The draft is finally upon us, and for once in our battle-scarred lives as Lions fans, we’re not picking in the top 5. Let that sink in for a moment.
This tracker will give you everything you need to follow along as Brad Holmes tries to add more pieces to this roster. We’ve got nine picks this year, starting with No. 17 on Day 1. That’s right, we’re picking 17th. I’m still getting used to saying that without wincing.
The Lions also hold pick No. 50 on Day 2, plus seven more picks on Day 3 scattered between picks No. 118 and 222. Bookmark this page because we’ll be updating it all weekend long as Holmes and company make their moves.
Round 1, Pick No. 17: Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
Well, they did it. The Lions took an offensive tackle in the first round, and honestly, it makes perfect sense when you step back from your initial “we need defense” reaction.
Miller gives them options with Penei Sewell. Dan Campbell has made it clear they’re open to moving their All-Pro to left tackle if the right guy comes along at right tackle. At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, Miller might just be that guy.
Here’s what should make Lions fans feel good about this pick: Miller has 54 starts at right tackle for Clemson, missed just one practice in four years due to wrist surgery, and was back on the field the next day. The kid has a 9.90 RAS score and ranked 6th on Pride of Detroit’s Grit Index.
That work ethic and toughness? That’s exactly what this franchise has been building around under Campbell. Miller doesn’t take shortcuts, and he refuses to let his team down. At 22 years old, he’s arguably the most NFL-ready tackle in this class.
TRADE: Lions Move Up
Holmes pulled the trigger on a trade, sending picks No. 50 and 128 to the Jets for pick No. 44. Moving up six spots in the second round? That’s the kind of aggressive move that shows this front office knows what they want.
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
A Michigan edge rusher in Honolulu Blue. This feels right, doesn’t it?
Moore brings the violence and effort you want to see from a pass rusher. He sets a firm edge with power and wins primarily through sheer determination. Sound familiar? That’s exactly the kind of player Campbell loves.
The best part? Moore should be able to challenge DJ Wonnum for a starting spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson from day one. Having a high developmental floor means he won’t need years to contribute, and frankly, we don’t have years to wait.
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Another Wolverine heading to Allen Park. Rolder might not have extensive starting experience, but he plays like a veteran when you watch the film.
His instincts and reaction timing are impressive, and he flows to the football like he’s been doing it for years. The kid can run with tight ends in coverage and delivers violent hits. He’ll contribute immediately on special teams while competing for the starting WILL linebacker role.
Sometimes the best picks are the ones where a player’s film doesn’t match their limited opportunities. Rolder falls into that category.
Still on the Clock
The Lions still have five picks remaining: two in the fifth round (picks 157 and 181), two in the sixth (picks 205 and 213), and one in the seventh (pick 222).
Holmes has shown he can find contributors in the later rounds. With this many picks left, don’t be surprised if he packages some together to move up again.
Are you buying into Holmes’ draft strategy or do you think we should have gone defense earlier? Drop your take in the comments below.
Finally a draft where I’m not dreading the picks. Blake Miller has the kind of work ethic Campbell loves and pairing him with Sewell is gonna be nasty. Two Wolverines on Day 2 feels so right, this is the kind of roster building I’ve been waiting for.
I like the aggressiveness but I’ve been hurt before so I’m not getting too hyped yet. Let’s see if these guys actually pan out on the field before we’re handing out Pro Bowl votes. Moore and Rolder better produce early or we’re gonna regret not going straight defense.
This is what good drafting looks like, taking your guys who fit the system instead of reaching for need. Holmes seems to have a plan and these kids look hungry. Takes me back to when we actually knew what we were doing in the draft room.