Being 62 and a Lions fan, I have watched a lot of NFL drafts, and of course read all of the evaluations from the "paid experts", "Detroit rags experts", fans comments and Detroit Lions staff. It pretty much has went like this up until the past two years:
A) "paid experts" The lions made a lot of reaches to try to fill their needs. They took player x in the 2nd round due to need when he would have been availible in the 5th round and beyond.
B) "Detroit rags experts" The lions really filled in their holes by drafting players x, y & z, but passed on possible big time contributors due to the new scheme implemented by the new coaching staff who are really going to turn this franchise arouns.
C) fans comments: Detroit sucks no matter what. Unbelievable draft...I can't believe they drafted 7 of the top 20 players, just fold the franchise already.
D) Staff members: We felt we had to move up to draft player q because we just couldn't take a chance he would still be there...(even though he was projected by everyone 2 rounds lower).
This year (as well as last) is different from 2 groups (A & D)
A) "paid experts" The lions drafted a lot of value for their picks. All were rated in the spot they were drafted, or were rated much higher. The production, work ethic and measurables by all of the different metrics availble indicated that the lions made great choices that fit the narative of the head coach going forward".
D) Staff members: pretty much just say they are happy with the players selected - they are not over explaining like they are trying to convince people like former brain trusts used to.
My take - Another step in the right direction. In particular like how they are siging so many FA's to one year contracts so they are not locked into bad contracts. Along with bringing in "better" talent through the draft it seems as if for the first time that there is a plan in place that is workable (and not just some written out theory for how to build a team) and understandable by front office, coaches, players and fans (well, many fans anyway..and media members).
A) "paid experts" The lions made a lot of reaches to try to fill their needs. They took player x in the 2nd round due to need when he would have been availible in the 5th round and beyond.
B) "Detroit rags experts" The lions really filled in their holes by drafting players x, y & z, but passed on possible big time contributors due to the new scheme implemented by the new coaching staff who are really going to turn this franchise arouns.
C) fans comments: Detroit sucks no matter what. Unbelievable draft...I can't believe they drafted 7 of the top 20 players, just fold the franchise already.
D) Staff members: We felt we had to move up to draft player q because we just couldn't take a chance he would still be there...(even though he was projected by everyone 2 rounds lower).
This year (as well as last) is different from 2 groups (A & D)
A) "paid experts" The lions drafted a lot of value for their picks. All were rated in the spot they were drafted, or were rated much higher. The production, work ethic and measurables by all of the different metrics availble indicated that the lions made great choices that fit the narative of the head coach going forward".
D) Staff members: pretty much just say they are happy with the players selected - they are not over explaining like they are trying to convince people like former brain trusts used to.
My take - Another step in the right direction. In particular like how they are siging so many FA's to one year contracts so they are not locked into bad contracts. Along with bringing in "better" talent through the draft it seems as if for the first time that there is a plan in place that is workable (and not just some written out theory for how to build a team) and understandable by front office, coaches, players and fans (well, many fans anyway..and media members).
