NFL Draft 2018: Analysis of NFC North division teams' draft picks

Detroit Lions

Matt Patricia is heading into his first season as a head coach

The Detroit Lions came into the Draft with some glaring needs in their run defense and their running game. It was up to new head coach Matt Patricia as to which area he would address early in the draft, he decided to go with the latter in which they had finished dead last in the league last season.

With the 20th overall pick in the draft the Detroit Lions drafted Arkansas C Frank Ragnow, a surprise pick so high up in the draft. However, Detroit's game plan was clear - improving the running game was going to be their main objective this year.

Ragnow was an exceptional performer at college level, never allowing a sack in his career, while many suggested a defensive lineman would have been a better pick but most of the elite talents were gone by the time the Lions were on the clock.

The Lions traded up to the 43rd overall pick to draft Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson, again a surprising pick considering Derrius Guice was still available. Johnson is still a power back in his own right, who finished with 42 touchdowns in his last two seasons. He might not start right away but by his second year he could end up as the Lions' lead back.

Their third pick (No. 82 overall) Louisiana S Tracy Walker appeared to be an overreach in the third round, especially considering that he himself thought he would go in the fifth round. Nonetheless, he did earn high praise from his third cousin and Lions cornerback Darius Slay. At this moment, he looks like a developmental player who can be a potential fit in the future.

With their 4th pick (No. 114 overall) they finally selected a DE in Da'Shawn Hand of Alabama, Hand has a lot of potential but his college production is something of a concern and the fact that the Lions gave up a 2019 third round pick for him makes Hand a considerable gamble.

The Lions drafted Oregon OL Tyrell Crosby (No. 153 overall) and San Diego State FB Nick Bawden (No. 237) with their last two picks. Crosby is a good pass-blocker who will most probably be a reserve as he looks to cement a spot in the team.