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What went into the Detroit Lions' decision to pick Duke offensive guard Laken Tomlinson with the 28th overall pick? Both general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Caldwell discussed the pick on Thursday night:
Martin Mayhew
On Tomlinson's draft grade:
Mayhew said Lions had first-round grade on Laken Tomlinson from start of draft process
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 1, 2015
On trading down and whether trading up was discussed:
#Lions Mayhew said they didn't trade back specifically for Tomlinson there were a lot of guys they liked. #NFLDraft
— Paula Pasche (@paulapasche) May 1, 2015
Mayhew: "There wasn't much talk about moving up."
— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 1, 2015
On if the first round played out as expected:
Lions felt board developed the way they thought it would because of lack of trades in first round.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 1, 2015
On if Tomlinson will start at left guard:
Mayhew won't bite on whether Tomlinson is starting left guard. Though says he will play guard
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 1, 2015
#Lions Mayhew said it's up to coaches where Tomlinson will play. He's a guard who looks up to Larry Warford.
— Paula Pasche (@paulapasche) May 1, 2015
Jim Caldwell
On Tomlinson's attributes:
Jim Caldwell on Laken Tomlinson: He's elevated himself from difficult circumstances, shown a lot of grit.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 1, 2015
Caldwell on Laken: "His intangibles are off the charts."
— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 1, 2015
On the Lions' interior offensive linemen:
Caldwell on Lions' interior offensive line: "I do feel really good about that group."
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 1, 2015
Jim Caldwell said they inquired about Manny Ramirez with enough time to watch film & "do their due diligence." #Lions #DETpick
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015
Caldwell's reaction to the pick:
Photo of the call via @GavinSmithPhoto RT @ttwentyman: Caldwell called Tomlinson first. pic.twitter.com/6O0hljoigK
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 1, 2015