2019 NFL Draft: Fixing one pick for each NFC North team
Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft Picks:
Round 1 (8): T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Round 2 (43): Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
Round 3 (81): Will Harris, S, Boston College
Round 4 (117): Austin Bryant, DL, Clemson
Round 5 (146): Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
Round 6 (184): Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion
Round 6 (186): Tyron Johnson, RB, Oklahoma State
Round 7 (224): Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Round 7 (229): P.J. Johnson, DE, Arizona
Lions select A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss instead of Jahlani Tavai
The Detroit Lions are in a tough spot. They have a talented roster and are in a window to compete now with Matthew Stafford under center. That being said, they are stuck as what many would consider the worst team in a tough division.
The Lions kicked off their 2019 NFL Draft haul with the selection of Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson is the best tight end from this draft class, showing elite blocking ability and real upside as a pass catcher. Hockenson is going to be a big-time target in the middle of the field for Stafford and will undoubtedly be a major contributor in the run game.
As a whole, I did not hate the Lions’ 2019 NFL Draft class. Hockenson was a strong pick, taking Austin Bryant in the fourth was solid and landing Amani Oruwariye in the fifth was an incredible value. However, taking Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai in the second round was a major reach.
Instead of reaching on Tavai, taking Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown would have made more sense. Brown is an incredibly talented receiver who uses great short-area quickness to create consistent separation. He also shows tremendous run after the catch ability, consistently creating extra yardage with his impressive combination of quickness, agility and power on contact.
Adding Brown to the mix would have given the Lions an incredible group of pass catchers to work with. Brown could have been a real playmaker out of the slot, while Hockenson made plays at tight end, and Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones make an impact on the outside.
Selecting Brown would have opened up the Lions’ offense. Instead, the Lions drafted a linebacker who most considered a later-round project.