Detroit Lions NFL Draft Picks: 2018 Round-by-Round Results, Grades
A 9-7 record in 2017 secured consecutive winning seasons in Detroit for the first time since 1994-95, but a playoff absence spelled the end for head coach Jim Caldwell. The Lions replaced him with former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia the day after the Super Bowl and revamped the defensive staff around him, and brought in running back LeGarrette Blount to try to improve an offense that was dead last in the league in rushing yards per game.
How will they use their picks in the NFL draft? We’re breaking down every selection below.
Here's the full list of picks the Lions hold in the 2018 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made.
Round 1, Pick 20 (No. 20 overall)
Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Andy Benoit's grade: B
Picking Ragnow addressed the Lions' weakness at left guard. Graham Glasgow will now move there, supplanting recently signed backup Kenny Wiggins. The Lions wouldn’t draft Ragnow if they didn’t believe he can be a force in the running game, which has been a deficiency the past several years in Detroit.
Scouting Report: His senior season was derailed by an ankle injury, but when healthy Ragnow is a reliable technician with the snap-and-step quickness to get out on reach blocks. He's better against size than against quickness, but he can plug in as an immediate starter.
Round 2, Pick 11 (No. 43 overall, via Patriots): Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
Andy Benoit's grade: B
The Lions are determined to inject some life and consistency into what’s been a mostly nonexistent ground game. After taking Arkansas center Frank Ragnow in Round 1, they go with a power-running back in Round 2. Matthew Stafford is one of the NFL’s most respected QBs, and with a ground game to balance the offense, he has a chance to now become a line-of-scrimmage-audibling field general that outsiders can finally appreciate.
Round 3, Pick 18 (No. 82 overall): Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana-Lafayette
Andy Benoit's grade: B
Tavon Wilson, Glover Quin and Miles Killebrew all hit free agency in 2020. Walker can develop behind them for now, with the understanding that he could contribute in select packages early on. Matt Patricia did a lot with safety-heavy groupings in New England. You get more schematic flexibility that way.
Round 4, Pick 14 (No. 114 overall): Da'Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama
Matt Patricia on His Engineering Roots, Philly's Game-Winning TD And That Pencil Behind His Ear
Round 5, Pick 16 (No. 153 overall): Tyrell Crosby, T, Oregon
Round 7, Pick 19 (No. 237 overall): Nick Bawden, FB, San Diego State
