Lions currently sowed up the 8th overall pick

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Brian Burns is so much more than an explosive, athletic freak; he’s a technician committed to improving | NFL Draft news and analysis | Pro Football Focus

Brian Burns EDGE Florida State - Draft Player Profile | The Draft Network

BB_72; Burns fits more as a true 3-4 scheme Edge/OLB than MP multiple versatile scheme

Burns ranks 105th among edge rushers in run stop percentage at 5.4%. Montez Sweat ranks 1st at 12.7%.

 

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Mel Kiper 3-round mock draft: Detroit Lions bulk up both lines

Round 1 - EDGE Montez Sweat

Round 2 - CB Justin Layne

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Kiper’s pick here is that he has Layne above a lot of high-profile corners. The only corners that went before Layne were Deandre Baker (picked at 20), Rock Ya-Sin (24), Greedy Williams (29), and Byron Murphy (34). That means that Detroit could have had Julian Love (45), Trayvon Mullen (67), Lonnie Johnson (73), Amani Oruwariye (93!!), Joejuan Williams (94) or David Long (95) over Layne.


Round 3 - OT Yodny Cajuste

Cajuste was supposed to be a four-year starter at West Virginia, but knee injuries shortened his freshman and sophomore seasons. He also recently had quad surgery that could have him sidelined until training camp.

That being said, as the Mountaineers left tackle in the past two years, Cajuste only allowed a single sack and two quarterback hits. He’s also not too shabby as an aggressive run blocker.

However, the big question here is fit and need. Cajuste projects to stay at tackle, and the Lions need help on the interior. That being said, if the Lions are not happy with Taylor Decker’s play at left tackle or they plan on moving on from right tackle Rick Wagner—who has three more years on his deal, but has limited dead cap after 2019—Cajuste could be a starter as soon as 2020.

 

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2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Interior defensive line

For this group of players, the QIB focuses on short area explosion (10-yard split and broad jump) as well and lateral quickness (short shuttle). Players can qualify in one of four ways:

• Full QIB: Elite athlete focuses on the players who can match or exceed Da’Shawn Hand’s size and measurables, while also projecting as capable of playing in the big defensive end role.
• Full QIB passes all benchmarks.
• Partial QIB passes all but one benchmark.
• Nose tackle QIB doesn’t have athletic benchmarks — frankly because almost everyone meets the standards — but instead focuses on players who project as capable of fitting into the Lions multi-gapping scheme.

Full QIB: Elite athlete
Lions example: Da’Shawn Hand (6-4, 297)

Ed Oliver (6-2, 287, Houston) landing at the top of this section shouldn’t surprise anyone
Oliver is not only a Full QIB elite athlete qualifier along the defensive line but he actually a Full QIB qualifier at five different defensive positions, including JACK and off-the-ball linebacker. It’s not easy to find players with more positional range than Da’Shawn Hand, but Oliver is one of those guys. If he is available at pick No. 8, the Lions should grab him and deploy him everywhere.

Jerry Tillery (6-6.5, 295, Notre Dame)

On Day 3, John Cominsky (6-5, 286, Charleston)

Alec Heldrith (6-4, 283, Clarion) is a small school prospect who Damond Talbot of NFL Draft Diamonds wrote,

 

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2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Interior defensive line

Big defensive end, Full and Partial QIB

Lions example: Da’Shawn Hand (6-4, 297)

L.J. Collier (6-2. 283, TCU) recently met with the Lions in Allen Park and could be a sneaky target on Day 2.

Charles Omenihu (6-5.5, 280, Texas)

Dre’Mont Jones (6-3, 281, Ohio State) is best suited as a one-gapping 3-technique which would limit his role in Detroit

Kingsley Keke (6-2.5, 288, Texas A&M) and Daniel Wise (6-2.5, 281, Kansas) are more pass rushers than run defenders, but both have the upside to draw interest from the Lions if they can improve their strength and consistency.

