Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: Best first round options

The Detroit Lions should have some nice options at pick number eight. The most important thing is finding a player committed to winning.

Because the Detroit Lions are picking so high in this year’s NFL Draft, it is important for them to make a sound decision. The hope is that choosing in the top 10 – number eight officially – is just an aberration, and not something that will repeat itself anytime soon.

Taking into account the talent and the team’s needs, here is how I would place my draft board going into this first round:

• 1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
• 2. Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
• 3. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
• 4. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
• 5. Devin White, LB, LSU
• 6. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

THE DEFENSIVE GUYS

Quinnen Williams is the best player in this year’s draft. As a defensive tackle, Williams doesn’t represent the biggest need for the Detroit Lions, but you can never have enough dominant players on the line.

Josh Allen absolutely looks like he will fit head coach Matt Patricia’s scheme. Just for fit, Allen would be an easy pick to make – that’s not even considering his immense talent. Nick Bosa, on the other hand, might be more talented than Allen, but has some injury concerns.

Williams, Allen, and Bosa should all be gone by the time of Detroit’s pick. But Devin White could absolutely be there. Mike O’Hara of DetroitLions.com even referred to White as a “tackling machine.” He would be a nice fit with the Detroit Lions, and a nice compliment to linebacker Jarrad Davis, who could use a pairing like this.

THE QUARTERBACKS

Kyler Murray should go number one overall. But if the Arizona Cardinals don’t take him, there is a chance he could fall. Although the Oakland Raiders at pick number four would probably snatch him. Murray has the potential to be something great, but if he is mishandled – and Arizona looks like a prime place for this to happen – he could struggle.

Dwayne Haskins would actually be a better fit for the Detroit Lions, but he may not have the same ceiling as Murray. But the Ohio State quarterback may also have less chance to bust as well.

Haskins is a lot like quarterback Matthew Stafford in many ways: pocket passer, smart decisions, good arm. He could be the perfect apprentice, and the offense might not be vastly different between the two.

Quarterback isn’t a huge need, but choosing this early in the draft, it has to be considered. Either one of these guys would have 1-2 years to sit and learn the position behind Stafford. It could make an eventual transition much easier on the franchise. And actually give the team a real option, if Stafford suffers an injury.

AND BEYOND

Beyond the six guys listed, there is a second group of six that would all be acceptable to pick at number eight – again, based on talent and team needs. Here are those players:

• 7. Jawaan Taylor, T, Florida
• 8. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
• 9. Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi St.
• 10. Jonah Williams, G, Alabama
• 11. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
• 12. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

Honestly, for this next group, it would be much better to trade down and score an additional pick in the second or third round – pending how far the drop. Every team wants to trade down to get more picks. The more you have, the more you have a chance to hit on a good prospect. So, trading down might not be an option.

All of these guys are talented, and that goes for everyone that will be drafted over the next three days (April 25-27). The truth is it all comes down to how well a team develops the prospect after he is drafted. That’s what separates the championship caliber teams from the teams just hoping to make the playoffs.

But picking the right guy goes beyond play on the field. It is about understanding the commitment of the player drafted. That’s where the Detroit Lions must shine with their talent evaluation.

This franchise need guys committed to their evolving culture. They need winners. They need guys that can commit to doing their jobs and sacrificing for a championship run. Hopefully, this year’s draft will provide several building blocks towards that goal.