Detroit Lions Draft: Grades and Reactions to Taylor Decker 1st Round Pick

The Detroit Lions drafted Taylor Decker with the 16th pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Here’s what they’re saying about the pick.

The Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Taylor Decker from Ohio State with their first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft (No. 16 overall). Here’s what people around the internet are saying about the pick.

The Lions certainly need help on the offensive line, but Decker might not represent an immediate upgrade in pass protection as he’s known as a better run blocker.

Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus does not like the pick at all for the Lions. He gives them a D+, the worst pick grade so far in the draft.

"Decker is not among the elite tackles in this draft as he does his best work in the running game, but he’s questionable in pass protection. He finished with the No. 22 overall grade in the draft class, but more importantly, his +1.6 pass blocking grade ranked 37th and it’s cause for concern for a first-round offensive tackle. He certainly has the frame and length to develop, but it’s a huge risk in the middle of the first round for a player we saw as more of a late second-round prospect. As a power run blocker, Decker is strong, creating movement at the point of attack and fitting well into a power scheme. Ultimately, he has to make major strides in pass protection to warrant the first-round selection."

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports thinks the Lions got a good deal in Decker, rating him higher than Michigan State’s Jack Conklin who ended up going No. 8 to the Tennessee Titans.

WalterFootball gives the Lions a B grade for the pick, noting that Decker will fill a position of need. The comment here, though, is that Decker is only a good option at right tackle, not left.

"Taylor Decker was projected to go in the 14-20 range, so this makes sense as far as that is concerned. He’s also a good fit in terms of need. The Lions’ pass protection was an abomination at times last year. They needed a left tackle, but weren’t going to get that here at No. 16. The right tackle spot had to be addressed as well, however, and the Lions will be better at that spot with Decker. This deserves a solid “B” grade."

Bleacher Report thinks Decker will need to make adjustments to his pad level if he’s going to have success in pass protection in the pro game.

"The first fix Decker must make is adjusting his pad height in pass protection. He’s often playing straight-up with a stiff back. That works for some tackles, but you’d like to see more knee bend and a little more spring in his step."

Jeff Risdon of SideLion Report likes the pick well enough and thinks Decker will get a shot to compete for the left tackle spot.

"Decker and Riley Reiff figure to get engaged in a “who deserves it” position battle at left tackle. With Reiff a free agent at the end of the 2016 season, this pick definitely offers insurance against him leaving."

Yahoo Sports gives the Lions a C+ for the Decker pick, but they say he can step in right away and play.

"With the top three tackles off the board here, the Lions probably felt lucky to get Decker, even if we have him ranked a little lower. Still, he could step in right away — at right tackle (Michael Ola?), as an eventual replacement for Riley Reiff or at guard. He fits the mold of new GM Bob Quinn, who spent most of his career with the Patriots: tough, hard-nosed, durable and smart. Decker is a throwback."

Next: More Detroit Lions Draft Coverage

The Detroit Lions are scheduled to make two selections tomorrow with picks No. 46 (second round) and No. 95 (third round compensatory) overall.

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