Detroit Lions NFL Draft Grade:

Round 1, #5 – DE Ziggy Ansah, BYU – Grade: B

-I like Ansah’s potential, but this is a tough sell in the top five, especially with so many top pass rushers in this draft. Anash could end up being worthy of this selection, but it could take him a couple of years to show that.impact, if he ever does succeed.

Round 2, #36 – CB Darius Slay, Mississippi State – Grade: A-

-This is a really nice pick by the Lions in the 2nd round, their defensive backs were moderately improved in free agency, but Slay offers a real high upside player and a guy who could be a long term starter in Detroit.

Round 3, #65 – OG Larry Warford, Kentucky – Grade: A

-One of my favorite picks of the draft, Warford should be a day one starter for the Lions and is great value at this pick.

Round 4, #132 – DE Devin Taylor, South Carolina – Grade: B

-I like the Lions continuing to bolster their pass rush here. There are some questions about Taylor’s motor, but if he pans out the Lions could have a really strong defensive line that generates a ton of pressure.

Round 5, #165 – P Sam Martin, Appalachian St. – Grade: C

-Pretty high for an FCS punter, with some of the punters in this draft ending up as UDFA’s the Lions definitely could have waited.

Round 6, #171 – WR Corey Fuller, Virginia Tech – Grade: B-

-Good late round pick here, Fuller is a project but he has upside. Depth is also a big issue in Detroit.

Round 6, #199 – RB Theo Riddick, Notre Dame – Grade: B-

-Nice late round value, Riddick is a versatile player who should find a home in Detroit.

Round 7, #211 – TE Michael Williams, Alabama – Grade: B

-Big blocking tight end, will help allow Pettigrew to be more involved in the passing game, and also bolster the run blocking.

Round 7, #245 – ILB Brandon Hepburn, Florida A&M – Grade: C+

-Depth linebacker here, but at an area that could use some depth.

Overall: B+

-The Lions did well here adding a pair of pass rushers and a young quality corner to their defense. Ansah and Taylor have some limitations, but they should bolster the pass rush which is most important. Larry Warford could be the steal of their draft as he should be a very good starting guard for quite some time. The Lions didn’t get an offensive tackle which is a little disappointing, but overall you can’t fault them much for their top 4 rounds. Later in the draft I think they added three nice upside players in Fuller, Riddick and Williams. All three offer much needed skill depth on offense.