Lions draft grades

[dtroitlionsfan951]

I'm going to give this draft a C+. I like this first two picks with the second rounder being my favorite. We over drafted in round one and didn't really grab anyone with potential outside of being a role player past round 2. That's kind of disappointing. I don't mind if we sway from our BPA strategy a bit but in my time of watching the lions draft when we drafted straight need it didn't turn out very good. That's shit Matt Millen did. Positions were on but value was shit. Besides Ameer of course.

 

[wheels002]

I will give it a B-. We drafted spots we needed and outside of the Ameer pick none of the other picks are names or at a skill position so it was boring. I think er did get better value than some did. Tomlinson was a late 1 early 2 and thats where he went. Ameer went where people thought he would as did some of the others. It is the first time in a long time I can remember we didnt take a WR.

 

[zyxt9]

I'm more in a B+ mindset. Not a big fan of the value for each pick, but not a big issue with the actual players. Besides, I put less faith in the theoretical value since it really depends on how a given player fits a team and their system far more than the hierarchy pieced together by the experts, so as long as the players are a good fit and improve the team, that is the important part. My biggest issue was the FB in R5, that was a very big reach, but if the guy fits, great. I am a little concerned they passed over talent because they were only ok character guys as opposed to uber high character types. Good character is needed on this team right now, so I get it, but talent is what gets you playoff victories.

 

[Monster]

C+ - i like the picks, but are we really upgrading the team? I don't see it. Most of our picks seem to be depth or will be sharing the field (abdullah).

 

[inkfreq]

1) Laken Tomlinson A-: It's a guard, so it's hard to get excited. However, we've learned that multiple teams had him as a first round grade so the theory it was a reach doesn't hold water. When you add it to picking up a 5th, and getting another player who can start ot backup, it's a great pick.

2) Ameer Adbullah A+: In my opinion, the best and most productive RB in the draft. He's elusive, he's a hard runner, he picks up the extra yards at the end, high character guy, and not a collegiate one year wonder. My favorite pick of this draft.

3) Alex Carter B-: He has versatility and can start right away if needed, but he likely won't be needed. He has a pedigree, he's good in coverage, but not a ballhawk. A solid pick to replace either Digs or Matthis in a year or two.

4) Gabe Wright B-: I think there were better DTs on the board, but guys like Bennett are small too. Giving up a 3rd rounder next year bothers me, because the guy is not worth a 4th this year and a 3rd next year, although he had a round 2-3 grade. He will penetrate the line, but not much against the run.

5) Michael Burton C: I'm confused by this pick, but the guy does appear to have a special combination of skills. He can be a good lead blocker for Ameer, but can also be sneaky in the passing game. All in all, I can't hate the pick, but it's hard for me to love.

6) Quandre Diggs C+: I thought he would go higher, so he's good value here, but he is small, and slow, and I'm not really sure how or where he plays. Odd pick, likely a practice squad guy year one.

7) Corey Robinson B+: I love his size, love what the scouts are saying, but all in all, it looks like this is where he was projected to go. Should compete at RT right off the bat, and probably outplays Waddle over the long term with the immediate edge to Waddle due to familiarity in the system.

Total Grade: B-

Love Laken, Abdullah, and Carter. Happy with Robinson and Wright. Confused totally by Burton, but have to give him a chance. Robinson might be a steal in the 7th, he's clearly got the size to dominate.

Clearly this draft was about the run game.

 

[wheels002]

One thing is usually when we love the draft the players end up busting and when we hate it we end up with unknown gems. So there is hope.

I like the Burton pic. He reminds me of Cory at FB back in the day. He will do it all and flat out level people on special teams.

 

[zyxt9]

Short yardage All-Beef Fatties should finally give us hope when needing a yard or less. Ds will have some trouble moving the OL. I would prefer Bell in that situation to be the RB over Ameer, but Ameer will be the guy to get them into those short yard downs.

 

[Monster]

One thing is usually when we love the draft the players end up busting and when we hate it we end up with unknown gems. So there is hope.

I like the Burton pic. He reminds me of Cory at FB back in the day. He will do it all and flat out level people on special teams.

