Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn’s first rookies picked in 2016 are showing great promise on the field. Yes, it was just one game, but a group that contributed last year find themselves as key players on the team this year. If this group can continue to perform, the Lions ceiling can be raised exponentially. Here’s a few notes on the players from the Cardinals week one game.
A’Shawn Robinson:
The 2nd round pick had a stellar preseason, and is now the starting defensive tackle next to Haloti Ngata. Robinson had three tackles Sunday but most importantly he forced a fumble on Cardinals running back David Johnson which set the Lions up in their red zone. Robinson is my favorite player on the team, and hopefully we’ll see a few pass deflections in the near future.
Miles Killebrew:
Killebrew put the nail in the coffin with his pick six and also had a nice pass deflection in the slot in the second half. Killebrew got noticeably more playing time than he had in his rookie year, and seems like he can be a guy to match up against ‘mis-match’ players. I think he’ll get some run against the Giants’ Evan Engram next Monday night.
Anthony Zettel:
Zettel! It was awesome to see him turn a promising preseason into real production during a regular season NFL game. Zettel had a huge sack late in the game as well as three tackles. It’s possible that Zettel is this years’ Kerry Hyder.
Graham Glasgow:
He’s starting at left guard and held his own with Greg Robinson. Glasgow figures to be a solid starter for years to come and he’s only going to become a better player with time.
Dwayne Washington:
Washington only had six carries Sunday and did have a pretty bad kickoff blunder where he came out of the end-zone and got tackled at the six, but Washington still has talent that is useful on NFL Sundays. It’s hard with Riddick, but I’d like for Washington to try and get a few tries in the pass game.
Taylor Decker:
Decker obviously isn’t playing currently, but when he comes back this will be the cherry on top of this draft haul. Quinn knocked it out of the park, and hopefully the same goes for this group in 2017…Golladay…
