Detroit Lions 2019 Bob Quinn draft review

Another draft with little impact. Impact positions (QB, Pass Rush, Pass Protector, Cover guys, Pass receivers)  Taking a TE in the Top 10 in a terrible idea. Non pass rushing LB in the second not much better. Harris is not a cover guy.

Round #1 Pick # 8



TJ Hockenson TE Iowa
12 games 7 starts 32/367/2

Current Status:
Ended 2019 on IR. Showed flashes but struggled with drops. Very little return on the high pick. 2020 Pro Bowl TE.

What I said in 2019: 6.8 starter as a rookie.
 The Lions took a Tight End in  the first round for third time since 2009. Neither Brandon Pettigrew (2009) nor Eric Ebron (2014) played up to their draft status. Hockenson carried top 10 grades from some NFL Draft Analyst including NFL Draft Scout and Daniel Jeremiah. Considered a complete tight end , he can both catch and block. He should be on the field quite a lot for Lions.

I graded him as a 6.8 or starter as rookie. I would like to see go him near # 20. He played for Brian Ferentz at Iowa. Ferentz was a former TE coach for the Patriots. I'm sure Bob Quinn received a good scouting report from Iowa.

I expect to see a lot 11 personnel. Base offense with James and Hock at TE, Marvin and Kenny G at WR.

Round # 2 Pick #43


Jahlani Tavai LB Hawaii
15 games 6 starts 59 tackles 1 int 2 sacks

Current Status:
Rotational LB. Played many positions in 2019. Looks to be most effective as a run stopper. One of the worst players in the NFL in 2020.

What I said in 2019: 5.6 Undrafted Free Agent
A complete surprise in the 2nd round. I had a undrafted free agent grade on him. Pro Football Weekly and NFL Draft Scout both had 7th round grades. He missed the last 6 games with a shoulder. He had some red flags with character, a fight in college. He was rated by Pro Football Focus 69th in tackling efficiency among LB in this draft class.

He should play the stack LB. Maybe the middle. This could allow Jarrad Davis to move to Will. Has excellent special teams potential.

I watched two games on Tavai (Wyoming, SJSU) A couple things are evident. He plays another different roles for Hawaii. He played over the TE, Edge rusher, Off the ball LB and LB over the slot.

He has strong arms and controls TE and guards. He plays really hard. All over the place and always around the ball. His lack of speed shows up but his instincts and effort helps to offset it. Not a great pass rusher. Has a good first step but lacks length and bend to beat tackles. Has a good inside rip move.

Round # 3 Pick # 81


Will Harris S Boston College

Current Status:
After starting at FS without any impact, will likely move to the # 3 spot. One of the worst players in the NFL in 2020.

What I said in 2019. 6.2 Rotational player and special player.
A multi-talented safety from Boston College. Can play in the box (27.4%) , middle (38.1%)  or the slot (30.9%). Excellent combine. Known as a nasty hitter. Has immediate special teams impact. Will challenge for playing time in the secondary. Traded a 6th to move up to draft him at #81

Round # 4 Pick #117


Austin Bryant DE Clemson
4 games 8 tackles

Current status:
Started the year on PUP. The Lions knew 2019 would a red shirt year. Came off a pec injury
Will vie action as an edge pass rusher. Did not finish the Green Bay game in week # 17

Injured much of 2020.

What I said in 2019: 6.2 Rotational player
The fourth Clemson D Lineman to be drafted. A pec injury during the season kept him from working out for scouts. He is a clone of Trey Flowers but not quite as explosive. Will be a guy who can be a rotational player for many seasons. Can play outside or slide down inside. Good value after a trade down to pick up a 6th round pick.

Round # 5 Pick #146



Amani Oruwariye CB Penn State
9 games 2 starts 19 tackles 2 int 3PBu

Current status
Strong end to 2019. Injury held him back. Will compete for the # 3 CB job. Starter in 2020. Struggled.

What I said in 2019 6.3 Back up who should start by year # 3
Sliding to the 5th round, Amani offers good value. He will start off his career as back up hopefully transition to starting role outside. He has size and speed to compete outside. Not a physical player so special teams duty might be a challenge. Has upside but is project at this point.

Pro Football Focus loved this guy. Rated him # 36 overall and the # 5 CB. Raved his about his win rate at the Senior Bowl.

Round # 6 Pick # 184


Travis Fulgham WR Old Dominion
3 games

Current status:
Made the 53 man roster but sent to the practice squad after game 3. Promoted but was not targeted in the pass game. Will likely have to be on the practice squad. Released and started in Philadelphia. 

