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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Upgrading the defense

By Russell Brown

Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End. Iowa. George Kittle. 165. player. 50.

There’s been speculation that the Lions are going to take a tight end in this draft. Certainly, we can only hope they don’t do it before addressing other key needs. While Eric Ebron will never live up to the 10th overall selection hype, he did have a strong season last year. Finding another tight end later in this draft is a smart move for the Lions.

With this pick, the Lions get a player who has a good mix of run blocking and pass catching. During his career at Iowa, Kittle had 48 catches but only one dropped pass. It’s a safe assumption that he’s sure handed. However, he needs to improve his overall route running and route tree as he’s often relied on in short yardage or vertically.

Being 6’4″ and 247 pounds helps Kittle in maintaining low pad level when blocking. He’s got adequate strength to finish his blocks and fits the part of a number two tight end. I wouldn’t expect the fifth round pick to rise above Ebron on the depth chart. However, I would expect him to do more than his share in run blocking and as another option for Matthew Stafford.

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