By Michael Stets
The 2017 NFL Draft is now just one day away. And the time for mock drafts and predictions will soon be over as the league sets up shop in Philadelphia, Pa. for the first time since 1961, with the the first round kicking off on Thursday night.
There are many variables that can, and will, occur in the opening round on draft night, and this year will be no exception. Unpredictable trades between teams usually end up shattering expert projections on where a player will land. The Tennessee Titans (No.5, No.18) and Cleveland Browns (No.1, No. 12) both have two picks within the top 20, which will likely throw a wrench into operations for the rest of the league in the first round on Thursday night. Then once GMs start finding dance partners to move up or move down a few spots … well, all bets are off.
As far as Lions fans are concerned, at some point near 10:30 PM Eastern Time, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will walk up to the podium and say, “With the 21st pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select …” And no matter what player’s name is announced, it will be sure to draw praise from some experts and criticism from others. Some fans will be pleased, while others will take to social media, explode with vitriol, and offer up other names of players Bob Quinn should’ve taken instead.
So with that being said, the Lions Radio staff will attempt to tackle who the Lions may end up picking with the No. 21 pick in the first round.
Dan Miller: Lions Play-By-Play
Prediction: Jarrad Davis, linebacker, Florida
“With the Lions picking at No. 21 there are two huge variables that we cannot account for. First, which players will still be on the board, and second, which players do they actually like? Void of that information, here’s what I have. Like most, I think their needs point to defense but I am not convinced that is a given. If they see a running back, wide receiver or tight end that they have high on their board when it’s time to pick, I think they will consider it. They are need positions and they still have plenty of time left to address the defense.
“That said, I’m going with linebacker Jarrad Davis out of Florida. He fits in terms of ability and need. Certainly if Haason Reddick is there, he gets consideration, as do a number of edge rushers, but best guess here is Davis.”
Jim Brandstatter: Lions Color Analyst
Prediction: Jarrad Davis, linebacker, Florida
“I think the Lions are looking defense, specifically linebacker. They lost DeAndre Levy in the off-season, and he’s hard to replace, but I think in round one they look to linebacker. If the cornerback position were deeper in this draft they may look there too, and I think that’s an area of need too, but it’s not deep enough where linebacker is.
“The way I see it, guys like Rueben Foster (Alabama LB), Charles Harris (Missouri DE), Jarrad Davis (Florida LB), Hasson Reddick (Temple LB), and even TJ Watt (Wisconsin DE) are in the mix at No. 21. But, I think Jarrad Davis of Florida has the best shot at still being available at No. 21 for the Lions. It’s either Watt or Davis, but I’ll go with Davis.”
Steve Courtney: Lions Pre- & Post-Game Host
Prediction: TJ Watt, defensive end, Wisconsin
“I think the Lions will go defense in the first round. I’m sticking with TJ Watt from Wisconsin. He needs to bulk up a bit, but he was great against the run in college and would compliment Ziggy Ansah on the opposite side. And the bloodline is pretty good too!”
Sean Baligian: Lions Pre- & Post-Game Host
Prediction: Haason Reddick, linebacker, Temple
“Trying to project what a team will do at No. 21 in a draft is a difficult proposition as so many things can occur in the first 20 picks to turn the first round upside down. I have a hunch that the “Ponder” will happen before the Lions pick at No. 21. The “Ponder” refers to the 2011 draft where the Vikings went off the board to select Christian Ponder at No. 12 because three quarterbacks had already been taken off the board. The quarterback position has never held more importance, and there is chance that a quarterback run could take place, with as many as four being selected before the Lions selection at No. 21.”That is what I am betting on, and with the No. 21 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Lions select Haason Reddick from Temple University. Reddick could come in on day one and immediately help in regards to a glaring need: covering backs and tight ends in the passing game.”
Nick Roddy: Lions Executive Producer
Prediction: Malik McDowell, defensive tackle, Michigan State
“Bob Quinn can justifiably take any position at No. 21, with the exception of quarterback and offensive line. I really want to go with Western Michigan wide receiver Corey Davis, if he falls, but I just don’t think he’ll be there. He runs the best routes out of any receiver in this draft class, and would be a perfect long-term fit with quarterback Matthew Stafford. I think the Lions can wait on a tight end and running back, as both position groups are very deep.
“Therefore, the Lions will address the defensive side of the ball. Alabama linebacker Rueben Foster, or Temple linebacker Hasson Reddick would be the pick if they make it to No. 21, but neither will. So Bob Quinn selects Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell. McDowell is a freak athlete, but sometimes ran through the motions in East Lansing last season. Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin needs an attacking defensive tackle to play alongside A’Shawn Robinson, and finds that with McDowell.”
Michael Stets: Lions Studio Host
Prediction: Kevin King, cornerback, Washington
“With the Lions having multiple needs, they will definitely be on “best available player” mode at No. 21, waiting to see what player falls to them. A stud linebacker would be a huge addition to the defense, as would an edge rusher to pair up with Ziggy Ansah. I believe the two top linebackers, Reuben Foster (Alabama) and Hasson Reddick (Temple) will both be long gone by No. 21, but I can see Quinn grabbing Jarrad Davis (Florida) if he’s there. An offensive pick isn’t out of the equation either, and I’m sure Quinn will be mulling over some enticing options at running back or tight end when it’s time to pick on Thursday night. However, there will be plenty of chances to add either position in the later rounds.
“With the team having surrendered 33 touchdown passes last year, and opposing teams posting a 106.5 passer rating vs. the Lions in 2016, getting a corner to pair up with No.1 cornerback Darius Slay is a glaring need that hasn’t been discussed much during this offseason. Marlon Humphrey (Alabama) will be gone early on, but after that there is a great chance that a top corner will be there for the taking at No.21.
“I think Quinn goes with cornerback Kevin King, out of Washington. King had a killer performance at the NFL Scouting combine (4.43 40-yd dash, 39.5″ vertical, 6.56 three-cone shuttle) and is known for his character, which Quinn is very high on. King has a high football IQ and can play inside or outside and also at safety. With his rare combination of size (6′ 3″ 200 lbs) and athleticism for the position, he can add an interesting dynamic to the Lions’ defense. He allowed only one touchdown in his last 28 games and none in the entire 2016 season. Also, he broke up 13 passes. Do you think that kind of play might come in handy against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers?”
Chris Renwick: WJR anchor and reporter
Prediction: Taco Charlton, defensive end, Michigan
“The Lions have numerous holes to fill across the front seven, and Michigan’s Taco Charlton gives Detroit an immediate impact player at defensive end. Charlton showed improvement year after year as his role at Michigan increased, and shot up many draft boards late last season. In 11 starts last year, Taco recorded 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for a loss, and after bouncing back from an injury, did most of his damage in his final three games of the year against Indiana, Ohio State and Florida State. And in a draft that’s rich with talent along the defensive line, the Lions could be getting a Top 10 player at No. 21.”