Lions currently sowed up the 8th overall pick

[Gulf of Brazil]

Ledyard's 2019 Pre-Combine Big Board: Top 200 | The Draft Network

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/crabbs--2019-updated-big-board--top-200

https://thedraftnetwork.com/mock-draft-machine

They have a brand new Mock Draft simulator out but you need to grab those edge rushers and CB's in 1st two rounds and iOL by 3rd round or they're gone. RB's Sanders, Harris, Holyfield were still there in 4th round on 2/3 sims I ran. It's free no registration but it's similar to others without the trade(s) part.

 

[Old Lion]

The other thing...


Why not just keep the one you had!?!

Oh yeah, cuz he couldn't get rid of tJBC if he gave him talent to work with. Forgot for a second.

Becaus he could block and his hands were questionable

 

[broncosmitty]

Becaus he could block and his hands were questionable

Sounds like a TE, that already cost a first.

 

[Old Lion]

Sounds like a TE, that already cost a first.

Actually that should have said he could NOT block and had questionable hands.

Just because he cost a first does not mean you keep chasing your losses. Thats a surefire way of failing.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Still want Ed Oliver as the pick, but if that doesn't happen Hockenson or an offensive lineman would be fine though at 8

I wouldn't object to Oliver being the pick or even Hockenson. I would like quality starters from draft picks 1st round through 4th round this year. It can be done but it's not likely as we've all witnessed the haul New Orleans had in 2017.

Maybe MP will pull the trigger on a 1 gap, 3-tech, DT like Oliver. I haven't seen that from his previous DL alignments in N.E.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

I watched 4 or 5 of his games on youtube and didn't see any issues with drops, but its a pretty small sample size he made some great catches. The only things i noticed was doesn't create separation on short routes.

4-5 games and not seeing any issues is a pretty good sample size. I'll go back and look at some games. I do not have anything against Hakeem "Olajuwon" Butler as a draft pick selection/choice for the Lions. As long as he's utilized from the get go and not seeing more bench than you'd expect from a probable 2nd round pick then it's all good.

I could even see BQ/MP having a vision that Butler assumes the No.2 WR in 2020 should he be drafted by the Lions.

I'm not buying into MP wanting to keep M. Jones on the roster after the latter's tirade on social media for being escorted off the field when he wasn't suppose to there in the first place due to his injury and team policy stating as such. I'll go with MP likes to have complete control over players adhering to his rules.

At this juncture, I'm fairly open to whatever players are drafted so long as they fit a need while also coinciding with the value of BPA/Position Need which is exactly what he's done primarily in previous drafts during rounds 1-4. BQ has had some misses as any GM will have.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

This always happens. I do a reasonable early draft and then all the players move up 1 round.

There's nothing to be concerned with here as this always happens every year. Once the spandex Olympics are over they'll move quite a few players up or down just off of pure athleticism when game play leaves you questioning the rise or fall of those players.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Defensive players to watch for Lions

Edge defender
If you can't pressure the quarterback in the NFL, you're going to have a tough time slowing down the high-octane passing games proliferating across the league, and also struggle to force game-altering turnovers.

Fortunately, there appears to be a good number of edge rushers in this class, headlined by top-five picks Nick Bosa and Josh Allen.

Despite a decent number of sacks in 2018, pressuring the pocket was a major issue for the Lions last season. If the team doesn't pony up for a top option in free agency — say, Trey Flowers — snagging the best edge defender available remains a realistic possibility with the No. 8 pick. The team could have a choice of Michigan's Rashan Gary, Mississippi State's Montez Sweat or Clemson's Clelin Ferrell at that spot.

► Player to watch for Lions: Gary, Michigan

A five-star recruit, people long have marveled at Gary's athleticism. It should be exciting to see him be able to put that on full display at the combine. Given the right scheme and coaching, there's a huge ceiling for that combination of speed, strength and size.

BB_72; my biggest fear of being drafted @ #8. His physical traits and athleticism and what possibilities MP could do with him.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Defensive players to watch for Lions

Interior defensive line
If the Lions have a strength heading into next season, this is it. Damon Harrison is a dominant run-stopping nose in the middle, and he's well supported by a pair of former Alabama standouts, A'Shawn Robinson and Da'Shawn Hand.

