Rapid Reactions to the Detroit Lions Selection of Ziggy Ansah
By Zac Snyder
Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Ezekiel Ansah (BYU) is introduced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) and Detroit Lions former player Barry Sanders (right) as the number five overall pick to the Detroit Lions during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions have made Ziggy Ansah their first pick of the 2013 NFL Draft and while it will be some time before we know for sure whether or not it was the right decision, early evaluations are already being made around the internet.
Here’s a look at some of what is being said about the Lions pick of Ansah:
"The Lions go with an athletic freak who doesn’t have a lot of experience, but with Jim Schwartz and the combination of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley next to him, I think Ansah could be a steal for Detroit. He has as much potential as anybody in the draft, but he’s also one of the biggest question marks. This is an intriguing pick for sure, and fills a huge need for Detroit."
"My favorite pick of the draft. I love Ansah. He is this year’s Jason Pierre-Paul. The Lions nailed it. Grade: A+"
Doug Farrar – Yahoo Sports Shutdown Corner
"Was it the right pick? Yes. With all the best tackles off the board and Cliff Avril off to Seattle, Ansah fits Jim Washburn’s line concepts very, very well. He’s a raw kid, but he’s better than people think, and the stats don’t tell the whole story. Ferocious upside."
Michael Schottey – Bleacher Report
"Need: A+Value: B+Fit: A+This is a big pick for the Lions, though he’s not the best player on the board and the Lions had to have wanted one of those top tackles to fall to them. While some might be surprised that they didn’t go cornerback here, they are absolutely bare at defensive end where Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch played last season.Ansah is a boom or bust pick, but he’ll be a great fit in the Lions Wide-9 scheme and has a couple of great defensive line coaches to help him along."
Russ Lande – National Football Post
"The Lions take a risky chance with their selection of Ziggy Ansah. Having started only nine games during his career at BYU, Ansah still has remarkable physical talent. With great height, long arms and natural explosiveness, Ansah can jolt and drive pass blockers back into the quarterback’s lap. He needs to improve his technique and pass rush moves, but his talent level is almost unparalleled."
"B+ GradeFinally, a good pick! I’m tired of bashing these teams. Well, OK, maybe not. But this selection makes so much sense. The Lions had a close look at Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl where he dominated the competition during the actual game. He’s a great fit in Detroit’s wide-nine formation, and will replace the departed Cliff Avril. He’ll be instrumental in Detroit’s pursuit of Green Bay in the NFC North."