Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Linebacker for Every Round

By Zac Snyder | Apr 20, 2017

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 /

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Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end O.J. Howard of Alabama (88) is tackled by North squad inside linebacker Haason Reddick of Temple (57) after a pass reception during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1

If there is a consensus favorite among Detroit Lions fans for the player they hope ends up in Honolulu Blue and Silver next week it is Haason Reddick. The former safety recruit who played defensive end at Temple projects as a linebacker in the NFL.

Reddick’s ability to play in space should ease the transition and his experience playing defensive end means he can be used to get after the quarterback as well.

A position change isn’t typical for a first round draft prospect but Reddick’s skill set projects well and his performance at the NFL Combine quickly made him one of the hottest prospects of the 2017 NFL Draft.

That’s made Reddick a first round lock with mock drafts split on whether or not the Lions will even have the chance to select him with the 21st overall pick. If he is gone, there are other linebackers the Lions could look to, but Reddick should be the primary linebacker target in the first round.

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