Free Press sports writer Carlos Monarrez grades the Detroit Lions‘ third-round pick of North Carolina State defensive tackle Alim McNeill at No. 72 overall on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL draft Friday.
Grade: D
The reason: Guys, what are we doing? Three straight linemen — and two straight defensive tackles? No knock on McNeill, who sounds like an athletic-but-stout and savvy run stuffer with sack potential. But again, the grade is for the pick, not the player, because the Lions are going way too long in ignoring glaring needs at receiver, linebacker and secondary with just three picks left, barring a trade.
[ Levi Onwuzurike doesn’t hold back after Lions pick: ‘I like (bleeping) people up’ ]
MORE GRADES FROM CARLOS MONARREZ:
Oregon OT Penei Sewell: D, for not getting a playmaker
Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike: B, for perhaps being a poor man’s Aaron Donald
Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com and follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.