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Three Options for the Detroit Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Russell Brown

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Sidney Jones, Cornerback from Washington

One of the biggest needs for the Detroit Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft is finding quality cornerbacks. They haven’t taken a cornerback in the first round since Terry Fair in the 1998 NFL Draft. That’s almost two decades of neglecting a position in the first round. If Bob Quinn wants to win the heart of the people, improving this secondary has to be one of his main objectives.

Marshon Lattimore is the highest ranked cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft. If you talk to any other  draft expert, they’ll make a case for Sidney Jones as the top cornerback in this year’s draft. That will be a topic for a different day. As far as Sidney Jones goes, well, he is incredibly talented.

There’s no question that he’ll be a first round pick and he should be available at the 21st overall selection.  He displays a lot of top-tier talent and is starting to develop into the cornerback he needs to be. He’s a physical player with great ball skills and has been talked about as a “football guy”. Teams in the NFL will always prefer those types of players and so should the Detroit Lions.

Next: Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft

Adding strength to his frame will be very important as he’ll move on to face bigger competition at the next level.  For the 2016 season, Jones tallied 39 tackles, two interceptions. and six pass deflections. Jones did plenty to signify himself as one of the best cover corners in this draft class.

Primarily the focus for the Detroit Lions secondary is find a player opposite of Darius Slay. After allowing over 70 completion percentage, it’s clear the Lions need help. Jones is more than adequate and with time, he could become the shutdown cornerback they need.

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