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NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah released his second mock draft of this draft season. His mocks and insight are always intriguing because he mixes his thoughts on teams with what he’s hearing in the league.
In this case, he has the Lions adding depth, if not a potential starter up front. With the 28th pick, the Lions select Donovan Jackson, offensive guard, Ohio State. Jeremiah’s notes on this one are short, sweet and to the point. “Jackson would be a perfect replacement for Kevin Zeitler if the veteran departs in free agency.”
Even if the Lions are able to re-sign Zeitler, Jackson can compete with Graham Glasgow for the other guard spot. The Lions’ offensive line was among their top strengths last season. If the Philadelphia Eagles taught us anything, it’s that building through the trenches is a key component in competing for Super Bowls.
Jackson has experience at both tackle and guard, as he had to fill in for the injured Josh Simmons. Fortunately for the Lions, they wouldn’t need Jackson to play on the outside and guard is more his natural position, anyway. Getting a potential starter and keeping the offensive line a strength late in the first round would be a home run for the Lions in this draft.