Detroit Lions headlines: A rookie running back, Darius Slay’s cousin
Today’s headlines are all about the Detroit Lions and the NFL Draft. We’ll take a look at their Day Two selections and their needs moving forward.
After making a surprising pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions made a couple more shocking moves in Day Two.
From trading up for their future franchise running back to drafting a safety for their defensive secondary, we’ll cover all the moves made by the Motor City and look towards Day Three in today’s edition of headlines.
Lions trade with Patriots to draft RB Kerryon Johnson – NFL.com
The Lions traded with up in the second round of the draft to secure the future of their running back position. Clearly, Detroit had earmarked Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson as their workhorse back. Johnson is a powerful but patient runner, something the Lions were needing last season. The rookie should split snaps with veteran LeGarrette Blount this season and be the projected starter for the foreseeable future.
A CLOSER LOOK: Safety Tracy Walker – DetroitLions.com
Not many knew who Tracy Walker was prior to his selection by the Lions in the third round. But the tape shows a hard-hitting defender who has the sideline-to-sideline speed to be a rangy, free safety. Perhaps a little insurance behind a 32-year old Glover Quin?
Lions reunite cousins Darius Slay, Tracy Walker in third round – ESPN.com
The fact Walker is actually a cousin of the Lions’ Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay surely helped put the Louisiana-Lafayette safety on Detroit’s radar. The secondary in the Motor City is becoming a family affair.
Detroit Lions NFL draft grades: What experts think of Day 2 picks – Detroit Free Press
The national critics seem fairly split about both of the Lions’ Day Two prospects. Specifically Walker, whom many believe was an overreach by a couple rounds. But as they displayed with their top pick, the Lions are not afraid to draft the player they want regardless of his draft grade.
Next: Detroit Lions: 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time
TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects who could interest Lions on Day 3 – DetroitLions.com
Of the prospects still available for the Detroit Lions on Day Three is Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. A first round talent, a medical condition which causes a thickening of the heart has Hurst tumbling down and off some draft boards. It will be interesting to see if Detroit is willing to take a chance on the local star in the later rounds.