Did the Detroit Lions make the correct first-round pick in the draft?

The Detroit Lions whiffed with the first-round pick in the draft. We the fans deserve more with all that this franchise has put the city of Detroit through for virtually their entire existence.

The one thing about Detroit Lions fans is that the fan base is exceptionally resilient. I mean everyone is forced to be with a long history of disappointment. A franchise that’s seen the most exciting, talented, electric running back in the history of the game with nothing to show for it.

A franchise that drafted wide-receiver after wide-receiver before hitting on one of the best of all-time with nothing to show for it. The organization continues to preach patience to a fan base that has been more than patient; it’s time for results. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear they are coming this season when you combine the upcoming schedule with the strength of the NFC North.

I’m sure if you are reading this half of you can’t believe I mentioned in the open that the team whiffed on the eighth overall pick, while the other half of the fan base that seems to be split on the decision are applauding. T.J Hockenson is an absolute beast; he’s a tremendous in-line blocking tight end. He’s like adding another tackle to the end of the line.

More from Detroit Jock City

He will absolutely help the run game, something that’s been invisible for the Lions well, since Barry. I was fortunate to watch a lot of Big Ten football; Hockenson was able to stand out. Many experts have compared Hockenson to Rob Gronkowski. Those are some big shoes to fill, but picking him eighth overall he better be. I love TJ but, in my opinion, choosing a tight-end that high is a luxury pick, the Lions have no business making a luxury pick at this point.

A fan-base that seemingly can’t stand Eric Ebron more now than ever. Say what you want about him but he is an incredible talent; his drops all seemed to occur on third down magnifying them. That combined with drafting him tenth overall added fuel to the fire, he became the scapegoat. It doesn’t help that Ebron continues to troll Lions’ fans on social media, he even provided a smug comment when the team selected another tight-end early last week in the draft. We cannot hate on Hockenson because of Ebron; I can’t express that enough, they are different players, different people, let’s stop linking the two because of where each was drafted.

That being said, the Detroit Lions should have selected linebacker Devin Bush out of the University of Michigan. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to get him tenth overall. He’s a fierce competitor, probably the best blitzing linebacker in the draft. He plays like his hair is on fire, he would have filled a significant need playing in the middle of the Lions defense.

The selection would have allowed the team to slide Davis to an outside backer role where I feel he would be more comfortable. Can you imagine Bush paroling the middle of the field while being protected by Snacks Harrison and Trey Flowers? The front seven would have been quite dynamic.

Another option I would have preferred at eighth overall would have been defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Oliver was a beast playing inside for the University of Houston. The defensive line is a strength for the Detroit Lions, Oliver would have bolstered the group. The thought of Oliver side by side with Harrison would have kept opponents up at night on the eve of game day.

Wings Bringing Pavel Datsyuk back?. dark. Next

Again I love Hockenson, but I feel there is a lot of pressure on the young man to immediately perform before everyone gets on his case. I think he’s extraordinarily talented and has the potential to reach 750-800 yards over 60 or so catches in his first year if Matt Stafford can utilize him correctly. I just feel there were two better options available at eight, but only time will tell.

Home/Detroit Lions