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What They?re Saying: NFL Draft
5/3/2015 3:00:00 PM | Football
DURHAM, N.C. – After three days of the 2015 NFL Draft, former Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson and former Blue Devil wide receiver Jamison Crowder were both selected. Tomlinson went in the first round to the Detroit Lions while Crowder was picked in the fourth by the Washington Redskins. Tomlinson was the 28th overall pick in the draft, the highest a Blue Devil has gone since Mike Junkin was a first round choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1987.
Below are some of the highlighted comments from the Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins and media outlets around the country who were covering the NFL Draft.
Tim Twentyman, Detroit Lions Senior Writer
“Tomlinson buckled down, put in the time, spent extra time with teachers and learned the language. Slowly he adjusted to his new life – and the Chicago winters.”
Lindsay Selengowski, Detroit Lions
“Offensive line was a huge need entering the draft, and the Lions were able to match that need with the best player available in Tomlinson.”
RT to welcome the newest Lion to Detroit! #OnePride Read more about Tomlinson: http://t.co/HCmb4M1GCm pic.twitter.com/lR3b3KxYLP
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 1, 2015
Tim Twentyman and Mike O'Hara, DetroitLions.com Writers
“The Lions entered the draft without a starting left guard on the roster and they ended Day 1 of the draft with one of the best guards in the draft in Laken Tomlinson.”
Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
“Long before he wanted to be a professional football player or even grasped that was a possibility, Laken Tomlinson dreamed of being a doctor.”
Golden Tate, Detroit Lions Wide Receiver
“I had a chance to briefly congratulate Laken and his family last night. Based off the time did spend with him I can tell he is going to be an exceptional fit in our community.
Mel Kiper, ESPN Football analyst
“They took Laken Tomlinson, a player I had rated as the No. 1 guard in the draft -- again, that's a guy who should start immediately at left guard.”
Chris Burke and Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated
“First-round guard Laken Tomlinson from Duke is a big, smart, aggressive player whose stock has been rising.”
VIDEO: Laken Tomlinson Introductory Press Conference
VIDEO: Laken Tomlinson with Tim Twentyman and Mike O'Hara of DetroitLions.com
Andrew Walker, Managing Editor of Redskins.com
“Crowder's selection at No. 105 marks the highest the Redskins have selected a receiver since drafting Leonard Hankerson with the No. 79 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.”
VIDEO: Jamison Crowder Selected by the Washington Redskins
WR. KR. PR. @jamisoncrowder has done it all. READ | http://t.co/TscZ7ytTRe pic.twitter.com/HFznLxoDGf
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) May 3, 2015
VIDEO: Jay Gruden Recaps the 2015 Redskins Draft Picks
Tim Schad, The Washington Times
“The Washington Redskins addressed an area of weakness with their first fourth-round pick in the 2015 draft, selecting Duke wide receiver Jamison Crowder, a prolific kick and punt returner, with the 105th overall pick.”
Congrats @JamisonCrowder Welcome to DC! DC family show my Duke Family some love!! #HTTR
— Nolan Smith (@NdotSmitty) May 2, 2015
Mike Jones, The Washington Post
“Crowder could challenge Andre Roberts for punt and kick return duties, and eventually push him for time at slot receiver.”
#WASPick Duke WR Jamison Crowder. High productivity, smarts & character. Comparisons from personnel men-W. Welker, A. Brown, R. Cobb
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) May 2, 2015
Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins' head coach
“We liked his big-play ability. He can return punts, obviously. That's obviously exciting.”
Jamison Crowder is a fun player. Redskins fans will love him.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) May 2, 2015
Mel Kiper, ESPN Football analyst
“Jamison Crowder is a small player, but again, a tough kid who has been hugely productive. Bill Polian threw out a Wes Welker comparison, and he doesn't typically exaggerate.”
Todd McShay, Scouts Inc.
“Jamison Crowder could provide early help as a slot receiver.”
Players Mentioned
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