The Detroit Lions had two first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft. From the point of view of many experts, however, those responsible have not made enough of their opportunities. The general manager of the team therefore later justified himself.
In the first round, the Lions got 12th and 18th picks. The franchise used his picks to bring running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell on board. Has Detroit wasted too much potential with that? Numerous experts came to this verdict after the first day of the draft.
“ESPN” analyst Mel Kiper Jr., for example, “just can’t understand these two picks”. “Yeah, Detroit has a lot more picks on Day 2, but they could have started a run there with 12th place.” Instead, two players were committed, which he classified as second-round picks.
Chad Reuter, meanwhile, was also surprised by the Lions’ selection – and not in a good way. The NFL insider only gave the team a C, a rather average rating in his analysis. Like Kiper, Reuter wondered why Detroit favored Gibbs and Campbell over other college talent.
NFL team faces criticism
On the morning of day two of the draft, Brad Holmes, the Lions’ general manager, justified his team’s first-round picks.
“We just take the best players for us. I’ve always said that we will do that and we will find players that suit us and what we want,” explained Holmes.
According to the General Manager, the athletes must fit the philosophy of the franchise and, above all, have a convincing character. “Talent is one thing, but these players suit us,” concluded Holmes.
The Lions still have three second-round picks, three fifth-round picks and two sixth-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft.