The Draft Network’s Brad Kelly examined the Detroit Lions 2019 NFL draft class, gave his opinion on their best and worst pick, identified a Day 3 sleeper, and handed out an overall grade.
In his breakdown, Kelly called first-round pick tight end T.J. Hockenson “a potential two contract starter with blocking and receiving upside.” While commenting that second-round pick linebacker Jahlani Tavai was “hard for me to justify taking him in the top 50,” and labeled him the Lions worst pick.
Kelly went on to compare the Lions third-round pick safety Will Harris to “Patriots safety Duron Harmon, who Matt Patricia coached for five years in New England”. He also identified fifth-round pick cornerback Amani Oruwariye the best pick in the Lions class and “was one of the best selections of the entire NFL Draft.”
A wide receivers coach at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, Kelly is one of the better evaluators of the wide receiver position among NFL Draft media and when he talks about the position, it’s worth paying attention too.
That’s why it’s worth noting that Kelly’s favorite Lions selection on Day 3 was Old Dominion wide receiver Travis Fulgham.
“Something that sticks out about Fulgham is that he’s an ascending prospect,” Kelly said, “finishing his college career with a touchdown in 9 straight games after minimal production before that. Add into the mix his ability as a blocker and he’s a well-rounded, high character prospect.”
Overall, Kelly gives the Lions a “B” grade for a draft class that has “high floor and high character prospects, something that will be a staple under Patricia.” He went on to point out that, “this group closes the gap on establishing the Patriots-esque culture that Patricia wants in Detroit,” and wrapping up by saying, “overall, a very solid group of rookies that Lions fans should be content with.”
