Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Mock Draft roundup 7.0

2017 NFL Draft is April 27 - April 29

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:

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas St: Willis' combine showed the type of explosiveness the Lions need across from Ziggy Ansah.

Charley Casserly, NFL.com: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri: The Lions get a bookend pass rusher opposite Ziggy Ansah.

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: John Ross, WR, Washington: Let's get fast, Detroit. Let's get really, really fast and add a dynamic deep threat with scary run-and-catch potential underneath. The Lions can look for another pass rusher later.

Yahoo: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple: Detroit needs starting linebackers in the worst way; particularly with the release of DeAndre Levy. Reddick has been considered a workout warrior, but his production — 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2016 — speaks for itself. Quick and explosive in coverage, the Temple standout could provide the Lions with a dynamic playmaker who can start anywhere in a desperate line backing corps.

CBS Sports: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: The Lions badly need someone that can get to the quarterback. Charlton showed during his time at Michigan that making plays in the backfield is his specialty. He increased his sack total (and tackle for loss total) with each successive season. 

Walter Football: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State: Lions could use a third corner to go with Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson. Conley recorded 26 tackles with eight passes broken up and four interceptions in 2016. He played well, and teams think he is a well-rounded player. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has enough size to start on the outside in the NFL. In the NFL, Conley could fit in schemes that run zone, off man, and press man. He is a polished player who should be able to contribute quickly. After some early issues, Conley had a solid 2015 season for the Buckeyes and improved as the year progressed. He totaled 49 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up that year. Conley has a good skill set, and he looks like a safe pick to develop into a quality starter.


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.