2013 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Draft Grade

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) and former Detroit Lions running back

(right) introduce the fifth overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (BYU) by the Detroit Lions at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round 5th Overall — Ezekiel Ansah DE, BYU — A

Ansah has the talent to be a 15 sack a year guy. He dominated when he played in the wide 9 at the Senior Bowl. He is still extremely raw and is a boom or bust pick by the Lions. I think he has the most pass rush potential of anyone in the draft.

2nd Round 36th Overall — Darius Slay CB, Mississippi State — B

Slay was beginning to be talked about as a potential 1st round pick. I would have given this pick a higher grade if not for the fact that Slay injured his meniscus this offseason. Knee injuries are scary for a speed CB and he may not be ready for camp.

3rd Round 65th Overall — Larry Warford OG, Kentucky — A+

This is one of the best picks in the draft. Warford should have been picked at the top of the 2nd round. He is a dominant guard who can come in and start day 1. Stafford has to love this pick.

4th Round 132nd Overall — Devin Taylor DE, South Carolina — B

 The Lions needed 2 DEs out of this draft and Taylor is a pretty good number 2 guy. He is a good fit for the wide 9 as well and will be getting a lot of 1-on-1s this year. He is a long, athletic DE that fits the Lions mold.

5th Round 165th Overall — Sam Martin P, Appalachian St. — D

The Lions needed a punter, but the 5th round was far too early to take one. They could have waited until the draft was over and signed a punter who is just as good.

6th Round 171st Overall — Corey Fuller WR, Virginia Tech — B+

Fuller is a good athlete at the WR position, but hasn’t been playing football all that long. He was a track star who transferred to VT in 2010 and only then started playing the WR position.

6th Round 199th Overall — Theo Riddick RB, Notre Dame — B

Riddick is quicker than fast and is a very good WR out of the backfield. He is a slasher who is a very strong cut and run guy. Played in the slot at ND in his Sophomore and Junior seasons before playing RB as a Senior.

7th Round 211th Overall — Michael Williams TE, Alabama — A-

Williams isn’t going to wow you with his speed down the middle, but he is probably the best blocking TE in this draft. He also has good hands for a guy his size and will be a red zone threat.

7th Round 245th Overall — Brandon Hepburn LB, Florida A&M — B

Hepburn is a good athlete who can give the Lions some depth at LB where it is needed.

Overall — B+

I thought the Lions did very well overall. I love the Ansah and Warford picks. The Slay pick could be another really good one if his knee heals fine. Taylor and Fuller offer a lot of upside and Riddick is a good insurance policy in case Reggie Bush gets hurt. Williams will probably be their #2 TE from day 1.
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