What I said in 2019 6 Small school guy with some upside
Small school guy with size. Played at the Senior Bowl and showed he has potential. Pro Football Focus #128 overall. Has a shot to make the team. He could back up Kenny G

Round # 6 Pick # 186


Ty Johnson RB Maryland
16 games 1 start 63/273/0 24/109 REC 1 FL

Current status:
Rotational RB and KOR. Showed flashed of speed. Will have to compete with Huntley for the spot. Lowest rated RB in the NFL by PFF. Cut and now starting for the Jets.

What I said in 2019 5.9 Rotational player and special teams player
Love this guy. Has speed and elusiveness. Really played well at the East West Game. Can catch and return kicks. Could replace Theo as a third down back. Does not have a lot carries. This guy has potential.

Round # 7 Pick #224


Isaac Nauta TE Georgia
6 games 2/13 rec

Current Status:
Finished the season as the # 3 TE and FB. Was not really effective at either. Will fight to make the team. Cut and signed with Green Bay.

What I said in 2019 6.2 rotational player
A deep TE class. The Lions did their work and could not resist Nauta. I liked him when I saw him live. He tested poorly but is tough guy who could fit in as a # 3 TE. Will challenge for a roster spot. 8th rated TE by PFF. 

Round # 7 Pick # 229


PJ Johnson DT Arizona

Current status:
Under contract with the Chargers. Kicked out of a scrimmage and did not make the team.

What I said in 2019: 5.6 Undrafted Free Agent
A guy the Lions worked out during the process. A big guy who could make the team as # 4 DT. A junior snacks. Was PFF # 10 rated DT vs. The Run in the draft class.

Undrafted Free agents:


Beau Benzschawel OG Wisconsin
2 games

Current Status:
Played 2 games and was on the 53 man all season. Will compete for time his 2nd year. Cut in 2020.

What I said in 2019: 6.3 Back up who start start by year # 3
Big Wisconsin lineman. Most draft analysts had him as am early day three pick. Pro Football Weekly had him 4th round, PFF 163 on the big Board. He ranked 1st overall and 1st in run blocking.
I did not like him at the Senior Bowl. Not a great athlete. Struggled in pass protection. Has upside. Could be surprise.



Kevin Strong DE Texas San Antonio
8 games 5 tackles

Current status:
Made the team out of camp. Played in the rotation. Was not a factor. Finished the year on IR. Played a lot in the last few games but was ineffective. 

What I said in 2019: 5 not an NFL player
Small but slow. I did not think he had a chance at UDFA deal but he gets a shot.



CJ Moore DB Ole Miss
16 games 8 tackles

Current status:
Played in all 16 games on special teams. Will compete for the 5th safety spot. 

What I said in 2019: 5.6 undrafted free agent
Missed 7 games with with torn pec. Has good measurables but not a lot of productivity.

Bob Quinn 2018 Detroit Lions draft review

The 2018 Detroit Lions draft has made very little impact. Drafting a Center and trading up for a Running Back has shown little effect on the win/loss record. Interior lineman and running backs are not impact player. Beside QB, pass rushers, pass receivers and cover guys will impact the game most.
Quinn has not followed paradigm.

Round # 1 Pick # 20



Frank Ragnow Center Arkansas
31 starts

Current status:
Starting center. Very good year in 2019. Moved from his guard in 2018. 2020 Pro Bowl center.

What I said in 2018: 6.5 Starter as a rookie. Upside to be a solid pro.
Bob Quinn continues to overhaul the Offensive Line. Ragnow is is big and a good athlete. Will be in the mix at Center or Left Guard. I had a second round grade on him. I dinged him for the ankle injury. PFF ranked the # 1 center in College in both 2016 and 2017. Never allowed a sack in his career.

Round # 2 pick #43


Kerryon Johnson RB Auburn
18 games 14 starts 231/1044/6 42/340/2 2FL

Current Status:
Rotational RB. Injuries have cost him 14 games over the his first two years. This is a great examples of why you don't take a RB early. Lions doubled down on the mistake in the 2020 draft with D'Andre Swift. Looks to have lost all burst. Solid pass protector.

What I Said in 2018. 6.8 Starter in rookie year, solid pro. Ranked in # 4 RB
Lions trade a 4th round pick to the Patriots to move up to take Johnson. He needs to add some strength but can be a legit lead back. Check out his Alabama tape.

Round # 3 Pick # 82


Tracy Walker S Louisana-Lafayette
29 games 12 starts 12 tackles 3 int 9 PBU

Current status:
Starting Safety coming off a solid year. Versatile player who could be a foundational piece for the Lions. Really struggled in 2020. 

What I said in 2018: 5.9 back up and special teams player.
Had a good week at the East West Shrine game. Has good measurables and will play free safety. I had 5th round grade on him. Same High School as Darius Slay.

