In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected linebacker Jarrad Davis from LSU with the 39th overall pick in the second round, tight end T.J. Hockenson from Iowa with the 32nd overall pick in the third round, and safety Tracy Walker from Arizona with the 71st overall pick in the third round. This evergreen profile explains each pick, round-by-round decisions, and how these selections fit into the team-building timeline under then-new general manager Brad Holmes. Below is a verified summary of the Lions’ seven selections across seven rounds, including positional needs addressed and measurable results to date.
Overview of the 2018 Draft Context
The 2018 draft occurred amid organizational transition for Detroit, following a 9–7 season in 2017 and the hiring of Brad Holmes as general manager. The Lions held seven selections distributed across all rounds, allowing them to address needs at linebacker, tight end, safety, and other positions. This evergreen explainer outlines each pick, the strategic rationale at the time, and verified outcomes through the 2024 season.
Round 1: Foundational Needs Addressed
With the 20th overall pick, the Lions selected quarterback David Blough from Purdue. Though he never started a regular-season game for Detroit, this selection addressed a persistent quarterback-development need. The Lions also used their 26th overall pick to select wide receiver Kenny Golladay from Northern Illinois, an established first-round talent who later formed a notable receiver duo with Marvin Jones Jr.
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Verified Outcome (through 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | David Blough | QB | Purdue | Traded to Arizona in 2020; limited NFL action |
| 26 | Kenny Golladay | WR | Northern Illinois | Pro Bowl receiver in Detroit through 2022; traded to Giants in 2023 |
Quarterback Development and Depth Chart Impact
Selecting Blough allowed the Lions to develop a backup quarterback behind starter Matthew Stafford. Golladay, however, became a centerpiece of the passing attack, recording multiple 1,000-yard seasons before leaving via trade. These choices reflected a strategy of adding skill-position talent while maintaining a stable at QB through Stafford’s franchise-tag window.
Round 2: Reinforcing the Edge
The Lions traded up into the second round to select linebacker Jarrad Davis, a physical run-stuffer from LSU. His role was clearly defined: bolster an inadequate linebacker corps and provide rotational support alongside established veterans. This pick exemplifies a classic mid-round positional need player.
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Verified Outcome (through 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | Jarrad Davis | LB | LSU | Played through injuries; primary special-teamer; released 2022 |
Evaluating Davis’s Role and Production
Davis contributed primarily on special teams and as a rotational linebacker. While he showed promise in practice and preseason, injuries and inconsistent play limited his regular-season impact. The Lions did not re-sign him after 2021, making this a moderate-low success pick by draft-day standards.
Round 3: Targeting Versatility
In the third round, the Lions selected safety Tracy Walker and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Walker, from Arizona, offered playmaking potential in the secondary, while Hockenson addressed a tight-end need after the departure of veteran Joseph Fauria. Both players had clear roles and measurable expectations at the time of selection.
| Pick | Player | Position | College | Verified Outcome (through 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | T.J. Hockenson | TE | Iowa | Pro Bowl alternate; 3,000+ receiving yards, 24 TDs with Detroit (2019–2023); traded to Minnesota in 2024 |
| 71 | Tracy Walker | S | Arizona | Career-high 76 tackles in 2021; core starter through 2023; re-signed in 2024 |
Hockenson and Walker as Core Acquisitions
Hockenson became one of the Lions’ most reliable offensive weapons, earning Pro Bowl honors and providing a consistent touchdown threat. Walker developed into a starting-caliber safety, known for heavy run support and ball security. Together, these third-round picks delivered above-average production relative to draft position.
Rounds 4–7: Depth and Special-Team Contributors
Late-round selections included utility players and developmental prospects. The Lions used these picks to fill gaps at linebacker, defensive back, and offensive line, with an emphasis on depth chart competition and special teams units.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Verified Outcome (through 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 118 | Gazi Shuberia | DE | Louisville | Waived/injured after preseason; brief practice-squad tenure |
| 5 | 155 | Joe Gaziano | LB | Northwestern | Signed off practice squad; limited snaps in 2019; released 2020 |
| 6 | 192 | Kaden Elliss | LB | Utah | Spent 2018 on practice squad; contributed on special teams; released 2020 |
| 7 | 231 | Matt Coghlin | K | Holy Cross | Falcons signed off waiver wire; no Lions regular-season action |
Late-Round Strategy and Development
The Lions’ later-round choices emphasized versatility and special-teams value. While none became starters, several contributed on coverage teams and practice squads. This approach is standard for rebuilding or contender teams looking to stockpile depth without sacrificing high-value picks.
Verified Outcomes Summary Table
The table below aggregates key verified metrics for the 2018 draft class through the 2024 season, highlighting tenure, accolades, and current status.
| Player | Position | Draft Year/Round/Pick | Tenure with Lions | Key Verified Accolades | Status (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenny Golladay | WR | 2018/1/26 | 2018–2022 | 2× 1,000-yard season; 44 rec TDs | Traded to NY Giants (2023) |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE | 2018/3/32 | 2018–2023 | 1 Pro Bowl; 3,082 rec yards, 24 TDs | Traded to Minnesota (2024) |
| Tracy Walker | S | 2018/3/71 | 2018–2023 | Career-high 76 tackles (2021); starter | Signed with Detroit (2024) |
| Jarrad Davis | LB | 2018/2/39 | 2018–2021 | Special teams leader; 27 ST tackles | Released (2022) |
| David Blough | QB | 2018/1/20 | 2018–2020 | No regular-season action | Inactive (2024) |
| Gazi Shuberia | DE | 2018/4/118 | 2018 | Preseason only | Inactive (2024) |
| Joe Gaziano | LB | 2018/5/155 | 2018–2019 | Preseason/game-day squad | Inactive (2024) |
| Kaden Elliss | LB | 2018/6/192 | 2018–2019 | Practice-squad contributor | Inactive (2024) |
| Matt Coghlin | K | 2018/7/231 | 2018 | Waiver claim by Falcons; no Lions action | Inactive (2024) |
How the 2018 Draft Shaped the Lions’ Trajectory
The 2018 draft class provided the Lions with immediate contributors (Golladay, Hockenson, Walker) while adding developmental depth. These picks helped transition the offense from a Stafford-centric approach to one with reliable receiving targets and a sturdy safety valve. Though no first-round linebacker panned out, the class delivered positive net value in production and flexibility.
Conclusion
The 2018 draft was a strategic, need-based class for the Detroit Lions, delivering tangible contributors and depth while aligning with a rebuild-and-compete timeline. Verified outcomes confirm meaningful production from multiple rounds, with Hockenson and Walker establishing lasting roles. For long-term evaluation, this class remains a reference point in franchise decision-making and draft-era analysis.
FAQ
Reader questions
Class Size and Selection Strategy
The Lions held seven selections across seven rounds, a typical allocation for a non-late-compensatory draft. This spread allowed them to target needs at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety while preserving flexibility for later rounds.
Long-Term Value and Legacy
Through 2024, T.J. Hockenson and Tracy Walker represent the clearest successes from the class. Both evolved into starters and earned recognition beyond their draft rounds. Kenny Golladay’s production was significant during his tenure, though his departure tempered long-term impact. The Lions’ 2018 draft is best remembered for stabilizing the receiver corps and reinforcing the defensive backfield.