Detroit Lions: Could lost third round pick haunt them in 2019?
Most NFL teams can’t afford to lose draft picks, especially those in the third round. That’s why trouble might find the Detroit Lions in 2019.
It all started in this year’s NFL Draft when the Detroit Lions traded up in the 2nd round to acquire running back Kerryon Johnson. In order to do so, they gave their trade partner, the New England Patriots, a 4th round pick.
Again with the same team, another trade was made to get back their 4th round pick. This time, the price was much steeper, a 3rd round pick in 2019. That pick was used to select defensive lineman De’Shawn Hand.
I’m not a Bob Quinn hater, but I’m not as impressed with him as the majority of the Lions fan base. At this exact moment, both moves look questionable.
Johnson was productive in his lone season as the starting running back for Auburn. Due to reoccurring minor injuries, he hasn’t proved he can be durable for every game as the lead back. With other talented backs still on the board to boot, I didn’t feel he was worth trading up for.
Hand did very little compared to what his expectations were at Alabama. Reaching for a one-year starter with little production and an extensive injury history made little sense. Losing a 4th round pick is better than losing a 3rd round pick 90 percent of the time.
In 2019, the amount of talent from the defensive lineman class is downright overwhelming. So much so, that there are likely several prospects that could end up starting but fall to the middle rounds. This is a position that’ll likely need addressing this offseason and still looks somewhat weak heading into 2018.
In addition to defensive talent, there’s no shortage of passers and catchers on offense. The 3rd round is a great starting point to find an upgrade at backup quarterback with the potential to blossom into the future starter. This pick could’ve also made sense addressing a slightly less concerning need at wide receiver.
Generally, the more draft picks the better. The cherry on top of everything else, making the rich (Patriots) richer irked me. I understand the overstated connection but come on.
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Any way you slice it, there’s no way I can agree with Quinn’s decisions. The rewards of those choices have yet to be reaped so I remain ever so patient and optimistic. I hope the Lions’ general manager proves me wrong.