Detroit Lions: Complete 2015 NFL Draft Wrap-Up and Analysis

The 2015 NFL draft took years to get here and a blink of the eye to pass. The ratio of hype to substance is on par with another sporting event that took place this weekend—the Kentucky Derby—and nobody would trade either for any number of 2016 picks.

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew needed a big draft to let the air out of the ballooning criticism of his performance. No matter how you slice it, there's a lot to like in his class, regardless of how badly one wants him gone. Plus, as Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News notes, he didn't even draft a receiver: "This is the first draft under Martin Mayhew in which the Lions haven't drafted a WR."

And now that it's over, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information and analysis out there. All you really need is included here, with all of the selections, analysis and expert opinions one could want aggregated here.

The Selections

The Lions worked the phones from the very beginning, trading back five spots in the first to pick up a pair of fifth-rounders (one in 2016) and guard/center Manny Ramirez. The selection of Laken Tomlinson plus Ramirez's arrival completely shored up the Lions offensive line with just one pick.

And that need-based approach continued throughout the first five rounds, although Martin Mayhew insists that he was sticking to his best-player-available philosophy, as tweeted by Paula Pasche of The Oakland Press: "Martin Mayhew on why no DT in first 3 rounds: 'Best Player Available.'"

In the second round, Mayhew tagged Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah, who will fill the Jahvid Best-Reggie Bush role. His speed and shiftiness will also allow him to compete for the return jobs.

The third round brought cornerback Alex Carter from Stanford. He's a big defensive back (6'0", 196 lbs) who plays with physicality and could be moved to safety if he doesn't stick on the perimeter.

Gabe Wright, defensive tackle from Auburn, came via a trade up in the fourth round. Detroit gave up a 2016 third-rounder for the honors, although Detroit will have at least one extra third next year because of Ndamukong Suh's departure. Meanwhile, Wright has an explosive burst off the line. He isn't the best run-stuffer, but he'll contribute as a rotational player.

Fifth-rounder Michael Burton probably didn't make too many people happy since fullbacks are not the sexiest picks. However, the Lions were committed to improving a moribund run game and needed a fullback.

Detroit next turned its attention back to its secondary with cornerback Quandre Diggs. The Texas product will be brought in to compete with Nevin Lawson and Bill Bentley, both of whom are coming off major injuries. His aggressive nature will fit well in a system that demands physicality and intelligence.

Lastly, the Lions grabbed massive offensive tackle Corey Robinson. The 6'7", 324-pounder will be a nice addition to the practice squad who could develop into the starting right tackle with the right coaching.

Best Pick: OG Laken Tomlinson

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

In this strong draft, there were quite a few contenders for this title. Running back Ameer Abdullah added the explosive element that the backfield was missing, and cornerback Quandre Diggs represented a great value in the sixth round.

But neither of them can provide the impact that Laken Tomlinson will.

Detroit was in desperate need of a guard. Despite the addition of Manny Ramirez, Tomlinson will probably be the starter and will help form a very young line that can provide protection for Matthew Stafford for the next several years.

Tomlinson himself represents a shift in the Lions' rushing philosophy. Along that line of thinking, John Niyo of The Detroit News recently quoted NFL Network's Mike Mayock on the acquisition of Tomlinson:

"

"If you like him, it generally means you're a gap-scheme mauler-type of team, where you like bigger guys — like the Detroit Lions drafted Larry Warford a couple of years ago," Mayock said. "That's a guy that I think is similar to Laken Tomlinson. If you like him, you like him as a second-round, phone-booth mauler."

"

The Duke guard will come off the line with an aim toward knocking his man off the ball. He'll help plow holes with left tackle Riley Reiff, giving Detroit a solid left side to run behind and enough pass-protection ability to give Stafford a fighting chance.

Grade: A-

Worst Pick: FB Michael Burton

It's tough to find a particularly bad pick in this draft for Detroit. But someone has to take the honor, and a fullback in the fifth round who isn't named Jalston Fowler is the unfortunate choice.

Michael Burton from Rutgers stands 5'11" and weighs 242 pounds, but he doesn't throw that weight around much. He seemingly refuses to explode into his blocks, and he won't be a rushing threat (22 carries in four years).

For those reasons, it's highly likely that he would have been available in a later round if not after the draft. This seems to be a case of general manager Martin Mayhew falling in love with a player on sight instead of thinking clearly about his availability, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweeted: "Joe Lombardi said new #Lions fullback Michael Burton caught GM Martin Mayhew's eye at the bowl game in Detroit at Ford Field."

