Notes: PFF drops Detroit Lions’ 2019 draft grade after Year 1

After initially receiving a high grade for their draft selections in 2019, the Detroit Lions have fallen to the bottom of the pack upon review—leaving fans to hope history doesn’t repeat itself with the 2020 class.

In a piece for PFF, Michael Renner revisited the grades they originally handed out for all 32 teams in 2019. The Lions received an “above average.”

“Detroit didn’t get great positional value by selecting former Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson at No. 8 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, but they did at least get the best tight end in the class.”

Renner explained: “This guy knows the nuances of the tight end position already. He knows how to run routes. He has very sure hands.”

But Renner revisited that grade the other day, readjusting it to “below average.” In part of his analysis, he said he’s not writing Hockenson off, but assumes Lions fans were hoping for more than 32 catches for 367 yards from their first-round pick.

“The more worrisome picks are on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions’ next four picks were additions to their defense, and none of them were able to move the needle in Year 1.”

This year, PFF gave the Lions’ 2020 selections an “A.”

“(Jeffrey) Okudah really does have it all. The ‘cons’ on his scouting report were some of the most difficult to write of any prospect in the class. He not only has a high floor but everything you want for a high ceiling,” Renner said in part of PFF’s analysis.

Will the same thing happen to this year’s grade? Did the Lions receive a high grade only to have it fall to the pits upon review a year later?

NOPE.

Well, let’s hope not.

Read Renner’s whole article here.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• We told you about this on Friday but here’s a full story from the official team website on how Marvin and Jazmyn Jones provided meals to Henry Ford Hospital workers.

• Unfortunately we lost legendary Miami Dolphins coach at the age of 90. Did you know he was on the Lions’ defensive staff from 1960-63? The Detroit Free Press’ George Puscas’ has the story.
• More on that from the Lions’ Twitter account:

• Speaking of legends, Detroit let these NFL coaches get away — the Freep’s Chris Thomas examined the coaching greats who got away from the Lions.
• Vito Chirco with Sports Illustrated’s Lions section outlines three position battles you should be watching for in 2020.
• Running back Ty Johnson posts a video very casually pulling a jeep.

• Columnist Mike O’Hara from the official team site offers draft comparisons for this year’s rookie class.