For the Detroit Lions, smoke doesn’t always mean fire
By Robert Jones
The Detroit Lions have created much smoke with the list of draft prospects they are meeting with but is there really fire or just a smokescreen?
the NFL draft is quickly approaching and Detroit Lions‘ fans are getting the fever as they consume mock draft after mock draft. They feel hope when they see one they agree with while being filled with trepidation when they see one that doesn’t meet their satisfaction.
We are a little less than three weeks away from Roger Goodell opening the draft and officially putting the Arizona Cardinals on the clock. Not that they aren’t now.
As we all know the Lions are sitting at the number eight position and preparing themselves for all possibilities.
Recently during the owners’ meetings in Arizona, Lions head coach Matt Patricia talked about last year’s draft process. He discussed how many mock drafts they did in-house to see all the possible results from what they knew or heard about other teams and all paths seemed to lead to Frank Ragnow being available.
As we all know that was who the Lions wanted and that was who they got. It worked out perfectly for the Lions, mostly it seems because no one knew they had interest in Ragnow. A little secrecy paid off and now after one season, Ragnow looks like a real keeper who should be a very good piece of the Lions offensive line for the next 10 years.
The gravy was that the Lions also were able to get running back Kerryon Johnson, safety Tracy Walker, and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand which formed the core of perhaps the most productive draft of any team in the NFL last season.
It should also be remembered that offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby was considered a steal late in the draft even though he only played sparingly and fullback Nick Bawden was a versatile player who was considered pro-ready but missed his rookie year due to injury.
Clearly the Lions draft haul last year could have been even more productive. So there is great optimism about the draft this year, even if we don’t know who general manager Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia are targeting.