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

By Zac Snyder

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
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 /
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Dec 23, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; Bowling Green Falcons wide receiver Ronnie Moore (5) is tackled by Georgia Southern Eagles linebacker Antwione Williams (37) and safety Antonio Glover (16) after a pass reception in the third quarter of the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; Bowling Green Falcons wide receiver Ronnie Moore (5) is tackled by Georgia Southern Eagles linebacker Antwione Williams (37) and safety Antonio Glover (16) after a pass reception in the third quarter of the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Antwione Williams

Like Zettel, Antwione Williams has to fight for a roster spot and gameday active status but has a chance to see the field as a rookie. Unlike Zettel, Williams doesn’t figure to take many, if any, snaps away from other linebackers on the roster, but he should get a long look in training camp as a guy who can make an impact on special teams.

Playing time on defense as a rookie will be a bonus (or an indication of big problems with the guys ahead of him on the depth chart), but playing time on kick and punt units is within reach.

Best-case scenario: Turns into a special teams standout during his rookie year with good reports coming out of practice about his development to contribute on defense down the line.

Worst-case scenario: Limited contributions as a rookie and doesn’t give confidence he can earn snaps at linebacker in the future.

Next: Number 5

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