Lions OFFICIAL 2015 NFL draft thread.

[tpaulus_2]

I have a question. Think about this for a minute.

Lets assume we see a pretty good improvement up front with the run blocking and you consider the running ability of both Bell and Abdullah, who are you giving the ball to the majority of the time?

Bell this year, at least. Let the rookie ease in and keep his carries lower early so he can make it to a second contract with us. Then cut loose with him during those peak years from like 24 to 28 when RBs seem to top-out...

 

[tpaulus_2]

Thats a great question.
Honestly right now I like Bell. He can run between the tackles, he makes the first guy miss, he is a good receiver, I want to see him with some consistent blocking. That being said, we really don't know what we have in Abdullah. I've seen too many can't miss running backs (with statues in their trophy cases) be garbage in the league, to make any predeterminations about the extent of Ameer's abilities.
That being said, the guy who plays the best gets the rock the most. If I see Abdullah breaking off some TD's and long runs, then he should earn more touches or eventually the majority of the touches.
That being said, in this league you need a stable of running backs, and we are currently in the era of running back by committee or at least 1-2 punch. I see them sharing carries now with Bell getting 60-70% to start. If the line starts pushing people around like I think they will, Bell is more suited to wear down the defenses. I can see Abdullah coming in against a tired defense and breaking off a long run.\
All that being said, we still could use another back. If Bell goes down we have an unproven rookie and Riddick. That scares me.

I think Zenner will take care of that... by the end of camp I think you won't be nearly as nervous about our depth. Zenner is big, very athletic, and has been an absolute workhorse in college. He's bigger, faster, and more athletic than Bell (and I like Bell), and he can pass block and catch the ball. He played at an FCS school, otherwise we're talking about a 2nd or 3rd round RB here. The dude cracked off 3 straight 2,000 yard seasons at the division one level- nobody has ever done that.

I'm not predicting that he'll be a star RB, but as our #4 guy, I think he's more than capable to be a reserve RB and Bell's back-up...

 

[gandydancer]

Only because the Dolphins come up here often. Not sure why May 9th was put out there as date when teams could officially talk with him.

Heard it would be a violation of the salary cap somehow if those players that talked with him used anything Dolphins organization related and not their own money to get there.


Which made me think, did Rex pay out of pocket?? Wink wink...

Shows you can't believe everything you hear and read because if Dallas signed him I don't know where that person came up with the date of May 9th was the first time you could talk to him

 

[tpaulus_2]

I've never even heard of this May 9th stuff. That wouldn't make any sense at all- he's a run-of-the mill UDFA who would have been eligible to sign with anyone the second the draft was over...

 

[Coach_Ed_LPW]

]2015 Draft in Review: Detroit Lions | ProFootballFocus.com[/QUOTE]

They are really dogging out Alex Carter. I was just reading how teams rarely threw at Alex Carter...and the guy has a 40 inch vertical. Just not sure...I like having a big corner who can jump high, especially in goalline situations.

 

[Coach_Ed_LPW]

image: http://walterfootball.com/college/Stanford_logo.gif

Alex Carter*, CB, Stanford
Height: 6-0. Weight: 196.
40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
4/25/15: Carter had a solid regular season. He is a physical corner with some coverage skills, but would probably fit best in a zone scheme in the NFL. The junior totaled 39 tackles, one interception and nine passes broken up in 2014.

Carter had a mixed game against Oregon, but did make his first interception of the year. That is an accomplishment for him as Marcus Mariota very rarely threw picks in college. Carter played well against USC and held his own against wide receiver Nelson Agholor. Carter didn't pitch a shutout, but Stanford didn't have him following Agholor around the field. Carter also was solid against Notre Dame. He did pretty well in coverage of Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong with a pass breakup, but did get caught looking into the backfield and Strong got open for a short touchdown.

5/30/14: The Cardinal has had a tough defense - one of the best in college football - over the past few seasons. The front seven has gotten a lot of attention, but Carter has led the way for a quality secondary. He has good size, physicality and coverage skills.