Jonathan Ledbetter (6-4, 280, Georgia) will draw the Lions attention because of his ability to anchor, his success against the run and as a two-gapper.

If the Lions wait until late Day 3 (rounds 6-7) there are a few more intriguing prospects who don’t quite have a positional home in the NFL but have the athleticism to warrant attention. Michael Dodge (6-3, 286, Temple) and Kevin Givens (6-1, 285, Penn State) are interior pass rushing specialists, while Cortez Broughton (6-2, 291, Cincinnati) has the desired positional range.

 

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2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Interior defensive line

Defensive tackle, Full and Partial QIB

Lions example: A’Shawn Robinson (6-4, 307)

Christian Wilkins (6-3, 315, Clemson) is a player who checks off a lot of the boxes for the Lions. A two-time team captain, he has intelligence, winning the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy (also called the academic Heisman), incredibly high character, is stout against the run, as well as a capable up-field pass rusher.

Renell Wren (6-5, 318, Arizona State) could be listed in the nose tackles section due to his size and that being his college position, but he has the athletic range to expand beyond that only being his role. General manager Bob Quinn got an up-close look at Wren at his pro day and if he is willing to gamble on high-upside traits over production, Wren could be in play at pick No. 88 or 111 in the fourth round.

Trysten Hill (6-3, 308, Central Florida) is another freaky athlete where the college production doesn’t match the NFL upside.

Kevin Wilkins (6-2.5, 305, Rutgers) played at the 5-technique in the Scarlet Knights 34 scheme and flashed during Senior Bowl practices. He is a fringe draftable prospect, as he has the potential to shift inside in an even front.

 

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2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Interior defensive line

Nose tackle QIB

Lions example: Damon Harrison (6-3, 340), John Atkins (6-3, 321)

Dexter Lawrence (6-4.5, 332, Clemson) should be an instant starter in the NFL and while it’s rare for true nose tackles to get drafted on Day 1, his combination of size and athleticism warrants a top-32 selection. That’s likely too rich a price tag for the Lions with Harrison under contract for the next two seasons.

Daylon Mack (6-1, 336, Texas A&M) is as close a Harrison clone as you will find in this draft class. With a squatty frame and a powerful anchor, Mack will draw attention from both even and odd front defensive teams, and will likely hear his name called early on Day 3. The Lions met with Mack during the East-West Shrine week.

Dontavius Russell (6-3, 319, Auburn) is a bit of sleeper at the nose tackle position and if the Lions are looking for a late-round option to use in a rotation with Harrison, he fits the bill.

Greg Gaines (6-1, 312, Washington) is a stout run defender who is comfortable and impactful as a two-gapping plug in the middle of the defensive line. There’s not much there as a pass rusher but there is a role for his style of play in the Lions scheme.

Albert Huggins (6-3, 307, Clemson) doesn’t get much recognition as the third wheel on the Clemson interior defensive line (Wilkins and Lawrence are both first-round talents) but he sets a solid anchor and has the upside to sneak his way into the later rounds.

 

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Lions hosted TCU DE L.J. Collier

Collier has starter-level potential, but he is still relatively inexperienced with only one year as a true starter which could prevent him from immediately stepping into a starting role at the next level.

That being said, his ability to fill multiple roles in the Lions scheme will be appealing to Detroit. In 2019, the Lions could use another rotational piece on the defensive line, and with A’Shawn Robinson currently in a contract year, Collier would provide then security if they need to shift Hand inside more in 2020.

 

[Mebert]

Rock and Irv Smith were the other guys I looked at the most.


Would you have taken Haskins in the first if he was there?

Not if Quinnan Williams or Allen also sat at 6. Outside of Murray I am not a big fan of any qb in this draft. However, I would have taken him for the votes.

 

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The case for Detroit Lions taking (another) OL in Round 1 of NFL draft

Bob Quinn has taken an offensive lineman in the first round in two of his three drafts as Lions general manager, and yet no one seems to think the position he values most is in play this year at Pick No. 8.

