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NFL Draft 2017: Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft

By Zac Snyder

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes on Hawaii Warriors offensive lineman RJ Hollis (74) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes on Hawaii Warriors offensive lineman RJ Hollis (74) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

First Round

Kerry Hyder was one of the Lions’ really good stories of the 2016 season but it represented a big problem that they had to rely on him for as much production as they did. The need for not only depth but for top-end talent at defensive end was on full display with Ziggy Ansah out with injury.

Bob Quinn made the offensive line a priority early and often in his first draft and we shouldn’t be surprised if he does something similar in his second draft. The Lions have needs to fill on the interior of the line as well but a pass rushing presence is the most pressing need and lines up well with one of the strengths of this draft class.

Taco Charlton is a name local fans will be familiar with and his final game at Michigan put on display just how good he can be. The Orange Bowl loss to Florida State wasn’t a high point for the Michigan defense as a whole but it was one of the finest games Charlton played in the maize and blue.

He wasn’t consistently that good during his Michigan career but grew into one of Michigan’s best defensive players over the course of last season and the Orange Bowl performance showed just how high of a ceiling he has at the next level.

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