Joe Dahl selected by the Lions in the fifth round

With the 151st pick of the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions take Joe Dahl! Welcome to Detroit Joe! Joe Dahl is a former starting tackle for Washington State. He started at left tackle for the first eight games of last year, then was injured and returned for the bowl game. He was a Second Team All-American honors, was on the All-PAC-12 First Team in 2015, and he won Washington State’s “Bone Award”, which is given to a top lineman each week. He was also on the All-Academic honorable mention in the PAC-12. Check out his profile here.

Why did the Lions draft Joe Dahl?

ESPN said that Dahl could compete and win at the guard position in the next year. Dahl brings depth at the tackle position and also at guard, the third offensive line player taken out of the five picks for the Lions. He is a solid run blocker, just like Decker. He has strong hands and can hold a block on his own. Dahl has quick hands and can move to the inside if needed. Coaches have praised him on his work habits and how he understands the game, along with learning anything quickly. If he gets beaten in pass protection, he will take it to another gear to make sure he can recover to make up for his mistake. If he doesn’t have anyone come after him, he looks to where teammates need help and gives the ball carrier more time to find the hole, or throw the pass. NFL.com had him as a fourth round pick, so taking him in the fifth is a steal for Detroit.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to come back here for the rest of the NFL draft today for rounds five through seven!