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Detroit Lions must draft defensive end for the future

By Justin Ochsner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball while pursued by defender Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions in the second half of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball while pursued by defender Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions in the second half of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions have defensive end Ziggy Ansah manning the edge this year, but must draft his successor for depth and the future.

The Detroit Lions had obvious needs on the defensive line. The team started addressing those needs at the defensive end position by using the franchise tag Ziggy Ansah and re-signing Kerry Hyder. Then defensive tackle Haloti Ngata departed for the Eagles leaving a hole in the middle.

Since then, the Lions began plugging that gap by signing defensive tackles Christian Ringo and Sylvester Williams. Solid moves for depth and rotational needs. The team is even rumored to be in talks with defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois. Things are looking good for this defensive line heading into the draft.

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Now, a recent story by Pro Football Talk tells us that Ansah is not likely to be signed to a long-term deal before this year’s deadline. Instead, the Lions will “take a wait-and-see approach” with this situation. That isn’t a terrible idea.

Ansah has had some unfortunate luck with injuries in the past two seasons. He was able to play through a few of them, but still missed two games last year and three games in 2016. He’s certainly a difference maker when healthy and on the field. And this team needs him to stay on the field if they want to contend in the NFC North.

But what if Ansah misses time this year? What if he’s not even on the team next year due to so much success that he’s simply going to cost too much? That’s what the Lions need to think about heading into this year’s draft.

Defensive end was always a position of need. With this report and the situation it creates, that need didn’t go away with the franchise tag. Barring a surprise trade before or during the draft for a proven edge rusher, the Lions should be selecting a player at this position in the first three rounds.

Next: Lions 2018 NFL Draft 7-Round Mock 4.0

Looking at the quarterback situation for teams in the NFC North, a talented edge rusher that can get opposing passers out of rhythm and uncomfortable is even more necessary. So, it’s time for this Motor City team to refuel the fire coming off the edge in this year’s draft.

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