Experts React To Detroit Lions Picking Kenny Golladay

The reviews were mixed regarding the Detroit Lions’ pick of Northern Illinois wide receiver Kenny Golladay in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday.

Opinions varied on the Detroit Lions‘ third-round selection of Northern Illinois wide receiver Kenny Golladay on the NFL Draft on Friday night.

According to PFF, Golladay dropped only five of 165 catchable passes in his career. They cited concern, however, over his lack of polish and think he needs development.

"While Golladay has good hands and can make spectacular circus catches, he lacks the necessary separation skills to earn significant playing time early in his NFL career. In addition, he struggles to use his physical tools both during separation and at the catch point. However, since he already possesses these tools, he can be considered a player with a high ceiling and the question remains whether one day he can develop into a player that takes full advantage of his tangible skills."

Matt Urben of SideLion Report thinks the pick makes sense given the Lions’ current wide receiver depth chart:

"…the Lions needed to add depth at the wide receiver position. They haven’t re-signed Anquan Boldin, and outside of Marvin Jones and Golden Tate, they’re extremely thin at the position. If somebody were to get hurt, the Lions would have been in a vulnerable position on offense. The Lions don’t have a receiver on the roster as big as Golladay, which could help them become more effective in the red zone."

Walter Football disliked the pick, giving it a “D” grade and saying:

"The bad picks are beginning to come in! This isn’t quite a Millen grade – although it is Detroit taking a receiver – but it’s still pretty discouraging to see something like this. Kenny Golladay has nice hands and won’t drop many passes as a result, but he struggles to run routes, which is very important. Golladay is raw and may not be ready to contribute for quite some time, making this a dubious selection."

Jeff Risdon of SideLion Report likes Golladay’s physical attributes, originally mocking him to the fourth round:

Kent Lee Platte of Pride of Detroit, who said before the draft that the Lions might select Golladay, also praises Golladay’s athleticism:

Erik Schlitt of the Lions Wire says that Golladay’s size means he will play on the outside and serve as a redzone threat.

"Golladay projects to an outside receiver position and will challenge to be the third receiver on the field. When the Lions go to three receiver sets, Golden Tate will likely shift into the slot creating an opportunity for Golladay to use his height/length/speed to stretch the field.A consistent vertical threat was something the Lions struggled with last season and Golladay now gives the offense another weapon in that area.The Lions also struggled in the redzone and this is another area Golladay can help the team. With his size, he can create match-up problems for cornerbacks when the field gets shorter."

Next: Detroit Lions Draft Kenny Golladay In Third Round

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