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2017 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams benefit from NFL Draft

By Dan Parzych

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Detroit Lions

Instead of struggling in their first season without Calvin Johnson on offense, the Detroit Lions turned out to be one of the biggest surprises from the 2016 season by earning one of the Wild Card spots in the NFC playoffs. Of course, the Lions can only blame themselves for missing out on the division title after losing their final three games of the regular season after holding a comfortable lead over the Green Bay Packers, but at least they should contend for the NFC North once again.

Throughout his career, Matthew Stafford has always been the type of quarterback who makes the players around him better, and the Lions hope that turns out to be the case with third-round pick Kenny Golladay. Seeing the former Northern Illinois star catch 160 passes for 2,285 yards with 18 touchdowns in two seasons with the Huskies shows the type of impact he could make right away for Detroit’s passing game, but that wasn’t even their best selection.

With the 21st pick in the first round, the Lions selected linebacker Jarrad Davis out of Florida, and even though there was some concern over his ankle, this was a solid addition to the defense. Detroit realizes the only way of coming out on top of the NFC North is finding a way to take the high-powered offense of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, so it was wise to focus on defense right away in the draft.

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