Mock Draft Round Up 5

NFL's Jeremiah's Mock (20.  Billy Price, C, OSU:  Price can play any of the three interior positions and his nasty demeanor fits with what GM Bob Quinn is building in Detroit.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000908233/article/jeremiah-mock-draft-10-browns-jets-fins-redskins-take-qb

DraftCountdown (17. Sam Hubbard, DE, OSU: Despite the presence of Ziggy Ansah and the emergence of Anthony Zettel, the Lions still rank in the bottom third of the league in sack production. There was such an extreme lack of depth they were forced to bring in 37-year-old Dwight Freeney mid-season to try and add a little juice. Making matters even worse, Ansah is going to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While it’s hard to believe they’d let him get away, another pass rusher is desperately needed in Detroit even if Ansah is retained. Hubbard is a converted safety who has maintained much of that athleticism despite bulking up. Not only is Hubbard a speedy threat off the edge but he also moves extremely well on his feet and in space. And the scary part is he’s still developing and his best football is yet to come.) (1-19-18): http://www.draftcountdown.com/mock-draft/2018-mock-draft/page/2/

Walter Football Charlie's Mock (20. Marcus Davenport, DE: The Lions grab an end to go opposite of Ziggy Ansah, and if Ansah isn't re-signed, defensive end will be a huge need. Davenport (6-7, 256) is another small-school prospect who has earned a Senior Bowl invitation. He has length and athleticism to play on the edge in the NFL. In 2017, Davenport notched 55 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four passes batted and three forced fumbles. He totaled 6.5 sacks as a junior after notching four as a sophomore. Edge defenders with length are always in demand, so if Davenport plays well at the Senior Bowl, his stock could really rise. Scouts from multiple teams have told me that Davenport is a good player and impressed them in 2017, but they thought the top-16 is too high for him. They think the back half of the first round is possible. 51. Ronald Jones, RB, USC: The Lions could use a feature back to give them a rushing attack. Jones (6-0, 200) ran really well for USC in 2017, showing more decisiveness and displaying more power after gaining weight in the offseason. He also showed a burst at the point of attack with the quickness to rip off some chunk runs. On the season, Jones averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 1,550 yards with 19 touchdowns. He also had 14 receptions for 187 yards and a score. Jones ran for 1,082 yards in 2016 and 987 yards as a sophomore. 82. Oren Burks, ILB, Vanderbilt: The Lions could use more linebacking talent next to Jarrad Davis. Sources from multiple teams have told me that Burks (6-3, 230) impressed them in 2017. They like his combination of size, quickness and instincts. Burks recorded 82 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, one interception and three passes broken up in 2017. In 2016, he formed a potent linebacking tandem with Zach Cunningham. Burks totaled 59 tackles with 3.5 sacks and six passes broken up that season. Burks has shown some coverage and ball skills throughout his career, having made six breakups as a sophomore and seven as a freshman.) (1-19-18): http://walterfootball.com/draft2018charlie_1.php

Walter Football Walter's Mock (17. Detroit Lions: Donte Jackson, CB, LSU: The Lions have an outstanding cornerback in Darius Slay, but they really need another strong option at the position. I've mocked Christian Wilkins to them frequently, but with Wilkins going back to school, they'll have to look at another prospect, and there are several late first-round cornerbacks who can provide an upgrade for them. 51. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan: ns really need to focus on bolstering their pass rush, and they could use an interior presence to go along with A'Shawn Robinson. Maurice Hurst is a tweener at 6-2, 282. He's a disruptive player, but doesn't have a defined position. 82. Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa: Ameer Abdullah has been benched, so it's obvious that the Lions will be focusing on finding a new running back this offseason. 113. Jayln Holmes, DE, OSU: Ziggy Ansah is Detroit's best free agent. He'll need to be replaced if he leaves via the open market. Another edge rusher wouldn't hurt regardless.) (1-18-18): http://walterfootball.com/draft2018_1.php

Kiper Mock Draft (20. DE Sam Hubbard) (1-18-18): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/01/mel_kiper_lions_need_a_running.html

