1.11 RB Kerryon Johnson, DET

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

The OPIHI have traded away their 2019 1st round pick to get back into the latter part of the 2018 1st round to select the 2017 SEC player of the year from Auburn. The Detroit Lions moved up in the draft to get him, too. Granted, the Lions haven't been a "bastion of stud RBs" since Barry left... but the 2018 team is "under new management," and we're banking on this being different.

Johnson is a bonafide 3-down college back with quickness, speed, and great vision. He needs to improve his pass blocking in order to make it to the 3rd down in the NFL. I'll give him time for that process. He's an above average receiver out of the backfield, and is one of the best in this year's class when it comes to holding on to the ball. Yes, the Lions backfield is crowded right now (welcome to Motown, Lagarrette Blount!)... but I'm betting Johnson's superior talent will win out, eventually.

In the meantime, welcome to the Opihi, Kerryon!

[wchmego]

Nice pick, I was considering him if I didn't trade out of 1.9. I like his attitude!

[Preds]

2 things, actually 3, kept me from taking him at 7... injury history... the Lions, an dth epReds don't have a great history of success with Auburn RBs!

I would have taken him here at 11 had I been able to trade-up though. Good value at the 11 spot.