I'm not a Detroit Lions fan by any means but I must say that I am enjoying their 2011 NFL draft to this point. They just continue to stock up on talent.
NFL Draft Grades: Lions Looking Good Through Two Days
On day one, they took DT Nick Fairley which was widely regarded as one of the best picks of the first round. On day two, they added two players I like -- WR Titus Young and RB Mikel Leshoure.
SB Nations’ Pride of Detroit notes the Lions have been looking for a speedy receiver for some time.
Adding Young into the Lions’ offense now gives them a solid group of wide receivers. Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson are still the top two WRs, but Young is someone that can come into the offense and make plays. At least that’s what the Lions hope he can do.
Coming into a situation where the guy across from you will be double teamed every play is pretty good for a rookie. Plus, I wouldn’t mind having my young guys learn under Calvin Johnson, a/k/a Megatron.
The second pick I liked a lot was Leshoure. He could be the best running back in this draft. He’s a bit of a boom or bust type player but, if he booms, the Lions found a steal at the 57th overall pick. Pride of Detroit notes the Lions had to trade-up to get him.
To sum it up, the Lions gave up their picks in the next two rounds and moved back in the fifth and seventh rounds to complete this trade. That’s an awful lot to give up for Leshoure, but they obviously felt it was important to add him as a complement to Jahvid Best, giving the Lions a one-two punch at running back.
I’m liking Detroit right about now. They’re adding some solid pieces and are definitely on the right track.
Check out Pride of Detroit for more on the Lions draft picks.
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