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Detroit Lions headlines: Evaluating Bob Quinn, Tracy Walker risk

By Steven Mullenax

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Following his third draft, how would you evaluate the decisions made by Bob Quinn for his Detroit Lions? That topic and more in today’s headlines.

Understandably, it seems many Detroit Lions fans have mixed feelings about the outcome of the 2018 NFL Draft. In many cases, the Lions seem to reach for players while also finding a couple of hidden gems on Day Three.

For general manager Bob Quinn, it was his third draft at the helm of the Lions. And with his head coach now in place, the time to perform is at its peak. We’ll discuss what we’ve learned about Quinn’s methods as well as cover many more topics in today’s headlines.

Three classes in, what has been learned about how Lions GM Bob Quinn drafts? – ESPN.com

It’s clear, there is a method to Quinn’s madness. The young general manager has a plan and is laser focused to get it accomplished. Early on, Quinn made the Lions’ offensive line a priority. He seemed to complete that plan with the selections of center Frank Ragnow and tackle Tyrell Crosby in the draft.

But last season, Quinn put so much stock in running back Ameer Abdullah, he missed out on opportunities to draft Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt. This season, refocused on the running game, he traded up for Kerryon Johnson. It simply appears Quinn focuses on an area of the team, finds his favorites and does whatever it takes to get them. For better or for worse.

Detroit Lions didn’t help defense in draft; that’s Matt Patricia’s job – Detroit Free Press

Due to their lack of defensive selections in the draft (only two), the Lions are putting all the eggs in their basket on Matt Patricia and his defensive scheming prowess. It’s a dangerous gamble, but this team seems to believe they can get the job done with the players they already have under contract.

Greg Cosell analyzes Lions’ 2018 draft picks – DetroitLions.com

I think the overwhelming feeling I get here is that the Lions really wanted the players that they drafted. They believe that each one fills a specific need and they are satisfied with the results. It’s a point that’s hard to argue until the games are played.

2018 NFL Draft: Final quick-snap grades for all 32 teams – NFL.com

As the league’s official website points out here, the Lions appeared to have a terrible Day Two of the draft. First, they had to give away their second and fourth round picks in order to draft Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson, which initially appears to be an overpay.

Then they drafted Louisiana safety Tracy Walker in the third round, a player many believe could have been had in the fifth. Walker is the biggest risk in this class, and one this front office should be ultimately judged on.

Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft: Grading each pick

Detroit Lions NFL draft analysis: D-line help elsewhere; who’s out at RB? – Detroit Free Press

As per the question of which running back is on the outs, the favorite has to be Ameer Abdullah. The smallish back who was essentially benched last season has no place in a revamped rushing attack that appears to be converting into a power running game. But Quinn has a soft spot for Abdullah, so it’s anyone’s guess what that means for his future in Detroit.

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