Burton's my favorite pick after Tomlinson. I just think he's so versatile. Everything I've read about him makes me think he's going to be a fan favorite with how he works and plays.

 

[Monster]

Screen passes could be fun. Abdullah is crazy elusive.

 

[zyxt9]

Screen passes could be fun. Abdullah is crazy elusive.

Does the OL have the quickness to set up a screen anywhere other than the middle (always the most dangerous screen location, IMO)?

 

[cheeno]

Does the OL have the quickness to set up a screen anywhere other than the middle (always the most dangerous screen location, IMO)?

Yes. We run the NO offense check out some Sproles highlights.

 

[inkfreq]

Walter Football's Grades for the Lions:

Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke: B+ Grade
This is a slight reach - I thought the right area for Laken Tomlinson was the top half of the second round - but that's mitigated by the fact that the Lions moved down five spots and picked up some commodities in the process. That moves this grade from a "B" to a B+. I like Tomlinson as a prospect, as he projects as a solid guard. He fills a big need for the Lions, who struggled mightily to protect Matthew Stafford last year. Stafford has to love this pick.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska: A Grade
Reggie Bush had a nice start to his Detroit career, but he flamed out, making countless mistakes toward the end of his tenure there. The Lions had to find a replacement for Bush, and they managed to do so with Ameer Abdullah, a game-breaking running back who can go the distance every time he touches the ball. Abdullah could develop into a three-down back if he learns how to block better. Even still, he'll make the Lions' offense so much more explosive.

Alex Carter, CB, Stanford: A- Grade
Here's the Alex Carter pick. I thought Carter would go to the Steelers or Packers at the end of the second round, given that he fit their scheme so well. The Lions have to be thrilled that he dropped; Carter should be able to start eventually once Rashean Mathis moves on.

Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn: B+ Grade
This is another quality pick by the Lions. Gabe Wright was a solid fourth-round prospect, so they're getting him at the right spot. He also fills a need; Detroit had to add multiple defensive tackles in the wake of losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley this offseason.

Mike Burton, FB, Rutgers: C Grade
Mike Burton is a solid pass-catcher and blocker, and he'll be able to contribute on special teams. I thought he'd go a round or two later than this, but I don't have a problem with this selection.

Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas: B Grade
Though Quandre Diggs was projected to go in this range, this is a value choice in that he was slotted earlier prior to an awful Combine showing. Diggs showed horrible athleticism, but he could end up having the last laugh if he ends up being a solid slot corner, as once projected.

Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas: B Grade
Though Quandre Diggs was projected to go in this range, this is a value choice in that he was slotted earlier prior to an awful Combine showing. Diggs showed horrible athleticism, but he could end up having the last laugh if he ends up being a solid slot corner, as once projected.

Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina: A+ Grade
I had the Lions picking Corey Robinson in the final version of my mock draft - at No. 88 in the third round! I thought that was a bit early for Robinson, whom I pegged as a fourth-rounder, but there was no reason for him to fall this far. At least, no reason we're aware of. We'll try to figure out why Robinson fell, but for now, this is an easy A+, as Robinson has the talent to start for the Lions at some point down the road.

 

[af1991]

C- which could have been a B+ with Bennett in the 5th, Ifo in the 7th. Keep Diggs in the 6th. Sign Burton as an UDFA....or (insert name) as a pass catching FB.

 

[biggunsbob]

Solid B. But only time will tell..

 

[zyxt9]

Yes. We run the NO offense check out some Sproles highlights.

I get that, I'm just not sure the bigger OL now will have the quickness to execute.

 

[inkfreq]

As time goes on, Lombardi will stray from the NO playbook and begin to install his own system. Might be better, might be worse, but it's natural for a guy to come in and use what he knows, but to start to do his own thing after a time.

 

[mhughes0021]

1) Laken Tomlinson B
Loved him in rd 2. Labeled the best guard in the draft but really theres atleast 3 tackles taken before him that will be playing guard. We took him slightly high which was offset by the value we gained by moving back. Mayhew then chose to piss that value away by trading the 5th round pick we got later in the draft. Cap room took a slight hit by also adding the manny contract. All in all, solid character player....hopefully he doesn't retire in a couple years because hes too smart for football. Couple things to consider....1) hes only EVER played RG and we have a RG. 2) Malcom Brown and Shane Ray were still on the board at 23. Gained value, lost value, gained a $3 mil back up cap hit....

