We are at the halfway point of the first round in the 10th annual SB Nation NFL writers mock draft. The Detroit Lions are on the board with the No. 16 overall pick, and they could go a number of directions. The draft's best wide receiver is available, as are some big impact linebackers and some good defensive tackles.
2016 NFL mock draft: Detroit Lions take OT Taylor Decker
The Ohio State left tackle is the pick at the halfway point of the first round in the SB Nation NFL writers mock draft.
Jeremy Reisman Pride of Detroit avoids all of those options and goes in a completely different direction.
16. Lions: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
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Reisman: The way the draft has fallen has been as close to ideal as possible for the Detroit Lions. With pressing needs along the offensive and defensive line, Detroit has their pick of the litter at defensive tackle, a great pass rushing talent in Shaq Lawson, and offensive tackle Taylor Decker all as formidable options.
But with the Lions’ biggest need being offensive tackle – and a draft class full of defensive line depth – I ended up going with Decker. Only five quarterbacks were sacked more than Matthew Stafford last year and the Lions’ running game was atrocious in 2015. Decker can immediately jump in at right tackle and make the Lions’ biggest weakness a strength. Decker’s mean streak should bolster the Lions’ running game, which has been floundering for the past five years. With Riley Reiff’s contract expiring after the 2016 season, Decker would also give the Lions an option at left tackle beyond his rookie year.
Analysis: I give Decker a fringe first-round grade, so this feels a little early to draft him. He’s a solid blocker who does have history playing both right and left tackle. He’s a powerful, mauling blocker, but he struggles against speed rushers. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Decker start his career at guard because he excels at run blocking. For the Lions, he would be a good fit. This is just about 10 picks too early for him.
Dan’s Top 5 players remaining
- 11. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
- 14. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
- 15. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
- 16. Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama
- 17. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Lions picks
- 1-16: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
- 2-46: (coming April 15)
The SBN writers mock rolls on at noon ET with the Atlanta Falcons with the pick coming from Dave Choate of The Falcoholic.
Complete draft results:
1. Tennessee Titans - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss (Link)
2. Cleveland Browns - Jared Goff, QB, Cal (Link)
3. San Diego Chargers - Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State (Link)
4. Dallas Cowboys - Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (Link)
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA (Link)
6. Baltimore Ravens - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State (Link)
7. San Francisco 49ers - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon (Link)
8. Philadelphia Eagles - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (Link)
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky (Link)
10. New York Giants - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame (Link)
11. Chicago Bears - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida (Link)
12. New Orleans Saints - A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (Link)
13. Miami Dolphins - Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State (Link)
14. Oakland Raiders - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State (Link)
15. Los Angeles Rams - Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (Link)
16. Detroit Lions - Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
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