2015 NFL Draft grades: Detroit Lions select Laken Tomlinson

With the No. 28 pick in the NFL Draft the Detroit Lions selected Duke Blue Devils guard Laken Tomlinson.

The Detroit Lions moved back five spots in a trade with the Denver Broncos to add some mid-round picks and saw the Broncos draft Shane Ray.

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As for the Lions, they were on the clock at No. 28 and saw Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown still available if they liked him enough as a potential replacement from Ndamukong Suh in the middle of the defensive line.

Or they could have looked at safety where Landon Collins was on the board and would have helped, but ultimately they went with Duke BLue Devils right guard Laken Tomlinson.

He was a four-year starter who really did it all and was the model of consistency at the position. He can pull, trap, get to the second level, plays well in space and can maul you in a phone booth.

He played excellent in the Senior Bowl and showcased his ability as a premier interior offensive lineman and should help keep Matthew Stafford upright and have a clean pocket to throw from with Tomlinson in front of him.

It’s not common for guards to be drafted in the first round, but there are one or two each year, and they traded down to get some extra value for the pick in Broncos offensive lineman Manny Ramirez.

This is a team that made the playoffs last year and as long as Stafford and Calvin Johnson are allowed to do what they do, which is because of a strong offensive line and they essentially got two starters for one pick.

Grade: B+

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