In 2018, the Detroit Lions drafted a former 5-star high school recruit who spurned heavy interest from the University of Michigan to head to SEC country. That player, Da’Shawn Hand, turned out to be one of the best players selected on Day 3.
With Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta, who the Lions drafted with their first of two seventh-round picks, the Lions are hoping that lightning strikes twice. Nauta, like Hand, was a five-star high school recruit, and, like Hand, he turned down substantial interest from Michigan to head down south.
While at Georgia, Nauta was a three-year starter who earned high marks for both his blocking and receiving. He ended his Bulldog career with 68 catches for 95 yards and 8 touchdowns and a reputation for being a strong and willing blocker.
Two months ago, many would have had him sneaking into the bottom of Day 2. Then the NFL Combine happened. There, to say Nauta did not do well would be an understatement.
Nauta’s 4.91 40-yard-dash, and a 2.86 20-yard-split was eye-opening and not in a good way. And while Nauta improved that score to 4.81 at his Pro Day, his lack of speed and explosion all but assured that he would slide to Day 3.
His key to making the Lions though, may be as an all-purpose jack-of-all-trades. If Nauta can put his impressive blocking resume to use as a fullback or H-back, he may be able to push someone like Nick Bawden off the squad. And if he can contribute on special teams, all the better. And, of course, he’ll provide competition for Michael Roberts, Jerome Cunningham and Logan Thomas as they fight for potentially the last roster spot for tight ends.
If Nauta can be another Da’Shawn Hand, Bob Quinn and company will be very glad that they finally were able to bring Nauta to the State of Michigan.
Draft Grade B-
