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Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Linebacker for Every Round

By Zac Snyder

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 /
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Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2

Raekwon McMillan played in every game as a true freshman for Ohio State then was the full-time starter and leading tackler by his second season in Columbus.

Scouting reports note some skepticism that McMillan will be able to stay at middle linebacker in the NFL but a good showing at the NFL Combine suggests a move to strong side linebacker may not be inevitable.

McMillan shouldn’t be expected to take over for Tahir Whitehead in the middle of the Lions defense right away but would give them an option going forward. Whitehead struggled in coverage last season but McMillan figures to have issues there as well early on.

A productive player in college, McMillan may be more of a high floor, low ceiling player teams can count on to contribute but may not turn into a difference maker for a defense. That’s sentiment is present in Lance Zierrlein’s “bottom line” section of his scouting report on McMillan on NFL.com:

"McMillan has too many issues standing his ground and leveraging his gap as an interior run defender and could end up outside in the pros. He might have benefited from playing alongside a slew of NFL talent, but he’s active and plays the game with good instincts. He has the potential to become an average starter in the league."

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