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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 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) and defensive back Emmanuel Moseley (12) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) and defensive back Emmanuel Moseley (12) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jalen Reeves-Maybin

As long as he can stay healthy, Jalen Reeves-Maybin should be in position to make his mark on special teams while factoring in on defense situationally. A rookie season like Miles Killebrew had last year would not be a bad benchmark.

Given the Lions’ thin ranks at linebacker, Reeves-Maybin could be thrust into an even bigger role sooner if injuries plague the unit like they did a year ago. As long as he’s not included in the whatever injuries occur this season, he could find himself with more playing time than expected.

Best-case scenario: Gives the Lions a strong presence on special teams while showing playmaking ability in situational playing time on defense.

Worst-case scenario: History of shoulder injuries linger into the start of his NFL career, limited his ability to make an impact on defense or special teams as a rookie and stunts his overall development.

Next: Number 3

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