Detroit Lions Draft DE Pat O’Connor In Seventh Round
The Detroit Lions took Eastern Michigan defensive end Pat O’Connor with their final selection of the NFL Draft on Saturday.
The Detroit Lions added a second rookie defensive lineman with their last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on Saturday, selecting Eastern Michigan defensive end Pat O’Connor in the seventh round.
O’Connor played in 49 games over four seasons with the Eagles and was a team captain as a senior in 2016 after missing the 2015 season with an injury. He picked up 42 tackles last season for Eastern Michigan, including 14.5 for loss. He also had 8.5 sacks and forced five fumbles, ending his career in Ypsilanti as the program’s all-time leader in sacks, forced fumbles and career games.
O’Connor is big and tall, but his measurables vary. His bench and vertical from his pro day are not very high, but he did well in the broad jump and he has a decent 40-yard dash time.
The #Lions drafted Pat O'Connor in the 7th round. His #RAS is decent, pulled down by a poor bench and vert. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/j9xrWmsreS
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 29, 2017
He was not invited to the NFL Combine this spring, but he did attend the Lions’ local pro day.
Lions close out the draft by taking EMU DE Pat O'Connor. He took part in the Lions' local day workout. Athletic pass rusher.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 29, 2017
There is not much in the way of draft profiles available for O’Connor. He was expected by some to be a priority undrafted free agent. NFL Spin Zone gave the pick a “B” grade.
I'm looking for what I wrote on Pat O'Connor but I can't find it. Thought he would be a priority free agent.
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) April 29, 2017
O’Connor will need to compete with several other young players for a spot on the 53-man roster, including Armonty Bryant, Kerry Hyder, Anthony Zettel and Cornelius Washington. If he does make the roster, he would likely play few snaps as a member of the rotation. If he does not, he could land on the practice squad.
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