National Media:
Martin Mayhew wins the first night of the draft with smart moves: http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/16853/martin-mayhew-wins-the-first-night-of-the-draft-with-smart-moves
Detroit Lions can still use help on DL, at RB in draft: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/05/01/detroit-lions-can-still-use-help-on-dl-at-rb-in-draft/26687913/
Local Media:
O'HARA: Lions make offensive line their Day 1 focus: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARA-Lions-make-offensive-line-their-Day-1-focus/05fdeb15-d516-4f60-aac4-14446ed15b18
Lions bring back Manny Ramirez, add versatilty to line: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/lions-bring-back-manny-ramirez-add-versatilty-line/26685657/
Chance To Add Ramirez Key Factor In Lions’ Decision To Move Back In Draft: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/05/01/chance-to-add-ramirez-key-factor-in-lions-decision-to-move-back-in-draft/
Laken Tomlinson Articles:
A closer look: Guard Laken Tomlinson: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/A-closer-look-Guard-Laken-Tomlinson/08bf2d94-2bcf-4f34-adac-9ac98b58b6e7
Lions' Mayhew sold on Tomlinson's determination: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-martin-mayhew/26686477/
Seidel: Tomlinson fills need after smart trade by Lions: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2015/05/01/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-jeff-seidel/26686907/
Niyo: In adding Tomlinson, Lions appear ready to maul: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2015/05/01/niyo-adding-tomlinson-lions-appear-ready-maul/26686509/
Lions trade down, take powerful blocker Tomlinson: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/04/30/lions-swap-picks-broncos-add-manny-ramirez/26679827/
Intelligence, Ambition Among Attributes That Attracted Lions To Laken Tomlinson: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/05/01/intelligence-ambition-among-attributes-that-attracted-lions-to-laken-tomlinson/
Lions revamp O-line by drafting Tomlinson, acquiring Ramirez: http://www.foxsports.com/detroit/story/lions-trade-down-to-no-28-select-og-laken-tomlinson-043015
Laken Tomlinson excited to join Lions: http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/5/1/8527569/2015-nfl-draft-laken-tomlinson-lions-larry-warford
Martin Mayhew, Jim Caldwell discuss Tomlinson pick: http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/5/1/8527555/2015-nfl-draft-laken-tomlinson-pick-martin-mayhew-jim-caldwell
Thumbs up, thumbs down for first-round draft picks (28. Laken Tomlinson: It looked like Manny Ramirez, whom the Lions picked up in a trade with the Denver Broncos, would be Detroit's next left guard -- at least for a half hour. Detroit then drafted Tomlinson, an extremely talented player who should immediately slide into the starting left guard spot. He’s an extremely intelligent player and should be able to pick up Detroit’s blocking scheme easily. This fills a need and locks up a player who wouldn’t have been there in Round 2. He’s the best guard in the draft. Nice move by Martin Mayhew. Thumbs up. -- Michael Rothstein): http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/166721/thumbs-up-thumbs-down-for-first-round-draft-picks
CBS Draft Tracker (Tomlinson: He is a nasty, tough football player who will help their running game. I like this pick a lot, especially after they dropped down.): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/drafttracker
First Round Analysis (28. G Laken Tomlinson: In the very least, the pick makes sense from the standpoint that the Lions literally didn’t have a guard on the roster other than Larry Warford, a 2013 third-round pick. With center Travis Swanson taken in the third round last year, Detroit has set its interior offensive line for the foreseeable future (assuming all these guys pan out). It’s not a big surprise the Lions would invest this way; offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi hails from New Orleans, a team that’s always put huge priority on guard and center. Needed next: A rookie receiver could come in and immediately capture the No. 3 job, but with tight end Eric Ebron coming aboard last season and Golden Tate having a perfect style to complement Calvin Johnson, wide receiver would be a luxury pick. More prudent would be finding a cornerback who could allow defensive coordinator Teryl Austin more freedom with his coverage calls.): http://mmqb.si.com/2015/05/01/nfl-draft-first-round-analysis/
Lions' Laken Tomlinson is one of draft night's best stories: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/lions--laken-tomlinson-is-one-of-draft-night-s-best-stories-043830049.html
