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.