Lions Look to Draft to Close Holes in Roster
Detroit Lions GM says NFL Draft can help plug gaps in roster already bolstered through solid free agent signings.
The Detroit Lions are preparing for the NFL’s annual draft of college players in a climate of unusual uncertainty.
Questions about the quarterback prospects available could lead to a cascade of trades during the draft, as teams jockey to get the best product possible on the field for the 2017 season.
There is wide debate among NFL scouts about whether any of the current crop of quarterbacks in the draft is worthy of a first-round choice.
“It’s a great thing to just say hey, I’m gonna take the best player available ‘cause we have depth everywhere. But unfortunately that’s not realistic with where our roster is currently.” – Detroit Lions General Manager Bob Quinn
But clubs like the Cleveland Browns, the team with the first overall draft pick, desperately need a marquee passer and may take one early in the process anyway.
Yet Detroit Lions General Manager Bob Quinn, for one, says teams should not fixate on filling a particular position.
“I think it’s prudent to take the best player available,” Quinn says. “Because if you pass over a great player, no matter what the position, I think you’re always going to look back and probably regret that.”
Quinn adds, however, that the Lions’ roster has so many holes that he may not have the luxury of simply taking the best athlete left on the team’s draft board when it’s Detroit’s time to choose.
“Once you get the team exactly how you want it, which we’re not exactly how we want it right now, we’re working towards that, (then) it’s a great thing to just say hey, I’m gonna take the best player available ‘cause we have depth everywhere. But unfortunately that’s not realistic with where our roster is currently,” Quinn says.
One position that may be an early draft target for the Lions is tight end. Detroit’s current starter, former top-10 pick Eric Ebron, has become increasingly productive.
But he’s also had issues with injuries.
The Lions currently hold the 21st choice in Round One.
That could change. Quickly.
Experts say this draft is rich in talent at the defensive line, defensive back and running back positions, as well as tight end.
Several teams may be tempted to trade draft picks in order to move up and grab one of those players.
