Detroit Lions

G Laken Tomlinson's intelligence and determination factored into why the Lions drafted him

Published May. 1, 2015 10:40 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Former Duke University guard Laken Tomlinson is now a Detroit Lion. The Chicagoan seemed to be the perfect fit for Detroit, both on and off the field. 

Detroit has been known to go after intelligent players in the past few drafts and according to an M Live article, Tomlinson's intelligence and determination were big factors in why the Lions grabbed him with the 28th pick in the first round Thursday -- after they traded the 23rd pick to Denver for G Manny Ramirez and two fifth-rounders. 

"It doesn't take you very long to see he's a very bright young man," coach Jim Caldwell told M Live. "It doesn't take you very long to see he also has grit, meaning he had to come through a number of things to get where he is today."

Tomlinson grew up in Jamaica with his mother and three siblings. When he was 11 years old, his family emigrated to the U.S. (Chicago). The former soccer player was introduced to football through an uncle. As he grew, his skills were being recognized by programs like Ohio State and Michigan. Tomlinson decided he wanted to go to Duke. 

While at Duke Tomlinson was a four-time academic All-ACC student-athlete. The 6-foot-3, 323-pounder would like to one day go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon. Before he attempts to do that, however, Tomlinson will be paired with Larry Warford as guards on the Lions' offensive line.

(h/t M Live)

share

Get more from Detroit Lions Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Detroit Lions

National Football League