On one level, that makes sense. If you commit too many resources to one area of your team you leave yourself short-handed elsewhere, and the Lions have been nothing if not short-handed these last couple decades.

On another, maybe that’s just the way the Lions want it, so no one sees it coming.

The Lions do have one starting spot up for grabs on the offensive line — right guard — so taking a lineman early would certainly follow Quinn’s practice of drafting to fill a position of need.


Dig a little deeper, and there’s even more reason to believe it could happen.

Taking an offensive lineman high wouldn’t guarantee the Lions are better on that side of the ball this fall, but it wouldn’t hurt, either.

At No. 8, the Lions might have their choice of offensive linemen.

Florida’s Jawaan Taylor seems to have emerged as the best linemen in this draft. He started three years at right tackle in college, but many think his future lies on the left side in the pros. He could play right guard early, then move outside when the Lions make decisions on Decker and Wagner.

If Taylor is off the board, there are a couple other linemen who might fit. Washington State’s Andre Dillard is considered a left tackle-only in some circles and might not have the position versatility the Lions like, but Alabama’s Jonah Williams and Oklahoma’s Cody Ford are first-round talents who can play right tackle or guard, and in Williams’ case, some even think he’d make an excellent center.

 

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Comparing contracts of Detroit Lions' backup RBs: Who's in line to be No. 2?

Riddick finished fourth on the Lions in rushing last season (behind Johnson, LeGarrette Blount and Zenner) and averaged a career-low 6.3 yards per reception, but he has the most expensive contract among Lions running backs for 2019.

Entering the final season of an extension he signed in September 2016, Riddick is scheduled to make $3.2 million in base salary this fall and has a cap number of nearly $4.4 million.


BB_72; I'd expect BQ to draft a pass catching gadget type RB if the value is there in later rounds (5-7) to possibly replace Riddick

 

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TWENTYMAN: Lions' top 5 positions of need heading into draft

1. Guard

Top 5 available guards in draft: Cody Ford (Oklahoma), Chris Lindstrom (Boston College), Dalton Risner (Kansas State), Dru Samia (Oklahoma) and Michael Jordan (Ohio State)

2. Tight end

Top 5 available tight ends in draft: T.J. Hockenson (Iowa), Noah Fant (Iowa), Irv Smith Jr. (Alabama), Jace Sternberger (Texas A&M), Kaden Smith (Stanford)

3. Defensive end

Top 5 available defensive ends in draft: Nick Bosa (Ohio State), Josh Allen (Kentucky), Montez Sweat (Mississippi State), Rashan Gary (Michigan), Brian Burns (Florida State)

4. Wide receiver

Top 5 available wide receivers in draft: D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss), Marquise Brown (Oklahoma), A.J. Brown (Ole Miss), N’Keal Harry (Arizona State), Deebo Samuel (South Carolina)

5. Cornerback

Top 5 available cornerbacks in draft: Byron Murphy (Washington), Greedy Williams (LSU), Rock Ya-Sin (Temple), DeAndre Baker (Georgia), Justin Layne (Michigan State)

 

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O'HARA'S 2019 DRAFT PREVIEW: Linebackers

Linebacker draft rating: Strong at the top with Devin White, Devin Bush -- depth after that.

1. Devin White, LSU: 6-0, 237.

2. Devin Bush, Michigan: 5-11, 234.

3. Mack Wilson, Alabama: 6-1, 240.

4. Germaine Pratt, N.C. State: 6-2, 240.

Profile: Four-year player over five seasons, a 2016 redshirt because of shoulder injury. Began as a safety, last two seasons at linebacker. Tested well at the Combine -- 4.57 40, 24 reps in bench – and played well in 2018: 105 tackles, 10 for loss, tied for team lead with six sacks.

