Detroit Lions 2018 Draft: A Deep Dive

Hey football fanatics! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dissect the Detroit Lions' 2018 draft class. It's always a wild ride looking back at drafts, right? Sometimes you hit a home run, sometimes... well, let's just say it's a learning experience. The Lions, under then-General Manager Bob Quinn, were looking to build a competitive team and add some serious talent. They had a few key areas they were trying to address, and like any NFL draft, there were a lot of hopes and dreams pinned on these selections. The pressure is always on to find those franchise cornerstones, the guys who can make a real difference for years to come. We'll break down each pick, analyze the immediate impact, and see how these players panned out in the long run. Get ready to relive some draft-day drama and see if the Lions struck gold or if some picks turned out to be a bit of a bust. It's a fascinating look at how team building goes down and the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft. We'll be covering everything from the first-round pick all the way down to those later-round gems that teams always hope to uncover. So, buckle up, grab your favorite team's jersey, and let's dive into the Detroit Lions' 2018 draft class!

Round 1, Pick 20: Frank Ragnow, C/G

Alright, let's kick things off with the Lions' big splash in the 2018 NFL Draft, their first-round pick at number 20: Frank Ragnow. This was a massive move, and the Lions absolutely needed to shore up their offensive line. The O-line is the backbone of any successful offense, guys, and failing to protect your quarterback or open up holes for your running backs is a recipe for disaster. Ragnow, coming out of Arkansas, was widely regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen in that draft class. He brought a reputation for being tough, smart, and having that nastiness you want to see in a blocker. The expectation was that he would come in and immediately compete for a starting spot, and hopefully, become a long-term fixture on the line. The Lions were looking for an anchor, someone who could provide stability and leadership in the trenches. Ragnow's versatility, being able to play both center and guard, was also a huge plus. This meant he could fill different needs and adapt as the line evolved. The pressure on Bob Quinn and the coaching staff was immense to get this pick right. A strong offensive line can elevate an entire team, and a whiff in the first round can set you back for years. Ragnow's selection was met with a lot of optimism, and he was seen as a foundational piece for the future. We'll explore how he lived up to the hype and his journey with the Lions in the coming sections.

Round 2, Pick 43: Da'Shawn Hand, DE

Moving on to the second round, the Lions snagged Da'Shawn Hand at pick number 43. This was another area the Lions were keen to improve: their defensive front. Pass rush and stopping the run are crucial in the NFL, and finding talented defensive linemen is a constant quest for every team. Hand, a defensive end from Alabama, had a lot of raw talent and physical tools. He was seen as a high-upside player who could develop into a significant force on defense. The hope was that he could bring some much-needed pressure off the edge and contribute to a more disruptive defensive line. Coming from a powerhouse like Alabama, he was accustomed to playing at a high level and competing against top talent. The Lions were looking for players who could make an immediate impact and add depth to their defensive rotation. Hand was expected to contribute to the pass rush and potentially be a strong run defender. The draft is all about finding players who can fill needs and elevate the team, and Hand fit the profile of a player who could develop into a key contributor. We'll delve into his performance and how he fit into the Lions' defensive scheme.

Round 3, Pick 73: Mike McGlinchey, OT (Traded)

Wait a minute, hold up! This is where things get interesting. The Lions actually traded the 73rd pick in the Detroit Lions 2018 Draft away! They sent this pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a future second-round pick and a fourth-round pick. This was a strategic move by Bob Quinn, signaling a belief that they could acquire talent later in the draft or were looking to accumulate more assets. It's a calculated gamble, and sometimes these trades work out brilliantly, other times they leave you scratching your head. The rationale behind trading down is usually to gain more picks, hoping to strike gold on multiple players rather than putting all your eggs in one basket with a single mid-round pick. It shows a willingness to be flexible and adapt the draft board as it unfolds. Sometimes teams feel they've identified players they really like later on and want to ensure they have the capital to get them. Other times, it's about acquiring assets for future drafts, believing that flexibility is key to long-term team building. This trade meant the Lions passed on the opportunity to select a player at pick 73, trusting their evaluation of the remaining talent and their ability to make deals. It's a bold strategy that always carries an element of risk. We'll see how this trade ultimately impacted the Lions' draft haul.

Round 4, Pick 114: Nick Bawden, FB

In the fourth round, the Lions picked Nick Bawden, a fullback out of San Diego State. Now, fullbacks aren't always the flashiest picks, but they can be incredibly valuable to an offense. A good fullback can be a crucial part of both the run game and the passing game, acting as a lead blocker, a short-yardage threat, or even a surprise receiver. The Lions, under head coach Matt Patricia at the time, seemed to be embracing a more physical, old-school style of football. Bawden fit that mold. He was known for his blocking ability and his willingness to do the dirty work. The expectation was that he would provide an additional dimension to the Lions' offense, particularly in short-yardage situations and in protecting the quarterback. Fullbacks can also be important in setting the tone for the offense and bringing a physical presence. While not a high-profile pick, Bawden was seen as a player who could fill a specific role and contribute to the team's identity. His selection showed a commitment to a certain style of play and a belief in the importance of every position on the roster. We'll look at how Bawden contributed to the Lions during his time there.

