Pride of Detroit
One of the most prominent draft analysts is pretty high on what the Lions did this past weekend.
Once again the Detroit Lions are getting some love for the newest additions to the pride.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, well-known author of behemoth of a draft class guide ‘The Beast’, ranked his favorite draft hauls—not based on any specific metric, but simply by “which team got me the most pumped about their draft hauls,” he explains.
The Lions came in at No. 3, behind the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. Brugler chose cornerback Terrion Arnold, the Lions’ first pick at 24, as his favorite.
“No. 10 on my board, Arnold was my highest-graded defensive player in the entire draft — and the Lions were able to trade up and get him at 24. Aside from the talent he brings to the roster, the fit is what makes this one of my favorite picks,” he said, adding Arnold’s competitiveness will make him especially fit for Dan Campbell’s coaching.
Brugler also selected a Day 3 pick who could surprise everyone — guard Christian Mahogany, who the Lions selected at No. 210 overall.
“Some medical questions caused Mahogany to fall, but he is a smash-mouth power blocker with lighter feet than expected. It won’t be a surprise if he is competing for a starting role in 2025,” he writes.
And just in case you were wondering, Brugler was one of the few who praised the Lions’ draft class last year, ranking them ninth on his 2023 list.
And onto the rest of your notes.
Jeremy has a comprehensive list of draft grades from analysts, but here are a few more I found (click through the slides.)
In case you missed this draft promo, it was too good:
“That 775,000 number will be quaint if they ever get a parade.” A long, heartwarming read from Yahoo! Sports columnist Dan Wetzel on how Brad Holmes’ mentality of pushing back against second-guessers exemplifies exactly what Detroit is all about.
Over on NFL.com, Marc Ross and Brian Baldinger share their favorite picks of the entire draft and right out the gate, Ross gives the Lions the love they deserve.
Former Lions receiver Quintez Cephus has found a new landing spot:
Tired — Jumbotron proposals. Wired — NFL draft proposals (the soon-to-be groom is the football education coach for the Lions.)
Hopefully you’ve seen it by now, but if not please enjoy this keg stand celebration new Lions guard Christian Mahogany performed with excellence in college. Football guy.
All 22 Films goes deep with reactions to the Lions’ 2024 draft haul with a 30-minute episode.
Not Detroit specific, but I thought you’d be interested:
