B-
Detroit Lions
The Lions let Suamataia fall and pounced. Final grade: B-.
by Brummell210 ·
2024 NFL Draft
· 9 picks
· 1 steals
· 4 reaches
The best pick of the weekend was also the simplest. The Lions watched Kingsley Suamataia slide 35 picks past his grade and did not hesitate. It does the job without flash, and the B- reflects it.
They are betting Kuithe proves the room right and everyone else wrong. They left with cornerback solved and the rest of the wish list mostly ticked off.
The offense got the lion's share of the attention.
All told, a draft that does its job without fuss, and there is real value in that.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 32nd overall pick they get a weapon on the perimeter. A clean fit for the roster.
They paid up for Jack Sawyer at slot 59 when waiting would have done the job. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.
MarShawn Lloyd at the Round 3 slot jumps the queue by a touch more than is comfortable. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
You do not let an offensive lineman like Kingsley Suamataia reach Round 3, Pick 28 and blink. They did not. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Tommy Eichenberg at pick 95 is a clear overpay, with better names still on the board. It patches a soft spot without any drama.
By-the-book stuff, Tykee Smith at No. 127 squarely in line with his ranking. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
A straight-up fair deal on Zy Alexander at the 164th pick, value and slot in agreement. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
Graham Mertz at pick No. 205 is right where the board had him, plain and simple. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
They reached into another round for Brant Kuithe, and the board is nowhere close to agreeing. A sensible fit for a spot that needed help.