It's a shame, in a way, since this year's interior lineman class is stacked with potential contributors in the early rounds. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the undersized but explosive Ed Oliver to the Harrison-esque, run-stopping behemoth Dexter Lawrence.

If the Lions don't re-sign veteran Ricky Jean Francois, the team will have a need to round out the rotation. And if there's any concern they can't re-sign Robinson, who will be a free agent next offseason, it wouldn't hurt to spend an earlier pick on the spot.

► Player to watch for Lions: Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois

If ever there was a good time to take a small-school standout who could benefit from being eased into pro football, Detroit's current depth affords this opportunity.

Saunders is on the short side, at 6-foot-1, but weighed in at a stout 320 pounds at the Senior Bowl. And that's far more muscle than fat. He'll need a lot of grooming with his technique, but he's played multiple spots along the defensive front, which should ease the transition.

BB_72; I like this possibility as a 3rd day prospect. He has good burst off L.O.S. but needs work on not allowing OL to get into his chest, needs better technique at bringing his hands and feet together at same time and not firing off so upright at times.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Defensive players to watch for Lions

Linebacker
If you're looking for a weakness with this draft, there aren't many great off-the-ball options. LSU's Devin White is the best this class has to offer, with exceptional speed, range and coverage skills. The drop-off after him could be steep.

There's a thought he Lions could consider White to pair with Jarrad Davis, but that would require one to shift to the weakside, where Christian Jones played decently last season and remains under contract.

Detroit seems more likely to consider depth options in the middle and later rounds, seeking a potential long-term upgrade and better system fit to Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Steve Longa.

► Player to watch for Lions: Tre Lamar, Clemson

It would have been nice to get a closer look at UTSA's Josiah Tauaefa, but there are always going to be a handful of snubs for this event. Lamar is our backup offering.

Big for the position, Lamar is listed at an exaggerated 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. And we know, based on what the Lions targeted last offseason, bigger is better for linebackers in Matt Patricia's defensive scheme.

Lamar is long, physical and can be a load to handle in the box. He also would offer meaningful contributions on special teams.

BB_72; another possibility I could see happening regarding physical attributes. He's quite stiff for C.O.D. and doesn't seem to have the speed/reactionary vision to be suitable for coverage. I like the prospect of Minnesota Cashman more than Lamar.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Defensive players to watch for Lions

Cornerback

Another one of Detroit's glaring needs is a playmaking cornerback opposite Darius Slay. Nevin Lawson has held the starting job much of the past three seasons, and while he limits the number of completions on passes thrown his direction, he rarely gets a hand on the ball and draws far too many penalties.

There's plenty of debate about the top cornerback in this class, and if any are worthy of being selected in the top 10. LSU's Greedy Williams, Georgia's DeAndre Baker and Washington's Byron Murphy lead the class and all have shown that coveted playmaking ability.

Williams seems the most likely to be a top-10 choice, but there are concerns about his ability to defend the run. That doesn't matter in every scheme, but would in Detroit.

► Player to watch for Lions: Amani Oruwariye, Penn State

Oruwariye appears to be an ideal fit for Detroit's scheme, offering the size and physicality Patricia prefers in his second cornerback, while establishing consistent ball skills at Penn State. The corner prospect recorded 18 pass breakups and seven interceptions over the past two seasons.


As long as he posts a respectable 40 time, Oruwariye makes sense as a second-round option for Detroit.

BB_72; I could get completely behind this choice as a draft pick in the 2nd round but I don't believe he makes it out of early first handful of 2nd round picks. He may very well be drafted at end of 1st round. He needs to turn his around and locate the ball quicker and more often even though many media analysts state this isn't a concern of theirs with him. I don't see the speed to recover in instances when it's a quick/twitchy in-breaking route or a fake inside and WR runs a deep route 7, 8, 9 route may give him problems until he learns a better jab step.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Defensive players to watch for Lions

Safety
After releasing Glover Quin, the Lions look to be heading into the 2019 campaign with Quandre Diggs and Tracy Walker, a third-round pick a year ago, as the team's safety tandem.

But Patricia had an affinity for the position in New England, and was comfortable utilizing three on the field in several packages. It certainly wouldn't hurt to add another versatile option to the mix, both for those safety-heavy sub-packages or simply reliable depth.

