Chicago Bears: Comparing 2019 NFL Draft to NFC North rivals

Detroit Lions

The Lions had nine total picks and the eighth overall pick in the draft. I have to imagine that they were trying to move down from this pick once Josh Allen was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 7. T.J. Hockenson was their consolation prize, and that is not a bad prize to win.

Hockenson was the most well-rounded tight end in the draft and will instantly step in as the best tight end on the Lions’ roster. The only problem is that tight ends do not have a good record of making an immediate impact in the NFL. This does not mean Hockenson is a bad pick, it just means history shows it might take a year or two before he drastically helps the team.

In the second round, the Lions shocked most everyone by selecting Jahlani Tavai. Tavai is a linebacker out of Hawaii who had Day 3 grades. He is very versatile, and I think that is what Detroit saw in him. He is a great tackler who can play both inside and outside. I am guessing Matt Patricia envisions Tavai as his Kyle Van Noy. Think they jumped too early though.

Instead of Tavai, I personally think they should have looked at an offensive lineman or even a corner. In the third round, Detroit took another guy who most had graded in the later rounds. Will Harris is a safety out of Boston College. He is not a ball hawk, but a big hitter. I am surprised the Lions did not go with a guy like Oshane Ximines, but they grabbed their pass rusher in the fourth.

Austin Bryant at No. 117 was my favorite pick for the Lions. This was great value for a guy who was overshadowed by the most talented defensive line in college. In fact, he was a guy I thought the Bears should target. Bryant will push for playing time right away.

The Lions finally grabbed a corner in the fifth round, and a solid selection he should be. Amani Oruwariye has great size at 6’2″, and is a very physical corner. He was another guy I liked as a target for the Bears. I think he will push Jalen Tabor for that second corner spot. Another good mid-round pick for the Lions.

Finally, the Lions rounded out the draft with a wide receiver (Travis Fulgham), a running back (Ty Johnson), a tight end (Isaac Nauta) and a defensive tackle (P.J. Johnson). Out of the last four picks, I really like Fulgham. He is a receiver out of Old Dominion who has a chance to contribute early.

The Lions had some questionable early picks but saved their weekend with solid mid and late-round picks.

Grade: B-