Lions' 2015 Draft Picks
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - The 2015 NFL Draft concluded Saturday, and the Detroit Lions met a number of needs, general manager Martin Mayhew said. The team showed an emphasis on improving the run game in particular by drafting two offensive linemen, a running back and a fullback, and to a slightly lesser extent the Lions addressed the defense, taking two cornerbacks and a defensive lineman.
Below is a list of the 2015 selections and links to stories about each of them.
First round, 28th overall - Duke guard Laken Tomlinson
The Lions traded down in the first round, from 23 to 28, before taking Tomlinson. By trading down, the Lions were also able to add another offensive lineman, veteran guard Manny Ramirez. Beefing up the offensive line was an emphasis for Detroit after quarterback Matthew Stafford took 25 sacks last season and the run game ranked 28th in the league.
After trading down to 28, Lions select Duke guard Laken Tomlinson
Intelligence, ambition among attributes that attracted Lions to Tomlinson
Chance to add Ramirez key factor in Lions' decision to move back to 28
Second round, 54th overall - Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah
The Lions brought in Abdullah to bolster in the run game, which was dismal last season, but also expect him to compete for return duties. New special teams coordinator Joe Marciano made it clear at the team's town hall meeting with season ticket holders that he wanted competition for current Lions return man Jeremy Ross.
Lions select Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah with second-round pick
With first two picks, Lions make clear their intention of improving run game
Third round, 80th overall - Stanford cornerback Alex Carter
The Lions saw two cornerbacks go down with season-ending injuries at the beginning of the 2014 season, and starter Rashean Mathis is 34 and expected to retire within the next couple of years, so it made sense for the team to select a cornerback fairly early in the draft. Detroit moved up from 88 to 80 to take Carter.
Lions trade up in third round, select cornerback Alex Carter
For new Lion Alex Carter, previous connections to team include Mayhew, Mathis, Sanders
Fourth round, 113th overall - Auburn defensive tackle Gabe Wright
With the Lions losing four defensive tackles - Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley and Andre Fluellen - in free agency, this might have been the most expected move of the draft. The Lions traded away a 2016 third-round pick to move into the fourth and nab Wright. Mayhew explained the team felt comfortable trading away the third-round pick because they expect to receive a compensatory third-round pick next year because of Suh's departure in free agency, and the Lions had considered taking Wright in the third round.
Lions trade into fourth round, select Auburn defensive tackle Gabe Wright
Senior season 'piece of humble pie' for new Lions DT Gabe Wright
Fifth round, 168th overall - Rutgers fullback Michael Burton
Both Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and Burton himself noted that many people feel fullback is a dying breed, but with Burton the Lions hope to enhance their run game and their special teams.
Lions select Rutgers fullback Michael Burton with fifth-round pick
Burton put on 20 pounds before draft, had interest from several teams
Sixth round, 200th overall - Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs
Mayhew said the injuries at cornerback last season influenced the pick of Diggs, whose brother Quentin Jammer played 12 years in the NFL. After Bill Bentley and Nevin Lawson missed the entire season last year, Mayhew figured it was better to have too many cornerbacks than too few.
Lions take cornerback Quandre Diggs with sixth-round pick
Seventh round, 240th overall - South Carolina offensive tackle Corey Robinson
With right tackle LaAdrian Waddle coming off an ACL injury, there is some uncertainty about how the tackle spots will look this season. Robinson played left tackle in college - Riley Reiff is at that spot now for the Lions - but Detroit offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn said Robinson will be able to play on either side.