5. Vosean Joseph, Florida: 6-1, 230.

6. Te’von Coney, Notre Dame: 6-1, 234.

7. David Long, West Virginia: 5-11, 227.

8. Bobby Okereke, Stanford: 6-1, 239.

Profile: Played 51 games and closed out career with two big games: 13 tackles, forced fumble, assist on a sack in road win over Cal in regular season finale; followed by a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss in a one-point bowl win over Pitt. A 4.58 40 at the Combine.

One to watch: Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii. 6-2, 259.

Profile: Spent five years at Hawaii (who wouldn’t want an extra year in the Islands?) after a red-shirt 2014. A shoulder injury that required surgery forced him to miss the last four games in 2018. He did not run drills at the Combine or Pro Day, doing only some positional drills at the latter.

He put up big numbers his last three seasons: 34 games, 335 tackles, 36 for loss and 14.5 sacks. The shoulder injury could drop his stock -- and give some team a bargain.


BB_72; I've mentioned/highlighted Pratt/Okereke numerous times here as possible day 3 Will type LB. The last name mentioned by O'Hara, Tavai, absolutely fits MP profile of a Big LB.

 

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Meet the Prospect: Chris Lindstrom

How he fits: Lindstrom started 47 of the 50 games he played at Boston College with the majority of those coming at right guard. He also saw action as a junior at right tackle in 2017. He was an All-ACC performer as both a guard and a tackle the last two seasons. He told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine back in February that he’s also learning how to snap at center in his pre-draft preparations. NFL teams will like the versatility that may give them on gamedays.

Key observations: According to Pro Football Focus, Lindstrom allowed just seven sacks over 1,413 pass-block reps.

Lindstrom is an athletic big man. His 40-yard dash of 4.91 seconds was good enough for second fastest among draft-eligible offensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

 

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^^^^

Lidstrom is at the top of my list as a replacement for RG. He is a day 1 starter. not at #8, obviously, but if BQ trades down into 15 or beyond I believe he might be of value at that time. Minnesota could quite possibly look at drafting him. There are other possibilities also for RG who are versatile that could/should be considered 1st round draft grade (Cody Ford and Dalton Risner).

 

[Old Lion]

2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Interior defensive line

Nose tackle QIB

Lions example: Damon Harrison (6-3, 340), John Atkins (6-3, 321)

Dexter Lawrence (6-4.5, 332, Clemson) should be an instant starter in the NFL and while it’s rare for true nose tackles to get drafted on Day 1, his combination of size and athleticism warrants a top-32 selection. That’s likely too rich a price tag for the Lions with Harrison under contract for the next two seasons.

Daylon Mack (6-1, 336, Texas A&M) is as close a Harrison clone as you will find in this draft class. With a squatty frame and a powerful anchor, Mack will draw attention from both even and odd front defensive teams, and will likely hear his name called early on Day 3. The Lions met with Mack during the East-West Shrine week.

Dontavius Russell (6-3, 319, Auburn) is a bit of sleeper at the nose tackle position and if the Lions are looking for a late-round option to use in a rotation with Harrison, he fits the bill.

Greg Gaines (6-1, 312, Washington) is a stout run defender who is comfortable and impactful as a two-gapping plug in the middle of the defensive line. There’s not much there as a pass rusher but there is a role for his style of play in the Lions scheme.

Albert Huggins (6-3, 307, Clemson) doesn’t get much recognition as the third wheel on the Clemson interior defensive line (Wilkins and Lawrence are both first-round talents) but he sets a solid anchor and has the upside to sneak his way into the later rounds.

You pretty much got them in order of preference. I think Lawrence is out though as I cant see us selecting a NT in the first few rounds.