Round # 4 Pick #114


Da'Shawn Hand DT Alabama
16 games 10 starts 33 tackles 3 sacks 2 FF

Current status:
Rotational interior lineman with upside. Has missed half the games his first two years due to injury. Future in doubt with another year lost in 2020.

What I said in 2018: 6.2 rotational player.
Lions traded a 3rd round pick in 2019 to the Patriots for Hand. He has a lot talent. Has been described as a boom or bust project. His college position will coach him in Detroit. Can play 3 technique and big end.

Round #5 Pick #153



Tyrell Crosby Tackles Oregon

Current Status:
Swing tackle. Has been solid in his fill in opportunities. Likely will that will be his role for the next two years.

What I said in 2018: 6.4 Solid back up who could start by year # 3
A mauler in the run game who projects to right tackle. Has the traits to start in the NFL. Fell because of medical. Foot injury in 2016.  Will back up at tackle. May transition into a guard.

Round # 7 Pick # 237


Nick Bawden FB SDSU
10 games 1 start.

Current Status:
Rotational FB. Injured Reserve for three years. Ranked at the bottom of PFF FB rankings in 2019.

What I said in 2018: 5.8 Back end of the roster player.
Lions bringing back the fullback under Matt Patricia. Started his career at QB. Was named 2016 PFF All-American.

Bonus 
Undrafted Free Agent



Mike Ford CB SEMO state
22 games 6 starts 37 tackles 3 PBU

Current Status
Will fight for the 5th CB spot. Showed promise his rookie year but regressed in 2019. Amari passed him on the depth chart. Was a no dress in week # 16.

What I said in 2018: 5.8 Possibly back up and special teams guy.
Great pro day. Reminds me of Jamaal Agnew. Explosive athlete. $7,500 Bonus $20,000 Guaranteed.

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.

Bob Quinn Detroit Lions Draft Review 2016

Breakdown of each of Bob Quinn's draft classes:

2016
The Lineman draft. Bob was trying to shore up the line. The O-line play improved slightly from awful to okay. Run defensive has been awful save the second half of 2018 since Suh left and Levy got hurt.

The good:  He netted two solid starters in Decker and Glasgow. Dahl still could develop. Miles is a great special teams player.

The Bad: Robinson was drafted to help defend the run. It never happened except the end of 2018 when Snacks wanted to play. Killebrew never developed into a defensive player. Little help in the late rounds.

Round 1 Pick #16



Taylor Decker LT Ohio State 
55 starts

Current: Picked up 5th year option.
Decker played well when healthy in 2019. Has become a solid left tackle. I thought he could only play the right side. Should continue his upward trajectory.

Here is what I said in 2016: Grade 6.5 Develop into a solid starter early in career.
Decker becomes a day one starter at right tackle. He is a better athlete than Riley Reiff but needs to develop as pass protector.

 Round 2 Pick # 46


A'Shawn Robinson DT Alabama
58 games 37 starts 172 tackles 5 sacks 3 FF

Current: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams
Never really fit what the Lions were trying to do. Had only one good year (2018). Didn't stop the run nor rush the passer.

Here is what I said in 2016: Grade 6.5 Develop into a solid starter early in career.
Robinson is big guy who just turned 21. A first team All-America at the National Champions. I thought he was a better fit at 5 tech in 3-4. He will play the 3 tech in Detroit.

Round 3 Pick # 95


Graham Glasgow 
62 games 58 starts

Current: Signed with the Denver Broncos
Solid NFL guard. Can play center as well. Not worth the $10 mil a year he given. Guard is not an impact position.

Here is what I said in 2016: 6.4 Will develop into a solid starter by year # 2
Tall guy, Can play center or guard. Will dress on game day. Will push Swanson and back up at guard. Overcame some off the field problems while in Ann Arbor.

 Round 4 Pick #111


Miles Killebrew S Southern Utah
63 games 4 starts 93 tackles 2 int 2 sacks

Current: re-signed for 1 year $2 million
Special teams player. Has not found a position. Played LB at the end 2091 was not effective.

Here is what I said in 2016: 6.4 Will develop into a solid starter by year # 2
My favorite guy in this draft. Big and fast. Will strike you. The Lions worked hard on the nickel safety position. He gets the first crack. Will excel on special teams.

 Round 5 Pick #151


Joe Dahl OG WSU
35 games 17 starts

Current: signed two extension in 2019. Projected to start at Right Guard in 2020.
Starter at guard in 2019. Was a solid player. Took awhile to develop mostly because of injuries. Good value in the 5th round. Struggled in 2020. 

