Never too Early to Talk Draft

[Gulf of Brazil]

Very intriguing comments by Campbell and Holmes.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell had a great quote about evaluating players at the NFL Scouting Combine

Lions head coach Dan Campbell had a great quote about evaluating players at the NFL Scouting Combine

lionswire.usatoday.com

It’s not called “the underwear Olympics” for nothing.

That’s not something that holds much appeal for Lions head coach Dan Campbell. He pushed back against the notion that the workouts are critically important in the evaluation process here in Indianapolis.

“You grade off tape, not what happens with guys running around in pajamas,” Campbell quipped during his press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Expect the Lions to be very selective in the draft process

Lions GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are looking for the best Lions, not necessarily the consensus best player available

lionswire.usatoday.com

“Yeah, it’s hard to put into words,” Campbell explained in his press conference. “I would say this, we’ve, I don’t know how many guys we’ve met with at this point. Really over these two to three days, let’s call it 30 guys, 35 guys, and I’ve check-marked four guys. And to me, they’ve got the ‘it’ factor.

Football character is terribly important to this Lions team. Athletic ability is too, but those hands need to come together to earn Campbell’s approval.

Holmes echoed his head coach.

“Our strategy’s always been, you know, we’re gonna pick the best football player that fits us,” Holmes said. “We’ve always taken that approach. That approach has worked so far. I guess you could say that is, the best player available for us, but we’re always going to get guys that fit our culture. We talk about finding the right guys, drafting the right guys.”

Holmes added, “same approach with free agency.”

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

2023 NFL Scouting Combine stock up/stock down, Day 2: Oregon's Christian Gonzalez shines

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2023 NFL Scouting Combine: What We Learned from Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson, more top prospects

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2023 NFL Scouting Combine: What We Learned during Thursday's activities in Indianapolis

www.nfl.com

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: What We Learned during Friday's activities in Indianapolis

www.nfl.com

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

2) Hamstring issue sidelines top-ranked CB. Entering the combine, NFL Network draft analysts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah both had the same prospect sitting atop a deep cornerback class: Illinois' Devon Witherspoon. Unfortunately, the consensus All-American wasn't able to display his physical attributes during Friday's cornerback workout at Lucas Oil Stadium.

As initially reported by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Witherspoon was flagged for a hamstring issue during his medical evaluation Thursday in Indianapolis.

"He underwent an MRI," Pelissero reported Friday morning. "I am told it is a minor thing, but just no point taking chances."
Witherspoon, who checked in at 5-foot-11 1/2 and 181 pounds in Indy, expressed his disappointment to NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales during Friday's combine
broadcast, saying the setback is "nothing serious.".

"It messes with me," Witherspoon said, observing the on-field workout the sideline. "I want to be out there with the guys, you know, top prospects around the world.

 

[Mebert]

@Mebert is holding onto what some may consider a surprising pick but well deserving choice at WR for that 3rd round pick or maybe even into early day 4 should Holmes acquire an early 4th round pick, but he'll have to let the cat out of the bag.

Michael Wilson! I like that guy

 

[Old Lion]

He's destined to be a WILL LB for the NFL, and I also don't believe Holmes would spend a 1st round pick on a LB. I believe Holmes and DC and AG ride with Rodrigo.

Hell, nearly every damn LB in this class is more suited for WILL LB than a MIKE. Simpson, Pappoe, Dorian Williams, Dayan Henley etc.

I'm still on-board for drafting Montgomery but not until day two - 2nd draft pick of day two at the earliest. I saw a 4.7+ LB on the field and that's almost what he is - 4.65.

Sorry I meant to say 48. No LB is going in the 1st unless they are an edge guy. He is a perfect fit for us though. Actually, Jack Campbell had an outstanding day. I didnt get to see it but he did way better on measurables then expected.

 

[Old Lion]

Very intriguing comments by Campbell and Holmes.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell had a great quote about evaluating players at the NFL Scouting Combine

Lions head coach Dan Campbell had a great quote about evaluating players at the NFL Scouting Combine

lionswire.usatoday.com

It’s not called “the underwear Olympics” for nothing.

