It’s a new era for the Detroit Lions as first-year head coach Matt Patricia battles to put his stamp on the team. He has his quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and a productive passing offense in place. Now he must build around those pieces with general manager Bob Quinn.
The Lions don’t have a full compliment of draft picks with which to do it and since Patricia is from the Bill Belichick coaching tree, don’t be surprised to see some wheeling and dealing happen to land some more later in the draft. I can’t factor those in, so here’s what I think the Lions should do with the picks they’ve been allotted.
Round 1, Pick 20: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
2017: 43 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended (6-5, 340 pounds)
Detroit has shed defensive line talent for years and it’s time to start adding some back. Vea is a popular pick to plug into the Lions front four, but that’s just because we all see how much better the team would be if he was in the middle next to A’Shawn Robinson. Vea’s tape reminds me a lot of Aaron Donald’s coming out of Pittsburgh. Does that mean he’ll be the same kind of player? If you’re the Lions, you’d love to take that chance.
Round 2, Pick 51: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
2017: 223 carries, 1,345 yards, 15 touchdowns (5-10, 225 pounds)
Ammer Abdullah, for whatever reason, has never turned into the pro the Lions thought he’d become when they drafted him three years ago. It’s time to look for an upgrade and Chubb will certainly be that, especially in the red zone.
Round 3, Pick 82: Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
2017: 57 catches, 563 yards, nine touchdowns (6-6, 257 yards)
When Detroit cut the cord on Eric Ebron this offseason, they left a hole at tight end. Gesicki is a popular pick on plenty of boards. I’ve seen him going in the first round in a handful of mocks. I don’t agree with that, but he’ll be a value pick for the Lions in the third.
Round 4, Pick 117: Marcus Allen, Safety, Penn State
2017: 71 tackles, four for a loss, one sack, one interception, two passes defended, two forced fumbles (6-2, 205 pounds)
If you can steal a starter after the third round, you’ve put together a tremendous draft. Allen has that potential and, at worst, should be a solid back up to Glover Quin and Tavon Wilson. Allen will be better playing closer to the line early and could spend some time as a nickle or dime linebacker in the sub packages.
Round 5, Pick 153: Marquis Haynes, OLB, Ole Miss
2017: 45 tackles, 11 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles (6-3, 230 pounds)
Detroit has plugged in free agents at outside linebacker for the last couple of seasons. Haynes can contribute early as a complete player, but especially on passing downs as a rusher.
Round 7, Pick 237: Salesi Uhatafe, OG, Utah
6-5, 310 pounds
Detroit has a good offensive line already, but that doesn’t mean they can stop working. They’ll always need depth and Uhatafe has plenty of size and ability that a good offensive coach can develop. Luckily for the Lions, Jim Caldwell won’t be around to screw that up.
