Detroit Lions: Ranking the Draft Class By Rookie-Year Impact

By Zac Snyder | May 6, 2016

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Taylor Decker (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the number sixteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 11

Sep 26, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; quarterback Maxwell Smith (17) is sacked by Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Anthony Zettel (98) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

7. Anthony Zettel

While I would peg Anthony Zettel’s potential for long-term impact below Joe Dahl, he checks in a spot above in these rankings with just next season in mind. He first has to make the team then fight for a spot on the gameday active roster but there is a path to playing time.

If Zettel can make good on the pro level the versatility the Lions liked in him, he has the potential to see the field as a rookie behind Devin Taylor at defensive end and moving inside on pass rushing downs. His ability to have an impact as a rookie maxes out as a rotational/situational guy, but he could contribute early.

Best-case scenario: Makes a smooth transition from college defensive tackle to closed end with the Lions to be a competent backup to Devin Taylor.

Worst-case scenario: Doesn’t make it out of training camp and the Lions don’t bring him back on the practice squad.

Next: Number 6

Home/Detroit Lions