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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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Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Arkansas . Jeremiah Ledbetter. 215. player. 50. . Defensive Tackle

One thing the Lions will always continue to do in the NFL Draft is build in the trenches. Last year, they spent six draft picks on offensive and defensive lineman. That trend should continue this year but maybe not as heavily as the previous.

Drafting a player like Ledbetter is a smart move as he’s a versatile interior defensive lineman. He has the ability to play in as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme or as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. I don’t think he’s got the pass rushing ability to play off the edge consistent enough. However, plug him inside and let him work.

With only 25 career games at Arkansas, he’s still a very raw prospect in the terms of pass rushing ability. He’s only got 7.5 career sacks but he’s been productive and consistent in the run game. That shows with 104 career tackles and 15 tackles for loss. Ledbetter is a strong force in the middle and should be considered as a 3-technique in a 4-3 defense. He can plug the gap and does a nice job of taking up space so his “homie’s can eat.” This should provide the Lions with a nice rotational piece up front on defense.

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