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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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Sep 3, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) scores a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) scores a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kenny Golladay

Checking in at about the halfway point of these rankings is third round pick wide receiver Kenny Golladay. As his positions in these ranking suggest, his rookie fortunes could go either way.

There is a lot to like physically, and the opportunity for someone to step up behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones is certainly there, but is Golladay best-suited to fill the role right out of the gate?

There is a chance he could do and certainly could progress into a solid number three as the season goes on, but there are no guarantees with him. Jumping from the MAC to the NFL and inconsistencies in his game are variables that could make for a disappointing rookie season.

Best-case scenario: Quickly becomes a viable target in the passing game, particularly with an ability to stretch the field to add a big play dimension and open up space in the defense for other players.

Worst-case scenario: Doesn’t separate himself from the rest of the wide receiver depth chart behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones during training camp and preseason play. Ends his rookie season looking like another Corey Fuller or TJ Jones as a wide receiver who can’t live up to the hope.

Next: Number 4

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