One Year Benchmarks: Grading the 2015 Detroit Lions Draft Class

By Eric Ranes | Jan 13, 2016

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Laken Tomlinson (Duke) is selected as the number twenty-eight overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

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Round 5 – Pick No. 32 (168 ovr) – FB Michael Burton (Rutgers) B+

Oct 11, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Michael Burton (46) gets tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Kevin Minter (51) and free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Any time you can find a high quality immediate starter in the 5th – 7th rounds it is a strong pick. Michael Burton was the first of a couple in 2015. Grading out in the top 3 fullbacks this year per PFF, Burton showed prowess blocking for the run and pass the minute he stepped into training camp. He continued to show that throughout the entire year.

As a bonus, an unexpected plus for Burton was that he was simply fun to watch after his few catches this year. Using his adequate hands to lock in the ball and revving his motor up to rumble down the field, he left defenders lying in his wake. He’s a player you want to root for and could be a fan favorite for years to come. The only knock I have here is positional value and that he may have been had later on.

Pick grade: B+

Successful draft options in next 10 picks: Nick Boyle (TE)

Next: A Dime of a Nickel

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