The Official 2014 Lions Draft Thread

[Gulf of Brazil]

Finding wide receiver bargains on Day 3

By Kevin Weidl | ESPN.com

Almost every year, there are some receivers who fall during the draft and end up hitting in the NFL as late-round selections or free agents. Recent examples have included Ravens WR Marlon Brown (UDFA, 2013), Seahawks Doug Baldwin (UDFA, 2011), Steelers WR Antonio Brown (6th round, 2010) and Giants WR Victor Cruz (UDFA, 2010). Injuries, size, not testing well at combine or pro day and character are some of the factors that can play into these players slipping through the cracks.

As we near the end of evaluation process here at Scouts Inc., I have had a chance to focus on some receivers that projected in the Day 3 range. Of that crop, here is a look at three who have caught my eye during recent film study and could end up bringing strong return on Day 3.
Kevin Norwood, WR, Alabama

Norwood is one of my favorite prospects. He was relatively unheralded within the Alabama offense throughout his career, but he had a knack for coming up with clutch plays in big games.

Although clocking in with a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine, the 6-foot-2, 198-pound receiver lacks elite explosiveness on tape and is more of a possession-type receiver. However, he is a quality route-runner who has a natural feel for the position and has strong overall field awareness.

One of the Norwood's greatest strengths is his ball skills. He caught my eye throughout Senior Bowl week, where he appeared to have one of the more natural set of hands of the receiver crop in Mobile, Ala. That translated to his tape, where he displays above-average body control adjusting to throws outside of the strike zone. Norwood also has the toughness to work the middle of the field and shows the focus in traffic to consistently win in contested situations.

Norwood is still growing into his frame and must continue to develop his overall strength. However, he should be one of the wide receiver prospects teams could get great value for in the fourth-round range because of the unusual depth of this year's receiver class. Norwood will be a strong fit for teams like the Broncos or Patriots, who rely on their receivers' timing and reading coverages on the fly.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/33445/john-brown

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Finding wide receiver bargains on Day 3

By Kevin Weidl | ESPN.com

John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State

Brown lacks ideal size (he's 5-10, 179) and played at the Division II level, which will likely work against him on draft weekend. However, there is a lot to like about his tape.

First is his overall play speed. Brown has an excellent combination of speed (4.34 40-yard dash), quickness and body control. He is an explosive starter who can quickly eat up cushions and threaten defensive backs vertically.

The one thing that stands out about Brown, unlike a lot of speedsters at the position, is his route running. He doesn't rely solely on his speed and explosiveness, but shows an above-average feel for routes and uses tempo well to set up defenders to create separation out of cuts.

Where Brown is most dangerous is with the ball in his hands. He flashes similar qualities to Rams WR Tavon Austin (the eighth overall selection in 2013) as a runner with an exceptional combination of speed and quickness. In addition, Brown maintains quality body control in fifth gear and shows the ability to cut on dime without losing momentum and flashes an extra gear out of cuts.

He also brings added value in the return game on special teams where he has six career returns for touchdowns (three punt returns and three kickoff returns). Brown has taken advantage of the postseason process with a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game before turning in impressive numbers at the NFL scouting combine. He could bring strong return in the middle of Day 3 for a team such as Carolina, where he can serve as a versatile receiver who can also fill a hole in the return game at the same time.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Finding wide receiver bargains on Day 3

By Kevin Weidl | ESPN.com


Willie Snead, WR, Ball State

Snead is a coach's son, and it didn't take long to recognize it on his tape. He runs detailed routes and has a clear understanding for the position. He does a nice job of working defenders in his initial stem to gain initial leverage. He also does a nice job of using tempo and head and shoulder fakes at the top of his routes. In addition, he quickly locates and shows strong spatial awareness out of cuts getting into soft spots against zone coverage.

Snead also possesses big, strong and reliable hands (10 inches). He adjusts well to throws outside of his frame and is natural tracking the ball over his shoulder. In addition, he shows very good focus and toughness in traffic to secure throws while absorbing hits.

While there is a lot to like about Snead's polish and ball skills, at 5-10 and 195 pounds, he lacks ideal size and possesses an average speed and quickness combination out of cuts. He will likely have to rely on his advanced route-running and consistently have to work for every inch of separation at the next level.

Snead will likely be a late-round pick or priority free agent. If he is able to find the right fit, he has a chance to stick on a roster as a fourth or fifth receiver that could contribute on special teams.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

How top WR prospects stack up

Metrics provide extra insight into Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans and others

Updated: April 18, 2014, 9:35 AM ET
By KC Joyner | ESPN Insider

With the NFL coming off of a season that saw more pass attempts per game than any campaign in league history, it is clear pro football will continue its trajectory of becoming more aerial-attack oriented.


It takes talented pass-catchers to make this happen, so let's take a closer look at what the metrics say about the upper-tier wide receivers in this year's draft -- a class that is considered to have star power at the top and depth throughout.

Each of the top eight prospects (wideouts from BCS conferences who were listed with first- or second-round grades according to Scouts Inc.) was ranked in the following categories: age (as of the 2014 draft), height, weight, arm length, hand size, 40-yard dash time, overall yards per attempt, vertical yards per attempt, stretch vertical yards per attempt, targets per game, overall success rate (completion percentage with penalty plays included as completions), success rate at the vertical and stretch vertical levels, and yards per attempt when facing a cornerback or safety in direct coverage.


(Note: Vertical passes are aerials that travel 11 or more yards downfield; stretch verticals are thrown 20 or more yards.)


Each player's metrics are based on a tape review of a minimum of nine games against BCS- or bowl-caliber competition.


The player's rankings were then tabulated on a 1-8 scale, with the best score getting a rating of 8. Each player's overall total can be found under the raw points listing.


