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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Sep 24, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) is tackled by Missouri State Bears linebacker Dylan Cole (31) during first-quarter action at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6

Even though he wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, Missouri State’s Dylan Cole had a solid pro day workout (which he talks about in the video below) and figures to get drafted on day three.

Had Cole been at the combine, he would have posted numbers rivaling the best linebackers in attendance and probably would have generated more buzz than he currently has.

Cole led the Football Championship Subdivision in total tackles per game and second in solo tackles per game.

If the Lions want to add two linebackers in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cole and Jayon Brown could be nice complements to each other. Brown will be best-suited for passing downs early in his NFL career while Cole projects to be better in running situations.

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