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NFL Draft 2018: Detroit Lions trade up to select Da’Shawn Hand in the fourth

By Steven Mullenax

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand /
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The Detroit Lions once again became trade partners with the New England Patroits, trading back into the fourth round for a defender.

When entering Day Three of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions were scheduled to wait until the fifth round to make their first selection. That, after trading away their fourth rounder on the day before to the New England Patroits in order to trade up for running back Kerryon Johnson in round two.

But the Detroit brass were unwilling to wait around until the next round to land themselves their desired defensive prospect. After making another trade involving the Pats, the Lions moved back into the fourth round to get their guy. But it cost them their third round selection in 2019 in order to do so.

With the 153rd overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select … 

NAME: Da’Shawn Hand
POSITION: Defensive Tackle
SCHOOL: Alabama
HT/WT: 6-3, 297 pounds
AGE: 22
2017 STATS: 27 tackles, 3.0 sacks
PROS: Arm length, power, good leverage, balance, penetrator
CONS: One-year starter, consistency, slow off-the-snap

ANALYSIS: The New England Patroits are known for their penchant for drafting prospects out of Alabama. New Lions head coach Matt Patricia brings that same mentality to Detroit, opting to move back up into the fourth round to draft Da’Shawn Hand. The pick makes sense since the Lions had a need for better interior line play with the exodus of Haloti Ngata this offseason.

Hand comes in to compete at the three-technique in the 4-3 and a possible defensive end in the 3-4. Also remember Detroit’s new defensive line coach, Bo Davis, knows the player very well from his time at Alabama.

Next: Detroit Lions: 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time

The Detroit Lions are finally addressing the defensive side of the ball. But is it too little, too late? Tell us what you think about the Lions’ latest pick in the comment section below and why the Motor City keeps trading up instead of trading back to acquire more picks.

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