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Detroit Lions draft 2017: What it means, what we learned, what’s next

By Zac Snyder

Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Pyrotechnics go off as the Detroit Lions run onto the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Packers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Pyrotechnics go off as the Detroit Lions run onto the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Packers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) reacts after sacking Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Matt Johnson (11) during the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) reacts after sacking Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Matt Johnson (11) during the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Bob Quinn evaluates needs at a deeper level than just position

Linebacker was a major need for the Lions that only grew after the decision to move on from DeAndre Levy. Taking two linebackers in the 2017 NFL Draft was not a huge surprise, but taking a look at the two the Lions picked shows that the team evaluates needs beyond just position.

The Lions defense suffered last season with their linebackers really struggling against the pass. Tahir Whitehead ranked 73rd in pass coverage by Pro Football Focus last season out of 76 qualified linebackers. In limited playing time, Antwione Williams and Thurston Armbrister also had low coverage grades.

What is an area of strength Jarrad Davis and Jalen Reeves-Maybin share? Coverage ability.

Linebacker was a clear need to even outside observers, but more than just finding new bodies was finding linebackers to help improve the overall defense’s performance against the pass.

That’s even evident in free agent addition Paul Worrilow, whose 73.0 coverage grade from PFF for last season ranks as the team’s highest for all Lions linebackers with NFL experience.

Yes, linebacker was a need, but the Lions’ moves show that linebackers who can cover was the more specific need.

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