| Jeff Risdon. 30th April, 2007 - 3:09 pm
 Detroit's picks:
1st round, #2 overall--Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
2nd round, #43--Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
2nd round, #58--Ika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii
2nd round, #61--Gerald Alexander, S, Boise State
4th round, #105--A.J. Davis, CB, NC State
4th round, #117--Manuel Ramirez, G, Texas Tech
5th round, #158--Johnny Baldwin, LB, Alabama A&M
7th round, #255--Ramzee Robinson, CB, Alabama
Other moves: Traded QB Josh McCown and WR Mike Williams to OAK for 4th round pick
Best pick: Ramirez
Worst pick: Alexander
Analysis:
GM Matt Millen was quite active, as only the #2 overall pick originally belonged to the Lions. The Johnson pick is controversial, but there's not one talent evaluator anywhere who didn't have Johnson as the top overall talent in this draft. He also turns a thin WR corps into a formidable weapon, and Offensive Coordiator Mike Martz is lethal when given good weapons.
Trading down and still getting Stanton in the 2nd is a strong move. Stanton has all the physical tools but must improve his decision making and composure, and he'll have at least one season to learn behind Jon Kitna.
The other second rounders are both reaches, though Alama-Francis is the speedy edge rusher they coveted. Both 4th rounders could wind up starting right away, especially Ramirez, a mauling run blocker who excelled in pass protection in the spread offense in college. The last two picks will be nothing more than special teamers or practice squad players, if they're lucky.
Grade: B-
The second rounders will ultimately determine this grade; more immediate help and higher-rated talent was available at those positions at each spot, though they do all appear to be good system fits. Dealing expensive, useless parts McCown and Williams to get Davis could be the best move of Day 2. |
