With their first of two picks in the sixth round, the Detroit Lions selected ODU wide receiver Travis Fulgham.
A big-bodied receiver standing at 6-2 and 215 pounds, Fulgham put up decent numbers in his four-year college career. In his time at ODU, he recorded 128 catches for 2,044 yards and 18 touchdowns, with half of that production coming in his senior season.
Fulgham performed well in his explosion drills at the Combine but didn’t impress with his speed. While he is able to use his physicality to make some big catches, his lack of long speed has caused him to struggle with separation at times.
It is always good for a team to find weapons for their quarterback, regardless of what round they take them in. Matthew Stafford will have another big receiver to throw to this season. Fulgham’s size may limit him to the outside behind Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, but he will be a certain upgrade over players like T.J Jones last year and current receivers like Tommylee Lewis, Andy Jones, and Chris Lacy.
While I am concerned with his lack of speed, I feel like his size and strength will compensate for that when he needs to make a big play. His physicality has also made him a proven run blocker, which will complement Kerryon Johnson nicely.
There are plenty of receivers I liked more in this draft class, but this is far from the worst choice the Lions could have made at the position. Instant upgrade at the fourth receiver position.
Grade: B
