When the Detroit Lions decided to part ways with 2012 third round draft choice Bill Bentley this week, many fans were left wondering whether or not it was a failure on the part of the personnel department. For perspective, a very basic review of NFL draft data at Pro Football Reference shows us that only 24% of cornerbacks drafted in the third round over the last ten years go on to be NFL starters. PFR’s definition of a “starter” is a player who has started in at least half of the games during their career. Obviously it doesn’t account for the quality of those starts, but it provides a baseline to help frame expectations.
Bill Bentley: Is there a lesson to be learned for the Detroit Lions?
