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Detroit Lions’ 2018 draft needs evident just six games into 2017 season

By Zac Snyder

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: The Detroit Lions defensive line leaps attempting to block a field goal kick by Kai Forbath #2 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: The Detroit Lions defensive line leaps attempting to block a field goal kick by Kai Forbath #2 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

Of all the positions on this list, defensive tackle might be the least pressing. However, it should still be an area of focus for the next draft given the pattern we’ve seen of Quinn building the trenches and the long-term outlook at the position.

A’Shawn Robinson‘s name can be written in the depth chart in permanent marker but a pencil is best after that. In the twilight of his career and now on injured reserve, Haloti Ngata has a decision to make whether or not he wants to keep playing beyond this season.

Ngata is not under contract for 2018 and it was a surprise to some that he returned in 2017 without at least restructuring his deal. Perhaps that speaks to how highly the Lions value him and that they would probably want him to return if he wants to keep playing but that remains to be seen.

Beyond Ngata, that leaves the likes of Akeem Spence, Khyri Thornton (who was just activated following suspension) and Jeremiah Ledbetter. Are any of those names going to keep anyone from adding a potential impact defensive tackle in the next draft? Doubtful.

Ndamukong Suh was a polarizing figure but to some degree the Lions still miss the disruptive presence he brought to the middle of their defensive line. If the Lions think they can add something like that with a draft pick next April, there should be no hesitation.

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