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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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Nov 14, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels safety Dominquie Green (26) and defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) tackle Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Walton (1) at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels won 59 – 21. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels safety Dominquie Green (26) and defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) tackle Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Walton (1) at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels won 59 – 21. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Round (85th Overall): Nazair Jones, DT, North Carolina

There’s been much belief that Haloti Ngata shouldn’t be on the Detroit Lions. At least, not starting for their defense. I would agree with that. At this time, the only defensive tackle with any value on their roster is A’Shawn Robinson who was a 2nd round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. At this time, they need to get some depth with their interior defensive line.

Nazair Jones would be an instant upgrade for their defense and if he tests well at the combine, he could become a second round pick. Right now, with just film, I’ve got him slated for the third round. He’s got tremendous upside but has gotten better from a production standpoint, every year.

I love his size at 6’5 and 300 lbs., plus he’s a quick footed and powerful defensive tackle. Not much of a pass rusher but tremendous run stopper. Pairing him alongside A’Shawn Robinson could allow players like Ezekiel Ansah and Kerry Hyder to get free and create pressure on the quarterback.

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