In 2013, Carter totaled 59 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception. He started only eight games in 2012, but played in all 14. The freshman totaled 46 tackles with three tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and three forced fumbles. His stock could easily rise.

Personal: Son of Tom and Renee Carter.
Read more at WalterFootball.com: 2015 NFL Draft: Cornerback Rankings

 

[Coach_Ed_LPW]

Alex Carter played all of 2014 with a torn labrum.

 

[jdwills126]

I can give you a hundred names to prove thats hogwash. There is a reason when someone doesn't know the proper use of their.

Oh internet english teacher alert.

A quote that you disagree with and you go bitch.

 

[gandydancer]

I've never even heard of this May 9th stuff. That wouldn't make any sense at all- he's a run-of-the mill UDFA who would have been eligible to sign with anyone the second the draft was over...

Teams cant meet with Lael Collins, yet | ProFootballTalk

 

[RobBase]

]2015 Draft in Review: Detroit Lions | ProFootballFocus.com

They are really dogging out Alex Carter. I was just reading how teams rarely threw at Alex Carter...and the guy has a 40 inch vertical. Just not sure...I like having a big corner who can jump high, especially in goalline situations.

One of the reports I read on him pre-draft said he was the one guy in the draft who really needed to stay in school one more year. Scouts were surprised he came out. Wonder what Austin sees in him.

 

[gandydancer]

One of the reports I read on him pre-draft said he was the one guy in the draft who really needed to stay in school one more year. Scouts were surprised he came out. Wonder what Austin sees in him.

I hope a Ihedibo replacement. Just reading on Carter and Diggs it sounds as if Diggs will have a impact quicker. Only time will tell.

 

[RobBase]

I hope a Ihedibo replacement. Just reading on Carter and Diggs it sounds as if Diggs will have a impact quicker. Only time will tell.

Agree x2. Fuck Ihedibo. Let him walk.

 

[gandydancer]

Agree x2. Fuck Ihedibo. Let him walk.

Well actually Rob, I hope IAQ can replace Digs and Carter to replace IAQ's spot and push him for a starting role. Love competition.

 

[tpaulus_2]

Ihedigbo is coming off of two straight quality seasons, and you want to get rid of him? That's crazy, we should try to keep good players that are on cheap contracts...

 

[gandydancer]

Ihedigbo is coming off of two straight quality seasons, and you want to get rid of him? That's crazy, we should try to keep good players that are on cheap contracts...

How cheap is Digs coming? He is already wanting more money. So is he really going to be a cheap contract. Most guys coming of two good seasons don't come cheap.

That and I am not huge on guys who hold out and put themselves ahead the team. That is just me though.

 

[RobBase]

Ihedigbo is coming off of two straight quality seasons, and you want to get rid of him? That's crazy, we should try to keep good players that are on cheap contracts...

He's holding out for a new contract. Maybe you didn't hear that news. Nothing cheap about it.

 

[tpaulus_2]

How cheap is Digs coming? He is already wanting more money. So is he really going to be a cheap contract. Most guys coming of two good seasons don't come cheap.

That and I am not huge on guys who hold out and put themselves ahead the team. That is just me though.

He's under contract for this season, you know that, right? It's not as if he's a free agent we're negotiating with...

 

[gandydancer]

He's under contract for this season, you know that, right? It's not as if he's a free agent we're negotiating with...

Are you really reading what you type first. When I say I am not a fan of a "guy who holds out." Do you think that meant he was FA. I have not seen that before, so you must think I implied that ... He will be a FA next year and want more money. Rob nor myself implied this season or next season.

Batting 1.000 today on calling me out. Keep up the good work.

 

[tpaulus_2]

Well, when you say you want IAQ to replace Ihedigbo (your words) I come to the conclusion that you're looking to replace Ihedigbo. Silly me.

 

[RobBase]

He's under contract for this season, you know that, right? It's not as if he's a free agent we're negotiating with...

He refuses to play without a raise, you know that right? It's not as if he's forced to play, he can sit out the whole season if he wants to.

theScore