Detroit Lions draft: Can Bob Quinn keep the third round streak alive?

The Detroit Lions have had much success finding talent in the third round of the draft under general manager Bob Quinn. Will it continue in 2019?

In hindsight, the Detroit Lions might regret trading away wide receiver Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles in late October. That move was essentially Detroit waving the white flag at the midseason point.

After the departure of Tate, the Lions would go on to only win twice in the past eight games and have now been eliminated from playoff contention. As for the 30-year old receiver himself, he’s struggled in Philly.

During his first seven games in Detroit this season, Tate was on pace for another stellar year posting 44 receptions for 517 yards and three touchdowns. In seven games with the Eagles, his production has dropped significantly, recording only 26 catches for 245 yards and one score.

In retrospect, the Tate trade may eventually be viewed as the right move for the Lions. Especially if the ninth-year veteran’s play continues to decline. But also consider what Detroit got in exchange for Tate, a 2019 third round selection.

The Lions traded their third round pick in next year’s draft to the New England Patroits in order select Alabama defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand in fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. And despite recently being placed on Injured Reserve, Hand’s play this season has been excellent.

Detroit was without a selection in the third round of the 2019 draft before the Tate trade. And the third round has been money for Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn. Since 2016, Quinn has made three picks in that round. And all three have made significant impacts despite being late Day Two selections.

In 2016, Quinn drafted Michigan center Graham Glasgow 95th overall. The former Wolverine took over the starting role at center this season and has played well. According to Pro Football Focus, Glasgow has only allowed one sack all season and five quarterback hits.

In 2017, the Lions made wide receiver Kenny Golladay their third round selection out of Northern Illinois. And it is Golladay’s play this season that likely made Detroit comfortable enough to trade away their top receiver. The 25-year old wideout’s production exploded this year, posting 70 receptions for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns through 15 games.

And finally, earlier this year, Detroit drafted Louisiana safety Tracy Walker 82nd overall in the third round. Playing mainly on special teams to start the season, the Lions have slowly began to give Walker more snaps as it seems he’s on track to eventually replace Pro Bowl safety Glover Quin at some point. The analytics indicate Walker has been one of Motown’s top defenders all season.

These three third round selections are far from being perfect players for the Detroit Lions. Still, it’s hard to ignore the impact each one has had and the potential they’ve shown. Now it’s time to see if Bob Quinn and company can keep that streak going in 2019.

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