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

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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter (55) sacks Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) in the second quarter during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jeremiah Ledbetter

Many Lions fans were pining for the team to select a defensive end much earlier in the draft than when Arkansas defensive end Jaremiah Ledbetter was announced as the team’s first sixth round pick. However, after the draft Bob Quinn said they view Ledbetter as more of a defensive tackle for the Lions.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing for Ledbetter’s ability to contribute as a rookie. He’ll need to add some bulk to hold up in the middle of an NFL line but should give the Lions a pass rushing dimension that has been missing from their group of defensive tackles.

Add in some inside-outside versatility and Ledbetter could get some chances to have an impact, provided he can regularly make the gameday active roster.

Best-case scenario: Earns his way into the defensive line rotation to give the some of the penetrating presence they’ve lacked from the inside of their line since the departure of Ndamukong Suh.

Worst-case scenario: Ends up just another player in a mix of indistinguishable defensive linemen rather than showing to be a piece to build around.

Next: Number 5

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