Mostly 'Bs' on Detroit Lions' overall 2018 NFL draft report card - MLive.com

Detroit Lions' overall NFL draft grade: Mostly 'Bs'

Matt Patricia's first draft as the Detroit Lions' head coach is over.

And while it could take some time to figure out the value of the entire class, that's not how things work with NFL analysts. Instant overreaction is needed.

So first, a reminder of Lions' weekend haul:

Round 1 (20): Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Round 2 (43): Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
Round 3 (82): Tracy Walker, DB, Louisiana-Lafayette
Round 4 (114): Da'Shawn Hand, DT, Alabama
Round 5 (153): Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
Round 7 (237): Nick Bawden, FB, San Diego State

And here's how Detroit graded out:

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B-
"Matt Patricia's first draft as coach of the Lions could be defined by whether they finally find a consistent running game. The O-line and running back focus were clear. Detroit moved up eight spots to No. 43 (and surrendered pick 117) to take Kerryon Johnson, who had 20 total touchdowns last season. Johnson was my ninth-ranked back, and I had higher players on my board, plus the injury concerns at Auburn give me pause. There's no doubt that he's talented, but is he going to be a three-down back? Can he be relied upon in pass protection? Detroit finished last in rushing yards and yards per rush last season, so it's impossible to get worse. If Johnson can make an instant impact as a rookie -- and maybe break the streak of 68 straight games without a 100-yard rusher -- that deal might be worth it. ... The NFC North is a tough division, and a running game really matters. If Detroit found its workhorse -- and players to help him -- this could be a good class. But that's no certainty."

Nate Davis, USA Today: C+
"Second rounder Kerryon Johnson will get the headlines, assuming he can break with recent tradition and hold up better than other highly drafted Lions tailbacks. Otherwise, new coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn were busy fortifying their lines, starting with first-round C Frank Ragnow."

Andy Benoit, SI.com: B
"Picking Ragnow and Kerryon Johnson reaffirms what one could surmise by the free-agent signing of LeGarrette Blount: the Lions want a bruising ground game. On the downside, the Lions didn't find a pass-catching tight end to replace Eric Ebron -- they simply didn't have enough picks to address that need. ... The rest of this draft served to start remaking Detroit's defense in new head coach Matt Patricia's image. Tracy Walker brings depth at safety, which is something Matt Patricia used smartly in New England. Da'Shawn Hand, whom the Lions traded up to get in Round 4, is a five-technique style defensive end, meaning he wins with strength and mechanics. Patricia's Patriots always employed this type of D-lineman as opposed to the glitzier (and more expensive) edge-benders."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B
"Detroit got stronger in the middle by picking Ragnow, who could play guard for now, or move to center if needed. Either way, he'll move the line of scrimmage. Matthew Stafford feels better already. The Lions were so interested in Johnson that they gave up a fourth-round pick to move up eight spots. That's marginal value, though I expect Johnson will be a good back. Walker was picked two rounds earlier than expected, but he has the skills to become a starter in the league. Hand could end up a pretty good interior player, but he'll need to contribute right away to be worth giving up a 2019 third-rounder. Great value in Crosby, who should be a starter at guard or tackle very soon because of his strength. He has quick enough feet to handle pass protection duties."

Dan Kadar, SBNation: B
"One of the first things that new Lions head coach Matt Patricia said after getting the job in Detroit was that he likes to build from the inside out. He stayed true to his word in his first draft. ... Detroit showed last season by taking Kenny Golladay the franchise doesn't mind surprising people. They did so in the third round this year with Tracy Walker of Louisiana-Lafayette in the third round. The safety has good ball skills and doesn't mind coming up against the run."

Mark Maske, Washington Post: C-
"The Lions made a far-from-glamorous first-round pick by taking C Frank Ragnow but he should help. Getting DE Da'Shawn Hand in Round 4 was excellent value. It's questionable whether the Lions' trade up to get RB Kerryon Johnson in the second round was justified."

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