NFL Draft: Laken Tomlinson to Detroit Lions with 28th Pick!

[blazindw]

First Duke player taken in the first round since 1987. And he's going to my beloved Detroit Lions!! I cannot tell you how happy I am for Laken and for my team making a tremendously excellent pick!!

[Chillduck]

Laken Tomlinson chosen #28 by the Detroit Lions!

[wilson]

To Detroit. He's expected to start for a team with big needs on the O-line.
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/04/30/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-laken-tomlinson/26676713/

There was also a really cool story today about Laken's plans to pursue neurosurgery after his playing career. He shadowed over 25 times at Duke Hospital and hopes to help make football safer.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/04/29/laken-tomlinson-duke-nfl-draft-neurosurgeon/26607285/

Big congrats to Laken, and it's also a big day for Duke football.

[JetpackJesus]

First Duke player taken in the first round since 1987. And he's going to my beloved Detroit Lions!! I cannot tell you how happy I am for Laken and for my team making a tremendously excellent pick!!

Glad I checked the board one more time as I was just about to post a congratulatory thread.

Anyway, congratulations, Laken! I hope he's just the first of many First Round picks Coach Cut will be sending to the NFL.

[Mike Corey]

In a year when we've had a number of people and teams and moments of which to be proud, this might be the proudest moment.

Tomlinson makes me so glad to share an alma mater with someone of his caliber.

Congrats, Laken, and good luck in Detroit!

[Native]

Outstanding! Congratulations to Laken, Coach Cut, and the staff. He's going to represent Duke so well in the league.

He's also getting a ton of props for his interview (https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=Laken%20Tomlinson&src=typd). Fantastic publicity for Duke football.

[RepoMan]

Congrats Laken!

These are great days for Duke fans.

Hell, I can hardly wait to wake up each day. The good news just keeps coming!

[Native]

5071

[Mike Corey]

A perfect ambassador for the University and program.

Every (http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131205/rogers-park/lane-tech-star-rises-top-of-college-football-with-chicago-lawyers-help) single (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/04/29/laken-tomlinson-duke-nfl-draft-neurosurgeon/26607285/) story (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/neurology-or-nfl--it-s-both-for-draft-prospect-laken-tomlinson-200728277.html) you read about Mr. Tomlinson exudes admiration.

I mean, every (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/02/19/duke-guard-laken-tomlinson-travels-unconventional-path/) single (http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/12/23/laken-tomlinson-duke-blue-devils) one (http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2014/12/23/tomlinsons-journey-nfl-medical-school-just-beginning-duke-career-ends#.VUL6DyTG5p8).

http://assets.dnainfo.com/generated/chicago_photo/2013/12/laken-tomlinson-13860159504535.jpg/extralarge.jpg

[-bdbd]

Congratulations to Laken!

Thank you for what you did for Duke, and best wishes - we'll all be following your future success too - for a long, safe and prosperous pro career!

[BD80]

I found it interesting that the background features were that Laken is from Jamaica, grew up in Chicago (where draft held, rival of Detroit), and was pre-med.

Nothing on the fact that it had been 28 years since Duke had a player go in the first round, even though a popular factoid on Duke related Twitter feeds). Smart move by Duke's SID, perhaps counseled by Cut: "Act like you've been there before"

Has to look good to O-line recruits that Cut turned a lesser recruit into a first round pick.

[OldPhiKap]

Saw earlier in the week that Cut was going up there. That must have been cool.

Congrats, Laken. Don't get lonely,breve got more coming to the pro ranks over the next few years.

"Football School"

[weezie]

....he's going to my beloved Detroit Lions!! I cannot tell you how happy I am for Laken and for my team making a tremendously excellent pick!!

Time for a road trip, you and me blazin!!!

Wow, I am simply delighted for my Lions and for Laken!!

[wsb3]

Wow. Yet another example of how Coach Cut has changed the culture of Duke football.

Was the last first round pick Mike Junkin, Linebacker?

[devildeac]

Wow. Yet another example of how Coach Cut has changed the culture of Duke football.

Was the last first round pick Mike Junkin, Linebacker?

According to the Raleigh News and Observer story this AM, that is the correct answer and the year was 1987. Awesome for Laken, the OL coach(es), Cut and the Duke football program.

OPK beat me to it but football school, indeed;).

[devildeac]

I found it interesting that the background features were that Laken is from Jamaica, grew up in Chicago (where draft held, rival of Detroit), and was pre-med.

Nothing on the fact that it had been 28 years since Duke had a player go in the first round, even though a popular factoid on Duke related Twitter feeds). Smart move by Duke's SID, perhaps counseled by Cut: "Act like you've been there before"

Has to look good to O-line recruits that Cut turned a lesser recruit into a first round pick.

