Lions currently sowed up the 8th overall pick

[Gulf of Brazil]

he Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked LSU CB Greedy Williams as his No. 1 cornerback prospect for the spring.
"Overall, Williams lacks ideal bulk and play strength," Brugler writes, "but his athleticism, length and play personality allow him to blanket receivers in man coverage, projecting as a starting NFL cornerback with Pro Bowl upside." The 6-foot-2, 182-pounder is a probable Day 1 pick and has a good shot of being the first corner selected come April, though Byron Murphy and (to lesser degree) Deandre Baker could potentially play spoiler in terms of how the position breaks.

Source: The Athletic
Feb 20, 2019, 1:46 PM

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Greedy gets the hype nod as #1 CB from most media due to his height and length and nothing more. imo.

Mechanics and techniques would both go to Murphy and Baker when comparing the three. imo.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

The Draft Network's Trevor Sikkema voiced concern over the open-field vision of Texas A&M RB Trayveon Williams.
Sikkema notes that on a straight line, Williams has the ability to bust big plays via his speed. The analyst spins a different tale when it comes to the back's ability to shake 'n' bake, though, writing that "when you ask him to truly make defenders miss in the open field and create on his own, Williams really struggles in that area, both from a mental and physical standpoint." The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Texas A&M product does bring to the table a nice speed element, as well as plus-receiving chops and an elite blocking ability that is rare for a player of his size. On the whole, we're big fans of Williams' game around these parts and view him as an intriguing prospect for the third day of the draft.

Source: The Draft Network
Feb 20, 2019, 12:10 PM

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

The 2019 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin March 1st and the running backs will be the third group to participate on Friday. After watching the offensive lineman in groups one and two, the ball carriers should add in a nice upgrade of speed to round out Day 1.

This is the latest in a series of articles, where the entire Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking at the Combine in order to determine potential fits within the Detroit Lions organization.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Running back traits to evaluate
There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s running abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing on are:

• Balance through the player’s hips: Do they stay under their frame?
• Change of direction: Do they throttle down, or accelerate?
• Quickness getting out of the backfield
• Catching ability: Do they have soft hands, or do they struggle?

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Establishing need
Kerryon Johnson is entrenched as the Lions starter for 2019 but beyond him, there are several things up in the air. Will Theo Riddick return on an over-market contract? Would they consider bringing back LeGarrette Blount? If Zach Zenner is re-signed, what is his role? Will they add to the position in free agency as Lions Wire’s own Zach Moran suggested in his Draft them or sign them series?

With a lot of questions still unknown, Johnson’s injury history, and the emphasis new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell puts on the position, it’s fair to assume the Lions offseason needs will have adding a complementary back to the rotation a high priority. With free agency still a few weeks away, all options are on the table and the Lions should be scouting backs on Days 2 and 3.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic
Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

One of the top backs in this draft class, Singletary is capable of playing all three downs because of his production as a runner and his passing games skills — both receiving and in pass protection. A tick undersized (est. 5-9, 200) but isn’t easily taken down because of his agility and contact balance. He should excel in Combine drills that highlight short-area acceleration. A combination of Johnson and Singletary would instantly give the Lions one of the best duos in the league.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

David Montgomery, Iowa State
Suggested by: Matt Urben and Max Gerber

Another likely Top-5 back in this class, Montgomery uses patience and instincts to set up blocks, while also possessing the power to create his own yards. Lack of burst leads to fewer big plays (runs over 20+ yards) and to him absorbing more contact than necessary, although he has the size (est. 5-10, 220) to handle a heavy amount of impact. For those who wanted Kareem Hunt in Detroit, Montgomery has similar on-field traits without the off-the-field baggage.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Darrell Henderson, Memphis
Suggested by: Erik Schlitt

Speaking of big plays, no back in this class has more 20+ yard runs than Henderson, achieving this feat on 12.6-percent of his touches and averaging 8.9 yards per touch as a result. Probably not a three-down back due to size and skills in the passing game, Henderson will thrive in a secondary role off the bench. With an elite burst and corresponding long speed, Henderson possesses a gear the Lions haven’t had in their backfield for some time, so if you want a Home-run hitter to pair with Johnson, Henderson is the best in this class.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Elijah Holyfield, Georgia
Suggested by: Ty Finch and Scott Warheit

