Analyzing the Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Selections

Day Three

Gabe Wright, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Gabe Wright (90) reacts during the first quarter of the 2013 SEC Championship game against the Missouri Tigers at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Let me start by saying this was not the pick I was hoping for when the Lions traded up into the 4th round. I was holding my breath for Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Gabe Wright is certainly a nice alternative.

Wright is an explosive defensive tackle that will be great at stopping the run. He’s not going to be a Suh like guy that’s constantly in the quarterbacks face, but he should pull occasional double team. At this point, I believe that Wright has a C.J. Mosley like upside. I would love to be wrong about that.

Michael Burton, Fullback, Rutgers

Sep 6, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights fullback Michael Burton (46) runs with the ball after catching a pass during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

I dislike this pick. The Lions definitely needed a full back after Jed Collins left for Dallas, but the 5th round seems a bit too high for such a position. If it were Jalston Fowler, I would understand the pick. But it seems to me the Lions could have filled this position elsewhere.

What the Lions get from Burton will be very similar to what Collins brought. Burton is not a strong runner but can take passes out of the backfield and open up holes for the running back. He also offers another line of defense for Matthew Stafford in the blocking game.

Quandre Diggs, Cornerback, Texas

That’s a kind of stuff the Lions could get with Little Diggz. Way back in 2002 the Detroit Lions had a crush on a guy named Quentin Jammer. But when it came time to pick him they realized they needed a quarterback more. Joey Harrington went on to have his jersey’s burned in fits of rage while Jammer went on to have a productive career with the Chargers.

The Lions felt burned by that. So burned that they swore that when his little brother came out they would not make that mistake again. Ok maybe it wasn’t exactly like that. The Lions were in need of a nickel corner after the injuries of Bill Bentley and Nevin Lawson. Little Diggz will fit in nicely with the other nickels and should be able to contribute immediately. With question marks surrounding Lawson, he may have to.

Corey Robinson, Offensive Tackle, South Carolina

Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks offensive tackle Corey Robinson (53) blocks Florida Gators linebacker Neiron Ball (11) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

He’s huge!!! At 6′ 7′ tall and 324 lbs. Robinson is a mammoth of a man. The Washburn’s are licking their chops just looking at this guy. Robinson is still petty raw despite starting for 3 years at South Carolina. The potential is there, but Robinson pretty much has to change up his entire game.

Day Three Grade: B-

What do you think? Did you like the draft? Orr were you hoping for something else? Leave your comments below and be sure to follow me on Twitter for more Lions talk @Lionmike26