The Detroit Lions have apparently lost one of their draft picks to a season-ending injury. That news and more in today’s headlines!
Injuries are simply a part of life in the NFL. But you never want to see a rookie sidelined prior to having a real chance to prove themselves. Unfortunately, that appears to be the case for one of the Detroit Lions‘ 2018 draft picks.
We’ll cover that topic as well as discuss the former linebacker likely taking the injured rookies’ place in the Lions’ backfield, a second-year defender looking to take a starting role and more in today’s version of headlines.
Lions seventh-round pick Nick Bawden suffers apparent torn ACL – Pro Football Talk
The Lions came out of the 2018 NFL Draft with only six selections. Now, it appears one of those picks has been lost for the season. Seventh round selection Nick Bawden appears to have suffered a season-ending ACL injury during a minicamp practice.
The fullback out of San Diego State figured to be a fixture in the resurgence of the Lions’ rushing attack as well as being a possible special teams ace. It’s very bad news for what could turn out to be a very short NFL career.
Why former starting NFL LB made move to FB – ESPN.com
The player who seems likely to step in for the rookie is former linebacker Nick Bellore. His decision to switch to fullback now appears to be serendipitous. It was a smart move for the 29-year old, giving himself the best chance to make the Lions’ active roster. Bellore could see time on offense, defense and special teams in 2018.
Lions’ Teez Tabor looks like serious candidate for starting corner job – MLive.com
If the former second rounder is able to wrestle the starting role opposite Pro Bowler Darius Slay this offseason, it would be a giant win for the Lions’ front office as they took a big risk drafting the former Florida Gator. Detroit vowed to bring the 22-year old along slowly last season and that extra time appears to have paid off.
Former No. 1 recruit Da’Shawn Hand ready to move on with Detroit Lions – Detroit Free Press
As the only draft pick dedicated to their defensive line, Hand will need to play some impactful minutes this Lions’ front seven. It’s a real opportunity for the former Alabama star as the entire defense in Detroit is learning a new, dynamic scheme under former New England Patroits defensive coordinator Matt Patrica, now the Motor City’s new head coach. Considering the Lions were soft in the middle last season, Hand has his work cut out for him in his first-year.
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2018 fantasy sleepers, bargains, breakouts and more – NFL.com
The above article mentions two Lions as possible fantasy football sleepers. Those players being rookie running back Kerryon Johnson and second-year wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Johnson figures to split snaps with veteran LeGarrette Blount, limiting his touches. And Golladay is behind both Golden Tate and Marvin Jones Jr. on the depth chart.