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On Sunday, we discussed our favorite picks from the Detroit Lions’ 2019 NFL Draft class. Unsurprisingly, the fifth-round selection of Penn State cornerback Amani Oruwariye was the most popular choice, seeing as it addressed a prime need and also was tremendous value for a player many media scouts had as high as a second-round projection.
What was a little more surprising was the pick that came in second: tight end T.J. Hockenson. For all the cynicism we’ve heard from some of the most vocal fans, it turns out people were generally okay with the pick.
But now it’s time to turn our attention to the least favorite picks. No general manager is going to hit on every selection in a draft, and there are bound to be some disappointments. So today’s Question of the Day is:
What was the Lions’ worst 2019 NFL Draft pick?
My answer: I’m sure the most popular answer will be Jahlani Tavai, and for good reason. He represents a significant risk and probably has the biggest chance of Detroit’s top three picks to bust.
However, I’m going to talk about the Lions’ fourth-round pick Austin Bryant. While some of the tape I’ve seen on him is promising, there’s a lot to not like about the pick. Though he projects to likely back up Devon Kennard—something this team needed—I’m not so sure I’m feeling good about his ability to do so any time soon.
His college production—at least 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in each of his final two years—is fantastic, but that’ll happen when you’re lined up next to some of the best defensive linemen college football has to offer.
Bryant is not very athletic, and doesn’t really possess any pass-rushing skills. His best attribute is his long arms, something head coach Matt Patricia clearly values a lot. And while that helps him set the edge well, his lack of athleticism sometimes allows players to get to the outside anyways. Oh, and he’s coming off surgery for a torn pec.
There’s less inherent risk with a player like Bryant, seeing as he’s a fourth rounder, but I was hoping the team was going in a different direction—like snagging the next player that came off the board, Arkansas guard Hjalte Froholdt.
Your turn.
Poll
What was the Lions’ worst 2019 draft pick?
This poll is closed
-
7%
T.J. Hockenson
(120 votes) -
55%
Jahlani Tavai
(843 votes) -
3%
Will Harris
(49 votes) -
7%
Austin Bryant
(120 votes) -
0%
Amani Oruwariye
(8 votes) -
3%
Travis Fulgham
(47 votes) -
4%
Ty Johnson
(66 votes) -
11%
Isaac Nauta
(183 votes) -
6%
PJ Johnson
(92 votes)