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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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phillips gets a sack
DECEMBER 30: Harrison Phillips #66 of the Stanford Cardinal sacks C.J. Brown #16 of the Maryland Terrapins in the Foster Farms Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

. Harrison Phillips, DT - Stan.. 26. player. 44. . ATLANTA FALCONS (10-6)

The Falcons were one of the three NFC South teams to make the postseason, just getting in ahead of the Lions and a couple of other teams like the Seahawks and Cowboys. The offense is in capable hands with incumbent All-Pro quarterback, Matt Ryan at the helm. The Falcons don’t have a great compliment to Julio Jones at wide receiver, and need help at guard.

The defense didn’t look stout enough in their playoff loss to the eventual champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, though. The defensive front still needs help along the interior. Dontari Poe looks to be gone after a one-year, “prove it” contract. The former Chiefs first-rounder, has never lived up to his draft status.

The team also appears to be in need of another corner back since cutting Jalen Collins for off-the-field issues.

Phillips is 6-3, 303, and quick, running under a 5-second forty-yard dash. He is a former wrestler, and a fiery competitor. Rob Rang, NFL Draft Scout writer, likened his style to that of a “junkyard dog.” Sounds like exactly what the Falcons are looking for to toughen up their defensive front. While he isn’t an ideal athlete, nor does he possess the ideal frame or bulk, at number 26, he is a good pick.

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