The day is finally here, the first round of the NFL Draft. For the Detroit Lions, it’s all about which prospect they’ll choose 20th overall in today’s headlines.
Thursday marks the first day of the 2018 NFL Draft. And for the Detroit Lions, an opportunity to selected a prospect who can potentially have a big impact for a new coaching staff led by new head coach Matt Patricia.
For months, speculation about the Lions’ 20th overall selection has been at the top of our headlines. And finally, we’ll be able to put an end to the rumors and simply discuss the player. In today’s headlines, we give it one last guess as to whom that new rookie may be.
MOCK DRAFT WATCH: Final predictions – DetroitLions.com
Based on these final predictions, five names have emerged as favorites to be the Lions pick in the first round tonight. Those players being LSU running back Derrius Guice, Boston College pass rusher Harold Landry, UTSA defensive end Marcus Davenport, Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan and Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne. Of these selections, Landry and Davenport seemed to have emerged as the favorites.
Why Taven Bryan was the pick for Lions in NFL Nation mock draft – ESPN.com
Via ESPN, Florida’s Taven Bryan was Detroit’s selection in their recent national mock. And it seems to make sense after the Lions opted to use their first two picks in 2017 on former Gators in linebacker Jarrad Davis and cornerback Teez Tabor. Although Bryan has been compared to former Lion defensive stud Haloti Ngata, there are questions about his limited experience and how his athleticism will translate on the NFL level.
Detroit Lions position-by-position needs in 2018 NFL draft – Detroit Free Press
In this terrific positional breakdown by Dave Birkett, he highlights just what a solid job the Lions’ front office has done in the offseason of shoring up positions of need. This should allow Detroit to really take the best player available in the first round regardless of need.
Detroit Lions 2018 offseason moves – Pro Football Focus
The biggest highlight I gathered from this piece by PFF is just how much the analytic website believes Arkansas center Frank Ragnow is a first round talent and what a perfect fit he is for the Lions. This is strange as Ragnow is graded by many as a borderline Day Two prospect. Ragnow is certainly a name worth watching regardless if he lands in the Motor City or not.
Next: Detroit Lions: 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time
Matt Patricia getting used to “big-picture” draft look as head coach – Pro Football Talk
Last but not least, Detroit Lions’ fans have to remember that this is the first time new head coach Matt Patricia will be at the helm of a franchise entering the NFL draft. Patricia has been a coach on both sides of the ball while in New England, and will still bring his championship pedigree to the war room on Thursday night. But his presence is certainly a wild card.