With a second year Head Coach and fourth year GM, the Lions are trying to make the evolution from a team who is perpetually riding the line between playoff push and total rebuild, to a team that is tough, young, and most importantly, winning.
Before taking look at where the team is headed with this years’ new talent, it is important to look at where the team is and has been under the new regime.
General Manager – Bob Quinn (Hired Jan. 11, 2016) previously worked with the Patriots for 14 years and with now Head Coach Matt Patricia (12 years with Quinn). During his tenure the Lions have went 24-24, with one playoff game and zero playoff victories.
Of his 25 picks in his tenure (2016-2018), Quinn has landed one First-Team All-Pro in Jamal Agnew as a Return Specialist, and had seven players become regular starters.
Head Coach – Matt Patricia (Hired Feb. 5, 2018) The six years prior to landing in Detroit he served as the Pats Defensive Coordinator. During that span, the Patriots ranked second in points allowed (19.2) and an NFL-best plus-71 turnover differential. His record in his first year as head coach was 6-10.
The reason why their roots are important to the future of Detroit is because folks inside and outside the doors of Ford Field may not always understand the why to the “Patriot way” or how a simple concept such as “do YOUR job” has created a team and a dynasty that many fans may never get to witness again in their lifetime.
Apples don’t fall far from the tree but they don’t always grow as high. While the Lions are doing their best to mimic the Pats success, many have argued that whatever has been happening in New England is not something easily replicated. At the moment, that is the ride that Lions fans will be on for the foreseeable future.
The way that the Patriots draft/sign/release players is based on scheme fit, football I.Q., toughness, technique, and their ability to buy into the program. They don’t draft flashy, and often times will trade down to create more value, thus more homegrown players for them to mold into a form best fitting their specific skill set. Knowing that can help make sense of some of the moves that have been and will be made in the future.
Without further adieu, here is how this class breaks down
Round One, Pick Eight
T.J. Hockenson, Tight End, Iowa Hawkeyes – 6’5” // 251 lbs // 31 ¼” Arms // 9 ½” Hands // 4.7 40 Yard Dash // 17 Reps // 37.5” Vertical
NFL.com Grade: 6.35 out of 6.99
If the Draft was a job interview, Hockenson would be hired on the spot. He’s got a large frame with room to grow, ideal height/weight ratio, sticky hands and a nasty streak you see him unleash whenever it is time to run block. With multiple Tight End sets becoming the new Meta in the NFL, players like Hockenson are going to continue to be more impactful. He is projecting as a day one starter and looks to be on the field as often as possible in multiple roles and multiple sets. The offseason signing of Jesse James shouldn’t affect his snap count or targets too much.
In college his team would frequently go with double Tight End formations alongside fellow first round pick Noah Fant. Even with another Tight End vying for catches and Hockensen being a primary blocker he still managed to lead his team in receiving yards (760) and was second on the team in catches (49) and touchdowns (6). That season he won the John Mackey Award, Big Ten Tight End of the year, and First-Team All-Conference honors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSLHLMSOkE
Round Two, Pick Eleven
Jahlani Tavai, Inside Linebacker, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors – 6’2” // 250 lbs // 31 7/8” Arms // 9” Hands
NFL.com Grade 5.40 out of 6.99
(pronounced jah-lan-ee tah-VIE)This pick was met with resistance from fans and experts alike. While Tavai is talented, there are a litany of things that hurt his overall grade and by some projections, should have been a 4th or 5th round pick this year.
Bob Quinn must have felt strongly about Tavai to take him in the second round. Some things that back up the pick would be his lineage, (Jordan Tavai, his brother played for Kansas on the D-Line. His brother J.R. played Linebacker for the USC Trojans and the Tennessee Titans) He started 11 of 13 games as a redshirt freshman. Was awarded 1st-Team All-Mountain West in 2016, leading the conference with 19.5 tackles for loss (129 total tackles, and 7 sacks) Was 2nd-Team All-Mountain west in 2017, tallying 124 tackles for 10th best in the nation. He is your classic inside linebacker as a downhill thumper, gap filler and very cerebral player who can and does out play his athleticism against Mountain West competition.