 

[Old Lion]

TWENTYMAN: Lions' top 5 positions of need heading into draft

1. Guard

Top 5 available guards in draft: Cody Ford (Oklahoma), Chris Lindstrom (Boston College), Dalton Risner (Kansas State), Dru Samia (Oklahoma) and Michael Jordan (Ohio State)

2. Tight end

Top 5 available tight ends in draft: T.J. Hockenson (Iowa), Noah Fant (Iowa), Irv Smith Jr. (Alabama), Jace Sternberger (Texas A&M), Kaden Smith (Stanford)

3. Defensive end

Top 5 available defensive ends in draft: Nick Bosa (Ohio State), Josh Allen (Kentucky), Montez Sweat (Mississippi State), Rashan Gary (Michigan), Brian Burns (Florida State)

4. Wide receiver

Top 5 available wide receivers in draft: D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss), Marquise Brown (Oklahoma), A.J. Brown (Ole Miss), N’Keal Harry (Arizona State), Deebo Samuel (South Carolina)

5. Cornerback

Top 5 available cornerbacks in draft: Byron Murphy (Washington), Greedy Williams (LSU), Rock Ya-Sin (Temple), DeAndre Baker (Georgia), Justin Layne (Michigan State)

As much as I respect Twentyman, he is way off here IMO.

 

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Lions 2019 draft preview: Taking interior O-lineman fits Bob Quinn's M.O., team's needs

► Current roster: Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Oday Aboushi, Joe Dahl, Kenny Wiggins, Leo Koloamatangi

►Short-term need: Seven out of 10

► Long-term need: 10 out of 10

► Top prospects: Cody Ford, Garrett Bradbury, Chris Lindstrom

► Mid-round options: Lindstrom, Dalton Risner, Connor McGovern

► Late-round fits: Nate Davis, Beau Benzschawel, Hjalte Froholdt

 

[Old Lion]

O'HARA'S 2019 DRAFT PREVIEW: Linebackers

Linebacker draft rating: Strong at the top with Devin White, Devin Bush -- depth after that.

1. Devin White, LSU: 6-0, 237.

2. Devin Bush, Michigan: 5-11, 234.

3. Mack Wilson, Alabama: 6-1, 240.

4. Germaine Pratt, N.C. State: 6-2, 240.

Profile: Four-year player over five seasons, a 2016 redshirt because of shoulder injury. Began as a safety, last two seasons at linebacker. Tested well at the Combine -- 4.57 40, 24 reps in bench – and played well in 2018: 105 tackles, 10 for loss, tied for team lead with six sacks.

5. Vosean Joseph, Florida: 6-1, 230.

6. Te’von Coney, Notre Dame: 6-1, 234.

7. David Long, West Virginia: 5-11, 227.

8. Bobby Okereke, Stanford: 6-1, 239.

Profile: Played 51 games and closed out career with two big games: 13 tackles, forced fumble, assist on a sack in road win over Cal in regular season finale; followed by a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss in a one-point bowl win over Pitt. A 4.58 40 at the Combine.

One to watch: Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii. 6-2, 259.

Profile: Spent five years at Hawaii (who wouldn’t want an extra year in the Islands?) after a red-shirt 2014. A shoulder injury that required surgery forced him to miss the last four games in 2018. He did not run drills at the Combine or Pro Day, doing only some positional drills at the latter.

He put up big numbers his last three seasons: 34 games, 335 tackles, 36 for loss and 14.5 sacks. The shoulder injury could drop his stock -- and give some team a bargain.


BB_72; I've mentioned/highlighted Pratt/Okereke numerous times here as possible day 3 Will type LB. The last name mentioned by O'Hara, Tavai, absolutely fits MP profile of a Big LB.

If we somehow miss out on 1 of the Devins in round 1 we should definitely be going after Pratt.

 

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You pretty much got them in order of preference. I think Lawrence is out though as I cant see us selecting a NT in the first few rounds.

I didn't get them in order. I believe it was Jeff Risdon from Lionswire. I couldn't ever get them in correct order.

 

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If we somehow miss out on 1 of the Devins in round 1 we should definitely be going after Pratt.

I've been talking about Pratt since end of January and for the last almost month Okereke. They both need to get better recognition/diagnose skills but for late day 2 at earliest to early day 3 I think there is value there. jmo though.