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NFL Draft 2016: Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft 3.0

By Zac Snyder

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) makes a catch against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defats Illinois 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) makes a catch against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defats Illinois 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Round

Not a lot has been said about the Lions’ situation at tight end but there is roster work to do there as well. Eric Ebron is the only sure thing (in terms of his place on the roster), with Brandon Pettigrew often mentioned as a cap casualty before tearing his ACL late last season. The injury complicates the team’s ability to part ways while he is recovering so the Lions may find it easier to let him heal and stick around for another year.

Tim Wright was re-signed after he wasn’t tendered a contract as a restricted free agent. That makes it a low-cost deal with low-level commitment. Wright wasn’t much of a factor after coming over from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a trade for kicker Kyle Brindza and doesn’t have the frame to hold up as a blocker.

Add it all up and it’s a cloudy situation without much upside, putting a draft pick in play. Nick Vannett is a nice target if the Lions want to invest a day two pick in a tight end. He can be a well-balanced tight end the Lions hoped they were getting when they drafted Brandon Pettigrew in 2009.

Next: Round 4

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