With the 2018 NFL Draft now in the books, it’s time to see how the Detroit Lions did and give each selection a ridiculously, way too early grade.
The Detroit Lions had some lofty goals set when they began the 2018 NFL Draft. They needed to find a running game, shore up their offensive line and restock a defense preparing to play a very dynamic defensive scheme.
Did they accomplish their goals? Only playing the actual games will tell us that. But we can review their choices in the draft and give them a far too early grade for each selection, plus try to project their impact in Year One. Let’s start at the beginning …
To say the selection of Arkansas center Frank Ragnow with the 20th overall selection was a shocker would be an understatement. Many draft experts had Ragnow as a third-to-fourth round pick going into the selection event.
But Ragnow started a late rise, quickly climbing up many draft boards. It was believe he was the desired choice by the Cincinnati Bengals, who own the 21st overall pick, right after the Lions.
The selection of Ragnow by Detroit would be a theme of the entire draft for the Lions’ war room. The Motor City would be going after their desired targets regardless of ranking or perceived need. Detroit clearly had a plan and stuck to it.
With Ragnow, the Lions believe they have a versatile piece that can play center, guard or tackle. Detroit now has their starting five in place, even though they’ll remain competitive in the offseason and will remain open to others winning starting roles.