The Lions Are Projected To Take David Njoku With The Number 21 Pick In The 2017 NFL Draft.
This series is to give a look at who Matt Miller, NFL Draft Lead Writer from Bleacher Report, has us taking in his mock drafts as the season goes on. We will be breaking down who we “take” and if the player would be a good or bad fit for the team. This series started back in the beginning of the NFL season, and with the combine ending, these picks are going to be closer to realistic than they were back in September.
Matt Miller has had a range of picks for Detroit. In the many mock drafts he has created, he has given Detroit; safety Jabrill Peppers from Michigan, defensive lineman Malik McDowell from Michigan State, safety Jamal Adams from LSU, defensive lineman Caleb Brantley from Florida, cornerback Sidney Jones from Washington, defensive end Takkarist McKinley from UCLA and defensive end Taco Charlton from Michigan.
With the newest mock he has Detroit taking David Njoku, tight end from Miami FL.
Does David Njoku Fill A Need?
Yes, but not a big one. Detroit needs help behind Eric Ebron, there is no question about that. With Brandon Pettigrew gone and no solid number two tight end on the roster, getting one in the draft isn’t a crazy idea. The crazy idea is getting one in the first round.
Defense was the major issue for Detroit last season, and should be the focal point in the first three rounds in this years draft. Detroit will get a drop off in production from a tight end in the fourth round compared to the first round, but Detroit isn’t looking for a replacement for Ebron. They are looking for someone to help him and if they pass on any free agent tight ends, they can find a suitable backup in the draft come April.
Is David Njoku A Good Or Bad Fit?
David Njoku has been climbing up draft boards the past few months, becoming the number two tight end. One thing people have a big question mark is Njoku’s blocking ability, which Detroit is trying to find in a tight end. They have their receiving tight end in Ebron, so having two of the same players seems more redundant than anything.
Njoku is the type of tight end if you are looking for a receiving type though, getting 1,060 yards on 64 catches and nine touchdowns. Detroit just doesn’t need that in a tight end when it comes looking for a backup. The only way this could be a fair draft pick is if Detroit moves Ebron to wide receiver and has him play the Anquan Boldin role from last season, and Njoku could start at tight end. The thing with that is we are back to square one and still looking for a better backup tight end. This would be a bad fit and a bad pick for Detroit.
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