Detroit Lions 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. The Detroit Lions have overhauled their coaching staff in hopes to bring a winning culture to the motor-city. The 2018 draft for the Lions was a simple stepping stone in that direction as they only finished with six selections to their name. Using those selections to secure talent in the neediest positions looks to have been the agenda from the start, let’s review… 

Detroit Lions 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 20 (20)

Frank Ragnow (OL)

ADF will never argue drafting offensive line talent in any round so long as the value is present. This selection in the first round for the Lions is something that was severally needed and ADF supports the pick. Matthew Stafford has been running for his life far too long and until now, the Lions management has finally provided some relief. Frank Ragnow is as solid as they come and should step in day one taking command and planting himself as the leader of the Lions offensive line.

Ragnow has great physical traits that will make him the mainstay on this line for many years to come provided he stays away from the medical room. Frank is very strong with great mobility and awareness to play both Center and Guard making him quite the versatile player, something that has lacked on the Lions offensive front for many years. Offensive line selections in the first round of the draft are never sexy picks, but under the new regime in Matt Patricia, it starts and stops in the trenches and having your franchise quarterback able to stand in the pocket dissecting defenses is priority number one. Great first pick by the Lions.  

ADF Prediction: Versatile player, great potential, NFL starter. 

Round 2 – Pick 11 (43)

Kerryon Johnson (RB)

While the Lions fan base was hoping for more excitement with their second round selection, they surely would be intrigued with Auburn product Kerryon Johnson. Standing six feet tall and weighing in at 213 pounds while running an unofficial time of 4.54 at his pro-day, makes for an interesting prospect to say the least. Johnson has great and nimble feet and is very quick once he makes it to the second level of the defense. His combine tests faired very well showing great agility and one cut ability with fluid motions and acceleration.  

Continuing to review his tape, Johnson can become a very versatile running back in the Lions system that could allow him to be used in the passing game while eventually stealing the lead role. What really impressed us was the expanded workload in his final season at Auburn which saw Johnson carry the ball 285 times while not seeing his yards per carry take any hit. Johnson also seems to have a nose for the endzone finding his way to pay-dirt a whopping 29 times on the ground in his final two years in college, rather impressive. Some scouts may question Johnson’s running style as it may not be conducive in taking the punishment dished out from NFL talent. ADF isn’t worried and is becoming a believer more and more in the skills that Kerryon possesses.    

ADF Prediction: High potential, will take the number one job.

Round 3 – Pick 18 (82)

Tracy Walker (DB)

The Lions may have reached a little when drafting Tracy Walker in the third round. Most scouts had him pegged for day three, but it’s clear Matt Patricia sees something in the talent from Louisiana-Lafayette. Walker has good size and speed to man the safety position in the NFL but will have to refine his skills to become a true difference maker. Tracy is a big hitter with very strong athletic ability that can make him a versatile weapon in the new defensive system Patricia will employ. Walker was solid in generating turnovers with both interceptions and fumbles throughout his college career. Tracy will have to learn how to become a true quarterback on the defense before we see him let loose in a starting role. Walker still has good potential to make a difference in sub-packages or special teams this season.    

ADF Prediction: Moderate/low upside.  

Round 4 – Pick 14 (114)

Da’shawn Hand (DE)

ADF is absolutely in love with this selection in the fourth round in terms of talent for value. A key requirement on the Lions defense is to add viable talent to assist Ziggy Ansah removing double teams from his side to generate more constant pressure. The former Alabama product has all the traits to become a very good player in the NFL provided he continues to progress. Coming in at 6’4” tall, 296 pounds, running a blazing 4.83 40 time for a man his size, and pushing 28 reps on the bench press is just the start when describing the talent level of Da’shawn Hand. While his sack totals leave a lot to be desired, we believe he wasn’t fully utilized to his strengths and should find his niche in the NFL. Having a quick burst and superb strength off the edge leaves opposing offensive lineman off balance and susceptible to getting burned. This pick should become an absolute steal as the season wears on as Patricia will get the most out of this beast.  

ADF Prediction: Moderate/high potential.

Round 5 – Pick 16 (153)

Tyrell Crosby (OL)

Continuing to address the greatest needs on this club, the Lions management has added another great prospect to help the offensive line. Crosby is a giant of a man at 6’5” tall with a frame of 310 pounds while possesses fantastic traits to play Guard or Right Tackle. ADF would like to see his strength increase with some much needed time in the weight room adding more muscle to an already impressive frame. He should begin his career as a backup suppling appropriate depth to a line that has had its share of troubles and injuries in the past.    

Round 7 – Pick 19 (237)

Nick Bawden (RB)

To round out the 2018 draft, Detroit selected another runner, adding to an already full room on the roster. Nick Bawden seems to be more of a hybrid type of player that can lineup in the backfield as a fullback or play on the line filling the need of a tight end if required. Nick is a solid run blocker that has the ability to catch the ball. With the fullback position almost a thing of the past in the new NFL, Bawden should be able to carve out a decent role in mismatch situations.  

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings:

Chad Meredith, LB, Southeast MIssouri State

Kyle Lewis, WR, Cal Poly

Brandon Powell, WR, Florida

DeAndre Goolsby, TE, Florida

JoJo Wicker, DE, Arizona State

Amari Coleman, CB, Central Michigan

Chris Jones, DB, Nebraska

John Montelus, OL, Virginia

Beau Nunn, OL, Appalachian State

Josh Fatu, DL, USC

Anthony Sherrils, S, Missouri

Antwuan Davis, CB, Texas

Ryan Santoso, K, Minnesota

Brett Kendrick, OL, Tennessee

Teo Redding, WR, Bowling Green

Al-Rasheed Benton, LB, West Virginia