Detroit Lions Draft Notes

Don’t expect a WR in the first round

Some folks will still project the likes of Laquon Treadwell, Josh Doctson or even Michael Thomas (the Ohio State one) to Detroit in mock drafts. I really don’t see it, not in the first round.

The current depth chart at wideout is Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Jeremy Kerley, T.J. Jones and Corey Fuller. I can tell you with utmost certainty the Lions view Tate and Jones as a very capable starting duo. And given Eric Ebron and Theo Riddick will also see at least 150 combined targets, there isn’t a great deal of room for a wideout.

Then there is the evaluation side of the coin. Back at the Combine, I was told by someone I (and you too, fair readers) consider a knowledgeable source the Lions did not view either Treadwell or Doctson as worthy of the No. 16 pick. I have heard nothing in the 6 weeks since to convince me otherwise.

Thomas is an interesting wild card. Two different sources have told me the Lions have done quite a bit of legwork on him. He’s not a viable candidate at 16, but if the Lions are able to move back he is certainly in play. And if Michael Thomas is still on the board when Detroit’s turn comes up in the second round, I would be VERY surprised if his name isn’t called.

This is generally regarded as a middle-heavy wideout class, and that is where I see the Lions looking. The primary remaining need is an outside receiver with both size and speed. Some Day Three candidates include Keyarris Garrett from Tulsa, Cody Core from Ole Miss (whom the Lions worked out at the Rebels’ pro day), Auburn’s Ricardo Louis and Chris Moore from Cincinnati, who met with the Lions during his impressive Senior Bowl week.

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