Let's recap: Winners and losers from Day 1 of the NFL Draft (Lions picked as a winner. Believe it. The Lions didn't make the sexiest moves on Thursday night, but they seemingly got much better up front. Detroit (holding the 26th pick) pulled off a trade with the Denver Broncos, moving down two spots to the 28th selection and scoring Broncos offensive lineman Manny Ramirez and two more draft picks in the process. With the 28th pick, the Lions took Duke guard Laken Tomlinson -- an All-American last season. Not a bad haul.): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/photos/2015-nfl-draft-winners-losers-eagles-jets-buccaneers-roger-goodell-043015#img_5
How Round 1 went down, and the 'monster' who caught Glazer's eye (Someday, they may call him Dr. T. For now, the Detroit Lions have themselves a pretty ambitious offensive lineman. The Lions used the 28th pick to select Laken Tomlinson, a guard who someday wants to be a neurosurgeon. He grew up in Jamaica and ended up as a pre-med student at Duke. His desire to be a doctor came when he was a sophomore in high school, and on a visit back to Jamaica, he watched his grandfather die because of what he called inadequate health care in his home country. "That angered me and I wanted to change that," Tomlinson said. "My goal in life is to, one day, go back to Jamaica and change the health care system there." Before the Lions chose Tomlinson, Baltimore used the 26th pick on wide receiver Breshad Perriman of Central Florida and Dallas used pick No. 27 for defensive back Byron Jones of UConn.): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/draft-jameis-winston-marcus-mariota-dante-fowler-amari-cooper-brandon-scherff-goodell-043015
Anxious waits, surprising picks highlight Day 1 observations (The only veteran who was part of a deal Thursday was Denver offensive lineman Manny Ramirez. He was sent to Detroit as part of a trade-up for the Broncos to acquire Ray. The Lions later added another immediate starter when drafting Duke guard Laken Tomlinson at No. 28. Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford should be thrilled.): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-draft-2015-jets-leonard-williams-falls-out-of-top-five-49ers-shane-ray-043015
Goosebumps moment of draft night goes to Lions' Tomlinson: http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-pick-laken-tomlinson-duke-doctor-grandfather-died-jamaica-050115
Lions land Laken Tomlinson after trading down to 28 (The Lions suddenly have depth at guard, a position that had previously been viewed as a question mark: Larry Warford will start at right guard, while Tomlinson and Ramirez compete to start at left guard. The Lions also added Denver’s fifth-round picks both this year and next year in that trade. Tomlinson wasn’t universally viewed as a first-round pick, but he’s well-liked by coaches and a smart guy who graduated from Duke with a double major in psychology and evolutionary anthropology. He has said he’d like to be a doctor some day. But first he’ll be a guard, one the Lions are happy to have.): http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/30/lions-land-laken-tomlinson-after-trading-down-to-28/
Sporting News Draft Tracker (28. Tomlinson: (from Denver) The Lions traded down and ended up with great value for a smart, powerful interior lineman. They already have Larry Warford holding down right guard, so Tomlinson projects to help provide a similar boost on the left side next to tackle Riley Reiff.): http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-draft/2015/draft-order?iadid=Nav_Top_NFLDRAFT_1
USA Today First Round Analysis (Tomlinson: The Lions reloaded at guard Thursday night, re-acquiring Manny Ramirez in a deal with the Broncos before selecting Tomlinson, regarded as the best pure guard available. Tomlinson, who wants to be a neurosurgeon following his football career, will spend the next few years doling out pain rather than relieving it – though that will surely be welcomed by QB Matthew Stafford, who was sacked 45 times in 2014.): http://sportswire.usatoday.com/2015/04/30/2015-nfl-draft-tracker-first-round-thursday/
Sportsnetwork's pick by pick analysis (28. Detroit Lions - Laken Tomlinson (OL, Duke) - Analysis: Tomlinson is an exceptionally smart player. He's also a very solid pick to a team that lost Reggie Bush in the offseason and needs to improve its offensive line. Tomlinson should be inserted into the starting lineup right away to make an impact, and to protect Matt Stafford, who was sacked 47 times in 2014, postseason included.): http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/news.aspx?id=820602