I don't know how much of a "lesser recruit" he really was. I thought he was fairly well regarded but perhaps not in the elite/coveted category. I'll bet Oly Fan or Jim Sumner would remember a bit more about his recruitment. This service had him as one of ten 3* recruits that Cut bagged that year.

http://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/commitments/2010/duke-2

Your point is still well taken. I'm thrilled for the young man and what it may mean for the OL guys who have committed already and a couple more OL guys that Cut and his staff are still pursuing. C'mon down to Durham, young men!

[roywhite]

Saw earlier in the week that Cut was going up there. That must have been cool.

Congrats, Laken. Don't get lonely,breve got more coming to the pro ranks over the next few years.

"Football School"

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CD485AuUsAApypx.jpg

And what a great interview! Of course, I'm partial to anything that leaves Chris Berman at a loss for words. ;)

[BigWayne]

Don't think anybody projected Laken as a 1st rounder, but apparently, character matters. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-character-counts-in-first-round-as-several-top-draft-prospects-plummet-20150501-story.html)

[johnb]

Laken is awesome.

In regards to his college recruitment, however, he was a 3 star from 247 with a 0.8558 overall (this 4 decimal rating system is a whole other story).
He was rated the 623rd best prospect in the country, the 12th best prospect in his state, and the 28th best guard in the country (coincidentally, Detroit picked him 28th as well).
There are a lot of 3 star players in the NFL, but there are also a lot of 4/5 star (and MANY 3 star) players who never get a pro contract (or a degree).

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Laken's life has been a compelling story from the beginning. The commentary today following the first round is filled with many of the talking heads seeming to awaken to the depth of Laken's strengths, skills and character. The next chapter of his life story has the potential of exceeding what's already happened.

This video of Laken's mother is as inspiring as he is. Makes me think of Coach Cutcliffe's comments about apples and apple trees!
https://www.facebook.com/NFLPlayerEngagement/videos/vb.201287939897680/1119496828076782/?type=2&theater

[Olympic Fan]

Great for Laken, who was generally rated a three-star coming out of high school -- but had a spectacular offer list (including all the top Big Ten teams).

Now that he's off the board, keep an eye out for Jamison Crowder. I doubt he goes tonight in the second round ... but Laken wasn't supposed to go in the first round either. Maybe he goes tonight in the third round.

Whether he makes it tonight or not, Crowder is sure to be drafted, probably Saturday in round 4-5.

Outside chance that Tacoby Cofield also goes in a late round. Anybody else would be a (pleasant) surprise.

[Bob Green]

Congratulations to Laken Tomlinson on a huge achievement!


Outside chance that Tacoby Cofield also goes in a late round.

I very much want to see Cofield get drafted. His performance at left tackle was so important to the success Duke football has achieved the past three seasons. A side benefit to Cofield being drafted is he is an in state guy so the Tarboro High School to Duke to the NFL progression could increase Duke's chances recruiting top North Carolina prep talent.

[Bob Green]

...the Tarboro High School to Duke to the NFL progression could increase Duke's chances recruiting top North Carolina prep talent.

The same goes for Jamison Crowder: Monroe High School to Duke to the NFL.

[CameronBornAndBred]

A perfect ambassador for the University and program.

Every (http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20131205/rogers-park/lane-tech-star-rises-top-of-college-football-with-chicago-lawyers-help) single (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/04/29/laken-tomlinson-duke-nfl-draft-neurosurgeon/26607285/) story (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/neurology-or-nfl--it-s-both-for-draft-prospect-laken-tomlinson-200728277.html) you read about Mr. Tomlinson exudes admiration.

I mean, every (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/02/19/duke-guard-laken-tomlinson-travels-unconventional-path/) single (http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/12/23/laken-tomlinson-duke-blue-devils) one (http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2014/12/23/tomlinsons-journey-nfl-medical-school-just-beginning-duke-career-ends#.VUL6DyTG5p8).


Another from Yahoo sports, nice headline.

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

[Neals384]

He should give Kyle Singler a call - might get some good restaurant recommendations, etc. And since Kyle left quite suddenly, maybe he has a gym membership or a bus pass he can give to Laken. :cool:

[YmoBeThere]

Congrats to Laken on his first round selection! I recall watching leading several pre-game rituals during the Sun Bowl. A class act.

Regarding 1st round picks, how does Dave Brown factor into that picture? He went to the New York football Giants with a first round pick in the 1992 supplemental draft. Not sure the dynamics, etc.

I had an acquaintance from high school who was a sandwich pick, in between 1st and 2nd rounds, in baseball(his brother went first round) And never understood that dynamic well either.

[arnie]

Congrats to Laken on his first round selection! I recall watching leading several pre-game rituals during the Sun Bowl. A class act.

Regarding 1st round picks, how does Dave Brown factor into that picture? He went to the New York football Giants with a first round pick in the 1992 supplemental draft. Not sure the dynamics, etc.