We likely won't see any safeties come off the board until late in the first round, when Alabama's Deionte Thompson and Delaware's Nathan Adderley are in play.

► Player to watch for Lions: Darnell Savage Jr., Maryland

Not the biggest option, Savage is listed at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds. He's a smart player, with good instincts, and has experience playing man coverage in the slot. Football IQ and versatility always will have value in the NFL. If he can display above-average athleticism in the on-field drills at the combine, it will only bolster his credentials.

BB_72; Love this choice as a versatile nickel/dime safety as you could move him all over the field. He has the speed to recover, click and close but needs better vision and instincts in route recognition. Savage or Chauncey Gardner-Johnson would be great players to add as a 3rd safety who could/should be able to cover outside as well on occasions. Both players should be able to handle single high or two deep shell once acclimated to first 4-6 games.

Gardner-Johnson should be gone long before our 2nd round and more than likely mid-twenties in the first round.

Savage might last until 3rd round but I doubt to where we're picking and wouldn't put it past him being drafted latter handful of picks in 2nd round.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Offensive players to watch for Lions

Quarterback
There might not be a more important number this week than Kyler Murray's height. The Heisman winner is listed at 5-foot-10, which already would make him shorter than any starting quarterback, and there's plenty of skepticism about that number. If Murray ends up measuring in at 5-foot-8, how much will it sink the potential top-10 pick's draft stock?


As for the Lions, despite general manager Bob Quinn stating his team will consider all options with the No. 8 pick, no one genuinely believes he'll seriously look to draft Matthew Stafford's heir apparent. But the team will certainly be on the lookout for mid-round options to compete for the backup job.

►Player to watch for Lions: Tyree Jackson, Buffalo

The supersized signal-caller (6-foot-7, 245 pounds) had a knack for making jaw-dropping throws in college. But his accuracy, the result of poor mechanics, was inconsistent and raises questions about his pro potential. He's been focusing on improving those fundamentals ahead of the draft, and the combine will offer an opportunity to show the progress he's making.

BB_72; ugghhhh. Is all I have to say on drafting ANY QB this year. UDFA all the way.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Offensive players to watch for Lions

Running back
There isn't a clear star in this class, but the general consensus is Alabama's Josh Jacobs is the most likely to be selected in the first round. And college teammate Damien Harris might end up being the second back off the board come April.

After scoring Kerryon Johnson in the second round last year, the Lions are expected to be in the market for a backfield complement this offseason, given LeGarrette Blount and Zach Zenner are headed to free agency and Theo Riddick is a potential cap casualty.

It's setting up to be a solid group in the middle rounds and a strong 40 time is a quick way for someone to separate themselves from the pack.

►Player to watch for Lions: Darrell Henderson, Memphis

If Oklahoma's Rodney Anderson was participating this week, he'd be the choice, but he's limited to the bench press while continuing to work his way back from a season-ending knee injury.


The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Henderson is a different type of back, a true home-run threat who averaged a gaudy 8.9 yards per carry for the Tigers last season, while scoring 22 times on the ground. Keep an eye on his short shuttle and 3-cone times, which could alleviate some concerns about his change-of-direction quickness.

BB_72; imo, WSU RB James Williams is a better selection and should be available late 4th to 5th round. Henderson probably goes before 3rd day.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Offensive players to watch for Lions

Wide receiver
There's still some jostling going at the top of the draft, but it's led by a pair from Ole Miss, D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown. Oklahoma's Marquise Brown, a premier playmaker, would be in that mix had he not broken his foot late last season.

Metcalf is physically imposing. A chiseled 6-foot-4, 225-pounder, he looks more like an in-the-box safety than a wideout. It will be interesting to see how that muscle mass impacts his ability to perform in some of the agility drills.

For the Lions, the team is in the market for a third musketeer that can fill Golden Tate's shoes. The offense tanked after the shifty slot receiver was traded midseason, and the team could use an underneath option to complement the field-stretching ability of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones on the outside.

►Player to watch for Lions: Parris Campbell, Ohio State

There are some concerns with Campbell's skill set, but speed is not one of them. He's one of the few players who is a legitimate threat to break 4.3 seconds in the 40 this year. He won't be able to prove much about his route running or hands in this environment, but his resume carries some appealing versatility.