Rating the NFL draft prospects: Offensive linemen (3. LAKEN TOMLINSON, Duke (6-3½, 319, 5.26, 1-2): Four-year starter at RG. "If there's a first-round guard in this draft and he's not a conversion it's Tomlinson," one scout said. "He's a plug-and-play, start-first-day right or left guard. He plays better than (Chance) Warmack. He's big, athletic, he can pull, he can block at the point, he's smart. He might be a great center, too, if you tried him there." Born in Jamaica, moved to the U.S. at 10. "He wants to be a doctor," said another scout. "Some people want to be sure he's committed to football, which I think he is. The kid loves football. Has played a ton of football. High character. Has ambitions outside football." Graduated from Chicago Lane Tech. "He looks better on the hoof than any subject in the draft other than Scherff," a third scout said. "Great kid, smart (Wonderlic of 23). But how many Duke linemen have there been? You can't name them. Plus, he gets over his toes. He's top-heavy."): http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-offensive-linemen-b99486136z1-301296461.html
Vikings Startribune Draft Tracker (Tomlinson: Tomlinson has upside, but it might take some time to realize his full potential. Born in Jamaica, he was one of the top offensive line prospects coming out of high school, despite only playing football since ninth grade.): http://www.startribune.com/sports/302088141.html?page=13&c=y
2015 Draft Articles:
NFL draft diary: Patience is key for CMU's LT Walton: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2015/05/01/nfl-draft-diary-central-michigan-lt-walton/26686447/
Receivers with RB on resume bring value in draft: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2015/04/30/running-backs-turned-receiver-have-value-in-draft/26657161/
Gems on the table: 10 best players still available: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000489576/article/2015-nfl-draft-jaelen-strong-leads-gems-left-after-day-1
Randy Gregory, Landon Collins to enter Day 2 undrafted: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000489199/article/randy-gregory-landon-collins-to-enter-day-2-undrafted
2015 NFL Draft: Best Available after Day One: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25169786/nfl-draft-best-available-after-day-one
2015 NFL Draft: Day 2 Bold Predictions includes Titans at No. 33: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25169758/nfl-draft-day-two-bold-predictions-includes-titans-pick-at-no-33
The Latest: Who's left after NFL draft's opening round?: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/latest-nfl-draft-buccaneers-clock-170311940--nfl.html
Norris: Best Available Day Two: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/53861/325/norris-best-available-day-two
Small School Gems: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=10542
Grades:
Josh Katzenstein grades every first-round pick (The Lions get a B: Detroit (from Denver): Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke. The Lions haven’t taken an interior offensive lineman in the first round since Jeff Hartings in 1996, and it’s rare for a guard to go in Round 1. But left guard was the biggest question mark the Lions had, and they filled it with Tomlinson and Manny Ramirez while receiving two picks from the Broncos.): http://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2015/04/30/josh-katzenstein-grades-every-first-round-pick/26683047/
Walterfootball Draft Grades (Lions get a B+ for the Laken Tomlinson pick: This is a slight reach - I thought the right area for Laken Tomlinson was the top half of the second round - but that's mitigated by the fact that the Lions moved down five spots and picked up some commodities in the process. That moves this grade from a "B" to a B+. I like Tomlinson as a prospect, as he projects as a solid guard. He fills a big need for the Lions, who struggled mightily to protect Matthew Stafford last year. Stafford has to love this pick.): http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades1.php
National Media:
Fox Sports' Joel Klatt and Peter Schrager analyze Tomlinson pick: http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/video?vid=437277251648
Local Media:
Martin Mayhew on Laken Tomlinson: http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Martin-Mayhew-on-Laken-Tomlinson/ebbc78da-9813-4b2b-bd61-3b9006945ad9
1 on 1 with first-round pick Laken Tomlinson: http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/1-on-1-with-first-round-pick-Laken-Tomlinson/61aa550e-b6be-429f-b1fc-5f9a05682e1e
NFL Combine: OG Laken Tomlinson: http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/NFL-Combine-OG-Laken-Tomlinson/5b566c99-3aba-4395-b371-b0087b41a8b0
Lions trading back, taking O-lineman not a big surprise: http://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/26685205/
NFL draft: Laken Tomlinson says talking with Lions was a blur: http://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/01/26684623/
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