With their first seventh-round selection, the Detroit Lions doubled down on tight end and pick Georgia tight Isaac Nauta to assist what is considered the biggest weakness on the Lions going into the offseason.
After selecting T.J Hockenson in the first round, the Lions bring in Nauta, who unfortunately saw his draft stock plummet after a very uninspiring combine, where he failed in almost every category you could think of, leading to most people ranking him as an undraftable prospect.
When Nauta does do well though is block and block very well making him an intriguing option if the Lions decide to bring in extra blockers for certain schemes. Because of the high-powered Georgia offense, very seldom did the ball comes to Nauta, limiting his effectiveness as a receiver, but he has shown he can catch as one of the better players at Georgia in yards per route (12.3) and drop rate (3.2%).
Nauta, unfortunately, failed the combine leading to big questions about his athleticism and dropping from a day 2 option to a late day 3 selection, but he has shown he can catch the ball and block like its nobody’s business. The Lions will be banking on his potential and use him in facets that he is allowed to show off his tenacity as a blocker and make defenders pay the price.
