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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after first bowl weekend

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) before the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) before the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi /

player. 50. . CB. Washington. Sidney Jones. 29

Matthew Stafford has proven that even without Calvin Johnson, the Lions can compete for division titles. The veteran quarterback is having arguably his best season as a pro in 2016 and he’s doing it without Megatron who retired in the offseason.

The Lions don’t need much help on offense, although adding a running back or getting Ameer Abdullah healthy would be nice, but the defensive backfield must be addressed. The offensive line could use some help as well, but the cornerback position has been shaky all year long, despite coming up big in the latter half of the season.

Darius Slay is one of the league’s best corners, but imagine a defensive backfield with Sidney Jones playing on the opposite side. He’s not great against the run, which might be an issue, but Jones is rarely thrown at because he has a tendency of shutting down the opposing team’s top wide out.

Jones has risen on most draft boards in recent weeks and it’s probably due to the play of his Washington Huskies as a whole. He’s getting more exposure and we saw in the Pac-12 title game how Colorado didn’t want to throw his way.

Detroit needs another guy like that and upgrading the defensive side of the ball will do wonders for this team next year.

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