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2017 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Day Three Targets

By Russell Brown

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions have been playing true to their needs and drafting by them. As we enter day three, who are some players they should target?

Over the last two nights of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have added some quality players at three different positions. Linebacker, cornerback, and they traded down with the New England Patriots for a wide receiver. Here’s a list of who they’ve taken so far:

  • Round One – 21st overall – Jarrad Davis, linebacker, Florida
  • Round Two – 53rd overall – Teez Tabor, cornerback, Florida
  • Round Three – 96th overall – Kenny Golladay, wide receiver, Northern Illinois

Trading for Golladay was a head scratcher but they gained an extra fourth round pick out of it. However, the Lions were looking for a number three receiver after the departure of Anquan Boldin. He’s a big bodied player with a solid frame of 6’4″ and 218 lbs. He flashes body control and strong hands in the red-zone.

As we enter the third and final day of the 2017 NFL Draft, who are some players or positions that the Lions should target? Even though they drafted based off need through the first two days, they still have a variety of needs. They haven’t found their edge rusher to play opposite of Ziggy Ansah and they’re still in play to find a power running back.

Here’s what picks the Detroit Lions have left in the 2017 NFL Draft:

  • Round 4, Pick 18 (124th) (From Patriots through Titans)
  • Round 4, Pick 21 (127th)
  • Round 5, Pick 21 (165th)
  • Round 6, Pick 21 (205th)
  • Round 6, Pick 32 (215th) (From Patriots)
  • Round 7, Pick 32 (250th) (From Patriots)

The Cornerbacks

Even after drafting a cornerback in the second round, the Detroit Lions should target another cornerback in this draft. They have six picks left and there’s no reason to neglect the secondary from having any depth. There are plenty of quality cornerbacks left on the board. Some names to consider are, Howard Wilson from Houston, Corn Elder from Miami (FL) and Channing Stribling from Michigan. One name to keep an eye on later in the draft is Jamal Agnew from San Diego. He was one of the few cornerbacks to visit the team and is a very competitive slot cornerback.

The Defensive Line

It’s almost a certainty that the Detroit Lions will draft a defensive lineman. Which one will it be though? Personally, I’d love to see Carlos Watkins, defensive tackle from Clemson. He’s an interior pass rusher who lacks consistency but he’d pair up nicely with A’Shawn Robinson.

Some defensive ends they should consider are the ones that they had private workouts with. Deatrich Wise from Arkansas had a private workout for the Lions and is the top defensive end on the board. He lacks a consistent edge rush but he has flashed a dominant edge presence, in games.

The Running Backs 

Let’s not fool ourselves, the Detroit Lions have three similar running backs. They all catch passes out of the backfield and are shifty in the open field. You can say one running back is better than the other but that’s not the question. The question is, where’s the power back at?

With six picks left, there should be some consideration in finding another running back. Some names to consider are Samaje Perine from Oklahoma, Jamaal Williams from BYU and Tion Green from Cincinnati. All three backs run North and South and show a tendency to fight for extra yards. I love their aggressive running styles and think they’d compliment the Lions backfield, well.

Depth Purposes

It’s been rumored that the Detroit Lions will be looking for another tight end in this draft. There’s a lot of talent on the board but also, the Lions can’t neglect the trenches. Protecting Matthew Stafford has clearly been part of their plan, this off-season. However, there has to be depth behind those starters, in case of injury. Here are some offensive lineman and tight ends the team will consider:

  • Sean Harlow, guard, Oregon State
  • Ben Braden, guard, Michigan
  • Kyle Kalis, guard, Michigan
  • Julie’n Davenport, tackle, Bucknell
  • Will Holden, tackle, Vanderbilt
  • Jake Butt, tight end, Michigan
  • Jason Croom, tight end, Tennessee

Some of these players are players the Detroit Lions met with and some are players I think would add great value to the team. It will be an interesting third day of the draft, especially with six picks left. Nobody can complain about what the Lions have done so far, they can only trust Bob Quinn and the decisions he’s made and the decisions he’ll continue to make.

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