Detroit Lions 2013 NFL Draft: Complete Draft Grades For The Lions

1st Round, 5th overall: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE, BYU –

Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Overview:

Rumors swirled in the days leading up to the NFL draft, but it became apparent the Lions would go with Ansah if the top offensive tackles were off the board. Following the Philadelphia Eagles selecting Lane Johnson — the third offensive tackle in the top 4 picks — Mayhew jumped at a player with, perhaps, the highest ceiling in this class. After essentially playing one season of impactful football at BYU– were he recorded a grand total of 4.5 sacks his senior year– ESPN’s Mel Kiper described Ansah’s climb as the most meteoric rise of any player he’s evaluated in his 35 years of working the draft.

Although he comes raw, so did current Giants defensive end Jason Pierre Paul and Aldon Smith. He has freakish athleticism and a strong build (standing 6-foot-5 271 pounds). Not to be forgotten, the Lions brought in wide-9 guru Jim Washburn as their co-defensive line coach. He helped shape the careers of raw talents such as Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse.

My Thoughts:

This, essentially, was their only logical pick. Dee Milliner had health concerns (5 surgeries as well as Adam Schefter reporting he will start training camp on the PUP list), Barkevious Mingo had questions with his ability to be a 4-3 defensive end and a guard in the top 5 seemed a bit of a stretch. That said, it still was far from a slam-dunk pick. It’s the ultimate boom-or-bust pick for the Lions. If it works out, Mayhew looks like a genius. If not, it may mean his job.

Grade: B-