Sporting News Mock (20. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: The Lions have put off running back for too long, and it’s time to take some of the load off Matthew Stafford’s arm. Guice can be a feature back who can shift Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah into situational play.) (1-17-18): http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/list/nfl-mock-draft-2018-giants-lions-packers-jets-browns-cowboys-broncos/wn471scv051d16jon26h4190s/slide/20

CBS Mock Draft RJ White (20. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan: The Lions go local with this pick and take a defensive tackle who had 31 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in his final three years at Michigan. Hurst doesn't have the size that teams are generally looking for in an interior defensive lineman, but his quickness more than makes up for that deficiency and makes him in particular a great threat rushing the passer on third downs.) (1-18-18): https://www.cbssports.cfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-mock-draft-broncos-take-baker-mayfield-jets-pass-on-a-quarterback/

Draftwire (20. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: Even if Ziggy Ansah doesn’t jump ship in free agency, the Lions could use another talented edge rusher on the opposite side. A name you’re likely to hear more often in the coming weeks, Davenport is a physical freak of a prospect with rare athleticism for his size. 51. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford; 84. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon; 116. DJ Reed, CB, Kansas) (1-17-18): http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/17/2018-nfl-mock-draft-4-round-projections-heading-into-senior-bowl-week/2/

Draft Tek Mock Draft (20. LB Roquan Smith: All signs are pointing towards New England Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia to don the Honolulu Blue and Silver as the new Head Coach in 2018. If this is in fact the case, the Lions will most likely give their new head coach a new toy. Enter the Butkus Award winner, Roquan Smith. Standing at 6'1" and 225 lbs, Smith is not the most physically domineering linebacker, but his elite-level instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and his ability to dissect plays make him a special kind of linebacker that will fit Patricia's multiple-look defensive schemes to a T. With LB Tahir Whitehead currenty a free agent and Jarrad Davis (on his own admission) having struggled in his rookie season, the Lions projected depth chart looks relatively weak for 2018. On a smaller scale, Smith will aid Davis' learning curve and vice-versa as the two young linebackers will learn to play together. On a larger scale, selecting Smith will ensure long-term stability at the position. If Smith is the Lions' pick here, pending a stellar Combine and moving up draft boards, this will create a much-needed dynamic duo at LB in Detroit for years to come.. RB Josh Adams: With RBs Saquon Barkley and Derrius Guice most likely out of reach for the Lions Round 1 selection, Detroit still needs to address the position and address it early in this draft. Granted, the RB class for 2018 is considered very deep this year, but with Bryce Love electing to return to Stanford for his Senior season, the RBs behind him will get a boost on NFL draft boards. While Adams ran well in 2017 by boasting 6.9 yards per carry, rushing for 1,430 yards and 9 touchdowns, he still has his doubters who are attributing most of his success to the skill of his teammates Mike McGlinchy and Quenton Nelson, potentail Day 1 offensive linemen selections. Despite this criticism, Adams' blend of size, speed, and patience is similar to that of Le'Veon Bell. Yes, Le'Veon Bell. Adams stands at 6'2" and 225 lbs, only 1 inch smaller than Bell and both backs run around the same 40-yard dash time at 4.57 - 4.60. Lofty comparison for sure, but Adams will come in as Detroit's bell-cow back with Abdullah and Riddick taking a backseat to spell him on passing downs, better suiting their skillset. 84. DE Chad Thomas; 114. OC Will Clapp; 144. S Cole Reyes) (1-17-18): https://www.drafttek.com/2018-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1b.asp

PFF Mock Draft (20. DT Vita Vea: While the Lions will give edge defenders a long look, adding the massive Vea to the middle of the defense may be too good to pass up. More than just a 340-pound run stuffer, Vea had the nation’s No. 4 pass-rush grade (88.0) to go with his No. 3 mark in the run game (91.6). He can blow up blocking schemes and push the pocket, adding a necessary disruptor to the Detroit defensive line.) (1-17-18): https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-pff-2018-nfl-mock-draft-2

