Mock Draft Round Up 7

CBS Mock Draft RJ White (20. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA:  The Lions should be looking for some way to boost their pass rush if they don't bring Ziggy Ansah back next season. While at his best Ansah is tough to handle, injuries have plagued him the last few years and made him largely ineffective. Davenport would be an excellent cheaper option to replace Ansah's production, but there's also a chance the big defensive lineman could be long gone by the time the Lions pick.) (2-1-18):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-mock-draft-cardinals-trade-up-to-take-fourth-quarterback-in-top-10/

Draftwire (20. Vita Vea, DT, Washington: Yet another defense that could use help at every level, the Lions should take the best overall prospect available on that side of the ball. Vea is the rare space-eater who can get after the passer with ridiculous athleticism for his size. 51. Sam Hubbard, DE, OSU; 84. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon; 116. Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama) (2-1-18):  http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/02/01/2018-nfl-mock-draft-4-round-projections-heading-into-super-bowl-lii/2/

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: The Lions 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. Rashaad Penny, RB, SDSU: Ameer Abdullah has been benched, so it's obvious that the Lions will be focusing on finding a new running back this offseason. 113. Chad Thomas, DE, Miami: 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.) (2-1-18):  http://walterfootball.com/draft2018_1.php


Draft Tek Mock Draft (20. RB Derrius Guice: Well, look what we have here, Lions' fans! It's been a few weeks since Guice has fallen below the 18th pick in our mocks, but here he is. Not only does this selection make sense, it will create quite the buzz on offense for the Lions, a buzz that's been missing since the Calvin Johnson days. Now, I'm not saying Guice is the same player as the G.O.A.T Calvin Johnson, no sir. But as Lions' fans we can admit that they've missed that big play, that home-run hitter. RB Ameer Abdullah was supposed to be that guy and his tape would prove he's tremendously athletic, agile, and the type of shifty back that makes heads roll. It just hasn't panned out that way and if the Lions want to address the running game that's been plaguing them for years, it's time to settle it right here if Guice is available.  Guice brought electricity to LSU's backfield. Not only did he light up in 2017, his first year as a bona fide starting running back, but also in 2016 when LSU standout Leonard Fournette was hurt. In the 7 games Fournette missed, Guice never dipped below 138 yards rushing or had less than 1 touchdown. That's amazing. 2017 was no different, as Guice amassed 1,153 rushing yards and 11 TDs with a sparkling 5.34 yards per carry. Don't believe me? Just watch for yourselves. If you thought Golden Tate was a shifty and hard-to-tackle ball carrier in open space, Guice is that times 10. I'm high on Guice, but we will just have to see how soon-to-be Head Coach Matt Patricia or Bob Quinn goes about offseason roster moves before the draft. We know Patricia is a defensive guy, but Guice is just that good and Patricia and Quinn might not be able to pass up that electricity.  51. S Marcus Allen: Safety is not the most dire need for the Lions as Glover Quin has most certainly been one of the best safeties, not just for the Lions, but league-wide. Bleacher Report actually compiled a list of 1,000 NFL players and ranked each. Quin came in as a top 5 safety. Not bad, Glover, not bad. Since Quin has his spot locked up, the question now becomes how will Matt Patricia utilize Quandre Diggs? Diggs, since moving to safety, was also stellar in Tavon Wilson's absence for the final four games of the 2017 season. With Miles Killebrew in the mix as well, it seems to be a very-well-rounded defensive backfield, Adding a sure-fire player like Marcus Allen guarantees maintained success at the position as Quin and Wilson aren't getting any younger and we know how Patricia loves do-it-all defensive players.  Since Patricia didn't get his new defensive toy in this mock draft in RD1, Allen makes sense here in the second. As I mentioned, safety doesn't seem to be in dire need for an upgrade, but passing on a player like Marcus Allen or even Armani Watts may be a mistake. Allen can flat-out tackle, he's extremely instinctive, and was a leader for the Nittany Lions in his four years as a starter. In other words, the guy is a playmaker and a spark on defense. Although Allen is not the best in coverage (only had 1 career interception in college), his run support is elite and, as I've mentioned in previous mock drafts, the Lions also need help at linebacker depth. Allen could fit into a "joker" role perfectly and could add another dimension into disguising coverages in Patricia's defense. There are lots of ways the Lions could go with this pick as there are many worthy names, but Allen has the potential to be a staple for the defense that selects him.  82. CB Donte Jackson; 114. OT Martinas Rankin; 144. OC Coleman Shelton; 211. DE Trevon Young) (1-31-18): https://www.drafttek.com/2018-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1b.asp

Draft Geek Mock Draft (20. DE Marcus Davenport) (1-31-18): http://www.nfldraftgeek.com/2018-nfl-mock-draft/

NFL's Lance Zierlein's Mock Draft (20. DE Marcus Davenport:  Davenport has flashes that are reminiscent of Ezekiel Ansah when he came out of BYU in 2013. Detroit might have to replace Ansah this offseason, as he's due to hit free agency.) (1-30-18):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000912165/article/lance-zierlein-mock-draft-10-darnold-barkley-bolster-browns

CBS Mock Draft Chris Trapasso (20. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: The Lions desperately need a true feature back, and that's precisely what Guice is. He looks and runs like a power back and possesses the change-of-direction ability of a much smaller runner.) (1-29-18):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-mock-draft-raiders-go-defense-ravens-add-much-needed-wr-speed/

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 (6-5, 259) possesses an excellent skill set with speed and agility. He has length and athleticism to play on the edge in the NFL, but needs to learn more pass-rushing moves. 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, quickness, and athleticism are always in demand, so Davenport could go in the first round in a weak year at defensive end. 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 Round 1 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.) (1-29-18): http://walterfootball.com/draft2018charlie_1.ph

NFL's Bucky Brooks Mock Draft (20. DT Maurice Hurst:  The potential loss of Haloti Ngata, who's due to become a free agent, could leave a crater in the middle of the Lions' defense. Hurst is a blue-collar 3-technique with the motor and game to be a disruptive force on the interior.) (1-26-18):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910983/article/bucky-brooks-mock-draft-10-broncos-jags-among-6-to-pick-qb

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.) (1-19-18):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000908233/article/jeremiah-mock-draft-10-browns-jets-fins-redskins-take-qb

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

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.) (1-17-18): http://www.draftcountdown.com/mock-draft/2018-mock-draft/page/2/

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


 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/

 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) (12-13-17): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2017/12/todd_mcshay_lions_take_virgini.html

Round 1 (9 DE, 5 RB, 2 DT, 2 LB, 1 CB, 2 C):

5 RB Derrius Guice

5 DE Marcus Davenport
3 DE Sam Hubbard

2 C Billy Price
1 DT Maurice Hurst
1 DT Vita Vea
1 DE Harold Landry
1 LB Tremaine Edmunds

1 CB Donte Jackson

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

1 S Marcus Allen
1 RB Ronald Jones
1 LB Jerome Baker

1 DT Maurice Hurst

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

1 CB Donte Jackson
1 ILB Oren Burks
1 RB Royce Freeman
1 RB Rashaad Penny

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

1 DE Chad Thomas
1 OT Martinas Rankin

1 CB Anthony Averett

Round 5 (1 OC):

1 OC Coleman Shelton

Round 7 (1 DE):

1 DE Trevon Young