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Detroit Lions mock draft: Todd McShay picks a pass rusher

By Zac Snyder

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies sacks quarterback Chazz Surratt #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies sacks quarterback Chazz Surratt #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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ESPN kicks off their 2018 mock draft season with the first edition from Todd McShay. He has the Detroit Lions addressing a major defensive need.

The Detroit Lions‘ 2017 season isn’t technically over but with playoff hopes hanging on by a thread, it makes sense to start looking ahead at some changes that could lead to better results in 2018. Pass rush productivity has been a big issue for the Lions this season and something they will have to shore up in the offseason.

They best way to address any need for the long term is through the draft and that means we can expect to see a heavy dose of mock drafts picking pass rushers for the Lions. ESPN’s Todd McShay is out with his first mock draft for the 2018 NFL Draft and he is no exception.

With the 18th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, McShay has the Lions selecting Virginia Tech DE/OLB Tremaine Edmunds. McShay offers the following commentary along with his pick:

"Detroit has plenty of needs on defense but must be encouraged by the play of 2017 first-round LB Jarrad Davis. Regardless of whether the Lions re-sign pending free agent Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit needs more edge rushers. Edmunds has the versatility to cover and rush the passer, and he is a gifted athlete at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. He’ll likely test well at the combine."

It’s important to note who was not available at the time of the pick in McShay’s mock. Fellow pass rushers Bradley Chubb (NC State), Clelin Ferrell (Clemson), Arden Key (LSU) and Harold Landry (Boston College) were off the board in the first 18 picks, making them unavailable for the Lions.

While the pick seems to address a need I’m wondering how this mock will be received by Lions fans. Noting some versatility to drop into coverage is a plus but might not be looked upon fondly by Lions fans tired of seeing the Lions defense routinely fail by asking defensive ends to cover tight ends near the goal line. That task may be more natural for Edmunds who is listed as an outside linebacker at Virginia Tech and still seems to be mostly regarded as a linebacker in early draft rankings.

It’s also not certain that this pick represents much in the way of value at this point in the draft. The early big board on CBS Sports has Edmunds ranked outside of first round range and even the draft rankings on ESPN have him barely inside the top 32 at 31 overall.

Players making it into McShay’s first round after the Lions pick who may be of interest are Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea (21st), LSU running back Derrius Guice (24th), Ohio State interior offensive lineman Billy Price (26th) and Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (28th).

Next: Lions' draft needs were clear early in season

There is a long way to go in the draft process before we really know much of anything. Heck, Edmunds may not even declare for the draft. Regardless, this is just an appetizer for draft season but not a whole lot here for Lions fans to get ravenous about.

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