2017 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Mock Draft 8.0

NFL Draft is April 27-29

A Detroit Lions fan holds up a sign supporting Joey Harrington #3 of the Miami Dolphins on his return to Detroit on November 23, 2006

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are on the clock.

The team has a late-round draft pick in 2017, sitting at No. 21 overall, right after the Denver Broncos, and before the Miami Dolphins.

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The 2017 NFL Draft is April 27 - April 29 in Philadelphia.

The team has many needs, including offensive line, secondary, and linebackers.

Here's who the experts are picking for the Detroit Lions, and what they're saying:

CBS Sports: T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Aggressive moves in free agency signal that Detroit has high expectations in 2017. A healthy Ziggy Ansah for the entire season would certainly go a long way towards boosting the pass rush but he could use some help. Watt is surprisingly polished given that he began his career at tight end, showing the instincts and refined hand play to make an immediate impact opposite Ansah, who led the NFC with 14.5 sacks when healthy in 2015.

NFL.com: David Njoku - TE, Miami: There's been a lot of chatter around the league about the Lions' desire to add an impact tight end to their offense. GM Bob Quinn (formerly of the Patriots) knows the benefit of having two athletic tight ends.

FOX Sports: Marlon Humphrey - CB - Alabama: He was susceptible to big plays at Alabama, but he has the build, athleticism and toughness to be a factor anywhere in the defensive secondary. For a Lions team that needs help nearly everywhere on defense but CB1, that’s huge. 

WDIV: Derek Barnett, DL - Tennessee: Barnett is the most polished down lineman in this years very deep class. Double digit sacks in 3 straight seasons at Tennessee, Barnett can step right in and take over the other end spot opposite Ziggy. Barnett also wreaks havoc in the backfield against the run, something the Lions really need help with. Barnett has the production to be a top 15 pick, so he may not fall to Detroit at 21. Charles Harris, Malik McDowell and Takkarist Mckinley are other options for Detroit.


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.