2016 Mock Draft Round-Up #8

NFL's Zierlein's Mock Draft (16. RB Ezekiel Elliot: The Lions Must Find A Way To Get The Running Game Going, And Without A Dominant Lineman To Plug In Here, The Smart Choice Would Be Adding The Top Running Back In The Draft.) (3-4-16):  http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/lance-zierlein/300603

USA Today Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions – WR Laquon Treadwell: Even if Calvin Johnson sticks around for one more season, it makes perfect sense to plan ahead if the draft's top wideout is still available. Treadwell isn't the next Megatron, but he should be a reliable target who will be in the right spots with the capability to do damage in the red zone.) (3-4-16):  http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2016/03/01/mock-draft-combine-carson-wentz-jared-goff/81131596/

Draft Tek Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - ILB Reggie Ragland: Being an NFL Draft Analyst is sometimes all about agonizing reappraisal. Oh, how I'd love to get behind drafting an Offensive Tackle here, but the inconvenient truth is that only Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss) looks to be NFL-ready, and I suspect that he'll struggle to adapt to the speed, and power of NFL Defenses as a rookie. The Lions can ill afford drafting a project in RD1, and their Tackle conundrum is unlikely to resolve itself in Free Agency. UFA LTs Russell Okung, Donald Penn, Mitchell Schwartz, and Kelvin Beachum aren't upgrades to Riley Reiff, and they will demand blind-side money to play RT. Fortunately for new Lions' GM Bob Quinn, there are some immediate-impact defensive prospects available . Ragland is a unanimous First Team All-American, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He joins former 'Bama greats, Cornelius Bennett and Derrick Thomas, who were similarly decorated. In upcoming weeks, we'll closely examine Ragland's game, and how he'll be that immediate impact player that the Lions absolutely can't miss on here. 46. Detroit Lions - OT Shon Coleman: Passing on a project Tackle in RD1, the Lions can better afford a project here. Coleman skipped the NFL Scouting Combine on-field activities while recovering from MCL surgery on his right knee. He put up 22 reps on the bench press and was available for interviews. He should be medically cleared by mid-April, but will miss Auburn's Pro Day next week. Coleman's story is interesting. He's a cancer survivor who beat leukemia in 2010. After two years, he red-shirted at Auburn. In 2014, he played in six games behind the second-overall selection in the draft, LT Greg Robinson. Coleman has the perfect blend of size, techniques, and athleticism that the LT position demands, and he shows extremely well on film. For the Lions, Coleman would be a wise investment. 108. DT Jarvon Hargrave, 139. CB Deiondre Hall, 157. SS Elijah Shumate, 173. OLB Travis Banks, 184. QB Brandon Allen and 204. DE Brandon Jackson) (3-4-16):   http://www.drafttek.com/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp

NFL's Charles Davis (16. OT Taylor Decker: This Pick Will Allow Starting Lt Riley Reiff To Move To RT.) (3-3-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/charles-davis/300602

Foxsport's Schrager's Mock Draft (16. Detroit (7-9): RB Ezekiel Elliot: Yes, the Lions already have a pair of running backs in Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. No, neither is close to what Ezekiel Elliot is. I've had two teams tell me they believe he's a top-10 pick. That's a little too rich for my blood at the moment, but I also saw Todd Gurley skyrocket up boards the week of the draft a year ago. Elliott is the best blocking running back to enter the NFL in years, and he can run the ball too.) (3-3-16):  http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-mock-draft-post-combine-laremy-tunsil-carson-wentz-deforest-buckner-jared-goff-030316

Walter football Walt's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: DT Sheldon Rankins: The Lions Obviously Need A Big Boost At Defensive Tackle After Failing To Properly Replace Ndamukong Suh And Nick Fairley Last Offseason, And Sheldon Rankins Is One Of The Better Players Available.46. WR Corey Coleman: Calvin Johnson has announced his retirement, so unless the Lions can lure him back with a mega contract, they'll have to find a new starting receiver to play across from Golden Tate. 108. Detroit Lions: DE Charles Tapper: Here's Another Defensive Lineman For The Lions, As They'll Need Someone To Replace Jason Jones If He Leaves Via Free Agency.   139. Detroit Lions: OT John Theus: The Lions have announced that Riley Reiff will return next year, but will he be around much longer than that? A long-term plan is needed. 157. Detroit Lions: SS DeAndre Houston-Carson:The Lions have a couple of safeties set to hit free agency, so this is a position they may look to address in the middle rounds.) (3-3-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016.php

Rotoworld's Josh Norris' Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - DT A'Shawn Robinson - The NFL already likes and will continue to like Robinson’s projection more than I do. I see a big, stout run defender who does not offer very much as an upfield disruptor or pass rusher. Maybe he can be Michael Brockers, but I see adequate to above average run defenders signed every year off the street. The Lions do need help along the interior, and as you have read, it can greatly impact linebacker success.) (3-3-16):   http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/60783/344/nfl-mock-draft-version-40

