I have (although not with a loudspeaker and sans table-banging) made it clear that I prefer the Lions choose Devonta Smith in the first round this year.
That being said, I will be happy with whatever happens with the first pick in the draft. I don’t care what name comes across the podium- Parsons, Chase, Sewell, Slater, Fields, etc. etc. Whoever gets picked is awesome and I am excited to see in a Lions uniform next year.
Of course, this needs to fall in the realm of reasonability. I don’t know if Jimmy Landes has a little brother waiting to get drafted, but if the Lions pick up a Long Snapper or Punter in the first round, I will be a bit perturbed.
And this attitude goes for every other round as well. Every obvious name pick, every obscure division 3 or JUCO pick, every trade down or trade up. While I may have stronger emotional picks from one person to the next, they all get a thumbs up in my book.
Why? It is not just because this is a new regime that deserves the benefit of the doubt. Sure, that plays its part, but this wellspring of confidence does not solely come from the idea that a new regime gets a clean slate. But more importantly, all the moves they have made in a few short months, have had the air of a competent, professional organization.
-We haven’t had a general manager who had to defend every questionable move with the only excuse he had available- I studied under the greatest ever, so don’t question my extremely intelligent, next level decision making
-We haven’t had do deal with a new coach who had to explain away the fact that he most likely sexual assaulted women in his past, and seemed ready to get in a dick measuring contest with all the veteran leadership in his locker room from day one.
I am not a professional talent evaluator. I can only go on naked eye amateur observation and gut feelings. But no matter what picks are made by the Lions this year, even the one that might seem a little odd, get my thumbs up.
I think they have earned it… for this year at least.