OT Taylor Decker (Round 1, No. 16 Pick)
Taylor Decker became the first player drafted by the Quinn regime and the selection was met with mixed fanfare. Experts lauded his toughness and versatility but doubted he could ever become an effective NFL left tackle. Decker won the starting job protecting Matt Stafford’s blindside early in camp and after a shaky start to the season, he really solidified that spot on the offensive line for the Lions. The question now is this: does he become Jeff Backus or Lomas Brown?
Pick Grade: A-
DT A’shawn Robinson (Round 2, No. 46 Pick)
What’s so impressive about this first Quinn-authored draft for me was not only did the Lions draft a starting player on the offensive line for years to come but Quinn also added one in the defensive trenches as well. A’Shawn Robinson grew up fast this season and it became quickly apparent that he was our most talented interior defender. He has a knack for getting to the ball – even when it’s in the air (evidenced by his seven passes defended). Overall, I sense a bright future for Robinson in Detroit.