Round 5, Pick 140: Tyrell Crosby, OL

Moving into the fifth round, the Lions selected Tyrell Crosby, an offensive lineman from Oregon. This pick was another reinforcement for the offensive trenches, which was clearly a priority for the team. Crosby was a player who brought a solid skill set and the potential to develop into a contributor. The offensive line depth is always important, as injuries are a regular occurrence in the NFL. Having versatile and capable backups who can step in and perform is crucial for a team's success. Crosby was seen as a player who could provide that depth and potentially compete for a starting role down the line. His college performance showed promise, and the Lions were hoping to develop him into a reliable lineman. The fifth round is often where teams look for players with good upside who might have fallen a bit due to perceived weaknesses or competition. The goal is to find hidden gems who can outperform their draft position. Crosby's selection was another step in the Lions' efforts to rebuild and strengthen their offensive line, a critical area for any team aiming for success. We'll examine his contributions and development with the team.

Round 6, Pick 177: Andrew Brown, DT

In the sixth round, the Lions grabbed Andrew Brown, a defensive tackle from Virginia. The defensive tackle position is vital for both stopping the run and generating interior pass rush. Brown was a player with good physical tools, and the Lions were hoping to tap into his potential in the later rounds. The sixth round is a prime spot to take flyers on players who have the physical attributes and athleticism to succeed in the NFL, even if their college production wasn't overwhelming. The hope is that with NFL coaching and development, these players can blossom into valuable contributors. Brown was seen as a developmental prospect who could add depth to the defensive tackle rotation and potentially grow into a more significant role. The defensive line is often built through the draft, and teams are always looking for fresh talent to compete and add to their rotation. His selection represented another attempt by the Lions to bolster their defensive front with players who had the physical measurables to succeed at the professional level. We'll assess his impact and how he progressed with the team.

Round 7, Pick 237: Kamrin Moore, DB

Finally, in the seventh round, the Lions selected Kamrin Moore, a defensive back from Boston College. Defensive backs are essential for any secondary, tasked with covering receivers and defending against the pass. The seventh round is typically where teams take chances on players with high upside or players who might have character concerns or injuries that caused them to slip. The goal is to find players who can surprise and contribute, even if they are long shots. Moore was a player who the Lions hoped could develop into a contributor in their secondary. Adding depth at the cornerback or safety position is always a good idea, as these players are heavily involved in every defensive snap. The Lions were looking to add competition and potential playmakers to their defensive backfield. Seventh-round picks are often seen as lottery tickets, and the hope is to find that one player who can defy expectations and make a name for himself in the league. We'll review Moore's time with the Lions and his contributions.

The Overall Impact and Legacy

The Detroit Lions' 2018 draft class is a fascinating study in team building. The class was anchored by Frank Ragnow, who quickly established himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber center and a cornerstone of the offensive line. His leadership, toughness, and consistent play have made him one of the most respected players in the league and a massive success for the Lions. Da'Shawn Hand showed flashes of potential early on but struggled with injuries throughout his career, limiting his overall impact. Nick Bawden provided a physical presence and contributed as a fullback, fitting into the team's identity under Matt Patricia. Tyrell Crosby offered valuable depth and starting experience at offensive tackle when called upon, proving to be a solid late-round find. The later-round picks, Andrew Brown and Kamrin Moore, unfortunately, didn't make significant long-term contributions to the team. The trade in the third round, while acquiring future assets, meant passing on potential talent at that spot. Overall, the 2018 draft for the Lions was a mixed bag. They absolutely nailed their first-round pick with Ragnow, who has been a resounding success and a true building block. However, the rest of the class had more misses than hits in terms of sustained impact. It highlights the inherent unpredictability of the NFL draft – you can strike gold with your top pick, but finding consistent contributors throughout the later rounds is always a challenge. This draft class serves as a great example of the Lions' philosophy at the time, focusing on strengthening the offensive line and adding physical players. While Ragnow's success is undeniable, the class as a whole didn't quite achieve the transformative impact the team was likely hoping for. It's a reminder that even with a solid strategy, the draft is a gamble, and player development plays a massive role in determining the ultimate success of any draft class. Guys, it's a tough business, and looking back gives us a clearer perspective on the decisions made and their long-term consequences. The Lions have since moved on to new leadership and different strategies, but understanding this draft class is key to understanding the team's trajectory during that era.