Wednesday open thread: Which Lions rookie will have the best 2018 season?

The NFL Draft is all about the long term. Sure, there’s a large emphasis placed on immediate needs, but smart general managers only make that part of the equation. If a team hits on a player, he’ll not only make an impact on Day 1, but will hold down that position for years to come.

That being said, the sooner you can get a contributor, the better. Franchises who utilize players on cheap, rookie contracts are usually in the best position to make a run at a championship. Having an impact rookie player allows a franchise to spend their money elsewhere, freeing up cap space capital to get a talented veteran veteran.

The Detroit Lions have six new players on their team after the 2018 NFL Draft. Will any of them be that impact rookie that will allow Detroit to rest easy knowing that position is on lock? Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which of the Lions’ six draft picks will have the best 2018 season?

My answer: It has to be Kerryon Johnson.

Not only does Johnson have the biggest chance to make an impact as a rookie simply because of the position he plays, but the Lions essentially rolled out the red carpet for Johnson. They already overhauled the Lions’ poor running scheme from 2017 by firing the offensive line coach. They added a brand new center to the team to help create hole up the middle. And they even got Johnson a fullback to help lead the way in 2018.

That being said, the Lions also have LeGarrette Blount on the roster, who is bound to vulture a fair amount of carries away from Johnson. But that won’t be enough to slow down Johnson from being Detroit’s best rookie of 2018.

Your turn.