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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DECEMBER 03: Taven Bryan #93 of the Florida Gators reacts after being ejected for a personal foul against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

31. player. 47. . New England Patriots (13-3). . Taven Bryan, DT/DE- Florida

The New England Patriots have been the model of consistency, having made their eighth Super Bowl under head coach, Bill Belichick. Tom Brady and he have five rings together. They fell short against the Eagles, but as long as those two are together it’s difficult to imagine them not contending next year.

The big issues facing the team, other than Brady’s longevity, are: the front seven on defense, offensive tackle and cornerback. Depth at quarterback is also an issue with the Pat’s trading both of their backups this past season, and Brian Hoyer being the only option.

Bryan is 6-3, 291 pounds, and capable of anchoring against bigger men, but also a good enough athlete to play on the edge in nickel defenses. That versatility seems to suggest a team like New England, who has the culture to handle boom-or-bust players, like Bryan. At the end of the round, potential is often put above production. Bryan is a raw athlete with some upside.

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