Detroit Lions headlines: Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft 2.0, Hating on Ebron
Hot topics surrounding the Detroit Lions include Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft and Eric Ebron’s career in the Motor City. We’ll cover that and more in today’s headlines!
As the subject of franchise tagging Ezekiel Ansah continues to trend as a hot topic, the Detroit Lions are also preparing for the upcoming Scouting Combine as well as impending free agency.
Some of the hottest topics include the latest mock draft by Mel Kiper Jr., the position of running back in the Motor City and the emergence of Anthony Zettel as a pass rusher in Detroit. We’ll touch on these subjects and more as we look at today’s headlines!
Kiper mock 2.0: Lions get needed help for league-worst rushing offense – ESPN.com
With some major offseason choices on the horizon, what the Lions will do at running back is paramount. In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft for ESPN, the longtime draft guru has Detroit selecting LSU’s Derrius Guice in the first round of the upcoming draft.
The Lions desperately need a workhorse back and Guice appears to be one. My only concern, as it is with all of these rookie running backs, is will they be able to create for themselves when this Detroit offensive line inevitably fails to open up running lanes.
Options Abound For Lions In Latest Mock Drafts – CBS Detroit
When it comes to these mock drafts, everyone seems to agree on one thing: No one can agree which way the Lions will lean at #20. For me, the obvious selection is running back. But if a talented defender falls, head coach Matt Patricia would likely want to bulk up his new defense. With a deep running back class, Detroit can afford to wait until day two to address their backfield. But the Lions need a lead dog at the position, not another role player.
Actually, Lions TE Eric Ebron has put up some historically good numbers – Mlive.com
What tight end Eric Ebron showed in the second half of last season was play that justified general manager Bob Quinn not trading the former first rounder away before the deadline. In a contract year, Ebron will need to build on his late season performance to earn himself an extension. But there are a lot of “ifs” between now and the end of the year.
Ten running backs worth pursuing in free agency/2018 NFL Draft – NFL.com
There are several rookies mentioned in the above article, as they have obvious upside. Chief among them being youth and low cost. But one name mentioned as a possible free agent add is veteran running back Carlos Hyde. Imagine a rushing combo that featured Hyde, Theo Riddick and a rookie runner in Detroit. Getting both a veteran and rookie seems ideal for the growing Lions.
Next: Detroit Lions 2018 Draft - 4-round mock
Detroit Lions pass-rusher Anthony Zettel hopes to ‘build on’ breakout season – Centre Daily
I think many Lions’ fans were pleasantly surprised at the season defensive end Anthony Zettel had in Year Two. Following the season-ending injury suffered by 2016 sack leader Kerry Hyder Jr. in the preseason, the six round selection posted a quality sophomore campaign with 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks. His presence in 2018 will soften the blow if Detroit opts to part ways with Ziggy Ansah this offseason.