Lions Lowdown

The Lions traded the New England Patriots their 2019 third-round pick for a fourth-round pick in Saturday’s final round of the NFL draft.

They used it to address the defensive line needs by selecting Alabama defensive end Da’Shawn Hand with the 114th overall pick.

He’s got two connections with the Lions. He played with defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson at Alabama and Bo Davis, the Lions’ new defensive line coach, was Hand’s line coach at Alabama in his first two seasons.

“He helped develop me to the player that I am. I’m just excited to be reunited with those guys,” Hand said on a conference call on Saturday.

He sounds excited about heading to Detroit. “You know, with Coach Bo (Davis) there, I know they’ve got a kind of similar scheme like Alabama did. It’s just a whole bunch of dogs, so I’m just ready to be a part of that unit,” Hand said.

Hand said getting the phone call was like the best feeling in the world.

“You just work for so long to get to a goal. I mean, it was a childhood dream. And now it’s a dream come true. Now, I’m just ready to work hard and fulfill what I’ve got to do,” Hand said.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein’s prospect overview on Hand: “In 2014, he was considered the top-rated recruit in the nation but failed to find the production and accolades that were expected of him. While he possesses NFL size and ability, he hasn’t always played with the fire or urgency we have come to expect from Alabama defenders. Hand is a versatile defender who could be targeted as a base end who reduces inside on passing downs. He’ll likely be drafted on Day 2 based on the traits, but he’s hardly a lock to match the production to the talent as a pro.’

Hand, who is 6-4 and 297 pounds, started nine of 11 games that he played in 2017 recording 27 tackles, 3.5 for loss with three sacks.

He was arrested for driving under the influence in July 2017, though he was actually found sleeping behind the wheel of the car while it was parked.

(Photo courtesy of Alabama)

Per NFL.com: “At Alabama, Hand played in nine games as a true freshman, making seven stops including two sacks. Hand played in every game as a reserve in Alabama’s deep defensive line rotation in their 2015 national championship season (16 stops, 6.5 for loss, three sacks), making an impact in the title game with two tackles for loss against Clemson. That depth kept him from starting again in 2016, but he was a regular contributor (21 tackles, 3.5 for loss, two sacks) using his length, strength, and athleticism to factor in plays where he didn’t collect a stat.”

The two-time first-team USA Today All-American was also a state high school wrestling champion.

Going into today’s final rounds, the Lions had only two picks — fifth round and seventh round. Quinn had traded the fourth round pick to the Patriots on Friday to move up to take running back Kerryon Johnson.

Saturday’s move was the third draft pick that GM Bob Quinn has made with the Patriots, his former team. He said on Friday night that’s it’s easier and more efficient to make trades with people he knows.

Inside offensive lineman Frank Ragnow was the Lions’ first-round pick. Other draft picks so far: Running back Kerryon Johnson in second round, S Tracy Walker in third round and tackle Tyrell Crosby in the fifth round.

 

ALLEN PARK — After using first two picks for offensive help, the Lions drafted safety Tracy Walker out of Louisiana-Lafayette with the 82nd overall pick in the NFL draft on Friday night.

Walker, who is 6-2 and 200 pounds, went to the same high school as Lions cornerback Darius Slay in Brunswick, Ga.  In fact, Walker confirmed that they are cousins. Lions GM Bob Quinn said he wasn’t sure about their exact familial relationship, but knew somehow the two were related.

Even though Walker was projected as a late-round pick by most pundits (Bleacher Report had him as seventh-round pick), Quinn said they were happy to get him. Quinn said teams 10-12 picks ahead of them had brought Walker in for visits.

In fact, Walker said he was surprised during a conference call with reporters late on Friday night.

“it definitely was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect it. I put out my best effort throughout the whole process and I control what I can control. I can’t control who picked me and who showed the most interest in me, when Detroit picked me it was a blessing for me,” Walker said. “I’m definitely honored that they picked me. They won’t regret it.”

Going in the third round was a pleasant surprise for Walker.

“Honestly I expected it to be the fifth round, I’m definitely blessed. I’m the type of person who’s very conservative and expects the worst. I’m blessed to be drafted in the third round,” Walker said.

