Detroit, MI
Lions mailbag: On NFL draft prospects, Detroit’s strategy and more
That query from Anand is type of an elephant within the room in a variety of draft circles.
Bijan Robinson is sort of universally listed as one of many prime 5 general abilities (he’s my private No. 3) in your entire draft. But projecting him within the first spherical is an anathema to many followers and particularly to analytics-driven analysts. The return on funding for a first-round RB merely isn’t there, the info conclusively states. Or so they are saying.
The query about return on funding is an fascinating one. Is Robinson that rather more of a difference-maker on the NFL degree than what the Lions (or any staff) might draft within the second or third spherical? How a lot direct affect would he have with David Montgomery and D’Andre Swift already on the roster in 2023?
My private take: I feel that is one of the best general working again class since 2005, when three RBs (Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Cedric Benson) went within the prime 5. But one of the best NFL RB to return out of that 2005 class was the primary decide of the third spherical, Frank Gore. Fourth-rounders Marion Barber III, Darren Sproles and Brandon Jacobs all introduced extra worth to their NFL groups than any of the first-rounders did in a number of seasons.
Robinson is a particular expertise. However in my eyes, he doesn’t add considerably extra worth to Detroit in a four-year span than what Jahmyr Gibbs, Zach Charbonnet, Tank Bigsby or Devon Achane would add later within the draft. The dropoff from Robinson at 18 to any of these gamers later is considerably lower than the dropoff could be at different positions.
However it’s nonetheless enjoyable to ponder what touchdown one of the best RB prospect in years might do in a artistic offense in Detroit with arguably the NFL’s prime run-blocking offensive line.
Detroit, MI
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell to miss rookie camp for personal reasons
Dave Birkett wraps up 2024 NFL draft for Detroit Lions
Lions beat reporter Dave Birkett joins Carlos and Shawn to help break down all the draft moves made by the Detroit Lions, April 27, 2024.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell will miss this weekend’s rookie minicamp for personal reasons.
Campbell is expected back with the team later this month.
The Lions have three days of minicamp practice today-Sunday at their Allen Park practice facility for rookie draft picks, undrafted free agents and select first-year and tryout players.
Several Lions rookies said during the draft they connected with Campbell during their pre-draft visit to Detroit and were excited to play for him this fall.
“Just walking down the hallway, seeing all the historical figures on the wall and seeing the amazing facility, but most importantly, to me, was meeting head coach Dan Campbell and the GM,” offensive lineman Gio Manu said. “Both of them are really good guys. I relate to their work ethic and all that. And I loved my visit overall and I remember leaving, I told myself, ‘I felt at home here and I would not mind at all if these guys took a chance on me.’ And I so happen to be here now, so it was great.”
The Lions made six picks in last month’s draft. They traded up for Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in Round 1, grabbed Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in Round 2 and added Manu, running back Sione Vaki, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and offensive guard Christian Mahogany on Day 3.
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Vaki compared Campbell to his coach at Utah, Kyle Whittingham, and said both have similar standards “as far as just putting our head down and working.” And Rakestraw said his interactions with Campbell made the Lions one of his favorite pre-draft visits.
“I liked how Coach is, Coach Campbell, his philosophy and the coordinator’s philosophy about physicality,” Rakestraw said. “I feel like that’s what I bring, so I felt like it was a great fit.”
After rookie minicamp, where players attend meetings and practice without pads, the Lions have nine Organized Team Activity practices May 21-23, 29-31 and June 10-12, and a three-day mandatory minicamp June 4-6.
Vaki deal done
Vaki finalized his four-year rookie contract and is expected to sign with the Lions before Friday’s first practice.
The 132nd overall pick in the draft, Vaki deal is worth a slotted value of $4.67 million, according to Spotrac.
Historically, the Lions have signed most of their draft class to contracts before the start of rookie minicamp. All rookie deals are slotted under the current collective bargaining agreement, though some contracts take longer to finalize because of negotiations over guaranteed money.
Vaki played safety and running back in his two seasons at Utah but will start his NFL career on offense and projects as a key special teams player this fall. He had 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
Detroit, MI
Simba the lion leaving Detroit Zoo after more than 10 years
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – Simba is saying goodbye to the Detroit Zoo.
Zoo officials announced that the lion is moving to the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after more than a decade in Michigan.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommended the transfer “to support the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied lion population in zoos,” according to a news release.
Officials say Simba fathered a cub named Binti.
“Though we will miss him dearly, we know he will receive the highest level of care in his new home and continue to be a fantastic ambassador for African lions in the wild,” the zoo said.
Detroit, MI
Downtown Detroit restaurant PAO made People magazine’s 50 most beautiful list
PAO restaurant in downtown Detroit, noted for its Pan-Asian cuisine, recently received huge accolades for its interior design and space.
For People magazine’s 50th anniversary and its 2024 Beautiful Issue, the editors at OpenTable and People named “The 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America.” PAO landed at No. 22 on the list.
“Original details from the 1920s-era Detroit building combine with a new mezzanine and glass garage-style doors,” OpenTable said of PAO.
The collaboration sought out and chose the beautiful restaurants in each state noting them for many design aspects.
“These super-stylish stunners deliver unforgettable dining experiences,” according to People magazine.
“Located in the historic Michigan Oriental Theater, PAO Detroit has always been a special project for our team,” said Joe Barbat, chairman and CEO of Barbat Holdings, PAO’s owner. “This accolade not only highlights the restaurant’s beauty but also enhances the storied legacy of this iconic building in downtown Detroit.”
Epiphany – Nain Rouge Kitchen: Nonprofit culinary program opens restaurant, launches Sunday brunch
PAO’s menu features a variety of small and large plate items such as Pao Pao shrimp, tuna carpaccio and lo mein mein noodles. More recently, PAO added a six-course rotating tasting menu that’s offered every Wednesday featuring bluefin tuna tacos, sesame chicken dumplings, tuna carpaccio and shoyu lamb chops. Two menu options are offered at $50 and $65 per person. Also on Wednesday is PAO’s “Sip & Share” with half off small plate appetizers and signature cocktails from 5-11 p.m.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.
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