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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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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Josh Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes returns a kick during the fourth quarter in front of linebacker E.J. Ejiya #22 of the North Texas Mean Green on September 16, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Josh Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes returns a kick during the fourth quarter in front of linebacker E.J. Ejiya #22 of the North Texas Mean Green on September 16, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

51. . LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-5). . Josh Jackson, CB - Iowa. 23. player

The Rams are coming off of a huge turn-around in 2017. Behind running back, Todd Gurley, quarterback,  Jared Goff, and defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, the Rams won eleven games. The defense was stingy, the offense made a lot of big plays, and the big issues here for coach of the year, Sean McVay, are finding replacements for pending free agents.

The Los Angeles Rams need a corner in the worst way, as both of their starters are set to test the market. They could tag one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened, but for right now, it’s the biggest area of need and there are some very good options.

Of the few corner backs available, two stick out. Josh Jackson, Iowa, and Carlton Davis, Auburn, are both capable cover men who are over six foot. Having seen Jackson’s ball skills, I give his the edge.

Jackson is 6-1, 192, and catches anything near him as a defensive back. His forty-yard dash time is right around a 4.5, but his ability to man-press cover is elite. Jackson lead the nation in interceptions, and was a human highlight reel bringing in big turnovers in big games.

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