Lions sign all but one of their rookies
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions have signed nine rookies to contracts.
Alabama defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, a second-round pick, was Detroit's only drafted unsigned Friday afternoon.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell got his first look at his rookies on the field in a minicamp at team headquarters.
First-year general manager Bob Quinn was determined to bolster both lines in his first NFL draft with the franchise, starting with Ohio State defensive tackle Taylor Decker midway through the opening round. The Lions ranked last in the league in rushing last year and have allowed Matthew Stafford to get sacked far too often.
Quinn needs this year's rookies to pan out to help turn around the franchise that has had just two winning seasons since 2001.