BB_72; I invoke my Nancy Reagan slogan with this choice. I'll quote @Rollingthndr , "Speed isn't everything". He has terrible hands but damn he's good at crossing/slant, 7, 8, 9 routes and can get into burner mode quickly.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Offensive players to watch for Lions

Tight end
Many analysts have raved about the depth of this tight end class.

"One of the better tight end drafts we've had in a while with premier top-end guys as well as a lot of depth all the way through," NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said during a conference call this week.

The Lions have been linked to T.J. Hockenson in a number of mock drafts after the Iowa product established himself as the cream of the crop this past season, but Detroit is the only team to have selected a tight end in the top 10 in the past dozen years and it didn't work out well.

If the Lions aren't able to trade down, and go a different route early, there should be plenty of options available to them on Day 2.

►Player to watch for Lions: Irv Smith Jr., Alabama

Smith exploded onto the scene in 2018, catching 44 passes and averaging 16.1 yards per reception. He's also shown he's a capable run blocker, a critical skill to have in Darrell Bevell's offensive scheme. It will be interesting to see if Smith's combine numbers match what appeared to be top-tier, on-field athleticism.

BB_72; fat chance at this dream other than a trade down deep into 20's of 1st round. imo. But one can always dream and then watch it fade fast.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL combine preview: Offensive players to watch for Lions

Offensive line
Like running back, there isn't a dominant offensive lineman in this class. In fact, there's a decent possibility one isn't drafted inside the top 10. But that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of talent in this class.

The Lions have invested heavily in its line via the draft under Quinn, with two first-round picks, a third-round selection and two fifth-round choices in three years.

T.J. Lang's bloated 2019 cap hit remains on Detroit's books. If that's not reworked, and he's eventually released, filling the right guard spot becomes one of the team's top offseason priorities.

The Lions also could be in the market for late-round depth at both tackle and guard to compete for backup jobs.

►Player to watch for Lions: Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State

A two-year starting center in the Southeastern Conference, Jenkins also played left tackle, right tackle and guard during his time with the Bulldogs, giving him appealing versatility. He won't play tackle in the pros, but he has the necessary athleticism to make a smooth transition to full-time guard, similar to what the Lions did with Frank Ragnow a year ago.

BB_72; I would not pass this opportunity up if he's still there in 3rd round or even aTm C McCoy or NC-St LG Terronne Prescod in the 4th/5th round as I no longer believe he'll make it to our 6th round.

Elgton Jenkins IOL Mississippi State - Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network

Terronne Prescod IOL NC State - Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Evaluations: 10 Prospects Who Need a Quality NFL Combine - Fantasy Columns

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

3 Linebackers With The Most To Prove At The NFL Combine | The Draft Network

Germaine Pratt, North Carolina State
Germaine Pratt is a former safety who has transitioned to linebacker, but he checked in at the 2019 Reese's Senior Bowl at 240 pounds. How much functional athleticism does Pratt carry at that weight? I didn't necessarily see a lot of desirable short area twitch from Pratt on film. So he'll either need to show up lighter than he did in Mobile, or he'll have to test really well with his burst and agilities.

Pratt is revered by some as a potential top-100 pick. I'll be looking closely at his testing to see where he falls on the spectrum of athleticism.

BB_72; He's still somewhat as a coverage LB but his film is not anywhere near as bad as the implications. He's more than likely a day 3 pick somewhere in latter end of 4th to 5th round. imo.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

3 Edge Rushers With The Most To Prove At The Combine | The Draft Network

BB_72; I cannot comprehend why some mocks have Burns going to the Lions at #8. I do not see him as a seal the edge and contain the run. I've watched 3 of his games and clearly saw where he had the opportunity to get involved in the run stop and didn't while his teammates missed tackles or he couldn't shed a block at L.O.S. and therefore was completely taken out of the chance of making a play. He just doesn't have the strength as a run stopper at this point.

Montez Sweat, imo, appears to be so much better as an all-around edge defender than burns from what I've seen in games and it's not even close. Burns has a little more bend but I'm not seeing that great of a difference between him and Sweat.