That’s not something that holds much appeal for Lions head coach Dan Campbell. He pushed back against the notion that the workouts are critically important in the evaluation process here in Indianapolis.

“You grade off tape, not what happens with guys running around in pajamas,” Campbell quipped during his press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Expect the Lions to be very selective in the draft process

Lions GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are looking for the best Lions, not necessarily the consensus best player available

lionswire.usatoday.com

“Yeah, it’s hard to put into words,” Campbell explained in his press conference. “I would say this, we’ve, I don’t know how many guys we’ve met with at this point. Really over these two to three days, let’s call it 30 guys, 35 guys, and I’ve check-marked four guys. And to me, they’ve got the ‘it’ factor.

Football character is terribly important to this Lions team. Athletic ability is too, but those hands need to come together to earn Campbell’s approval.

Holmes echoed his head coach.

“Our strategy’s always been, you know, we’re gonna pick the best football player that fits us,” Holmes said. “We’ve always taken that approach. That approach has worked so far. I guess you could say that is, the best player available for us, but we’re always going to get guys that fit our culture. We talk about finding the right guys, drafting the right guys.”

Holmes added, “same approach with free agency.”

I agree. Keeley Ringo had a great day. I have seen him play enough to know that he may have a hard time at the next level. He plays way slower than his times and seems lost at times.

 

[Mebert]

Sorry I meant to say 48. No LB is going in the 1st unless they are an edge guy. He is a perfect fit for us though. Actually, Jack Campbell had an outstanding day. I didnt get to see it but he did way better on measurables then expected.

Jack Campbell has long been way under valued going into this. U would happily take him at 18. Likely he could be had later though

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Michael Wilson! I like that guy

Damn man, did I ever screw my statement up. We had discussed Wilson possibly being a mid 4th round at the earliest to mid fifth round pick and there I go with garbage talk of 3rd round. I surely had meant to state that if Wilson somehow sneaks into our 5th round pick, I wouldn't mind that one bit.

Memory and reading and comprehension seem to be lacking on my part all too often.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

U would happily take him at 18.

You had me until this statement. Now, if the Lions only had 2-3 positions of need, then I could possibly understand an extremely early pick. He surely doesn't play up to the numbers he posted at the combine, but his instincts definitely keep him near or around the ball more often than not. I think he struggles whenever he has to trail sneaky RB/TE and he will have to do that several times a game even if it's only 5-6 snaps per game.

Likely he could be had later though

This appears to be more in line with how inside LB are undervalued in today's game and especially a MIKE LB. He's definitely worthy of a 2nd round pick, but I'm not sure at No. 48. The Minnesota pick seems a little early too but then Muma and Logan Wilson went around the same area these last couple of years.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

I agree. Keeley Ringo had a great day. I have seen him play enough to know that he may have a hard time at the next level. He plays way slower than his times and seems lost at times.

He may possibly turn out to be a better pro but I'm surely not one to be counting on that. He's too stiff to flip his hips on in-breaking routes and out-breaking routes within 10-12 yards of the L.O.S. He'd may be fit for the Seahawks or 49'ers or the Jets.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Sorry I meant to say 48. No LB is going in the 1st unless they are an edge guy. He is a perfect fit for us though. Actually, Jack Campbell had an outstanding day. I didnt get to see it but he did way better on measurables then expected.

On paper, he's better than Rodrigo, but I don't see Holmes giving up on him this early and quite possibly not giving up on Barnes this soon although I think he definitely needs to upgrade Barnes if given the opportunity. It's too damn difficult to turn a 3-year CFB Edge player who only had 1-year experience (the covid year) as an off-the-ball LB into an NFL caliber Mike LB. Campbell has the experience already that Barnes may never achieve.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

I'm still on-board for drafting Montgomery but not until day two - 2nd draft pick of day two at the earliest. I saw a 4.7+ LB on the field and that's almost what he is - 4.65.

I couldn't even get Jack Campbell's name correct. I have no clue who Montgomery is, and I haven't been drinking or the other today.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

This would have me questioning his future health.

