Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft: Defense Dominates Early

First Round

The Lions have plenty of needs, so they could go in a variety of directions with their first round selection, but they can’t miss out on the chance to improve their defensive tackle position. Detroit signed Stefan Charles and re-signed Tyrunn Walker and Haloti Ngata to address the trenches on defensive side of the ball, but none of them are signed long-term.

If Rankins makes it to the Lions pick, Detroit should run to the podium and select him. Rankins has the skills to be a dominant interior pass rusher. He has an explosive first step, uses his hands well, and plays with good leverage. At Louisville, he produced 27.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks his final two seasons combined. Rankins also impressed at the combine.

Rankins was used as both a defensive tackle and a defensive end at Louiville, excelling in both positions. His position and scheme versatility would be perfect for the Lions as they need help all along their defensive line, and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin likes to employ some 3-4 defensive alignments along with their more regularly used 4-3 alignment.

Though his greatest asset is his ability to rush the passer, Rankins is also a capable run defender. Detroit had a chance to get a game-changing defensive tackle in the first round of the 2014 draft when Aaron Donald was on the board. Ultimately they passed on him, deciding for tight end Eric Ebron instead.

That decision proved to be the wrong one – Ebron has been just adequate as a tight end, while Donald has turned into a pro bowler, and one of the best defensive tackles in the league.

If Bob Quinn is wise, assuming Rankins is available when the Lions pick, he won’t allow Detroit to repeat it’s past draft past mistake.

Next: Round 2