Some of the knocks against Tavai include being arrested for assault at a nightclub which suspended him for the season opener, and he missed the last month of the season with shoulder problems. In spite of that he still racked up 82 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in 8 games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8_vOB9MQbk
Round Three, Pick Eighteen
Will Harris, Safety, Boston College Eagles – 6’1” // 207 // 31 ¼” Arms // 9” Hands // 4.41 40 Yard Dash // 20 reps // 36.5” Vertical
NFL.com Grade: 5.36 out of 6.99
Harris will be a welcome addition to a defensive backfield that is still missing a few pieces. The former Eagle standout checks all the height/weight/speed and measurable boxes. His 4.41 40 yard time and ability to close and put a hard hit on ball carriers should put him onto the field earlier than not. Pairing him with Tracy Walker (3rd rounder from last year, who if he had enough snaps to qualify, would have been one of the highest metric rated Safeties in the league) could spell trouble for NFC North offensive teams in the near future if they can get their chemistry right quickly.
In college, Harris was an all around presence in their defensive backfield, becoming a full time starter as a sophomore. As a senior, he was voted a Team Captain, and received 3rd-Team All-ACC honors. Career highs were impressive. Posting a pair of games with 10 tackles and forcing a pair of fumbles against Florida State in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQAe7vN4wQw&t=49s
Round Four, Pick Fifteen
Austin Bryant, Defensive End/Pass Rusher, Clemson Tigers – 6’4” // 271 lbs // 34 5/8” Arms // 9 5/8”
NFL.com Grade: 5.65 out of 6.99
Austin Bryant is an explosive edge rusher who was regarded by his fellow Clemson teammates as one of the best on the field regardless of who they were playing. He is the best and worst parts of a quick twitch athlete though. He uses and pushes his body to the limit which can see him making a monster play, or being put into the dirt by more savvy offensive lineman. Had injuries never been an issue many scouts had him listed as a solid second round talent. If he can learn to use his speed while improving his core strength and balance he could be more than a situational pass rusher at the next level.
In college, Bryant was a key cog for a top-tier defense for his entire career. You don’t hear the term rangy used to describe D-lineman but Bryant certainly fits that bill. Amassing 153 tackles, 35 for loss, 20 sacks, 32 pressures, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and a one-handed interception in his 29 starts and 51 games played. In 2018 he was voted Third-Team ACC, All-Bowl Team, and earned Outstanding Defensive Player honors in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. He notched 44 tackles, 14.5 for loss and 8 sacks while starting every game for the Tigers’ National Championship season and undefeated run. He was voted First-Team All-American in 2017 and entered 2018 as a top 40 NFL Draft Prospect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Tc0SC05zQ
Round Five, Pick Eight
Amani Oruwarlye, Cornerback, Penn State Nittany Lions – 6’2” // 205 lbs // 31 3/8” Arms // 9” Hands // 4.47 40 Yards Dash // 17 Reps // 36.5” Vertical
NFL.com Grade: 5.67 out of 6.99
(Pronounced OH-rue-war-ee-AY) Amani is one of those talents who surprised some folks with his slide all the way until the 5th round. Including Giants Running back Saquon Barkley who tweeted “cold heart never get cold feet when the pressure come” alluding to the field presence and skill of his fellow Penn State Grad. Just by the numbers, Amani is the prototypical build for an NFL corner. He has demonstrated the ability to play in a range of coverages, can play the ball or receiver in the air, and can be active in run support.
In College, Amani was one of the most active defenders in the Big 10 posting three straight season openers with an interception. He did not start full time until his junior season but was active and still managed to find his way on the field and was impactful. In his first start he sealed the game in overtime with a late interception. He seems to pop up in the big moments and uses his size and athletic ability to out position any type of receiver be they small and fast or big bodied possession receivers. Due to his efforts he was named First-Team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media. Was invited to the Senior Bowl, and won Co-Most Valuable defensive player. Was also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe award. Has his Degree in Journalism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m77fgzCnXjo&t=175s
Round Six, Pick Eleven
Travis Fulgham, Wide Receiver, Old Dominion Monarchs – 6’2” // 215 lbs // 33 ¾ Arms // 9 ½ Hands // 4.58 40 Yard Dash // 15 Reps // 36.5 Vertical
NFL.com Grade: 5.50 out of 6.99
Fulgham won’t wow anyone with his speed, but where he may carve a role into the NFL would be as a reliable, possession receiver who knows how to create windows for himself. He’s got strong hands and a great sense for tracking the ball. He’s tall, thick and long armed which is something that Matthew Stafford has historically done well with due to his style of throwing. Couple that with Fulgham’s pension for the deep catch and it may be a solid match. Travis is a hard worker, and while he may not break into the top three spots on the depth chart look for him to make the final roster because of his savvy.