Burton will fill a need for Detroit since Jed Collins is no longer on the roster. And his receiving ability (three receiving touchdowns) means the fullback will still have a small role in the passing game.

But the point remains that this was entirely too early for him. In a strong draft, that's enough to land him on this slide.

Grade: C-

What Are the Experts Saying?

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Michael Rothstein, ESPN, on Laken Tomlinson

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It looked like Manny Ramirez, whom the Lions picked up in a trade with the Broncos, would be Detroit's next left guard -- at least for a half hour. Detroit then drafted Tomlinson, an extremely talented player who should immediately slide into the starting left guard spot. He’s an extremely intelligent player and should be able to pick up Detroit’s blocking scheme easily. This fills a need and locks up a player who wouldn’t have been there in Round 2. He’s the best guard in the draft. Nice move by Martin Mayhew. Thumbs up.

"

As you could probably guess from the "best pick" slide, I agree wholeheartedly with Rothstein. The Lions were able to grab arguably the most promising guard in this draft after moving back five spots, picking up two fifth-rounders and veteran Manny Ramirez. Mayhew was able to take his offensive line from liability to strength in just one night.

Todd McShay, ESPN, on Ameer Abdullah

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He's one of my favorite prospects in this entire draft. He isn't the biggest guy, but he runs angry, and he really loves the game. Every scout I talked to about Abdullah said he had one of the highest intangibles grades they'd ever given. As a runner, his biggest strength is his excellent lateral agility and ability to accelerate off of his cuts. He also has excellent vision. I'm not totally sold on his fit with the Lions, but he's just a really good football player.

"

McShay hits the mark regarding Abdullah's talent and character, but misses the point of the pick. Detroit now has an explosive back whom defenses have to account for because of his home-run ability. Abdullah has the chance to do what Reggie Bush couldn't last season, albeit with a better nose for getting the tough yards.

Pro Football Focus on Alex Carter

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Different to the en vogue corner in that he’s much better in zone. Will struggle with change of direction and isn’t the quickest, so naturally had problems with shiftier receivers which resulted in a poor production grade (he was only 43rd against Power 5 opposition). He won’t be asked to play this year you’d imagine and that might be for the best.

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The writers at PFF are being a little nicer than I would have been about it. Carter rivaled Michael Burton for the worst pick in this draft because the value didn't meet the point of selection. The Lions love big cornerbacks, which Carter is at 6'0" and 196 pounds, but it won't matter if he can't stay with NFL receivers. Time will tell with this pick.

What's Left to Address?

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

With the amount of needs addressed in this draft, there aren't many acquisitions required going forward. There are, however, a few questions that need to be answered.

First, we must learn if Laken Tomlinson is as pro-ready as many believe. He'll have stiff competition from veteran Manny Ramirez at left guard, and the battle will probably drag on throughout the preseason.

If that doesn't work out for Ramirez, he can still vie for a starting spot at center. Travis Swanson played adequately in his only start there in 2014. Yet, there are still questions regarding his ability to be an NFL starter. If he isn't ready to go, Ramirez could usurp him.

The Lions will bring in more bodies in undrafted free agents and maybe a vet or two. The biggest positions of semi-need will be defensive tackle and wide receiver. Caraun Reid hasn't done enough to be relied upon yet. And besides, you can rest assured that Andre Fluellen will return for his 27th tour of Detroit duty (number couldn't be verified).

As for receiver, the third receiving spot is a wide-open competition between Jeremy Ross, Corey Fuller, T.J. Jones and Ryan Broyles. The answer might be in that group. However, if there's a weakness that may need another option, this is it.

Final Grade

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

This Lions draft had everything a team could want.

There was a trade back that not only netted a valuable veteran at a crucial position and a couple extra picks, but Detroit was also still able to grab the player it coveted. Then general manager Martin Mayhew followed that up with the explosive back his team needed.

The fourth-round trade up for Gabe Wright was a great call because it filled a need with a talented one-gap penetrator at a minimal cost (third next year), and the sixth-round cornerback could be a starter by Week 1 on the inside. 

While the third and fifth rounds brought head-scratchers, at least the fullback will have a role immediately. If Alex Carter can develop, it'll only boost this grade higher on review in a couple of years. Plus, the seventh-round offensive tackle has starter potential if developed properly.

Five of the seven picks were a perfect marriage of value, need and potential. They were exactly what a team aims to do in late April, but those other two bring some concern and keep this grade from ascending to the A range.

Final Grade: B+

All combine statistics are sourced from NFL.com.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.