EVB’s Detroit Lion’s Mock Draft 2017

If you are a die-hard Detroit Lions fan such as myself, you know that we finished the season the same way we started. Super disappointing. Although Matt Stafford was able to lead a record year in fourth-quarter comebacks, our hearts can only handle so much.

Bob Quinn has people talking with his strategic offseason moves and effective draft day decisions. I look forward to continued progress and hope he seeks out my expertise again this year. I have laid out all 7 rounds for the lions below and even added an alternative route I would be happy with:

Draft Day Needs: Edge Rusher, Defensive Tackle, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, & Power Running Back.

21st Pick: Round 1 Pick 21

My Pick: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

Alternate: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

With the 21st pick of the draft, the Lions need to select a game changer. Whether that is a force to pair up with Ziggy Ansah on the edge or a sideline to sideline linebacker, I want to see fear inside the opposing QB’s eyes. Although we picked up some depth at linebacker, I believe it would be a big mistake to not select the versatile freak athlete in Haason Reddick if we are given the opportunity.

53rd Pick: Round 2 Pick 21

My Pick: Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn

Alternate: Ahkellow Witherspoon, CB, Colorado

Continuing my defensive trend, I am interested in beefing up the middle as well to support A’shawn Robinson and the aging Haloti Ngata. Adam’s is a quick pass rush defender with a recorded 4.87 40-time and a solid scheme fit for a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. He was consistently tested against pro-ready offenses in the SEC and could benefit from the leadership of Teryl Austin.

85th Pick: Round 3 Pick 21

My Pick: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State

Alternate: D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

If Aaron Rodgers isn’t nervous yet he should be. No Olivia Munn and no more Hail Mary’s! It’s clear that Ansah needs help on the other side and it needs to happen in the top end of the draft. I only hope that we are so lucky to snag up Jordan Willis late in the third round. With great speed and a smooth pursuit to the ball carrier, our defense is well on its way to greatness.

126th Pick: Round 4 Pick 21

My Pick: Rasul Douglas, CB, WVU

Alternate: Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson

Yes. You are reading that correctly. Yet another defender. But Lawson and Slay need support in the secondary and all of the injuries last year proved that. And since Bob Quinn is looking for playmakers, why not select a good-sized press corner that led the NCAA with 8 interceptions his senior year? Douglas is my golden goose for this draft and I hope we can make it happen!

166th Pick: Round 5 Pick 21

My Pick: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma

Alternate: Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan

After solidifying all of the Detroit Lions defensive needs, there are still plenty of great athletes available on the offensive side of the ball. We revamped our o-line and now we need a physical beast-mode of a runner to switch up the pace of Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah. Assuming they stay healthy…Perine is our guy! Although he was bitten by the injury bug his senior year, there are plenty of stats and video to prove his effectiveness.

206th Pick: Round 6 Pick 21

My Pick: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

Alternate:  Anthony Walker, OLB/ILB, Northwestern

Aside from having a sweet last name, Awuzie provides a big-frame corner with the ability to make plays (4 sacks, 65 tackles with 12 passes broken up, and one interception in 2016). He definitely isn’t as polished as some of the early round prospects but could spruce up the depth competition on a needy secondary.

216th Pick: Round 6 Pick 31

My Pick: Kenny Golladay, WR, Northern Illinois

Alternate: Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami

We have to re-sign Anquan Boldin. No questions asked. But we also need a big play receiver for the future. At 6’4″ running a 4.4 40 yard dash, Golladay is an intriguing late round pick with a big upside. As many options as the Detroit Lions can provide Stafford the better.

253rd Pick: Round 7 Pick 32

My Pick: Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

Alternate: Josiah Price, TE, MSU

The inevitable but ever-exciting last pick of the draft. Bob Quinn believes it is good practice to draft a QB in the draft and Dobbs seems to be the best fit. On the other hand, a solid blocking tight end from the area wouldn’t be a bad pick either. I am looking forward to seeing the direction the Detroit Lions go.

 

I would love to hear your thoughts on my draft selections and where I went wrong. That will be pretty hard though with my vast NFL experience. Drop a comment below or tweet me @evbtuesdays. If you are interested in my full first round mock draft, check it out here!

Stay casual until next Tie Tuesday!

EVB

Here are the links to my past mock drafts: 2016 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021