Detroit Lions: Fixing the team via the 2019 NFL Draft, Part II

The Detroit Lions D-line is improving (Thanks, Giants), what players at other positions should fans know about ahead of the next draft? Read on, Lions fan.

The Detroit Lions came out of the bye and took care of the Miami Dolphins. That puts the Lions at 3-3, while the division leaders, the Minnesota Vikings, sit at 4-2-1. Despite winning three out of the last four, the reality is that the Lions still need some help.

The acquisition of Damon “Snacks” Harrison at defensive tackle, this past Wednesday, may help to clog the middle, though. Kick In The Crotch Weekly covered the defensive line options available early, last week. Let’s look at other needs on both the defense and offense.

Draft position

Currently, thanks to the win against the Dolphins, the Lions would have pick 15-18 in next April’s NFL Annual Selection Meeting, aka the Draft.

The addition of Harrison also changes the complexion of what general manager, Bob Quinn, has to do with his early picks. Every GM wants to just take the top-rated guy on their board, but we know that they don’t.

Quinn is no exception. If you think otherwise, ask yourself, “How likely is it that the top guy in every round just happened to be at a position of need for us last year?” Slim to none.

However, Quinn has indeed addressed needs. Frank Ragnow, guard, Kerryon Johnson, running back, Da’Shawn Hand, defensive end, and other rookies have been productive for this 2018 squad.

It is a good chance that he will continue to select lunch-pail players over flashy, draft darlings. Not only that, but head coach Matt Patricia also seems to prefer blue collar players.

Additionally, Quinn seems to build from the inside-out, meaning that he will opt for linemen first, then address needs outside of the lines after.