Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Linebacker for Every Round

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) celebrates with middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) celebrates with middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 8
Next

Linebacker remains a primary need for the Detroit Lions following free agency. Here is a potential target for every round in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) celebrates with middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Josh Bynes (57) celebrates with middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, there may not be a position the Detroit Lions are more in need of an influx of talent than at linebacker. That’s true both inside and outside so it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Lions come out of the 2017 NFL Draft with more than one linebacker in the draft class.

The Lions’ talent pool at linebacker looks thin heading into the 2017 season and only 2016 draft pick Antwione Williams is under contract in 2018 and beyond. It seems a reshaping of the linebacker corps is just getting started, putting a spotlight on the position in next week’s draft.

As a variation on a seven-round mock draft, here is a look at a linebacker prospect the Lions could consider in each round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Let’s get started.