I had an acquaintance from high school who was a sandwich pick, in between 1st and 2nd rounds, in baseball(his brother went first round) And never understood that dynamic well either.

Since I thought the Giants had to give up a 1st round pick in subsequent draft, Brown should be considered 1st round pick. But no one else seems to share that thought. Read this morning in N&O that we've only had 3 1st round picks ever - Junkin and Matheson.

[YmoBeThere]

Since I thought the Giants had to give up a 1st round pick in subsequent draft, Brown should be considered 1st round pick. But no one else seems to share that thought. Read this morning in N&O that we've only had 3 1st round picks ever - Junkin and Matheson.

Perhaps of little consolation to you, but I go to sleep at night knowing the world has and continues to get many things wrong. I shall add this to the list.

��

[wilson]

sandwich pickI'll take the Reuben.

[devildeac]

I'll take the Reuben.

You should try The Woody Allen:

5074

http://carnegiedeli.com/menus/full-menu/


Holy @#$%, that sammich is now $29.99!!!!

[OldPhiKap]

You should try The Woody Allen:

5074

http://carnegiedeli.com/menus/full-menu/


Holy @#$%, that sammich is now $29.99!!!!

It'll cost you more if you end up out-of-network.

[devildeac]

It'll cost you more if you end up out-of-network.

Couple of those a year and you won't need a network, you'll need a funeral home:o.

And, veering back on topic;), I wonder what Laken's diet consisted of at Duke as I think he was 6-4 and about 280-285 when recruited and today's Raleigh N&O quoted 6-4 and 323 as his draft height and weight. That is one huuuuge dude. Or, in basketball recruiting terminology, that's a lot of cinder blocks.

[Henderson]

You should try The Woody Allen:

5074

http://carnegiedeli.com/menus/full-menu/


Holy @#$%, that sammich is now $29.99!!!!

Can I inject one comment, one comment, at this particular juncture? If I die of congestive heart failure or stroke, I want it to happen at the Carnegie Deli while watching Broadway Danny Rose on my iPad. I just hope I get to finish my sandwich. The last time I was there, the waiter wouldn't let me order a whole sandwich. It was a definite type of situation.

[dukelion]

After the pick was made I was listening to some Detroit sports talk radio when someone said......"man....I hope the Pistons take a guard from Duke too".

Made me chuckle.

[BD80]

After the pick was made I was listening to some Detroit sports talk radio when someone said......"man....I hope the Pistons take a guard from Duke too".

Made me chuckle.

Well if Justise can be considered a big guard, I hope the Pistons do too

[duke blue brewcrew]

As a Duke fan, I could not be more proud of and happy for Laken Tomlinson! What an amazing human being on and off the field. All of the articles I've read and the interviews I've seen have been inspirational and left me impressed. An earlier poster said, "what a perfect ambassador for the program"...this is so true. His motivation to go to med school which was inspired by his grandfather's death is admirable to say the least, and has the potential to better the lives of countless people. He also serves notice to potential recruits and the recruiting competition, that Duke has arrived on the scene.

The only thing that could have made that first round selection any better for me personally, was if it had happened a couple of picks earlier with the Pittsburgh Steelers - BLACK & YELLOW! I have longed for the Steelers to draft a Blue Devil for a very long time. Between Tomlinson and Crowder, I felt like there was a solid chance this year. I'll keep hoping. WRs Coach Scottie Montgomery is as close as I've come to that dream, which is still pretty darn cool if you ask me!

*(apologies for being too lazy to go back and find referenced quotes)

[duke blue brewcrew]

Don't think anybody projected Laken as a 1st rounder, but apparently, character matters. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-character-counts-in-first-round-as-several-top-draft-prospects-plummet-20150501-story.html)

While I agree that character does matter and it's obvious that multiple players drafts were impacted by their actions, there's one glaring exception to the rule. Jameis Winston was the #1 overall player drafted. Granted, he was found not guilty in criminal charges and the crab incident was largely dismissed as I recall. That said, it's clear that Jameis has stepped on some landmines of poor conduct and decision making during his college career, and is none the worse for wear.

[cspan37421]

While I agree that character does matter and it's obvious that multiple players drafts were impacted by their actions, there's one glaring exception to the rule. Jameis Winston was the #1 overall player drafted. Granted, he was found not guilty in criminal charges and the crab incident was largely dismissed as I recall. That said, it's clear that Jameis has stepped on some landmines of poor conduct and decision making during his college career, and is none the worse for wear.

I think character (now) matters to the Lions, after being burned so often by troublemakers ... and the lazy. I question whether they'd have taken Winston #1 if they had the pick. Not that they'd have taken Mariota either (for other reasons - like not wanting a spread offense QB) ... I bet they'd have traded down for extra picks.