2013
Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) runs onto the field giving fans high fives before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Ansah: 1st round, 5th pick, BYU
Ansah has been way more than I think anybody imagined he would or could be. Watching him play is like having Christmas in July. If Ansah continues along this path, we are looking at an All-Pro defensive end before you know it. The best part is he has the attitude to do it. This is a guy that wants to learn from his coaches and the veterans around him. It’s just frightening to think about how good this guy could be.
Grade: 4, A man with a future
Darius Slay: 2nd round, 36th pick, Mississippi State
Another player with a great attitude and work ethic. Instead of sulking about being benched in his rookie year, Darius Slay went out with goal of getting better. After a summer working with Hall Of Fame corner Rod Woodson the results were evident on day 1 of camp. Slay shut down the likes of Jordy Nelsom, Dez Bryant and Julio Jones. Like Ansah, Slay could be scary good in the near future.
Grade: 4, A man with a future
Larry Warford: 3rd round, 65th pick, Kentucky
After a surprising rookie year that include honors like Pro Football Focus’s Rookie of the year award, Warford regressed a bit this season. I believe that it had more to do with the line as a whole than it did with Warford’s individual play. Even with the regression, Warford was easily the best player on the line.
Grade: 4, A man with a future
Devin Taylor: 4th round, 132nd pick, South Carolina
Taylor has been a nice addition thus far. Because of depth, I’m not sure if Taylor will become anything more than a rotational player. At least for a few more years.
Grade: 3, Middle of the road pick
Sam Martin: 5th round, 165th pick, Appalachian State
I remember thinking “why would you draft a punter this early?” now I know. Martin is easily one of the best punters in the NFL. He has had a few moments that made you say ‘what are you doing?!!!!” But for the most part he has been elite.
Grade: 5, Superstar/Elite
Corey Fuller: 6th round, 171st pick, Virginia Tech
Fuller has the size and speed to be a great addition. But he lacks with his moves and his hands, which lead to a lot of situations where Fuller came up short or couldn’t haul in the catch. There could still be something here. But it appears the Lions will be looking for a strong number 3 receiver in the offseason.
Grade: 3, Middle of the road pick
Theo Riddick: 6th round, 199th pick, Notre Dame
considering where the Lions drafted Riddick it’s easy to see that he was a steal. Looking at things objectively, Riddick showed that he can be a playmaker. But based off 20 carries and 51 yards, can he be the starting running back? that’s a question that will likely be answered this offseason.
Grade: 3.5, A middle of the road pick with a future.
Michael Williams: 7th round, 211th pick, Alabama
With little to go on I have to go with a low grade.
Grade: 2, Disappointment
Brandon Hepburn: 7th round, 245th pick, Florida A&M. Grade: 1, Wasted pick