Lions Look for Help, Depth in NFL Draft
Detroit has the 21st overall pick.
The 2017 NFL Draft starts April 27. The Cleveland Browns have the first pick, and the consensus among football experts is that they’ll choose Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett. The same analysts have different opinions on whom the Detroit Lions will select when it’s their turn. The team has several needs to fill, especially on defense, but they might also consider a wide receiver or a tight end to round out their offense. Detroit News sports writer John Niyo says Lions’ General Manager Bob Quinn is looking for play makers.
“Whether it’s linebacker, whether it’s cornerback, whether it’s even a pass rusher,” Niyo says.
Niyo says several players could fill those needs, including Jarrad Davis, a linebacker from the University of Florida.
“He’s a versatile guy, but he’s also a high character leader,” Niyo says.
Click on the audio player above to hear the conversation with WDET’s Pat Batcheller.
| Year | Pick | Name | Pos | School | What has he done, where is he now? |
| 2009 | 1 | Matthew Stafford | QB | Georgia | 30,300 career passing yds., 86.8 QB rating. Lions starter. |
| 2009 | 20 | Brandon Pettigrew | TE | Oklahoma State | 93 games, 17 TDs. Missed 2016 with injury. Free agent. |
| 2010 | 2 | Ndamukong Suh | DT | Nebraska | 5x Pro Bowl selection, 47 career sacks. Signed w/ Miami as FA in 2015 |
| 2010 | 30 | Jahvid Best | RB | California | Played 22 games in 2010-11. Career shortened by injuries. Released in 2013. Out of football. |
| 2011 | 13 | Nick Fairley | DT | Auburn | 46 games w/ DET, signed w/ New Orleans as FA in 2015. Missed 2016 with injury. |
| 2012 | 23 | Riley Reiff | OT | Iowa | Played 77 games w/ DET, 69 starts. Signed w/ Minnesota as FA in 2017. |
| 2013 | 5 | Ezekiel Ansah | DT | BYU | 46 games, 32 sacks. Lions starter. |
| 2014 | 10 | Eric Ebron | TE | North Carolina | 40 games, 28 starts, 7 TDs, 1,496 yards. Projected Lions starter in 2017 |
| 2015 | 28 | Laken Tomlinson | OG | Duke | 32 games. Starter. |
| 2016 | 16 | Taylor Decker | OT | Ohio State | Started all 16 games at left tackle as rookie. Starter. |
