With the 2017 NFL Draft just a couple days away, let’s take a look at how the Detroit Lions’ brass, namely head coach Jim Caldwell and general manager Bob Quinn, have historically drafted during their careers, and what trends we can draw from it.
Bob Quinn
As director of pro scouting with New England Patriots (2012-2015):
First-round picks (overall):
2012: Chandler Jones, DE (21)
2013: No first-round pick, Jamie Collins, OLB, taken in second round
2014: Dominique Easley, DT (29)
2015: Malcolm Brown, DT (32)
Total picks by position:
Offense: QB (1), RB (1), WR (4), TE (1), OT (1), OG (2), C (2)
Defense: DE (3), DT (2), OLB (2), ILB (3), CB (3), S (3)
Top trend: Quinn and the Patriots’ leadership drafted a defensive lineman with each first-round pick in his time as director of pro scouting. New England also went defense with its first selection in each draft (including Jamie Collins in the second round).
Secondary trend: Patriot teams focused on trying to build from the inside out, with five defensive linemen and five offensive linemen taken in the four drafts.
Subtle trend: Wide receivers and defensive backs were drafted often.
As executive vice president and general manager of Detroit Lions (2016-present):
First-round pick (overall):
2016: Taylor Decker, OT (16)
Total picks by position:
Offense: QB (1), RB (1), WR (0), TE (0), OT (1), OG (2), C/LS (1)
Defense: DE (0), DT (2), OLB (1), ILB (0), CB (0), S (1)
Last year’s trend: Build from the inside out.
Secondary trend: Quinn seemed to add depth to skill positions in later rounds.
My take: Quinn wasn’t the final decision-maker in New England like he is in Detroit, but he had influence in those draft classes. So, we have only one true season of data with Quinn at top of command. With that said, I expect him to continue to build the team through the trenches, as he once again showed in free agency this season. Look for Quinn to add playmakers along the defensive line, and also the linebacking corps during the draft.
Jim Caldwell:
As head coach of the Indianapolis Colts (2009-2011):
First-round picks (overall):
2009: Donald Brown, RB (27)
2010: Jerry Hughes, DE (31)
2011: Anthony Castonzo, OT (22)
Total picks by position:
Offense: QB (1), RB (2), WR (1), TE (1), OT (2), OG (2), C (0)
Defense: DE (2), DT (3), OLB (2), ILB (0), CB (4), S (0)
Top trend: Caldwell and the Colts seemed to favor drafting for biggest need in the first round.
Secondary trend: Cornerbacks were often targeted in the third round or later (two cornerbacks were drafted in the third round, while the other two were drafted in the sixth or seventh rounds).
Subtle trend: Caldwell and co. did not address the safety position in any of these drafts. Bob Sanders probably had a say in that in 2009 and 2010.
As head coach of the Detroit Lions (2014-present):
2014: Eric Ebron, TE (10)
2015: Laken Tomlinson, G (28)
2016: Taylor Decker, OT (16)
Total picks by position:
Offense: QB (1), RB/FB (3), WR (1), TE (1), OT (2), OG (2), C/LS (2)
Defense: DE (1), DT (4), OLB (2), ILB (0), CB (3), S (1)
Special teams: K (1)
Top trend: Since Caldwell has been the head coach, the Lions have spent a lot of draft picks in both the offensive and defensive trenches. This lines up with Quinn’s philosophy.
Secondary trend: The Lions have found a bit of a mix between the most common draft strategies of taking who they believe is the best player available versus need.
Subtle trend: There has not been a lot of emphasis on the wide receiver position.
What can we expect on Thursday?: If a top-rated pass rusher, such as Taco Charlton, Derek Barnett or Charles Harris, falls into Detroit’s lap at pick No. 21, then that is likely going to be the pick. If a top linebacker such as Haason Reddick or Reuben Foster slide, Detroit should waste no time picking that player. If the value is not there for either position, look for Quinn and Caldwell to go best player available.
We’re getting close. Let me know in the comments who you want the Lions to draft in the first round and beyond.
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Next: Martha Ford's decision-making continues to pay off for Lions