Detroit Jock City
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the second quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the second quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Ziggy Ansah is going to get PAID by the Lions

One of the main criticisms of the Lions’ 2017 draft was the lack of a defensive end until very late in the draft. Sixth round pick Jeremiah Ledbetter was listed on NFL.com as a defensive end but Bob Quinn has said they view him as more of an inside guy with some outside versatility. Only seventh-round pick Pat O’Connor was drafted as a true defensive end.

In O’Connor, the Lions get a defensive end who projects as a closed end in their defensive scheme – the end opposite Ziggy Ansah. Closed end was always the biggest need heading into the draft, but the way the draft played out suggests the Lions not only are more comfortable with their defensive end group than many fans or analysts believed, it also suggests they have no intention of moving on from Ansah any time soon.

Maybe that should never have been up for discussion but the New England Patriots’ history of letting go via trade or free agency ahead of a big payday can’t be ignored with Bob Quinn as general manager in Detroit.

Add on top of that that Ansah was one of the oldest members of his draft class, playing his rookie season at age 24, so he’s not the typical player reaching the end of his rookie contract. After playing out his fifth-year option in the 2017 season, a long-term deal for Ansah would take him well into his 30s.

Next: Pattern developing in Bob Quinn's draft style

Premium pass rushers command premium money, but it looks like the Lions are positioned to keep Ansah a Lion for the future given that nothing resembling his replacement is on the horizon.

Home/Detroit Lions