Detroit Lions news: Stock up or stock down after NFL Draft?
By Zac Snyder
Detroit Lions news tries to reconcile differing views on the team’s offseason based on NFL power rankings and Pro Football Focus.
The Detroit Lions got mostly middling grades for what they did in the NFL Draft. Of course, instant draft grades don’t mean much, if anything, but more interesting is just how widespread the luster has worn off of what was otherwise a good offseason for the Lions.
A glance at post-draft power rankings has the Lions has the Lions as fallers across the board. They are down one spot on NFL.com, three spots on ESPN.com and a whopping ten spots by CBS. That made the Lions the biggest movers in the wrong direction in the CBS update.
Power rankings ultimately mean as much as draft grades, but it does paint an interesting picture of current public sentiment.
But not everyone is being swept up in negativity after what may be considered an underwhelming draft. Looking at the totality of the offseason, Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson named the Lions as the most improved team in the NFC North. He offers the following commentary, noting some moves in free agency and the draft:
"The Lions swapped out two of their offensive linemen over the free agency period, upgraded at each spot, and got cheaper while doing it. That’s impressive right off the bat, while their draft hit on a series of needs. Jarrad Davis should start from day one at middle linebacker for the team where his athleticism can shine through. Teez Tabor slipped in the draft because of pedestrian speed, but has allowed just two touchdowns over the past three seasons, and only been beaten for a pass longer than 30 yards in one of those years (on a route in which he slipped over)."
Coming off a 9-7 season and improving more than anyone else in the division suggests the 2017 season could be a lot of fun.
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What are your thoughts on the Lions’ outlook for the 2017 season now that the bulk of the offseason roster moves are complete? Leave a comment below of find us on Twitter or Facebook.