Freep's Birkett"s Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - DE Shaq Lawson: Edge rusher is an underrated need for the Lions, who don't have much at the position beyond Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor. Lawson would play as a rotational player as a rookie – Taylor can play inside in nickel packages – and provide insurance in case Taylor leaves after the season.) (3-2-16):   http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/02/dave-birketts-nfl-mock-draft-10/81214416/

Detroit News Katzstein's Mock Draft ( 16. Detroit Lions - DT Sheldon Rankins: The Lions defense has thrived the past two years when there's been interior pressure. Rankins is lightning-quick off the snap and plays bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame) (3-2-16):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/02/josh-katzensteins-nfl-mock-draft-10/81235438/

ESPN's McShay's Mock Draft (16. OT Taylor Decker) (3-2-16):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/03/todd_mcshay_mock_draft_detroit_1.html

PFF Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame: The pick remains the same for the Lions as they bring in Stanley who graded at +9.6 as a pass blocker and +9.3 in the run game. He’s better as a pass blocker as he moves well to mirror opposing rushers but he’ll struggle with power in the running game. Stanley surrendered only 13 pressures on 458 attempts last season and he can step right into Detroit’s revolving door at right tackle while potentially pushing LT Riley Reiff out the door in the coming years.) (3-2-16):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/02/draft-mock-draft-4-0-jalen-ramsey-surges-to-no-1-overall-pick/

NFL's Brook's Mock Draft (16. WR Laquon Treadwell: With Calvin Johnson Mulling Retirement, The Lions Could Have A Huge Void At Wr1. Treadwell Would Be A Natural Replacement As A Big-bodied Pass-catcher With Exceptional Ball Skills.) (3-2-16):  http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/bucky-brooks/300601

SI Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - DT Vernon Butler: The Lions infamously passed on Aaron Donald for Eric Ebron. If they take an offensive player here—Laquon Treadwell’s just lurking—with Butler, Andrew Billings and Sheldon Rankins on the board, Detroit’s fan base might lose it. Any of the three would help restock the D-line. The 320-pound Butler plays a rather nimble game inside, with the burst and power to penetrate.)(3-2-16):  http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/02/nfl-mock-draft-2016-combine-laremy-tunsil-jalen-ramsey

CBS' Brinson's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: WR Laquon Treadwell: No one can replace Calvin Johnson (assuming he actually retires) but someone's got to try.) (3-2-16):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/will-brinson

CBS' Rob Rang's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson: The Lions have a growing star in Ziggy Ansah but have not yet sufficiently replaced former free agent losses Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Cliff Avril over the past few seasons. Lawson isn't the blue chip prospect that his NCAA-leading 25.5 tackles for loss would indicate, but he is powerful, agile and tenacious and, like Ansah, is still just scratching the surface of his potential.) (3-1-16):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/rob-rang

CBS' Dane Brugler's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: WR Laquon Treadwell: If Calvin Johnson indeed retires, wide receiver jumps near the top of the needs list for the Lions. Treadwell is one of the best skill players in this draft due to his ball skills and play strength at only 20 years old.) (3-1-16):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/dane-brugler

CBS' Prisco's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson: He had an impressive combine workout, and he?s a speed rusher who would be a nice complement to Ziggy Ansah. They play Aaron Rodgers twice a year, so you can never have enough edge rushers.) (3-1-16):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/pete-prisco

NFL's Daniel Jeremiah (16. WR Laquon Treadwell: Treadwell Isn't A Burner, But I Love His Physical Style Of Play And He'll Be A Double-digit Td Producer Very Early In His Career.) (3-1-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/daniel-jeremiah/275602

Kirwan's Mock Draft ( 16. DT Sheldon Rankins: It’s no secret the Lions need help on the defensive line. Rankins has more plays behind the line of scrimmage (sacks/tackles for a loss) in the last two years than any defensive tackle in the draft.) (3-1-16):  https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/01/kirwan-mock/

USA Today The Draftwire Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: DT Sheldon Rankins: Scouting Report - Overview: If Haloti Ngata can be re-signed, the Lions should look to pair him with a more explosive three-techinque. Rankins fits that bill perfectly, as an athletic defensive lineman who can get upfield and utilize a bevy of moves to create interior pressure against the pass. The Lions could also consider Taylor Decker here.) (2-29-16):  http://thedraftwire.usatoday.com/2016/02/29/nfl-mock-draft-4-0-pre-free-agency-edition/

