Here at eDraft, we’re well aware of the fact that it’s hard to give initial grades so soon after the draft, especially because they’re likely to change significantly in 3-5 years. But it is still okay to analyze each pick and offer our thoughts on how it will immediately impact the team.
So, with that in mind, here are our initial grades for the Detroit Lions’ 2013 NFL Draft.
*Disclaimer: Every single pick that the Lions decided to pass on taking a talented offensive tackle (their No. 1 need, without a doubt) got docked, at least a little bit.
Good Picks
Ezekiel Ansah*: There’s no question that Ansah is a talented athlete with a ton of upside. For me, the fifth-overall pick is way too high to spend on a player’s future potential. Too many question marks here and they should’ve nabbed Dee Milliner, Chance Warmack or Johnathan Cooper. Grade: B
Darius Slay*: Slay is one of my favorite corners from this class. I’m not too surprised that Slay was taken before his teammate Johnthan Banks, given what he brings to the table. The only reason this isn’t an A+ is because they passed on tackle Terron Armstead. Grade: A-
Larry Warford*: The Lions again decided to skip some of the best tackle’s still available, but they still got great value in Warford, who I had a second-round grade on. He’ll be a great addition to the interior of Detroit’s offensive line. Grade: B+
Head Scratchers
Devin Taylor*: I’m not a fan of what Taylor brings to the table. Add to the fact that defensive end wasn’t really a huge need and they already drafted Ziggy Ansah, and this is just a wasted pick. Especially with all of the talent still on the board. Grade: D
Sam Martin*: I get that it’s finally time to find the replacement for Jason Hanson. But the fifth round is NOT the time or place to do so. Terrible, wasted pick here. Grade: D
Corey Fuller*: Fuller is a decent receiver who should compete for playing time in 2013. But with receivers like Da’Rick Rogers and Cobi Hamilton still on the board, the Lions could’ve gotten much better value here. Grade: C
Theo Riddick*: The Lions already had Reggie Bush, Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell on the roster and STILL hadn’t drafted an offensive tackle (even though they need two) at this point. Riddick is talented but not even close to a need for the Lions. Grade: D
Final Grade
For the most part, the Lions nailed it with their first three picks; filling two needs and solidifying their formidable defensive line. Things went way downhill in day two though, when the Lions constantly reached for players and failed to address needs. In the end, based on the Lions first seven picks, their final grade was 76 percent, a high C. The Lions really had a chance to fill almost every need based on the depth of this class, but in the end they dropped the ball once again. Grade: C