Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Lions: Ranking the 2017 draft class by rookie-year impact

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) 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 head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 10
Next

The Detroit Lions brought in a nine-player class in the 2017 NFL Draft, but who is most likely to contribute early? Here are all nine ranked.

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) 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 head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions will have their nine-player class from the 2017 NFL Draft plus a number of undrafted players in town for rookie minicamp May 12-14 as the team gets their first look at the newest Lions.

All are taking the field as professionals for the first time but they come in very different situations. The nine players drafted by the Lions last weekend have an advantage but nothing, aside from some money, is guaranteed.

Some will have the opportunity and ability to make an impact right away. The Lions hit a home run with Taylor Decker last year as he was able to immediately step in at left tackle as an upgrade over Riley Reiff. Others may have to wait a year or two before having much impact on the team while still others may never make an impact for the Lions.

With that in mind, here are all ten of the Lions’ 2017 draft picks ranked by the expected contribution each will make as rookies. Each player is presented with a projected best case and worst case outcome for the 2017 season.

Next: Number 9

Home/Detroit Lions