In college, he worked his way into the lineup by walking-on as a freshman and earned a redshirt as well as a scholarship. He started every game as a sophomore and tallied 29 catches for 478 yards and 8 touchdowns on 16.5 yards per catch. There was a dip in production his junior year, but he roared back for a senior season that saw him lead the C-USA with 1,083 yards on 63 catches with 9 touchdowns (17.2 yards per catch). His streak of 9 games in a row with a touchdown was best in FBS in 2018. He was voted Second-Team All-Conference USA, First-Team by Pro football Focus, and was the first ODU offensive player to get invited to the Senior Bowl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SnNaWyYvqI&t=39s
Round Six, Pick Thirteen
Ty Johnson, Running Back, Maryland Terrapins – 5’10” // 208 lbs // 29 3/4” Arms // 9 1/8” Hands
NFL.com grade 4.99 out of 6.99
Johnson has small but thickly built frame that allows him to bounce and absorb most contact. He has a great drive step and runs with good pad level, keeping his feet churning and making the most out of his carries. He would function best in a one-cut style of role where he can pick a hole and hit it. When he does get some daylight he has a chance to take it all the way and can provide some value as a kick returner as well. Johnson could find a good fit for the Lions who like to use their running backs in a variety of ways. If he can work on some routes and soften his hands just a bit he may solidify himself as a reliable backup.
In college, Johnson did it all. He was a two-time Doak Walker watch list member as well as a Maxwell candidate his senior year. He ranks 3rd All-Time in career all-purpose yards (4,196), 4th in career rushing yards (2,635), 4th in kick return yards (1,194) and had 11 100-yard rushing games which is also 4th best in school history. As a senior he average 7.7 yards per carry with 506 yards on 66 rushes but missed the final three games of the season with an injury. As a junior he accounted for 1,592 all-purpose yards for 7th most in school history. Two of his kickoff returns came on the road at Michigan and Ohio State.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l_q1RybGTQ&t=42s
Round Seven, Pick Ten
Isaac Nauta, Tight End, Georgia Bulldogs – 6’3” // 244 lbs // 31 7/8” Arms // 9 3/8” Hands // 4.91 40 Yard Dash // 19 Reps // 28” Vertical
NFL.com Grade: 5.50 out of 6.99
(Pronounced NAW-tah) Is the second Tight End taken by Lions in this year’s draft and he has a very different approach and skill set. He doesn’t have real breakaway speed but is a savvy route runner. Still needs to work on some fundamentals like using his center of gravity, and most importantly running and operating with better pad level. At 6’3 he had to play more on his toes but to really shine at the next level he needs to get a step faster and lower his pad level. For the Lions, he figures to be 3rd on the tight end depth chart behind first rounder Hockenson and Free agent aquisiton Jesse James. If his already sound blocking improved he could carve himself out a role as an H-back. On the upside, he did play his best games the best competition and was a big contributor to his team’s success in spite of a run-heavy system.
In college, he was the top-ranked Tight End in the nation and coming out of the prestigious IMG academy. He was named freshman all-American but experienced an up and down career stats-wise under Kirby Smart. However, he does find a way to make plays. He notched a catch in every game of the 2018 season with a 4 catch, 81 yard, and 1 touchdown showing against SEC defensive juggernaut Alabama.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPdHhBlnv4g
Round Seven, Pick Fifteen
P.J. Johnson, Defensive Tackle, Arizona Wildcats – 6’4” // 334lbs
NFL.com Grade: 5.17 out of 6.99
Even though he is a late round projection and 7th round pick up, Johnson is not to be slept on. His massive size, thighs, and presence when he gets hands on ball carriers make him an intriguing prospect. The thing that has limited him his entire career is his feet. He’s just not that fast, can’t redirect, and has trouble against lineman using speed or finesse techniques. If he can make a home next A’Shawn Robinson and polish up some of his shortcomings (maybe even drop 15-20lbs) he could be a part of a very stout defensive line for years to come.
In college, was active at every stop he made. In 2017 he went to City College of San Francisco where he had 4 ½ sacks and 8 ½ tackles for loss. When he arrived in Arizona he started 9 games for the Wildcats tallying 31 tackles, 22 solo stops, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks, a forced fumble and a safety. Those numbers would bring him a PAC-12 All-Conference honorable mention nod. He also has two children and cites them as his drive to get into the NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hFgO3_aBgk
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