Grading Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew’s draft choices
By Mike Payton
2011
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a safety during the third quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Fairley: 1st round, 13th pick, Auburn
Nick Fairley is a hard guy to grade. There are times when the man shows flashes of greatness, then there are the times when he looks as though he’s taking plays off. Weight issues, questions about maturity, injuries and a couple of run in’s with the law make Fairley seem like a bust. But when Fairley is on, he is on. Now Detroit Lions fans find themselves wondering if Fairley will even be back next season.
Grade: 3, middle of the road pick
Titus Young: 2nd round, 44th pick, Boise State
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Wow. That’s really all you can say about Titus Young. The receiver out of Boise State jumped out to a promising start to his career only to be suspended by the Lions half way through his sophomore season. Since then Young has made the claim of being better than Calvin Johnson, Calling out the Lions on twitter, having a cup of coffee with the Rams and finally racking up and unbelievable slew of legal troubles including 3 arrests in one week. Just think, Randall Cobb was selected just a short time later.
Grade: 1, Wasted Pick
Mikel Leshoure, 2nd round, 57th pick, Illinois
Leshoure was supposed to be what Joique Bell is. A power back that can run through the tackles and pound for extra yardage. What he wound up being was an oft injured player that also got himself arrested and has not played in 2 years.
Grade: 2, Disappointment
Doug Hogue, 5th round, 157th pick, Syracuse
Hogue holds the distinct honor of being the only player the Lions drafted in 2011 that was not arrested. That’s about it.
Grade: 2, Disappointment
Johnny Culbreath, 7th round, 209th pick, South Carolina State. Grade: 1, Wasted Pick