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Detroit Lions: Ranking the 2017 draft class by rookie-year impact

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA;Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is chased by Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during the first quarter in the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA;Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is chased by Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during the first quarter in the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jarrad Davis

Like Taylor Decker a year ago, Jarrad Davis is in line for significant playing time – it’s just a matter of where. At a minimum, he has versatility and experience to play a key role on special teams while starting out at outside linebacker.

If things turn out even better, Davis could be a day one starter at middle linebacker instead of an eventual successor.

Either way, the road to significant playing time is clear given the current state of the Lions’ linebacker depth chart and Davis’s skills and abilities. That translate into the best situation for a member of the Lions’ 2017 draft class to make an early impact.

Best-case scenario: Immediately steps into the starting middle linebacker role to give the Lions as much or more than they got from Tahir Whitehead in that spot a year ago. Basically, a season and situation at middle linebacker like we saw at left tackle last season from Taylor Decker.

Worst-case scenario: Turns out not to be ready to take on the responsibility of being the team’s play caller on defense and has to start his transition to the NFL playing on the outside as part of a rotation.

Next: What the Lions' draft taught us, revealed and what's next

What are your expectations for the Detroit Lions’ 2017 draft class during their rookie season? Let us know by leaving a comment below or connecting with us on Twitter or Facebook.

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