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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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Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) pulls in an interception against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) pulls in an interception against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

50. . Safety. Clemson. Jadar Johnson. 205. player

This is more so a depth pick in the sixth-round but it could pay off in the long-run. Jadar Johnson has starting safety upside and reminds me of current Lions safety, Glover Quinn. He’s an athletic safety with good instincts and ball skills. This past season he had 5 interceptions and 60 tackles.

There’s some concern with Johnson as he was a rotation piece before this season. So with only one-year as a starter, there’s concern on if he’s NFL ready. Either way, he should contribute to the Lions on special teams. That may not be important to some but it should be.

Johnson doesn’t close well and needs to improve his overall pursuit angles. There isn’t much concern with him in coverage as he’s got the physical tools to maintain a good blend of man and zone coverage.

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