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NFL Draft 2017: Detroit Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft 4.0

By Zac Snyder

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of football fans in the stands during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of football fans in the stands during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) catches a touchdown pass against Massachusetts Minutemen linebacker Shane Huber (8) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) catches a touchdown pass against Massachusetts Minutemen linebacker Shane Huber (8) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5

Eric Ebron is most valuable to the Lions offense when he’s running routes and least valuable when he’s asked to block, particularly in the running game. That’s what makes rumblings of the Lions’ interest in David Njoku, the closest thing in the 2017 NFL Draft to Ebron, surprising.

To the outside observer, a tight end to complement Ebron makes more sense. With Toledo’s Michael Roberts, the Lions would get a second tight end capable of lining up on the line of scrimmage who can stay in to block or run a route in the passing game.

While Roberts wouldn’t be a primary target in the Lions’ passing game, he represents a good target when the opportunity arises. That’s especially true in the red zone. Roberts caught a touchdown pass in nine of 13 games last season, totaling 16 on the year.

It was a breakout receiving year for Roberts as he nearly doubled his catch and receiving yard totals from the previous two seasons combined.

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