With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Team Needs

By Jon Dove

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass as head coach Jim Caldwell looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass as head coach Jim Caldwell looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions are coming off a very successful season and are hoping to fill a few more holes in order to take the next step.

Reaching the playoffs  in back to back seasons is the goal for the Detroit Lions heading into the season. They’ve made some big moves in free agency, but still have a couple of holes to fill. The 2017 NFL Draft would be a great place for them to accomplish this goal.

Their signings of Ricky Wagner and T.J. Lang strengthened the offensive line making it one of the strengths of the team. However, that’s where they spent most of their available cap space which means the other moves were about depth.

Below are the top three needs for the Detroit Lions as we head to towards the 2017 NFL Draft.

No. 1- Cornerback

Darius Slay has established himself as one of the better young cornerbacks in the NFL. However, the rest of the Lions cornerback group lacks top-end talent. The No. 2 is currently a fight between D.J. Hayden, Nevin Lawson and Quandre Diggs.

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Detroit needs to sure up their defense if they hope to take some pressure off of Matthew Stafford. They got lucky last year that were able to create some last minute turnovers which led to wins. This type of lightening in a bottle doesn’t strike twice.

No. 2- Defensive End

The Lions could decide the best way to help their secondary and overall defensive play is by adding another pass rusher. Their lack of depth at the position resulted in Ziggy Ansah seeing tons of double teams. This led to some injury problems and lack of production from Ansah.

Detroit will have a great opportunity to address this need with their 1st round pick. Someone like Michigan’s Taco Charlton, Tennessee’s Derek Barnett or Auburn’s Carl Lawson could be available when they pick.

No. 3- Wide Receiver

It was a tale of two seasons for the Lions starting wide receivers. Marvin Jones started the season on fire then fell off the map in the second half. The opposite was true for Golden Tate who did most of his damage later in the year.

Even if these guys play with more consistency the Lions need a No. 3 option. It’s possible they bring back veteran Anquan Boldin, but might find better value and upside in the draft.

The 2017 NFL Draft has some good depth at the wide receiver position. It’s especially rich with 2nd to 3rd round prospects with upside. Detroit would be in great position to land a potential difference maker in the 2nd round.

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