NFL Draft - BigDahm Picks - Round Four

Information sourced from: DLP Consensus Big Board, NFL Mock Draft DB, RAS, ESPN

The Draft continues, with myself at the helm making the picks. Today, we jump into the fourth round. In the first round the Lions added Max Iheanachor, OT Arizona State. In the second Derrick More DE/EDGE Michigan, and in the third Bud Clark, Safety TCU. I would argue that the most pressing needs of the Lions have now been fulfilled. So what next?

With (one of) the Lions 4th Round Picks, I Select Jake Slaughter, Center Florida.

When the Lions signed Cade Mays to replace Graham Glasgow this season, I was ecstatic. After listening to many opinions, watching tape, and considering the options, he seemed like a quality center. He could have his best football in front of him. However, that doesn’t mean that I would be done if I were drafting, and it also doesn’t mean Brad Holmes is done. By adding Jake Slaughter you add a premium center in the mid rounds with extensive upside. You also add insurance and competition. If we can gather anything from this year’s free agency class on the interior offensive line, it’s that there will be competition

Jake Slaughter is a bit of a smaller center at 303 pounds. However if you look at his athleticism and consider that he could sit behind Cade Mays for a year or two, I think this makes a ton of sense. Not just that but even though he is smaller, having Tate Ratledge beside him makes up for that a bit. When I look at his RAS, it is strikingly similar to Frank Ragnow’s. You could certainly say that guy did ok.

I’m not suggesting that Jake Slaughter is the next Frank Ragnow, however I think he has that possible upside. Add on some muscle in an NFL training program and he could be right there. Call me paranoid, but I remember Trystan Colon starting last year, and Graham Glasgow starting (after his first 3-4 games), and it was rough. I want to make sure we do not end up in that boat again. Jared Goff (along with a number of other QBs) is best from a clean pocket, so let’s ensure he gets one.

The fourth round is down. This may (keyword may) be where this draft series ends as I have a number of other posts that I am working to get ready for all of you (including my Hall of Fame article next week). Thank you for taking the time to read, and as always, Let’s go Lions!!