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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Detroit Lions – Full Seven Rounds

By Russell Brown

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts during a stoppage in play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts during a stoppage in play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Madre London (28) runs the ball against Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1) during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Madre London (28) runs the ball against Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1) during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Round (53rd Overall): Anthony Walker Jr., LB, Northwestern

Certainly there are a lot of questions regarding the Detroit Lions and their linebackers. More so, DeAndre Levy. He’s created quite the buzz in the local media and could opt for retirement. It was nice to see him return but again, major question mark. Overall, the Lions need a third linebacker in their defense and this would be an ideal fit.

At 6’1 235 lbs., Anthony Walker Jr., could be a nice fit for the outside linebacker position. There’s even some talks that he could play middle linebacker. Personally, I think he might be too small to play inside but either way, he bring playmaking ability to a defense that desperately needs a playmaker.

If DeAndre Levy were to return, Anthony Walker Jr., would pair up nicely with Levy and Tahir Whitehead. That would give them legit speed on the outside, allow them to stack the box against run heavy teams and even gives them a linebacker who can drop back into coverage.

Anthony Walker Jr., finished the 2016 season with 122 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception. He certainly shows how well he plays sideline to sideline and is just starting to mold into an NFL starting linebacker.

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