Draft Geek Mock Draft (20. RB Derrius Guice) (1-17-18): http://www.nfldraftgeek.com/2018-nfl-mock-draft/ Detroit News Justin Rogers (20. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA. The Lions need all kinds of help up front, especially if Ziggy Ansah isn't retained. Davenport (93) is a long, athletic edge defender who was highly productive rushing the passer last season. The competition jump is significant, but the ceiling is high.) (1-17-18): www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/01/17/justin-rogers-nfl-mock-draft/109550814/

NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang Mock (20. Sam Hubbard, DE, OSU: If the Lions are able to retain free agent Ziggy Ansah — who registered 12 sacks during an injury-shortened 2017 campaign — Detroit might be able to look at addressing the annually disappointing running game. With depth better at running back than edge rusher, however, adding a blue-collar complementary rusher like Hubbard to pair with Ansah might be the wiser choice.) (1-16-18): http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/16/rangs-mock-draft-recordbreaking-early-entries-make-for-rich-crop/

NFL Draft Scout's Dane Brugler Mock (20. Billy Price, C, OSUThe Lions drafted an Ohio State offensive lineman (Taylor Decker) in Bob Quinn’s first draft as general manager and he could return to Columbus for another one. Price is a day one starter at either center or guard and will help stabilize the interior of Detroit’s line.) (1-16-18): http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/16/bruglers-2018-mock-draft/

CBS Mock Draft Chris Trapasso (20. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan : Haloti Ngata might be done in Detroit, and the Lions need to add more pass rush on their defensive line regardless of where it comes from. Hurst is theld disruptor in the class.) (1-15-18): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-mock-draft-buccaneers-pick-chubb-cardinals-gamble-on-lamar-jackson/

 NFL Real GM (20. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College: A scheme-versatile rusher with bend and closing burst, exactly what the doctor ordered for Detroit’s weak pass rush. I know it’s very early for absolute statements but I’ll be absolutely floored if they take a running back here.) (1-10-18): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3026/2018-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-30

Rotoworld Mock Draft (20. RB Derrius Guice, LSU - Guice dealt with a thigh injury this season, slowing him down in practice and multiple games. Once he returned, he was outstanding. His cuts, spins and balance on contact allow him to create yards. I love Ameer Abdullah as an individual player, but it is not working out with the Lions. He has yet to eclipse 600 rushing yards in a season with the team.) (1-9-18): http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/77193/344/2018-nfl-mock-draft-no-1
USA Today Mock (20. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: Ignoring the pass rush might be difficult, especially if Ziggy Ansah goes elsewhere. But Detroit had the NFL's worst rushing attack and has finished in the bottom five in each of the last four years. Guice offers rare big-play ability and could take some of the pressure off quarterback Matthew Stafford.) (1-4-18): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/01/03/2018-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-sam-darnold-josh-rosen/997200001/

The Big Lead Mock (20. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford: The defense has needs, especially putting pressure on the QB, but if the Lions don’t chase Le'Veon Bell (he played at Michigan State in college), it’s time to get Matthew Stafford a high-end running back.) (1-1-18): http://thebiglead.com/2018/01/01/2018-nfl-mock-draft-sam-darnold-josh-rosen-josh-allen-saquon-barkley/

ESPN McShay Mock (20. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2017/12/todd_mcshay_lions_take_virgini.html

Round 1 (6 DE, 5 RB, 2 DT, 2 LB, 1 CB, 2 C):

5 RB Derrius Guice

3 DE Sam Hubbard

2 DE Marcus Davenport
2 DT Maurice Hurst
2 C Billy Price
1 DE Harold Landry
1 LB Tremaine Edmunds

1 LB Roquan Smith

1 CB Donte Jackson

Round 2 (1 CB, 2 RB, 2 DT):

1 RB Josh Adams
1 RB Ronald Jones
1 DT Harrison Phillips

1 DT Maurice Hurst

Round 3 (1 DE, 1 ILB, 1 OG, 2 RB):

1 DE Chad Thomas
1 ILB Oren Burks
1 RB Royce Freeman
1 RB Akrum Wadley

Round 4 (1 DE, 1 OC, 1 CB):

1 DE Jayln Holmes
1 OC Will Clapp

1 CB DJ Reed

Round 5 (1 S):

1 S Cole Reyes