Former Syracuse football linebacker Doug Hogue was selected by the Detroit Lions Saturday afternoon in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Hogue becomes the second memeber for the 2010-'11 SU squad to be chosen by an NFL team on the final day of the three-day event at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Earlier in the day, running back Delone Carter went in the fourth round to Indianapolis.
There's not a lot of top talent at linebacker for the Lions, who play a 4-3 defense under head coach Jim Schwartz. Of course, Hogue isn't projected to be a stud like former SU middle linebacker, Keith Bulluck, a three-time All-Pro selection, but his big heart should allow him to see quality playing time in 2011-'12.
Here are what some Detroit media members are saying about the selection:
"The Lions addressed a glaring need for the first time when they drafted the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Hogue to help their lackluster linebacking corps," wrote the Detroit Free Press on Saturday.
James Schmehl of MLive.com says, "(Hogue) is expected to be an immediate impact player on special teams."
"This pick may not fill the Lions' need for starting linebackers in 2011, says SB Nation's Pride Of The Lion, "but Hogue can be a depth guy as he continues learning the linebacker position more and more. Already he has come a long way since being a running back, and the Lions obviously like Hogue's potential enough to make him one of their draft picks in 2011.