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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; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4

It took until the fourth round here but here comes a linebacker – the position many Lions fans might point to as the team’s biggest need.

Some scouts have questions about Jayon Brown’s ability to hold up against the run at the NFL level but he should be able to step in right away and provide the Lions with an upgrade with his cover ability. It’s one of Brown’s noted strengths, and one of the Lions defense’s biggest struggles a year ago.

Brown got his big break at UCLA in 2015 when Myles Jack was out of the lineup due to injury. That led to Brown leading the Bruins in tackles, an accomplishment he duplicated last season.

Before getting his chance on defense, Brown made his mark on special teams. That kind of experience makes him valuable to the Lions early in his career if he needs to develop into a bigger role on defense.

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