NFL Draft 2016: Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft 5.0
By Zac Snyder
Fourth Round
Improving the offensive line has been a stated goal of the Lions front office. Previous versions of a Lions seven-round mocks have addressed the offensive tackle position earlier and the center position later but that script is flipped with Ryan Kelly as the first round pick this time around.
Joe Haeg’s teammate, quarterback Carson Wentz, is getting a lot of attention as a potential number one overall pick but Haeg is a legitimate prospect in his own right after helping protect Wentz as a North Dakota State Bison. A four-year starter, Haeg spent two years at right tackle before playing the last two on the left side and has indicated he is equally comfortable on either side.
The jump from NDSU to the NFL is bigger than many other prospects face but Haeg made the most of his Senior Bowl invite to show that he can hold his own when facing a higher level of competition.
Haeg may not be a day one improvement to the Lions’ offensive line but he could compete for playing time at right tackle while giving the Lions an option on the left side if he develops and they decide to move on from Riley Reiff after this season.
Next: Round 5