Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch behind Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch behind Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

EDGE. . Detroit Lions. . team. 50.

Detroit Lions edge rusher Ezekiel Ansah is set to be a free agent this offseason, and he might be one of the prime pass-rushers available on the open market.

One could question whether or not the 28 year old was merely a “one-hit wonder” after his 14.5-sack performance back in 2015. He had just two sacks the following year and just four entering Week 11.

Nevertheless, the Lions need to either replace him or build up the pass rush in support of him.

To date, Detroit ranks 18th in the league in sacks (20), and it’s no surprise the defense is giving up a ton of passing yards in 2017. Help is needed here.

So look for that to be the top area of focus for the Lions in the NFL Draft.