Signing draft picks is a relatively uncomplicated process these days, leaving some teams with all or most of their draft picks signed a little more than a week after the draft.
That group includes the Lions, who have signed five of their eight selections. Fourth-round cornerback Nevin Lawson and sixth-round wide receiver TJ Jones have joined three of their new teammates with newly signed four-year pacts.
Lawson started 40 games at Utah State and picked off four passes in 2013 on his way to Detroit. Lawson’s 5-9 and his height may work against him in some areas, but the Lions’ cornerback depth chart is written in pencil with Chris Houston coming off toe surgery so he should get a chance to earn playing time over the offseason.
Jones had 181 catches and 19 touchdowns during his career at Notre Dame and should work right into the competition for snaps alongside Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. A slot role is probably his best bet to do that, with Ryan Broyles looking like the other chief aspirant for that role.