Quinn also said Walker excelled when he played against the top competition. Specifically he said Walked played well against Texas A&M.

Why not a defensive lineman in the third round? Quinn said they had safeties rated higher that defensive linemen at that point in the draft so they went with Walker.

NFL.com’s draft profile for Walker: “Safety with long, slender build who has good linear speed, but could struggle as an open field tackler and when isolated in deep coverage. Walker’s long arms and explosion numbers in testing will be very intriguing to teams who covet measurables and traits from their defensive backs. His size and body type could put him in line for a test run as bump-and-run corner for teams with a rangy free safety over the top.

Walker led the Ragin’ Cajuns with tackles (97) and interceptions (2) as a senior.

(Photo courtesy of Louisiana-Lafayette)

More from NFL.com: “He has stood out since he was young, partially because he was the only boy among six siblings. As a redshirt freshman in 2014, he earned Freshman All-Sun Belt honors after starting eight-of-13 games played, making 44 tackles, intercepting two passes, and breaking up three other throws. He was a starter as a sophomore (10-of-12 games), as well, compiling 74 stops, five for loss, one interception, and six pass breakups. Walker led the Ragin’ Cajuns with three interceptions in 2016, starting 12-of-13 games played, piling up 61 tackles, 2.5 for loss. His senior season was his best, starting 12 games and leading the squad with 97 tackles (3.5 for loss) on his way to third-team All-Sun Belt honors. Walker also led the team with two interceptions and broke up six passes.”

The Lions drafted offensive lineman Frank Ragnow in the first round on Thursday. Then traded up to take running back Kerryon Johnson in the second round earlier on Friday. They have picks in the fifth and seventh rounds on Saturday.

ALLEN PARK — The Lions addressed their need for a running back by drafting Kerryon Johnson from Auburn in the second round on Friday night.

Detroit made a deal with the Patriots to move up to 43rd to grab Johnson by giving up their fourth-round pick and the 51st overall pick in the second round.
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Lions GM Bob Quinn said he knew there was going to be a run on running backs in the second round, and Johnson was the guy they wanted so he wanted to move up. It’s become quite common for him to trade with the Patriots, his former team. He said it’s just easier to make deals with people he knows.

Johnson had 285 carries for 1,391 yards (4.88 yards per carry) with 18 touchdowns last season. He also had 24 catches for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Johnson ranks seventh best at Auburn with a kick return average of 25.12 yards.

Quinn said Johnson is a patient runner but accelerates when he sees the hole and knows how to finish.

“The (Lions) said be ready to go to work. It’s an extreme honor, it’s a great football team, I’m ready to go in and get to work,” Johnson said in a conference call on Friday night.

Coincidentally enough, he said one of his favorite running backs to watch is Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. “When you watch Barry Sanders, what’s not to like? He’s a fantastic running back, he’s a fantastic guy, he’s extremely exciting to watch, extremely hard to tackle,” Johnson said. “I wish I was alive at the time to get to watch him in person … Going to the same organization as him is awesome it’s like a dream come true,” Johnson said.

Johnson was the SEC’s offensive player of the year in 2017 and thinks playing in the SEC could help him take the big step from college ball to the NFL.

“The competition and the speed of the game is as close as you’re going to get to the NFL. Hopefully that helps with the learning curve and helps me succeed at the next level,” Johnson said.

Other than his pre-draft visit, Johnson said he’s never been to Detroit. He sounds excited about making the move.

(Photo courtesy of Auburn)

NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock ranked Johnson, 6-foot and 212 pounds, as the seventh best running back in the draft and projected he would be drafted in the second or third round. “He’s kind of a leggy, jump-cut guy. Good athlete, finishes runs, but I see him somewhere late two to mid-three,” Mayock said.

Johnson was Alabama’s Mr. Football in 2015 with 25 touchdowns as a senior and was also all-state in basketball.

The Lions had the NFL’s worst running game in 2017 averaging just 76.3 rushing yards per game. They drafted offensive lineman Frank Ragnow in the first round who should also help the run game.