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Detroit Lions draft 2017: What to watch for on day three

By Zac Snyder

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell waits for 12th overall pick Deshaun Watson (not pictured) in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell waits for 12th overall pick Deshaun Watson (not pictured) in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions filled two more needs on day two of the 2017 NFL Draft but there is more work to do. Here are some things to look for on day three.

By drafting cornerback Teez Tabor and wide receiver Kenny Golladay on day two, the Detroit Lions added some depth and got ahead of the curve on some future needs. That being said, some pressing needs for 2017 and beyond remain.

Here are some things to watch for as the 2017 NFL Draft wraps up with rounds four through seven on Saturday.

Defensive Line
The biggest criticism of what the Lions have done in the draft so far is that none of the picks have been on the defensive line. At the very least the Lions need depth at both end and tackle and probably need some bodies they can at least hope develop into starters for the future. Bob Quinn said the trade down in the third round was at least in part due to a run of picks ahead of them of players they liked. It’s very possible that list included defensive ends Tarrell Basham and Derek Rivers, so not taking a defensive lineman may be more about circumstance than anything else.

Tight End
Without a tight end currently on the roster under contract beyond 2017, it would figure the Lions have to come out of this draft with one they can count on going forward. The good news is that this is a tremendous year to be looking for a tight end in the draft and the Lions haven’t missed out on the deep pool of prospects.

They may not be comfortable holding off beyond the fourth round, however, as it would be a huge mistake to not come away with a solid tight end prospect considering the depth of this class and the team’s need. A run on tight ends will take place at some point considering the overall depth and that only six have been taken through the first three rounds. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of that run.

Quarterback
Bob Quinn has called drafting quarterbacks “good business” so don’t be suprised if he takes a quarterback late in back-to-back drafts. The Lions hadn’t drafted a quarterback since Matthew Stafford until they drafted Jake Rudock in the sixth round last season so there is still some depth building left to do. At the very least, Rudock should face legitimate competition for the backup job in the form of a late-round pick. An undrafted free agent won’t suffice.

Will there be a curveball?
Bob Quinn threw a major curveball in his first draft as Lions general manager by drafting a long snapper. Is another headscratching surprise in store?

Next: Experts react to Lions' pick of Tabor

What are you hoping to see from the Detroit Lions on day three of the draft? Let us know by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook.

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