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Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Defensive End for Every Round

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) work out before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) work out before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taking a look at a defensive end the Detroit Lions could consider in every round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) work out before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) work out before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions did well in free agency to improve their offensive line but the defensive line remains a concern heading into the draft. The Lions will surely look to add playmakers to all areas of their defense, but defensive end may be priority number one given the lack of pass rush last season.

The Lions’ 26 sacks in 2016 was tied with the Cleveland Browns for second fewest in the league. Only the Oakland Raiders, with 25, registered fewer sacks. While sacks are just one way to measure pass rushing productivity, the Lions rarely made life difficult on opposing quarterbacks.

That shows up in Lions’ quarteback rating against, which was worst in the league at 106.5 – nearly five full points worse than the second-worst Cleveland Browns (101.8). To put that in perspective, a 106.5 quarterback rating is higher than Aaron Rodgers (104.2) or Drew Brees (101.7) had last season. All too often, opposing quarterbacks looked like MVP candidates against the Lions.

With Devin Taylor’s starting spot up for grabs, the Lions could look to a rookie to play opposite Ziggy Ansah. As a variation on the seven-round mock draft, here is a look at a defensive end prospect the Lions could consider in each round of the draft.

Let’s get started.

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