Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Lions mock draft 2018: Kiper flips to offense in version 2.0

By Zac Snyder

Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs for fist down during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game 45 - 21. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs for fist down during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game 45 - 21. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After picking a pass rusher in his first 2018 NFL mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper flips his pick to the other side of the ball for his second edition.

Mock draft season is just starting to heat up for the 2018 NFL Draft with the combine just a week away. ESPN’s Mel Kiper is out with his second mock draft of the 2018 NFL Draft cycle and it represents a big change for the Detroit Lions.

Kiper’s first mock had the Lions selecting Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard. Hubbard is nowhere to be found in Kiper’s first round this time around and he has the Lions addressing a need on the other side of the ball instead. For mock 2.0., Kiper has the Lions selecting LSU running back Derrius Guice.

Kiper explains:

"This is a spot to watch for a rising pass-rusher, but Detroit would be thrilled with the No. 2 running back on the board. Guice is a true every-down back, which Matthew Stafford has never had in his career. Ameer Abdullah averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in 2017, while Theo Riddick is more of a versatile pass-catcher. Guice had 26 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, and he looked every bit as good for the Tigers as Leonard Fournette did in 2016. I also like the fit for USC running back Ronald Jones II and Detroit, so he’s another option as the second back to be drafted."

As Kiper notes, Guice is the second running back off the board in this mock after Saquon Barkley went second overall to the New York Giants. He also mentions Ronald Jones as an option and for good reason. Jones is the third of three running backs in Kiper’s new first round, slotting in at number 25 to the Tennessee Titans.

While running back is a need that Bob Quinn has specifically mentioned will be addressed this offseason, deciding to use a first round pick on one will be controversial with Lions fans. Some will certainly love it as it is a sure signal the Lions are serious about fixing the running game. Others won’t be so keen on spending a first round pick on a running back, especially with other acceptable prospects still on the board.

Next: Why Abdullah not the right target for change

Harold Landry and Maruice Hurst are two defensive options that may be of interest to Lions fans who not only are still available when the Lions come up in Kiper’s mock but out of the first round entirely. Kiper’s full mock 2.0 is available on ESPN.com with an Insider subscription.

Home/Detroit Lions