Lions general manager Bob Quinn spoke to the media Thursday for his annual pre-draft presser. Understandably, Quinn doesn't want to tip his hand, so he doesn't get into many specifics about particular draft-able players so close to the draft. But he did talk about where he thinks this draft is strong and a few other topics.
Here are seven takeaways from that press conference:
1. Quinn said this draft was "well-rounded," and thought it was particularly strong at running back, receiver, cornerback, safety and tight end. Interestingly, these are all positions of need in some way for the Lions. Quinn said his philosophy is still the best player available with a mesh of needs.
2. Other than offensive line, which the Lions bolstered in free agency with the signings of guard T.J. Lang and tackle Rick Wagner, Quinn said he's open to adding prospects that can help his roster win at just about every other spot.
3. Quinn has been working the phones leading into the draft to get a good gauge on which clubs might be willing to move up or move down on draft night. They are general and basic calls so that on draft night he has a master list of what teams are willing to do in case a trade scenario pops up.
4. This draft could have an effect on what decision the Lions make when it comes to picking up tight end Eric Ebron's fifth-year option, Quinn confirmed. The Lions have until May 2 to pick up Ebron's option. Quinn said he has an idea what he wants to do on that front, but has time to make a final decision, and the draft could factor in. This is a very deep draft at tight end.
5. Quinn's lucky bat, which he held during last year's draft that produced eight players who contributed to Detroit's playoff season last year, is in a case in Quinn's office. He joked that he'll have to pry the case open and get the bat ready for this year.
6. Detroit's main return man last season, Andre Roberts, signed with Atlanta as a free agent this offseason. That means Detroit could be in the market in this draft to select a return man. Quinn also said Dwayne Washington, Jace Billingsley and TJ Jones are in-house candidates on the roster that could be in the mix.
7. Quinn does follow mock drafts. He actually has a member of his staff compile a report on mock drafts each week:
"It's funny because I think some are fairly accurate and some are like completely not even close," Quinn said with a smile. "It is something we look at. We sit back and print it off and kind of see who we're taking."
