Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Utah vs. Colorado

Late Round Offensive Possibilities

Senior quarterback Sefo Liufau (#13, 6’3″, 230) is a name on the rise on this Colorado team. Primarily operating as a duel-threat, Liufau has the toughness and mobility teams look for in a third quarterback who can surprise defenses. His style of play has led to some in-season injuries (missed three games this season), and his mechanics need tweaking, but if he can find his way into a post season All-Star game, he has the ability to turn some heads.

Senior Alex Kelley (#74, 6’2″, 315) is a project center who could also play some guard. That flexibility is appealing and while he’s only a fringe draftable prospect, he should find his way into a NFL camp this summer.

Defense

Nose Tackle Josh Topou (#55, 6’1″, 325) was an up and coming player in 2014, before a 2015 suspension for an assault caused his stock to plummet. Entering this season as a seventh round prospect, Topou has corrected his off the field issues and regained his 2014 upside.  Topou will appeal to teams looking for a 2-gapping nose tackle or 5-technique who will occupy blockers. Strong and explosive, he could hear his name called early on day three.

Linebackers Jimmie Gilbert (outside, #98, 6’5″, 225) and Kenneth Olugbode (inside, #31, 6’0″, 218) are undersized but also names on scout’s radars.

Next: NFL Draft 2017 Top Prospects From Michigan

Lions Approach

Bob Quinn has proved that when it comes to the draft process, he is extremely thorough. He spent last off-season installing his approach to the draft and has set his expectations high. Because this is such a high-profile game, you can bet he will be assigning scouts to watch these players closely.

Previous Watchlists:

Alabama vs USC
Tennessee vs Virginia Tech
Ohio State vs Oklahoma
Georgia vs Ole Miss
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan
Washington vs Oregon
Stanford vs Notre Dame
Texas A&M at Alabama
Clemson at Florida State
Louisville at Houston
LSU at Florida