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NFL Draft 2017: Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft 2.0

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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Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) stiff arms Syracuse Orange defensive back Rodney Williams (6) on a carry during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) stiff arms Syracuse Orange defensive back Rodney Williams (6) on a carry during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Fourth Round

Bob Quinn expressed confidence in his current group of running backs during his press conference at the NFL Combine but there is still thought that the Lions could use more of a power option out of the backfield.

Quinn and the Lions look for players who love football. Conner’s love for football can’t be doubted considering he finished his career at Pitt after kicking cancer’s ass. He has been cancer-free ever since, with his most recent clear scan coming just before the Combine.

Conner won’t out-run defenders or get around them with nimble moves, but he’s capable of getting extra yardage after initial contact by running through and over would-be tacklers. He may never be an every-down back but that’s not what the Lions need and true featured backs aren’t in used much these days anyway.

When it comes to short yardage and goal line situations, Conner could give the Lions an element they have been missing.

Next: Round 5

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