tackles.

If that is what the Chargers need, Vea is a big piece to improving their run defense. Vita isn’t much of a pass rusher, and does sometimes lose track of opposing runners, but he will immediately help to establish a line of scrimmage.

Rang astutely compares him to Detroit Lions and former Ravens tackle, Haloti Ngata.If you’ve ever seen this kid, you’d agree.

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