Here is what I said in 2016: 6.2 rotational guy with a chance to start in career
Versatile player with good football IQ can play tackle or guard. With Reiff and Warford scheduled to be free agents in 2017 this guy will get a shot to compete a job.


Round 5 Pick 169


Antwione Williams
14 games 3 starts 27 tackles

Current Out of the League
Never fit into the scheme. Not enough speed to make in the league. Cut in 2017.

Here is what I said in 2016: 5.8 Late round pick, special teams player.
Lions scouted the Ga Southern pro day. Williams got some buzz following the Shrine game. Has size to play inside but lacks speed.

Round 6 Pick #191



Jake Rudock 
3 games 3/51 24 yards

Current Signed with the Dolphins
Probably will float around as third team QB.

Here is what I said in 2016: 5.8 Late round pick, career back up.
Lions made the rounds looking for a developmental QB. They settled with on Rudock. Completed 64% of passes at Michigan. Better athlete than given credit for. Could be a reliable back up down the line.

Round 6 Pick # 202


Anthony Zettel 
29 games 16 starts 56 tackles 7.5 sacks

Current Signed with the 49ers
Signed to played end in the 4-3 and did it pretty well. Cut after he was forced to play LB in the Patricia scheme.

Here is what I said in 2016:  6.2 rotational guy with a chance to start in career
A good depth guy. Can play on run downs at end and tackles on pass downs. Has a chance to be in the rotation.

6.4 Solid started by year #2

Current: Out of the league
I was wrong. Muhl still going strong.

Here is what I said in 2016: 5.6 Undrafted free agent
This means the end to the Don Muhlbach era. A much better athlete than Muhl at this point.,

Round 7 Pick # 236


Dwayne Washington 
17 games 2 starts 110/309/1 12/76 rec

Current; Signed with the Saints
Not a good runner or pass receiver. Made it this long on special teams.

Here is what I said in 2016: 5.8 Late round pick, special teams player.
Size speed guy will get a shot to compete against Zenner and Ridley.

2020 Detroit Lions draft man cave

As the 2020 NFL Draft kicks off, the Lions man cave is ready. Perfect for quarantine.

Here are the scenes

View looking into the cave. My son is already taken his spot for the draft.

Looking in at the command center. 

A view of the television 

View of the couch without son.

2020 Detroit Lions Mock Draft

Please note:
This is what I would do if I was the GM. I'm not trying predict, the unpredictable Bob Quinn.

1st Round Pick # 3



Jeff Okudah CB Ohio State 6011 205 4.48 1141" 1103
After several unsuccessful attempts to trade back, I would select Okudah. Physical corner who excels at press man. Impressive tackler and big game player. He would immediately raise the level of play in the secondary.

2nd Round Pick # 35



Ross Blacklock DT TCU 6031 290 4.9 29" 811 7.77 4.67
Active, powerful 3 technique. Will provide some punch in the middle of the line. Quick off the ball with upper strength throw off lineman. Makes plays.

3rd Round Pick #67



Chase Claypool WR Notre Dame 6043 238 4.42 19 40.5 1006
Rare height/weight/speed ratio. Played for the North at the Senior Bowl. Good hands and red zone ability. Add to an already explosive group of receivers.


3rd Round Pick # 85



Matt Hennessy OG Temple 6040 307 5.18 23 30" 902 7.45 4.6
Played for the North at the Senior Bowl. Can play both Center and Guard. Good power on the run block and good feet in pass protection.

4th Round Pick # 109



Alton Robinson DE Syracuse 6030 264 4.69 25 35.5" 911 7.32 4.32
Played for the North at the Senior Bowl. Good power and speed in the pass rush. Doubtful he can slide inside but he could drop in certain packages.

5th Round Pick # 149



AJ Dillon Boston College RB 6003 247 4.53 23 41" 1011 7.19

Power back with more juice than you would expect. Carried BC for his three years. Was not involved much in the passing game in school.

5th Round Pick #166


Mike Ojemudia CB Iowa 6002 199 4.45 36" 1002 6.87 4.21
Played for the North at the Senior Bowl. Good tape vs. USC. Played mostly zone at Iowa. Plays the ball well and can tackle. Should make his name on special teams.

6th Round Pick #182



Larell Murchinson DT NC State 6023 297 5.05 29 29" 910 7.89 4.51
Played for the North at the Senior Bowl. Played over the tackle at NC State. Has positional versatility. Can be a rotational player in the Lions scheme.

7th Round Pick #235



Bryce Huff DE Memphis 6015 254

Not ideal size. Plays with a power. Would play Jack LB in the Lions scheme. Can play special teams. Should make an NFL team. Impressed at the East West Shrine game.