My Pick Malcom Brown DT

2) Ameer Adbullah B
hes not the best rb in the draft. Its debatable if hes even the 3rd best rb in the draft when a guy like Tevin Coleman is a similar back with less durability concerns and top end acceleration and speed. Overall though, great person, hard worker, great runner, and will help in the pass game. He'll end up being my favorite player in the draft if the Lions actually use him and can figure out how to block. But that's the question...how much do we use him and is that production worth a 2nd round pick? Ill believe it when I see it. Right now im guessing hes a rotational back...

My Pick Ali Marpet G

3) Alex Carter aka Reverse Spievey C-
When people don't really know where youre going to play at the next level....it means youre not really going to play much at the start of your career at the next level. Future pick...we will see what happens. rarely do 3rd round corners ever impress me...especially when they might be changing positions. Coach him up, replace mathis and don't get your ass burnt in coverage and I might change my mind...and ps....we traded up for him so is a back up corner worth the additional 5th round pick we lost????

My pick Jeremy Langford RB and I get to keep my 5th round pick

4) Gabe Wright C+
I like this guy and all....but hes not worth a 4th this year ANNNNND a 3rd next year. We overpaid for a rotational DT. With that said Aaron Donald showed you what can happen on a defense that can get to the passer from the inside....and this guy can definitely add pressure up the middle. Like the pick...had the need....really lost out on value by giving up that 3rd round pick. Player B Value we lost D

My pick N/A wouldn't have traded up for anyone left on the board

5) Michael Burton C-
We cant even get our top 10 match up nightmare the ball....im supposed to believe Stafford is going to find a 5th round FB? Whatever...

My Pick 5a Brett Hundley QB
My Pick 5b Michael Bennett DT

6) Quandre Diggs C-
PS or wont make the team. 5 guys penciled in in front of him on day 1 and with being one of the most unathletic corners at the combine theres a chance someone beats him out for the 6th spot....if we even carry 6.

My Pick IFO CB...if youre taking a player you know that will take time to develp anyways.....take this guy give him a year to get healthy and you COULD have yourself a #3 in the 6th round. Instead you got yourself a never will be...

7) Corey Robinson A+
I saw him mocked to us in rd 3 at a couple different spots. I think hes better than waddle. Anytime you get even a back up in rd 7 its good....if you get a potential starter in rd 7 all you can do is /clap

My Pick Corey Robinson Great pick

Total Grade: C+

Really like some of the guys we got...and to be honest it was refreshing seeing us draft need for a change. But is it too much to ask to go need AND get a little more value??? IMO the only value we really gained was in the 7th round....that's too late in the draft to be saying that. We filled maybe 1 hole this draft? At guard. Was RB really a hole? Is Abdullah going to be a bell cow that gets a majority of touches....we will see. 3rd round pick might not play. 4th round pick will be rotational. 5th round pick shouldn't play but will get on the field cause of lombardis whack ass offensive shifts and might be used on ST. We did get very high character guys....which means nothing if the team doesn't improve. Were paying our qb a billion $$$ and this draft shows me were trying to do whatever we can to reduce him impact on the game. Im not even the biggest Stafford fan so I should be ok with that.....but Its still very confusing to me....

Ps...I like my draft way better.

 

[Mitchrapp]

B++. But what do I know. Could be a D in two years..

 

[inkfreq]

B++. But what do I know. Could be a D in two years..

Thats the funny part about draft grades ain't it? We're all going to tell you how good or bad a guy is before he's even taken a snap in the NFL. And we're going to to it based on the rankings and projections of people who didn't even see the combine, didn't interview the players, and really don't know much about anyone outside of the second round.

And damn it, we will say it with conviction too!

 

[kmd47]

Quit crying about value. You have 0 clue as to how or where the actual nfl teams had players valued. I take it you base your stuff off of mocks and what not that dont mean shit. Even with our bsd drafting history, ill take what our team picks over anything you or i wanted. And i love how you already pass judgement on players saying they are shit and won't do anything like two hours after they got drafted.... seems idiotic to me.