The NFL Scouting Combine is done, which means another piece of the overall draft evaluation process is in the books.
With Pro Days now on the docket, and official 30-man visits to begin soon, now seems like a good time to take our second look at some of the popular mock drafts around the country.
Where do the analysts see the Lions going at pick 21? The tally is really all over the board. The 14 mock drafts here have five defensive ends, two offensive tackles, three tight ends, two running backs and two cornerbacks among their predictions for the Lions:
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
David Njoku, TE, Miami
Why: GM Bob Quinn appreciates the benefits of having two athletic tight ends after spending so many years in New England.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin:
Why: The Lions need to make sure their prized possession (Matthew Stafford) stays upright in the pocket.
Charlie Casserly, NFL.com
Chris Harris, DE, Missouri
Why: I'm not sure the Lions sit here when it's all over; I could see them trading up for an OT.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com
Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Why: By the time we're done at the combine, I suspect most everyone will see Humphrey as a first-rounder. He has length, strength, speed and bloodline (his father is former NFL running back Bobby Humphrey), and pretty much everyone could use another good cornerback or two in 2017. Detroit certainly qualifies; it's a pretty weak group beyond Darius Slay, and Slay battled some injuries in 2016. The Lions have some good things going, but they need to add some help on defense.
Todd McShay, ESPN.com
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Why: Barnett isn't expected to put up big numbers during workouts, which could cause him to fall a bit in between now and late April. But he plays with good discipline, a consistent motor and impressive physicality. His production in the SEC the past three years is insane, including 52 TFLs and 33 sacks. The Lions have needs at every level of the defense, but pass-rusher tops the list.
Rob Rang, CBSSports.com
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Why: Stellar play from quarterback Matthew Stafford has diverted attention away from a pass rush in Detroit which has struggled with star Ziggy Ansah limited with an ankle injury. The Lions need not look far for help. Only emerging as a full-time starter for Michigan this season, Charlton has developed into the country's better edge rushing prospects, boasting exciting initial quickness and bend given his 6-5, 272 pound frame.
Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Why: There are plenty of names on the Lions running back depth chart, but Fournette would quickly jump to the top and give Detroit another dimension at the position.
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Why: They need to get better running the football. Cook has homerun speed and can be an effective threat in the passing game.
Will Brinson, CBSSports.com
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Why: Pass rush should be a very important aspect of this offseason for a team that produced only 26 sacks in 2016.
Jared Dubin, CSBSports.com
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Why: When you sack the quarterback only 26 times in a season, it's safe to say you need help getting after the passer. Barnett consistently put the quarterback on the ground during his time at Tennessee and would be a great fit.
Emily Kaplan, SI.com
Teez Tabor, DB, Florida
Why: The Lions need a pass-rusher or penetrating defensive tackle in the worst way, but I think they can get a starter in the second round. Instead, look for Detroit to lock in a corner here. The Lions just paid up for Darius Slay. They need a sidekick but would like to be frugal (i.e. not overpaying a free agent). Tabor has a chance to be as good as any of the corners on the market.
Matt Miller, Bleacherreport.com
David Njoku, TE, Miami
Why: Lions fans may not want another first-round tight end after the mistake that was Eric Ebron, but it's hard to look past David Njoku if he's on the board. It'll be especially hard for a general manager like Bob Quinn that grew up in the New England system and knows how valuable a game-changing tight end is. Njoku is a beast on the field and enters the NFL as more of a three-down player than Ebron ever was. He'll open things up for the wide receivers, but his ability as a blocker will also help in the run game. Njoku has the work ethic and drive to be great. Filling holes on defense will be important for the Lions, but Quinn and Jim Caldwell can't pass on a Pro Bowl talent at tight end.
Nate Davis, USA Today
Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
Why: His sweet feet were on full display in Indianapolis, and he's got a mean streak that the folks in Motown would surely appreciate. Last year's first rounder, Taylor Decker, played capably at left tackle but could flip to the right side if Bolles proves the better option on QB Matthew Stafford's blind side.
Eric Galko, Sporting News
David Njoku, TE, Miami
Why: The Lions will be drafting a tight end early. While they'd love to find a way to get O.J. Howard, Njoku is a more reasonable hope. He should be one of the more impressive athletes at the Combine.
