Fansided
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Bryan Cox (94) rushes as Vanderbilt Commodores offensive tackle Will Holden (74) blocks during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Bryan Cox (94) rushes as Vanderbilt Commodores offensive tackle Will Holden (74) blocks during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Fifth Round (Overall Selection Undecided): Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt

There’s nothing more frustrating than when teams neglect a certain position. The Lions drafted heavily in the trenches last year and that needs to continue this year. Their achilles heal at the end of the year was the injuries that occurred on the offensive line. Whether it be Travis Swanson or Riley Reiff, the Lions don’t have enough depth up front.

Will Holden was the blindside protector for Vanderbilt but he should transition to right tackle at the next level. I don’t believe the Lions will retain Riley Reiff moving forward so they will have a huge hole at the right tackle position. If so, Holden is a fit. At 6’7 and 315 lbs., he provides length and decent footwork to become a starter at the position. With time, he will get better, just like he did at Vanderbilt.

With 34 career starts, Holden brings a lot of experience to the table. I believe he’s a better run blocker than pass blocker but he’s still had a passing grade in every contest he’s played in 2016. I’d say his best game was against Ole Miss, where their best defensive end, Marquis Haynes, only had three assisted tackles. Holden should become a starter for the Detroit Lions, whether it be as a rookie or in another year or two.

Home/Mock Drafts