Do you want to add Mark Ingram to the Lions backfield but don’t want to pay the free agency price tag? Let us introduce you to Holyfield, who possesses the power and burst that results in an impressive ability to finish runs with authority. His aggressive nature leads to issues setting up blocks — which could be problematic in a zone scheme — but that is a correctable skill with proper coaching. If he can illustrate solid reactionary skills at the Combine, he should solidify a spot on Day 2.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Myles Gaskin, Washington
Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield

Gaskin will likely open his NFL career as a third-down specialist who’s track-level speed will appeal to a team looking to add it to their backfield. His lack of size (est. 5-9, 195) and decision making limits his ability to run between the tackles but he has the skills to carve out a role as a pass catcher, giving him a chance to stick on an NFL roster. At the Combine, he will need to confirm to teams his speed and hands are legit or he could see his stock fall.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

James Williams, Washington State
Suggested by: Scott Bischoff, Bryce Rossler and Zack Moran

If you’ve kept up with the Lions Wire draft coverage this offseason you’ve heard us mention Williams name as a potential sleeper back in this draft class, so it should be no surprise that three of the Lions Wire staff plan on having their eyes on him. An elite level pass-catcher — he caught 83 passes in 2018 and 202 over the last three seasons — if the Lions move on from Theo Riddick for contractual reasons, Williams is the ideal replacement. At the Combine, he should separate himself from the rest of the class in the pass-catching drills, proving his value as an above-average specialist.

BB_72; been saying the highlighted for over a month now.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Lions draft prospect of the day: Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger

Today’s prospect is a receiving tight end the Lions scouted in person multiple times last fall.

Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 250 (est.)

Jersey: No. 81

Games watched: Auburn, South Carolina, Alabama, Clemson, Kentucky

Overview
Sternberger was a little-used weapon in two seasons at Kansas before heading to JUCO and then exploding in his one year at Texas A&M. He emerged as one of the top receiving tight ends in the nation for the Aggies, averaging 17.3 yards per catch and scoring 10 TDs in 2018 and leading Texas A&M in every receiving category in the defense-heavy SEC.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Lions draft prospect of the day: Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger

Pros

• YAC. He’s great at creating extra yards for himself once he catches the ball. Sternberger quickly transitions from receiver to runner, showing power and elusiveness. His dragging a South Carolina DB almost 30 yards is one of my favorite highlights of 2018
• 
  
• Smooth feet. Sternberger ran NFL-style routes and stems for the Aggies offense, and he ran them pretty well, notably deeper routes where he got into space. Can accelerate out of breaks and cut smoothly for a long-legged guy, excellent foot frequency as a runner.
• 
  
• Catch radius. Consistent “hands” catcher who will extend out and seize the ball away from his body, and he can present himself as a large target when working back to the QB and on broken plays.

Cons

• Blocking power. His effort and technique are not bad, but Sternberger lacks the lower body strength to anchor in pass protection or drive defenders off the mark in the run game.
• 
  
• Precision. This primarily applies to his route-running, but it goes beyond that important aspect. Sternberger doesn’t yet have the developed sense of weight shift, coordination between shoulders and hips, or subtlety of pushing off with his forearms. There are hints to all of this being there, but Sternberger remains raw.
• 
  
• One-year wonder. I did not see Sternberger at Kansas so I can’t say why he didn’t work out there, but for a guy to wash out of one of the worst FBS programs in a defensive-challenged conference and reemerge as a force in a much better defensive league is both astonishing and worthy of skepticism.

Lions fit
Sternberger is exactly what the team should covet at tight end, a seam-stretching receiver with hands and power. He’s a serviceable blocker with some upside there, but the big selling point as a Day Two pick is Sternberger’s ability to impact coverages and make plays in the passing game. He should be a very real possibility in the third round, if not a little earlier.

 

[Rollingthndr]

I've only been waiting since 1957 for the Lions to get back to a Championship game even though I was only 2 at that time and didn't know squat about football. The 1970's Lions were more playoff bound than the 2000's.

