Detroit Lions Bob Quinn 2017 Draft Review

2017 Draft Review:

Overview: 
A really bad draft. This draft left the Lions without depth and caused them to over pay in free agency. This one will haunt the Lions for years to come.

The good: Kenny G. Getting a legit star in the third round gives this draft one player.

The bad: Rounds 1 and 2 are some of the worst picks in Lions history.

Round # 1  pick #21

 Jarrad Davis
41 starts 255 tackles 10 sacks 5 FF

Current: Last year of contract
Lions did not pick up his 5th year option. Has struggled his entire career. Cannot cover or tackle in space. Hate to say I told you so.

What I said in 2017 6.2 a back up with upside.
I was afraid of this pick. Davis looks the part. Rocked up and explosive. Tests extremely well. However, his tape tells a different story. He is fooled by misdirection and misses tackles because he is out of control. Davis gets stuck on block and misses his run fits. Ranked # 209 in tackling efficiency by Pro Football Focus.

Davis from Florida. A tight wound explosive athlete. He rocks guards and fullbacks with arms. However, misses tackles and gets fooled a lot. Runs around without finding the ball. He will test well but I don't like his instinct. Probably a 2nd round pick. 6.2 a back up with upside.

He had was my lowest graded player drafted in the first round.

Hopefully, his game translates better to the NFL. His speed and explosive power should be an asset to the Lions. Bill Sheridan has a raw athlete to mold.

Round # 2  Pick # 53



Teez Tabor
22 games 5 starts 42 tackles

Current: Practice squad for the 49ers
Too slow to play. Had good tape in college. Could hide as the boundary CB. Can't draft corners that run slower than 4.5

What I said in 2017 6.3 Solid starter by year # 3
Interesting pick because this guy has played really well. A ballhawk who causes turnovers, his speed is in question. He might develop into solid slot corner. He showed he can tackle and blitz at Florida.
I had a higher grade on him than on Davis.

Round # 3 Pick # 96


Kenny Golladay
42 games 34 starts 163/2729/19td

Current: Last year of contract; Pro Bowl WR
Home run for Bob. Great kid, Great dad. Love this guy. Injured almost all of 2020. 

What I said in 2017 6.3 Solid starter by year # 3
Height Weight Speed Guy. He play the outside receiver and stretch the field. Needs to clean up his route running. Raw prospect. Dropped 5 passes of 165 catchable targets the last two years. I had the Lions taking him in round # 4


Round # 4  Pick #124


Jalen Reeves-Maybin
39 games 3 starts 79 tackles

Current: Lat year of contract
Great special teams player, not a an NFL LB. Struggled when called on to start at the end of the season.

What I said in 2017 5.6 Undrafted free agent
A small, slight hit and run LB with a history of injury. He has to play Will or in the nickel package. Gets swallowed up by blockers and dives at ankles. I had a free agent grade him. Ranked # 100 in OLB in tackling efficiency

Round # 4  Pick #127


Michael Roberts
23 games 5 starts 13/146/3 rec

Current Out of the league
Huge disappointment. Loved this guy at Toledo. Thought he could be a solid starter.

What I said in 2017 6.4 Solid started by year #2
One of my favorite players in the draft. A big inline tight end who can catch. Had 16 touchdowns in 2016. Huge hands. I graded him the highest of all the Lions picks so far.

Round 5  Pick #165


Jamal Agnew
32 games 25 tackles 36/866/1 KR 60/679/3 PR

Current: Final year of contract:
Has not worked out at CB. Played WR in 2019. All-Pro return man. Gadget guy on offense.

What I said in 2017 5.6 Undrafted free agent ( I had the Lions taking him the 7th round)
Small, fast agile corner. Probably going to compete for time at slot corner, gunner, jammer and return guy. The Lions are obviously not happy with their depth at slot corner. Player at the NFLPA all-star game.

Round 6 Pick # 206



Jeremiah Ledbetter 
16 games 14 tackles

Current: DT for Tampa. Had sack vs. Lions
Did not fit the Patricia scheme cut in 2018.

What I said in 2017 6.1 Rotational Guy
Raw player with long arms and is strong. Has the ability to make the team and contribute in the rotation. Will compete with Jordan Hill and other prospects for the at 5 DT spot.

Round 6 Pick # 215


Brad Kaaya 

Current Out of the league
Lions signed him twice. Ended up at Carolina then Indy then the couch.

What I said in 2017 6 has talent, risky pick
Produced at the U. Decent arm. Have not heard many good things about this guy. Struggles with the rush. May have a shot at the third spot.

Round # 7  #250



Pat O'Connor

Current: Tampa Bay
Never fit the scheme has played in Tampa (11 games) for a couple years.

What I said in 2017 5.6 Undrafted Free Agent
Interesting pick. Excellent production at EMU. Will compete with Zettel and Copeland for a roster spot.