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NFL Draft 2017: Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft 3.0

By Zac Snyder

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2016; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) intercepts a pass intended for Temple Owls wide receiver Ventell Bryant (1) in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) intercepts a pass intended for Temple Owls wide receiver Ventell Bryant (1) in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1

Safety might not feel like as pressing of a need for a Lions defense with needs all over but that view might be shortsighted. Bob Quinn made Miles Killebrew part of his first draft class but the safety position could be in for major changes aside from him come 2018. Glover Quin and Tavon Wilson are both entering the final year of their contracts so it would be wise to start planning for the future.

One way they could do that is with UConn safety Obi Melifonwu. His performance at the NFL Combine was so freakish that some would like to get a look at the 6-4, 224 pound Melifonwu at cornerback. The Lions have shown interest in him, but it appears at safety.

Regardless, the Lions have loved versatility on defense even before Quinn’s arrival as general manager and that hasn’t changed. Obi’s versatility means the Lions can use him situationally as he develops as a rookie before possibly stepping into a bigger, more consistent role if he’s picked as the heir apparent to Quin.

The need may be greater on the defensive line and linebacker but the chance to draft a potentially special player in Obi Melifonwu might be too great to pass up if the Lions aren’t enamored with their other choices.

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