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 /

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Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end Jerell Adams of South Carolina (89) is tackled by North squad safety Miles Killebrew of Southern Utah (25) in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Miles Killebrew

I see Miles Killebrew’s situation in much the same way as I explained in the section about Antwione Williams.

The advantages Killebrew has over Williams is that his draft position leaves little doubt about Killebrew’s status for the 53-man roster and his position on the depth chart will provide a clearer path to playing time on defense.

But like Williams, Killebrew’s best chance for early impact comes on special teams while he waits for opportunities on defense.

Best-case scenario: Stands out on special teams early and earns significant playing time at strong safety as the season progresses.

Worst-case scenario: Doesn’t see the field on defense and is a quiet contributor on special teams.

Next: Number 3

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