Introducing the Detroit Lions' 2016 NFL draft class

Introducing the Detroit Lions' 2016 NFL draft class – Detroit Free Press

Detroit Free Press sports writers Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez offer their perspective on the Lions’ 2016 NFL draft class April 30, 2016.

The 2016 NFL draft is over. Let’s recap the Detroit Lions’ 10 draft picks under first-year general manager Bob Quinn.

In all, the Lions drafted three offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a quarterback, a running back, a hard-hitting safety, a hard-hitting linebacker and a long snapper (?!).

Free Press sports writers Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez take a look at the draft class, pick by pick. Be sure to click the links provided to read more about every draft choice!

OT Taylor Decker

School: Ohio State.

Draft spot: First round (16th overall).

Size: 6 feet 7, 310 pounds.

Summary: Productive, dependable, durable and successful. Started 42 straight games and was part of Ohio State’s national title team. Should start at right or left tackle.

Dave Birkett’s grade: A-. The Lions got the best offensive tackle left with Pick No. 16, filling one of their biggest positions of need. Should start as a rookie.

• Taylor Decker has the heart of a Lion

• Lions introduce Decker, who’s impressed by Stafford’s text

• Decker humbily ready to play anywhere on O-line

• National reaction to Lions selecting Decker: Meh

• Analysts say Lions should play Decker at left tackle

DT A’Shawn Robinson

School: Alabama.

Draft spot: Second round (46th overall).

Size: 6-4, 307.

Summary: Big, solid force in the middle fills a big need for the Lions. He’s barely 21. Known more as a run-stopper. Will need to improve pocket penetration.

Dave Birkett’s grade: A-. One team source said the Lions were in disbelief that Robinson still was available at Pick No. 46. Run-stuffing lineman who’ll be a rotational player this fall.

• Big and intimidating, A’Shawn Robinson is now a Lion

• A’Shawn Robinson: ‘It’s cool looking old’

• Robinson once hurdled an LSU lineman to block an extra point

• What ESPN, NFL Network analysts said about Lions drafting Robinson

C Graham Glasgow

School: Michigan

Draft spot: Third round (95th overall).

Size: 6-6, 307.

Summary: Former walk-on had his ups and downs. He had a strong senior year and was impressive in All-Star games. Has versatility to play guard but should push center Travis Swanson.

Dave Birkett’s grade: B. Glasgow adds size to the center position and should challenge Swanson for the starting job.

• Resilient Graham Glasgow open to playing anywhere with Lions

• Urban Meyer, other analysts rave Lions’ pick of Glasgow

• Lions didn’t look too far to select Glasgow in 3rd round

S Miles Killebrew

School: Southern Utah.

Draft spot: Fourth round (111th overall).

Size: 6-2, 217.

Summary: Has a reputation as a big hitter and turned in 132 tackles last year. He was a four-year starter and a captain. Will play strong safety and possibly nickel linebacker.

Dave Birkett’s grade: B-. After passing on Killebrew late on Day 2, the Lions got the top safety left on their board. Probable special-teams help as a rookie, good scheme fit.

• The Lions just grabbed the hardest hitter in the draft

• Lions gave Miles Killebrew a hard time at the Senior Bowl

• Killebrew left a mark on Cedar City in Utah

G Joe Dahl

School: Washington State.

Draft spot: Fifth round (151st overall).

Size: 6-4, 304.

Summary: Started as a guard at Wazzu before moving to left tackle his last two seasons. But shorter arms, lack of size and speed will make him an NFL guard and a valuable backup.

Dave Birkett’s grade: B-. Versatile lineman can play guard or tackle. Tough to see a role for him unless Riley Reiff or Larry Warford leaves in free agency next year.

• Lions take another offensive lineman in Joe Dahl

LB Antwione Williams

School: Georgia Southern.

Draft spot: Fifth round (169th overall).

Size: 6-3, 245.

Summary: He had 107 tackles as a senior and was an All-Sun Belt honorable mention player. Has long arms, big hands and good blitz ability. Graduated with a psychology degree.

Dave Birkett’s grade: Inc. Big hitter.

• Antwione Williams was installing a dishwasher when Lions called

QB Jake Rudock

School: Michigan.

Draft spot: Sixth round (191st overall).

Size: 6-3, 207.

Summary: Smart, athletic, three-year starter (first two at Iowa) who might have been headed to medical school if football didn’t work out. Arm strength could be a concern.

Dave Birkett’s grade: C. Limited upside quarterback Lions will groom to be a backup to Matthew Stafford.

• Lions do what they promised, draft a quarterback (Rudock)

• Jake Rudock brushes off comparisons to Tom Brady

• GM Bob Quinn explains Rudock pick

DL Anthony Zettel

School: Penn State.

Draft spot: Sixth round (202nd overall).

Size: 6-4, 277.

Summary: From West Branch. Played inside and outside on the D-line. All-Big Ten in 2014 playing tackle with 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Production slipped when he moved outside last year.

Dave Birkett’s grade: B-. Can play either end or tackle, but projects as a left end with the Lions. Could see time as a fourth end as a rookie.

• Zettel, who played at Ogemaw Heights, comes home to Lions

LS Jimmy Landes

School: Baylor.

Draft spot: Sixth round (210th overall).

Size: 6-1, 240.

Summary: Three-year, full-time long-snapper at Baylor. Was accurate last year, but struggled some in 2014.

Dave Birkett’s grade: F. Presumably replaces Don Muhlbach. Still, drafting a long-snapper is never easy to swallow.

• Lions draft long snapper to compete with Don Muhlbach

RB Dwayne Washington

School: Washington.

Draft spot: Seventh round (236th overall).

Size: 6-2, 226.

Summary: He’s big and tall but he’s described as a scatback. Left Washington after junior year. He ran for 697 yards as a sophomore but was hurt last season and rushed for just 282 yards, although he caught 25 passes.

Dave Birkett’s grade: C. Left school with one year of eligibility remaining after injury-shortened season. Played WR in high school.