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The Detroit Lions are finally trying their hand at an athletic linebacker, selecting Derrick Barnes out of Purdue with the 113th overall pick. The Lions traded up to make their fourth round selections back to back, swapping their fifth round pick (153) and next year’s fourth rounder with Cleveland for picks 113 and 257 (a late seventh rounder) this year. Here’s what folks thought of the pick:
speeeeeeeeeeeed https://t.co/3wXFk19LYF
— Alex Reno (@alex_reno) May 1, 2021
Lions take a physical USC receiver in the fourth round, then trade up for Purdue linebacker Derrick Barnes one pick later. They fit needs with smart, athletic players. More of this, Mr. Brad Holmes, and Lions fans will commission a statue.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) May 1, 2021
Good pick. Barnes is very good. Will be Anzalone replacement down the road. https://t.co/2hqI4oTK9A
— Kayvon Thibodeaux's #1 fan™ (@BeastFBall) May 1, 2021
When @Lions fans look into Derrick Barnes they will be in love! Dude makes plays and is athletic! Can’t believe he lasted until the 4th round
— just win Lions (@ThoseDetGUYS) May 1, 2021
Aside from him being an athletic freak, Derrick Barnes just has the *sound* of an all time LB lol
— (@pretzelhumper) May 1, 2021
After three years of being tormented by the QuinnTricia regime’s infatuation with slow players, things are changing in Detroit. Each selection thus far has been that of a very good athlete, an encouraging sign of things to come with the new front office.
That’ll be all for most of the excitement for this year’s draft, as the Lions are now left with just the third to last pick of this year’s draft at 257. The Lions have hit on their needs today, so it’ll be interesting to see what the team does with such a low pick. One thing’s for sure though—he’ll be athletic.