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: What We Learned during Friday's activities in Indianapolis

www.nfl.com

8) Medical update on top TE prospect. Dalton Kincaid, a possible first-round pick, confirmed Friday that he will not work out at the combine. NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported earlier this week that Kincaid would not participate in on-field drills in Indianapolis.

The reason: a back injury he suffered against Colorado in the regular-season finale. Kincaid said that he plans to work out at Utah's pro day on March 23 and went into some detail on the injury.

"I'm still rehabbing," Kincaid said. "Thankfully, [it was] non-surgical, so I should be fully healed, but definitely didn't want to push it and kind of delay being fully healthy."

Amazingly, Kincaid played the following week against USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game and caught four passes for 40 yards in the Utes' upset victory. He then opted out of the Rose Bowl to prepare for the draft.

"I had two plate compression fractures to my T7 and T8 (vertebrae)," Kincaid continued, "and the doctor overseeing my back has been Dr. (Robert) Watkins, and he's been the same specialist here. So, he's been able to kind of oversee the whole process and is very pleased with my progress."

Kincaid had his orthopedic exam following his media session and said, "I think there should be some really good news there."

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

U would happily take him at 18.

Calijah Kancey I sure would if he made it to that pick. I wouldn't worry about all the media crap stating he's too small or isn't suited for the NFL run game.

 

[Mebert]

Calijah Kancey I sure would if he made it to that pick. I wouldn't worry about all the media crap stating he's too small or isn't suited for the NFL run game.

I would spend 18 on new Ed Oliver

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Joey Porter Jr. Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

www.nfl.com

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

NFL Comparison
Amani Oruwariye

Ouch, that comp has got to hurt.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

NFL Combine results: 7 standouts from the safeties group

This draft class is stacking up a bunch of safety/nickel hybrid options, which is perfect timing for the needs of the Detroit Lions.

www.prideofdetroit.com

analysis by Erick Schlitt

Jartavius “Quan” Martin, Illinois, 5-foot-11, 194​

4.45/1.47 (40/10-yard dash), 44-inch (vertical jump), 11-foot-1 (broad jump)

In our Safeties preview, I made sure to note that Martin was one of “my guys” because I felt like he was not getting enough attention and I was expecting him to show very well at the Combine. Sure enough, he exceeded my projections and he’s surely on a lot of radars now.

With a stout frame and tree trunks for thighs, Martin propelled that frame in all directions. His sub-4.5 40-yard dash was impressive, but his 1.47-second 10-yard split was the fastest among all the defensive players in this draft class. His jumps were even more impressive with his vertical jump also the highest among all the defensive players—fifth highest ever recorded in Combine history—and his broad jump checked in as the fourth highest.

In on-field drills, Martin was an easy mover, showing smooth transitions, and a remarkable ability to adjust his upper body independently of his churning lower base. This skill allows him to run at full speed while also altering his upper body to the traffic around him, whether that be a player or the ball. Martin showed great ball location, high-pointed when necessary, and had soft, reliable hands.

Overall, his powerful legs moved like pistons, yet he stayed in complete control of his body at all times. The “W-drill”—my pick for the best predictor of success in the slot—was a walk in the park.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Both Martin and Robinson would be more likely to play the NB/Slot role with some play at High or Box safety. I think either one should be available for 3rd round into early 4th round.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

@broncosmitty would love this simply for Moody dissing Calvin Johnson not to mention Moody would love to kick for the Lions.

Moody even told a story about blowing off Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson to get more time with Prater, who kicked for the Lions from 2014-2020.

“I grew up in Northfield, MI,” Moody said. “There was a local pizza place and my friends were texting me that Matt Prater and Calvin Johnson were at this pizza place in my hometown. So I threw on a coat, ran out the door, quickly got to the pizza place and I went straight for Matt Prater and only talked to him. It got to the point where Calvin Johnson had to like introduce himself to me because I wasn’t as interested in talking to him, I guess.”

Michigan K Jake Moody grew up a big Lions fan, would love to kick for Detroit

Moody even told a story about blowing off Calvin Johnson to hang out more with Matt Prater

lionswire.usatoday.com