Detroit Lions: Drawing conclusions from Bob Quinn’s first four drafts

Quinn isn’t afraid to address an obvious need first

There’s often a tug of war between two differing draft strategies when it comes to every first-round selection. Should an NFL team draft based on talent or address a team need? The final decision usually ends up falling somewhere between the two sides.

But during his first four draft classes, Quinn has proven time and time again he’s unafraid to draft for need. First-round selections in center Frank Ragnow, tight end T.J. Hockenson, linebacker Jarrad Davis, and left tackle Taylor Decker have all addressed major roster needs at the time.

With the impending draft class in mind, cornerback is clearly a massive need after Quinn traded away Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles for more draft ammunition. Although they’ll have plenty of contingency plans in place, including one to catch a falling Chase Young if allowed, Quinn could see Detroit’s first-round choice as a lock already. It could be as simple as Ohio State cornerback Jeffery Okudah or bust.

Offensive line may not be a draft priority

Despite using two first-round selections on an offensive lineman in his first four years in Detroit, Quinn has ignored the positional group entirely in two of the last three drafts. Outside of Ragnow, only offensive tackle Tyrell Crosby (fifth round, 2018) has been drafted by Detroit since 2017.

With offseason moves that saw the removal of the entire right side of the Lions’ offensive line, you might figure that Detroit would be looking to add some quality depth to the unit. And they might even be hunting for a starter at right guard early in the draft.

But if the draft doesn’t fall that way (especially early), Quinn has a history of ignoring the positional group altogether. And Detroit could look to fill that void in-house or via free agency instead.