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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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Jan 20, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; National Team kicker Miles Bergner (16) hits a field goal past American Team defensive end Pat O'Connor (52) in the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; National Team kicker Miles Bergner (16) hits a field goal past American Team defensive end Pat O’Connor (52) in the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Pat O’ Connor

As the 250th player selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Pat O’Connor faces an uphill battle to have much of an impact for the Lions this season. However, unlike Kaaya, there is a more direct relationship between earning a roster spot and getting playing time.

The problem for O’Connor will be showing enough to stand out from a defensive line group that is more “wide” than deep. The good news for him is that the opportunity is there given the overall lack of overwhelming talent, but it remains to be seen if O’Connor’s addition improves the group much if at all.

Best-case scenario: Gives the Lions what they got from Anthony Zettel a year ago – a high motor player capable of playing some snaps at closed defensive end and perhaps rotate inside on passing downs.

Worst-case scenario: Gets lost in the defensive line shuffle after failing to make an impression in training camp and preseason to end up a training camp cut.

Next: Number 7

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