In the 2000's, do you mean playoff for the #1 overall pick in the draft? I personally thought they were highly competitive.

 

[Rollingthndr]

That's laughable and media fan hype about either of those two losing their job. When Patricia was hired he signed a 5 year deal and then Quinn (I got the spelling correct @broncosmitty ) signed a 5 year extension. Those two aren't going anywhere, anytime soon.

What the ....

Quinn got a 5 year extension last summer?
For what? A couple- 9-7 seasons (one where we completely collapsed and missed the playoffs)?
No wonder the Lions suck balls. GM that shows jack shit and the Ford's lavish him with money. I really hope you are joking.

 

[Rollingthndr]

Lions draft prospect of the day: Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger

Pros

• YAC. He’s great at creating extra yards for himself once he catches the ball. Sternberger quickly transitions from receiver to runner, showing power and elusiveness. His dragging a South Carolina DB almost 30 yards is one of my favorite highlights of 2018
• 
  
• Smooth feet. Sternberger ran NFL-style routes and stems for the Aggies offense, and he ran them pretty well, notably deeper routes where he got into space. Can accelerate out of breaks and cut smoothly for a long-legged guy, excellent foot frequency as a runner.
• 
  
• Catch radius. Consistent “hands” catcher who will extend out and seize the ball away from his body, and he can present himself as a large target when working back to the QB and on broken plays.

Cons

• Blocking power. His effort and technique are not bad, but Sternberger lacks the lower body strength to anchor in pass protection or drive defenders off the mark in the run game.
• 
  
• Precision. This primarily applies to his route-running, but it goes beyond that important aspect. Sternberger doesn’t yet have the developed sense of weight shift, coordination between shoulders and hips, or subtlety of pushing off with his forearms. There are hints to all of this being there, but Sternberger remains raw.
• 
  
• One-year wonder. I did not see Sternberger at Kansas so I can’t say why he didn’t work out there, but for a guy to wash out of one of the worst FBS programs in a defensive-challenged conference and reemerge as a force in a much better defensive league is both astonishing and worthy of skepticism.

Lions fit
Sternberger is exactly what the team should covet at tight end, a seam-stretching receiver with hands and power. He’s a serviceable blocker with some upside there, but the big selling point as a Day Two pick is Sternberger’s ability to impact coverages and make plays in the passing game. He should be a very real possibility in the third round, if not a little earlier.

Day two pick on a TE? Hell to the NO. Round 5 before spending any draft capital on a TE. I would rather the Lions spend our top 10 pick on that Metcalf guy before spending any of our first three picks on a TE. TE is arguably the least valuable position on an offense.

 

[Rollingthndr]

Who and what to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine: Running Backs

Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic
Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

One of the top backs in this draft class, Singletary is capable of playing all three downs because of his production as a runner and his passing games skills — both receiving and in pass protection. A tick undersized (est. 5-9, 200) but isn’t easily taken down because of his agility and contact balance. He should excel in Combine drills that highlight short-area acceleration. A combination of Johnson and Singletary would instantly give the Lions one of the best duos in the league.

This guy is tops on my board if he is available in the 3rd round. Defense in the first 2 rounds.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

I've only been waiting since 1957 for the Lions to get back to a Championship game even though I was only 2 at that time and didn't know squat about football. The 1970's Lions were more playoff bound than the 2000's.

In the 2000's, do you mean playoff for the #1 overall pick in the draft? I personally thought they were highly competitive.

tbh, I think the Lions made it to the playoffs once in the 70's. something like a 30 loss to the Cowboys. That's back when there was 14 game schedule. They just seemed to be more competitive. probably horrible memory of mine.

Greg Landry, Charlie Sanders, Dick Jauron, Lem Barney, Altie Taylor

 

[Rollingthndr]

Greedy gets the hype nod as #1 CB from most media due to his height and length and nothing more. imo.

Mechanics and techniques would both go to Murphy and Baker when comparing the three. imo.

Greedy gives me a "Justin Gilbert" type of vibe. I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now since he comes from LSU and they tend to fair well in the NFL.