Taking a run through another seven-round 2016 NFL mock draft scenario for the Detroit Lions in which changes at the top lead to changes throughout.
NFL mock drafts can be fun exercises to play out draft scenarios. While some will put too much stock into a mock draft to the point that they can lead to internet arguments, they really should just be taken for fun as a look at an opinion or scenario.
My approach is not to be “right”, as if there was such a thing when it comes to mock drafting. I’m all about learning about possibilities and scenarios, which is why I have diverted from my first seven-round mock draft for the Detroit Lions to put together this new version.
In doing so I purposely selected a different player in the first round and let that lead to a chain reaction for the rest of the draft as needs and wants for picks later were impacted by earlier picks.
In version 1.0 I got things started with Alabama Linebacker Reggie Ragland but while he still very well could be the Lions’ pick, I went in a different direction to play out a different scenario.
Now on with the Detroit Lions 2016 seven-round mock draft, version 2.0.
Next: Round 1
With the Detroit Lions already re-signing Tyrunn Walker and expected to do the same with Haloti Ngata, uncertainty at the defensive tackle position could quickly be a thing of the past. Add in young players in Caraun Reid and Gabe Wright and the Lions’ defensive tackle rotation could be nearly set.
However, nearly set and set are two different things and upgrading the defensive tackle position early in the draft should remain a consideration. One prospect who would make a lot of sense is Baylor DT Andrew Billings.
Part of what Billings a good fit is that he projects as a 1-technique in the Lions’ defense, making him a good fit with the 3-tech defensive tackles already on the roster.
The 2016 NFL Draft is regarded as defens-heavy in general and deep in defensive tackles more specifically. While some might think a deep group means it is better to hold off until later in the draft, the Lions would be better off using an early pick to grab one of the very best of a deep crop of prospects. Doubling up in later rounds would be a good strategy for a team looking to completely rebuild the interior of their defensive line but that’s not the Lions.
A deep group means it will take a special player to stand at or near the top of the pack.
Next: Round 2
The 2016 class of wide receivers is lacking in headlining talent but there are some intriguing players that will go late in the first round and second round. One whose availability should have the Lions rushing to the podium is TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson.
Doctson had a good combine with physical testing that validated his game film where he consistently demonstrates a large catch radius. That is the kind of talent that would help maximize Matthew’s Stafford’s abilities and would give the Lions an athletic receiver to line up opposite of Golden Tate.
It wouldn’t be a shock if Doctson winds up a first round pick with his star rising following the combine, but even if he is off the board, wide receiver could still be a strong consideration for the Lions in round two. Ohio State’s Michael Thomas also brings a lot of things to like similar to Doctson.
Next: Round 3
My purpose with each seven round mock draft I publish is to take a look at different scenarios for how the Lions draft could play out but this one is a carryover pick from version 1.0. It’s not that I didn’t consider going in another direction, it’s just that offensive tackle is one of the Lions’ biggest needs and it would be wise to address the position with a reasonably high draft pick to break the cycle of undrafted free agents and street free agents at right tackle.
The days of the left tackle being of far greater value than the right tackle are over. Defenses bring pressure from both sides, sometimes even more at the right tackle than the left tackle. It’s not enough just to protect a quarterback’s blind side – today’s game is all about protecting the quarterback, period.
Murphy has experience playing left tackle but he won’t be viewed as a successor to Riley Reiff. That’s OK because while Reiff will never become known as one of the league’s best left tackles, he’s more than serviceable. Reiff and Murphy won’t be a sexy pair, but they would be an upgrade over Reiff and the rotating cast of characters.
Next: Round 4
The Lions haven’t drafted a quarterback since Matthew Stafford at the top of the 2009 NFL Draft. Contrast that with the New England Patriots who have selected seven quarterbacks since drafting Tom Brady, including three since 2009.
There is now a need to completely rebuild the quarterback depth chart behind Stafford. Make no mistake, Stafford is and will be the starter but competent depth is important. Dak Prescott is an intriguing option after finishing a career at Mississippi State in which he showed an ability to completely carry his team offensively at times. He has a well-rounded game with the ability to make plays with his feet but has developed as a passer and has the tools to continue that development at the next level.
Adding a veteran backup could still be a consideration but the Lions need to add a young player with some upside to develop behind Stafford or to become a trade piece for a quarterback-needy team down the road.
Next: Round 5
With three fifth-round picks after accounting for the expected compensatory pick for losing Nick Fairley in free agency last year, the Lions will be in a position to load up on depth.
There may be a team that falls in love with Jayron Kearse’s combination of size and speed and takes a chance on him earlier than this but a fifth-round pick would be a low risk, high reward potential pick for the Lions. The cousin Phillip Buchanon and nephew of Jevon Kearse, Jayron has NFL bloodlines. Physically he has it all but that doesn’t always show on the tape.
Travis Swanson took over the starting center spot last season but did little to inspire confidence he can be a long-term asset. With the Lions indicating a strong desire to improve the offensive line, the center spot is an obvious candidate for a change considering Swanson’s play last season. Graham Glasgow generated some buzz for his performance in practice at the East-West Shrine Game and could be added to compete with Swanson with the loser of the battle serving as the backup interior offensive lineman.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun is the second holdover from my first seven-round mock draft and the reasoning remains the same. Bob Quinn mentioned cornerbacks as one of the strongest positions on the team but there is room for more depth considering the number of players who have rotated in and out of the lineup due to injury. The cornerback group may be one of the Lions’ deepest, but there is still room for improvement at the back end of the depth chart.
Next: Round 6
Late in the draft is all about finding value or players who may be limited but bring something that might help the team in a specific role.
Iowa tight end Henry Krieger Coble could be the successor to Brandon Pettigrew as an in-line tight end who can occasionally be targeted in the passing game. Pettigrew’s cap number is oversized compared to his role on the team but releasing him would require an injury settlement first. That means a final decision on his status with the team likely stretches out into the summer and possibly through training camp.
It may come to be that the Lions are better off keeping Pettigrew on the roster for one more season but adding Krieger Coble would give the Lions some insurance and some options as the situation plays out.
Anthony Zettel is a Michigan native who was overshadowed on the Penn State defensive line by fellow 2016 NFL Draft hopefuls Austin Johnson and Carl Nassib. Those two will surely be drafted earlier but Zettel is a legitimate prospect in his own right. His best asset is his versatility. He lined up all over the defensive line for the Nittany Lions and could be used similarly as a situational rotation player for the Detroit Lions.
Next: Round 7
The release of Joique Bell leaves a need for a bigger running back in the team’s rotation. After adding Ameer Abdullah in the second round last year and the breakout year of Theo Riddick, the Lions don’t have to make a big investment to fill the role.
That’s especially true with Zach Zenner already in the fold. I’m not a fan of just handing Zenner the role previously played by Bell, but the Lions don’t have to do much more than add someone to compete with him.
Tre Madden has a sketchy medical history having missed two of his five seasons at USC due to injury and was never able to play a full schedule of games for the Trojans. As a late round pick he will have to stay healthy and make an impression in training camp to stick, but if he can, he could find himself playing a role for the Lions.
Next: Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft v1.0
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