Lions draft - anyone happy with it?

I feel like it is a Pats draft on safe mode. Trying to be like the Pats but trying to go with even less risk. 

I'm fine with the idea that they need a running back, but I don't necessarily think the draft is the way to go. Stocked class this year, true, but when you get down to lower round guys it's just as easy to sign someone who is available as to draft a guy who can be productive. The running game has been disappointing for years but Detroit is going to be a Stafford Spread team for a while yet. They've already got a guy in Riddick who can handle the slash back work. Finding a thumper for short yardage won't be that hard. In fact, Deveon Smith might be a good UFA pickup to give that role a spin.

Of course it feels like Cleveland had a better draft. They had 3 first round picks.

Lets see what happens with the FA signings.

Being loyal to a local university when it comes to drafting players is not a smart strategy to take. If they are good enough, available, and fill a need, they should be taken. It would be dumb to reach for a player just because he played in the same proximity as an NFL team.

Not worried about it either. 40 times are a bit overrated and I'm pretty sure some of the best veteran players aren't faster now than when they were 20 or 21 and at the combine. You're right though. They should not have passed on Butt.

Butt is a flex TE, similar to Ebron. They needed a more blocky/redzone TE, which they got in Roberts.

I'm getting on "The Green Machine's" bandwagon. I was looking at the available RBs in the 7th round talking to a friend and going by weight. the biggest left were Clement (issues), DaVeon, doesn't impress and Tion Green 230# from Cincinnati. Never saw him play. Just reading the pre draft stuff it said Big frame, tough runner. Yep, Get it done Quinn. 7th round- O'Connor - a GD Huron DE?! Then he redeemed himself by signing him as an UDFA. Green has a skill set Abdullah, Riddick, Zenner or Washington do not possess, the ability to run over people. Zenner is tough though. Check it: http://youtu.be/Yn62eV22JDs From the draft profile: SOURCES TELL US "I like him better than some of the backs who were invited to the combine. I'm surprised he didn't get an invite with his size. He's got a chance to make it if he can show something on (special) teams in camp." - AFC national scout http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/tion-green?id=2558717

A lot of people are sleeping on Abdullah. I think he will be healthy this year and be very productive. Quinn seems to think the same way.

I was hoping that they would get Roberts TE Toledo. And he was there in the 4th rd which was about right. A big run blocker that can catch. No way they re-up Ebron, who is good for about 1 decent play a game. Added good depth to LB group. That was the biggest need. The DE is a bit of a concern. Scouts see Ledbetter as not fast enough on the edge. He's 280 but not strong enough at this level for a tackle. Maybe O'Connor can contribute, hopefully not out of necessity due to injuries. The WR from NIU is intriguing, clearly Quinn and staff are high on him. Many "expert" were not and saw that pick as a reach. But if you believe Roberts will play a big part of the passing game then someone has to open things up. Golladay has the speed and height to play outside and he'll have time to develop with established WRs ahead of him. I like the CB to compliment Slay, can't have enough cover guys. Seems to be the group that suffers from injury. Good value with the 6th rd QB, Kaaya. Many had him rated the 6th or 7th best QB and several lower rated QBs were drafted rounds ahead (3-5). Never can have enough competition and depth at backup QB. He will get a good year on the practice squad and hopefully we won't have to draft a QB for a few years I was hoping the Lions would take the Cinci RB in the 7th round. Turns out we got him anyways as an UDFA. 230# of straight ahead power running, no trying to make guys miss. Something we haven't had since probably Cory Schlesinger.

I haven't been following the draft that closely for very long, but were people really saying about the drafts where they were taking top 5 recievers for all those years?

The injury history might be more of an issue for Foster than the character problems.

There are actually plenty of people who think Davis is the better prospect. Most think Foster has a higher ceiling but Davis is more reliable. They didn't take Davis because he had better character in my opinion. They took him because he is more likely to be a starting NFL linebacker for the next decade than Foster is. Foster could end up being a star. But he could also be a bust. Two other teams that were known to covet Davis had the chance for Foster and didnt take him either so more than just Quinn think it is the right move.

defenses in the country. Roberts is roughly the equivalent of Butt and without the two serious injuries. You clearly do not know much about college football based on your comments.

Lions obviously betting that the improved OL will suffice.

You're thinking of his sister, TiTeez.

Most of their guys were drafted in spots they were predicted to go.