Simon Says: 2016 Draft Critical To Lions Turnaround

[Matt Baker]

I sat down with Geroy for about 10-15 minutes this week. It was really neat to talk with him about his new(ish) title and how it pertains to his role in the draft. Story below. Tuesday is going to be fun, be sure to check out BCLions.com for all the up to date info! Anyone here coming to the season ticket holder draft party?

http://www.bclions.com/2016/05/06/2016-draft/

[WestCoastJoe]

I sat down with Geroy for about 10-15 minutes this week. It was really neat to talk with him about his new(ish) title and how it pertains to his role in the draft. Story below. Tuesday is going to be fun, be sure to check out BCLions.com for all the up to date info! Anyone here coming to the season ticket holder draft party?

http://www.bclions.com/2016/05/06/2016-draft/

This fan is satisfied that Geroy is back in the fold. Old stuff is water under the bridge. We understand athletes, facing retirement, filled with justifiable pride, not wanting to let it go. But Geroy belongs here.

IMO ...

[B.C.FAN]

From the article:

Over the years, Buono and his staff have found more than a few non-imports who have developed into key pieces. Notables include Jason Arakgi, (round three in 2008) who is now the club’s all-time leader in special teams tackles, Rolly Lumbala, (round two in 2008) Shawn Gore, (round two in 2010) and Marco Iannuzzi (round one in 2011.) In addition, last year saw Bo Lokombo emerge as a West division all-star for his stellar efforts on special teams. The Abbotsford native and former Oregon Duck was selected in the third round back in 2013. He likely would have been a first rounder had he turned pro right away.

Most of those "key pieces" are known primarily for their contributions on special teams. Lumbala and Gore are the only regular starters on that list. The only other Lions' draft choices who can be considered starters are Kirby Fabien (round one in 2012, 31 career starts in three seasons) and Hunter Steward (round one in 2013, six career starts in two injury-shortened seasons). It would be nice to draft an impact player at a skill position one of these years.

[pennw]

From the article:

Over the years, Buono and his staff have found more than a few non-imports who have developed into key pieces. Notables include Jason Arakgi, (round three in 2008) who is now the club’s all-time leader in special teams tackles, Rolly Lumbala, (round two in 2008) Shawn Gore, (round two in 2010) and Marco Iannuzzi (round one in 2011.) In addition, last year saw Bo Lokombo emerge as a West division all-star for his stellar efforts on special teams. The Abbotsford native and former Oregon Duck was selected in the third round back in 2013. He likely would have been a first rounder had he turned pro right away.

Most of those "key pieces" are known primarily for their contributions on special teams. Lumbala and Gore are the only regular starters on that list. The only other Lions' draft choices who can be considered starters are Kirby Fabien (round one in 2012, 31 career starts in three seasons) and Hunter Steward (round one in 2013, six career starts in two injury-shortened seasons). It would be nice to draft an impact player at a skill position one of these years.

I would add David Menard to the list of recent draft picks that has made an impact even though he is not listed as a starter .

[B.C.FAN]

From the article:

Over the years, Buono and his staff have found more than a few non-imports who have developed into key pieces. Notables include Jason Arakgi, (round three in 2008) who is now the club’s all-time leader in special teams tackles, Rolly Lumbala, (round two in 2008) Shawn Gore, (round two in 2010) and Marco Iannuzzi (round one in 2011.) In addition, last year saw Bo Lokombo emerge as a West division all-star for his stellar efforts on special teams. The Abbotsford native and former Oregon Duck was selected in the third round back in 2013. He likely would have been a first rounder had he turned pro right away.

Most of those "key pieces" are known primarily for their contributions on special teams. Lumbala and Gore are the only regular starters on that list. The only other Lions' draft choices who can be considered starters are Kirby Fabien (round one in 2012, 31 career starts in three seasons) and Hunter Steward (round one in 2013, six career starts in two injury-shortened seasons). It would be nice to draft an impact player at a skill position one of these years.

I would add David Menard to the list of recent draft picks that has made an impact even though he is not listed as a starter .

True. I also forgot Jabar Westerman (round one in 2012, 30 career starts in four seasons). Westerman and Menard make a nice tandem. The 2012 draft class was probably the Lions' best in recent years, also producing Matt Norman (round three, 43 starts in four seasons) but not likely to start this year.

[Rodu]

we squeezed a few seasons out of Muamba