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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Texas A&M at Alabama

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) and USC Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) in action during the game at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) and USC Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) in action during the game at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Inside Linebacker

At the beginning of the season senior Reuben Foster (#10, 6’1″, 236) was in the discussion as the top off-the-ball linebacker. Over seven games, he’s separated himself as the clear favorite.

Explosive and aggressive, Foster brings the hammer with him to the ball carrier. With an elite first step, he has the speed and balance to cover, as well as being utilized as a blitzer. Always seeking the ball, Foster’s elite instincts puts him in position more often than not.

He will likely be first round selection, and will assuredly be on Detroit’s board. With linebacker being a big target area to improve, Foster would be an immediate boost to the Lions front seven.

The biggest question will be, where are the Lions selecting? If it’s in the top half of round one, he won’t be considered. If it’s in the back half of round one, then things will get interesting.

The Edge Rushers

Tim Williams

When Ziggy Ansah was in college, it was easy to see how his skills would translate at the next level despite his limited snaps. Ansah’s success, has helped pave the way for players like Williams.

In only his first year as a starter, Tim Williams (#56, 6’3″, 252) enters his senior campaign on many analysts first round draft board. In 2015, Williams was used as a situational pass rusher, and in 2016 he has expanded his role.

Williams is an explosive, quick-twitch bender, who excels as a pass rusher. Williams uses solid hand placement and a variety of techniques to attack the blocker, including a bull rush and nasty spin move, to go along with his impressive bend.

While listed as a linebacker on Alabama’s roster, Nick Saban’s defensive schemes are anything but traditional. Because of this, Williams will project differently for NFL teams. For Detroit, Williams would convert to defensive end. Pairing him with Ansah, would give the Lions two ends with pass rush skills and a relentless motors, that would be hard for teams to match-up with.

One thing to watch will be, how concerned are NFL teams about his September gun charge and arrest. He was not suspended over the incident.

Ryan Anderson

Like Williams, Ryan Anderson (# 22, 6’2″, 253) is a hybrid pass rusher in Bama’s defense. He is also a quick edge defender who uses his speed and bend to beat blocks. And finally, like Williams, he has a non-stop motor.

The big difference between the two is, that while Williams uses his instincts, Anderson needs to see it happening in order to react.

If Detroit was to select Anderson, it would likely be in the third round and they would convert him to defensive end.

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