My grade for the Lions draft is B-
They only made one reach, and that was on someone they want to switch his position.
Can't argue with you on the potential reach aspect at this point. I do like that Schwartz saw something he liked and wanted and went and got it. Being a new coach I have no measuring stick as to evaluate his assessment of players. I thought like you about the Oak pick and then hearing it was going to be them or Chicago I am holding off on declaring the newbies pick a reach.
They spent most of their higher picks on positions that were of less need, pretty much ignoring the pourous O-Line.
I agree the O-Line needs help (that appears pretty universal) but disagree that OL was any more a need than several others. I went from wanting Smith or Monroe with the 1st to wanting an all D draft and see if we can fill OL holes with FA's
They took a much bigger gamble than needed on #1 overall, and they took good gambles on quality talent in the later rounds where they should.
They need a QB so I guess any time you draft that with a #1 you take a bigger gamble but they were not going to move ahead quickly without addressing that position. I agree about the later picks and am looking forward to seeing if Murtha is as good as I think this preseason.
If they want to stay out of one of the top 5 draft spots (which is hurting teams until a salary structure for rookies is put into place), than they need to build the trenches quickly to become more competitive.
To compete they need to build alot quickly.
This will most likely be a long rebuilding process and they need to focus up front in the draft more than what they did this year.
I won't get into the time factor but it is their D from last year that needs to improve more than the offense. They got some players to make the O more consistent but the D still has to get them the ball.
I do not claim to be a draft expert, and I know the true value of this draft class will be best to evaluate a few years from now, but this is how I see it now in my humble, but somewhat experienced, opinion.
I not only do not claim to be a draft expert or even an expert of football in general but readily will admit I'm just an opinionated homer. My experience tells me the conventional way is not the only or even necessarily the best way.
I hope this draft class turns out to be an A++.
We all need a dream.
I respect your opinion and would like to see how you grade this draft at this point in time.
I've enjoyed the discussion and hope you have not taken anything that I may have said personally .
I initially graded the draft out to a B+ but upon review thought that was to rose colored even for my sensitive eyes and did drop it down to a flat B.
I agree with those who did not have Stafford at #1 but it was nothing against the kid. I won't mark the team down for disagreeing with me when they use the pick to fill the biggest void on the offensive side of the line.
A
Pettigrew took me by surprise. If they were going to go TE I thought there was enough talent in the later rounds (Shawn Nelson). I was so focused on D or OL that it took a while for me to warm up to the selection. The value was there, it provides a critical weapon that has been needed in Det. The rookies we have brought in before are more blockers and the vets have never really panned out. If the line performs even a little better than last year I see this as a great boon for whoever is lining up behind center.
A
I love the Delmas pick (hey we at least turned to D on day one) although I was surprised considering the ILB's still on the board.
A
Going into day 2 Det had a solid A in my book.
Pettigrew surprised me but the Levy pick left me confused. The 1st of the Lion picks of players I had not focused much attention on. OLB instead of in, not a player I had heard much on... I am still warming up to the pick and look forward to seeing what he can do (and how well) when camp opens.
C+/B-
D. Williams surprised me because I thought they would hold off on a WR and maybe get a WR like Butler or Thomas later (granted neither fell as far after their selection as I thought they might). This pick grew on me quicker than Levys. I understand the concerns but he can be our special teams player and a valid threat when lined up as a receiver. J2 is not going to be unseated by this kid, at least not this year, but I can see him helping the O in a way J2 can't
B
The selection of Hill left me scrambling to find out more about Stillman and him. At this point the draft had me feeling a little down. I expected players that I had not focused on I was just hoping they would be in the 2nd half of the draft. He seems like a good pick for down the road - I picture him having a growing curve like I am giving Dizon of not expecting to much the first year but a marked improvement the next.
C+/B-
A. Brown I'm hoping will pan out to be more than Brian Calhoun has. I really would have liked to have seen Rashard Jennings as the pick if they are going to keep him in the backfield.
C
Murtha is the late round pick I like the most and am hoping he can stay healthy and be as productive as he was in college.
A
Follett appears to be a motor/intensity player like Dizon and may become another blue collar LB. If not the 7th is the place to take those type of gambles. Gronkowski is another blocker along the lines of what the team already had so I am not sure what Schwartz had in mind but if it doesn't pan out the cost of an almost Mr. Irrelevant selection is about as cheap as they come.
C+ and C
