Detroit Lions day three mock draft

The Detroit Lions have two draft picks remaining. They still have some needs but the players available are only going to provide depth.

In the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions drafted Frank Ragnow. That pick gives the Lions offensive line a level of toughness that has been missing since the retirements of Dominic Raiola in 2015. In the second round, the Lions drafted Kerryon Johnson. He is a shifty but decidedly north-south runner with better speed than the Lions have had at the running back spot since Reggie Bush was injured in 2014. In the third round, the Lions drafted safety Tracy Walker, a ball-hawking safety that will likely spend the year studying behind Glover Quinn and Tavon Wilson, but provides an option in sub packages against tight ends in the slot.

The Lions recognized that they were done picking up starters after round two. They did not reach for a pass rusher on the edge because this is a terrible class. Matt Patricia’s defense has no spot for the three-technique pass rusher many experts have been pushing for the Lions. This is also a terrible class for those. While some would say that the Lions have not addressed one of their biggest needs in terms of pass rush, I would reply that if they had drafted for that short-term need they would regret it before those rookie contracts ended. The early value in this draft was simply not there at those positions.

The Lions still need pass rushers. I suspect they are going to go after one or two on day three. In the trade to move up in the second round, the Lions gave up their fourth-round pick. That leaves them with only two selections on day three. This mock assumes they stick where they are in the draft, though I believe they would trade down in the fifth if given the opportunity to pick up more picks.

Round five: Temple edge Ade Aruna

Ade Aruna has positional versatility, having played as an off the ball linebacker, a 3-4 OLB, and five-technique during his college career. He is an ideal backup for Devon Kennard, with much of the same positional versatility.

Round seven: Weber State tight end Andrew Vollert

Andrew Vollert is the kind of player that has incredible potential. Like most seventh-round picks, he will likely end up on a practice squad in 2018. His pro day numbers rivaled those of round two picks Mike Gesicki and Mark Andrews. Vollert is a willing blocker and he has great hands.

Neither of these players has the immediate impact at their position that Lions fans might hope for. They are, however, two of the better options available for the Detroit Lions at their respective points in the draft.