Walter football's Charlie's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: DT Sheldon Rankins: Detroit let Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley leave last offseason, while Haloti Ngata showed signs of decline in 2015. Here, the Lions grab a talented defensive tackle to cause disruption next to Ziggy Ansah.  Rankins was an impressive defender for Louisville in 2015, totaling 58 tackles with 13 for a loss and six sacks. In 2014, he was even better when he had Lorenzo Mauldin on the edge drawing attention. As a junior, Rankins totaled nine sacks, 54 tackles and 14.5 tackles for a loss. The 6-foot-1, 304-pounder could be a speedy three-technique for the NFL.  Rankins had a strong week at the Senior Bowl. However, sources say that Rankins' tape wasn't as impressive as his performance in Mobile. Thus, he's a more challenging evaluation for what a team will get out of him in the NFL.  46. DE Carl Nassib: The Lions grab a pass-rusher to pair with Ziggy Ansah. Nassib put together a torrid 2015 season with a bunch of multi-sack games and a huge presence in the opponents' backfields. He led the nation with 15.5 sacks in 2015 while also racking 46 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. The 6-foot-6, 273-pounder also has drawn raves for his work ethic and practice habits from head coach James Franklin and former head coach Bill O'Brien. Nassib could fit at end in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He really put his draft stock on the map with a massive senior season. Nassib is a 1-year wonder as he had only two sacks combined over 2014 and 2013. 108. WR Rashard Higgins : The Lions will want to address receiver at some point with Calvin Johnson retiring. Higgins (6-2, 188) had 75 catches 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns in 2015. He is a smooth, quick receiver who combines good route-running with reliable hands. If Higgins were thicker, he would be second-day pick. As a sophomore, he had a huge year with Garrett Grayson at quarterback under head coach Jim McElwain. Higgins totaled 96 passes for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2014.) (2-22-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016charlie.php

Mel Kiper's Mock Draft (16. DT Jarran Reed: The Lions need to add talent to the interior of the defensive line even if Haloti Ngata returns for another year (or more). Reed isn't going to get sacks, but he immediately upgrades the run defense and is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better because he's so hard to move and can occupy blockers.) (2-18-16):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/02/18/mel-kiper-2016-mock-draft/80551688/

NFL's Chad Reuter's Mock Draft ( 16. OT Taylor Decker: Taylor Decker Joins Fellow Former Big Ten Star Lineman Riley Reiff On The Lions' O-line, With The Hopes That It Helps In Pass Protection (44 Sacks Allowed In 2015) And The Consistency Of The Bottom-ranked Rush Offense In The League. 46. DT Robert Nkemdiche, 108. DE Ronald Blair.) (2-18-16):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000629975/article/fourround-mock-draft-cowboys-grab-qb-wentz-at-no-4

Football's Future Mock Draft (16. Detroit - Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama: Ragland is the type of player every team wants in the middle. He's instinctive, tough, and a natural leader. He's the type of player that can come and transform the identity of the defense with his toughness.) (2-10-16):  http://www.footballsfuture.com/2016/nflmockdraft.html

NFLRealGM's Mock Draft (16. Lions: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor: I toyed with a lot of different defensive linemen here. In the end Billings won out over Sheldon Rankins, Vernon Butler and Shaq Lawson because what he does well fits exactly what the Lions need along the D-Line: he’s an attacking nose tackle who plays the run very well on his way to the pass rush. Note--if you see any national pundit giving the Lions a cornerback in this slot, you have my permission to assault them with blunt objects; that is about as likely with this CB class as Martin O’Malley winning the Democratic nomination.) (2-1-16):   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2764/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-30-Post-Senior-Bowl

Draftcountdown Mock Draft (16. DT A'Shawn Robinson: The loss of Ndamukong Suh in free agency last offseason was a serious blow.  Trading for Haloti Ngata was merely a stop-gap solution so it’s time for Detroit to bring in a long-term fix for the middle of the defensive line.  Alabama DT A’Shawn Robinson maylook like a grizzled ten-year veteran but in reality he is still just 20-years-old.  Robinson anchored the best defensive line in the country, using his size, strength and aggressiveness to control the line of scrimmage for the Crimson Tide en route to a national championship.  Robinson isn’t a particularly explosive athlete and probably won’t ever be a dynamic pass rusher but few are better when it comes to stuffing the run.  Another bonus with Robinson is that he is scheme-diverse and has the ability to play either defensive tackle in a 4-3 or the five-technique in a 3-4.  This may not be a sexy choice for the Lions but Robinson is going to be a solid player in the league for a long time, addresses a need and offers good value at this point.  Can’t ask for much more than that.) (1-26-16):   http://www.draftcountdown.com/mock-draft/2016-mock-draft/round-1/page/2/

First Round Picks (10 DT, 5 WR, 4 OT, 3 DE, 2 LB and 2 RB):

5 - WR Laquon Treadwell
5 - DT Sheldon Rankins
3 - OT Taylor Decker
3 - DE Shaq Lawson
2 - LB Reggie Rashland
2 - DT A'Shawn Robinson
2 - RB Ezekiel Elliot
1 - DT Andrew Billings
1 - OT Ronnie Stanley
1 - DT Jarron Reed
1 - DT Vernon Butler

Round 2 (1 DE, 1 - DT, 1- LB, 1 - OT and 1 - WR):

1 - WR Corey Coleman
1 - DE Carl Nassib
1 - OT Shon Coleman
1 - DT Robert Nkemdiche
1 - LB Kentrell Brothers

Round 4 (2 - DE, 1 - DT and 1 - WR):

2 - WR Rashard Higgins
1 - DT Jarvon Hargrave
1 - DE Charles Tapper
1 - DE Ronald Blair

Round 5:

139. 1- CB Deiondre Hall
1 - OT John Theus
157. 1 - SS Elijah Shumate
1 - SS DeAndre Houston-Carson
Round 6:

173. 1 - OLB Travis Banks
184. 1 - QB Brandon Allen

Round 7:

1 - DE Brandon Jackson