Detroit Lions NFL draft 3.0: 7-rounds, beyond the mock

Summary

There are multiple ways for the Detroit Lions to address roster needs and get value out of their picks. The main problem is the lack of picks. Bob Quinn will either have to leave a couple of holes, or trade down. There is also a possibility that he trades a player for a couple of mid to late round picks, too.

The early picks favored the offense, except for getting an edge rusher, Davenport, who can improve the anemic pass rush. The tight end, Andrews, and running back, Johnson, could really push the offense to much bigger production down the road. I believe that Cole, offensive line, can play guard at a very high level and be a backup for both the center and tackle positions.

The couple last picks both addressed depth in the secondary, and both prospects are faster than the options that the Lions have, in general. Only Darius Slay and Jamal Agnew have plus-speed of the back-end unit.

I also didn’t touch the linebacker unit. I wanted to, but I just felt that it was going to have to wait. One reason, I haven’t seen enough of the new additions to tell if they are adequate. They seem adequate, although none are elite athletes. Again, there were not enough picks to help everywhere.

Next: Are the Lions only treading water in the NFC North?

Draft day

Of course, nothing is in stone. The projections made by the software used are approximations. However, it does use needs and selects players that are ranked off of a professional draft writer’s big board. Each team has these same players ranked very differently.

Who knows exactly what Bob Quinn’s strategy is coming into the draft, but he will be playing this game for keeps. Tune in on April 26th-28th. What would you do at each pick? Comment below.

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