Since some categories deserve more weight than others, these rankings also had the addition of a modified point structure that added a 20 percent weight to targets per game; a 30 percent weight to YPA, VYPA, SVYPA and the success rate at each of these depth levels; and a 50 percent weight to the 40-yard dash time and YPA versus cornerbacks or safeties.


Each player also has a modified point listing for productivity, which includes his rankings in YPA, VYPA, SVYPA and the success rates at these levels, and for attributes, which includes the rankings for 40-yard dash, height, weight, arm length, hand size and birth date.


Now that the prelims are out of the way, let's take a look at how the rankings turned out.

1. Sammy Watkins, Clemson




Birth date: June 14, 1993 (20 years old)
Height/weight: 6-0¾, 211 pounds
Arm length: 32 inches
Hand size: 9.5 inches
40-yard dash time: 4.43 seconds
YPA: 12.8
VYPA: 28.3
SVYPA: 36.1
YPA vs. CB or S: 25.0
Targets per game: 10.7
Success rate: 79.7 percent
Vertical success rate: 78.6 percent
Stretch vertical success rate: 81.3 percent


Raw points: 94 (ranked first)
Modified points: 116.5 (first)
Productivity points: 61.1 (first)
Attributes points: 35 (tied for third)


Watkins' YPA metrics are beyond phenomenal. His 25.0 YPA when facing a cornerback or safety was more than double five of the other players on this list and was 10.5 yards ahead of the second-place finisher (Mike Evans). Some of that has to do with Clemson's system, as Watkins caught a lot of screen passes that didn't fall under this category, but Watkins also was significantly ahead of Tigers teammate Martavis Bryant's 13.4 VYPA against cornerbacks or safeties, so it isn't all Chad Morris' play calling. Watkins added incredibly high success rates (all of which led the group) to the mix as well. His 35 attributes points ranked as tied for third and show that his physical traits come close to matching the productivity.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

2. Mike Evans, Texas A&M

Birth date: Aug. 21, 1993 (20 years old)
Height/weight: 6-4¾, 231
Arm length: 35⅛
Hand size: 9.5
40-yard dash time: 4.53
YPA: 14.2
VYPA: 18.0
SVYPA: 22.8
YPA vs. CB or S: 14.5
Targets per game: 8.2
Success rate: 70.3
Vertical success rate: 60.5
Stretch vertical success rate: 55.6


Raw points: 86 (second)
Modified points: 102.9 (second)
Productivity points: 48.1 (third)
Attributes points: 39.5 (first)


At about the midway point of last season, there was a strong case to be made that Evans was the best player on the Aggies, even over quarterback Johnny Manziel. He topped this group in YPA and finished second in VYPA and SVYPA. Evans also placed second in height, weight and age and had the largest hand size, all of which combined to give him the most attributes points. Another item of note is Evans racked up a 17.6 YPA on scramble plays, a metric that wasn't included in the analysis but one which indicates he can be a tremendously valuable safety valve when his quarterback is trying to keep a play alive (he had plenty of practice at this with Manziel playing QB).

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

3. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Birth date: Sept. 25, 1993 (20 years old)
Height/weight: 5-10, 189
Arm length: 30⅝
Hand size: 9.5
40-yard dash time: 4.33
YPA: 10.1
VYPA: 15.5
SVYPA: 19.2
YPA vs. CB or S: 11.2
Targets per game: 13.3
Success rate: 73.7
Vertical success rate: 62.5
Stretch vertical success rate: 62.1


Raw points: 74 (third)
Modified points: 92.9 (third)
Productivity points: 46.8 (third)
Attributes points: 29 (fifth)


Cooks' 10.1 overall YPA did not fare well (ranked sixth) but it wasn't a matter of his not hitting the big plays, as he placed third in VYPA and SVYPA. Cooks ranked second in each of the success level metrics, and his 13.3 targets per game volume was nearly three targets per game more than the second-place finisher (Watkins at 10.7). Cooks had the best 40 time and is the youngest player in the group, but his height, weight and arm length all placed last and put a ceiling on his attribute points total.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

6. Cody Latimer, Indiana

Birth date: Oct. 10, 1992 (21 years old)
Height/weight: 6-2½, 215
Arm length: 32.5
Hand size: 9.5
40-yard dash time: 4.39
YPA: 9.7
VYPA: 12.2
SVYPA: 14.0
YPA vs. CB or S: 10.1
Targets per game: 10.1
Success rate: 67.0
Vertical success rate: 45.5
Stretch vertical success rate: 36.8


Raw points: 53 (sixth)
Modified points: 62.5 (sixth)
Productivity points: 14.3 (eighth)
Attributes points: 36.5 (second)


This may be a case where a player's totals don't quite reflect his actual skill level. Latimer ranked second in attributes points, so the physical talent looks to be there, but his metrics didn't hold up their end of the bargain. Latimer ranked last in overall YPA and vertical success rate and placed next to last in VYPA, overall success rate and stretch vertical success rate. It might be tempting to assign a good portion of the metric blame to Indiana's passing offense, but the Hoosiers ranked second in the Big Ten in adjusted total QBR (a metric that adjusts total QBR by strength of opponent) and in YPA, so that avenue looks to be closed.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

7. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Birth date: Nov. 5, 1992 (21 years old)
Height/weight: 5-11¼, 198
Arm length: 32⅝
Hand size: 10
40-yard dash time: 4.43
YPA: 10.8
VYPA: 11.9
SVYPA: 10.8
YPA vs. CB or S: 10.0
Targets per game: 7.1
Success rate: 67.6
Vertical success rate: 61.5
Stretch vertical success rate: 50.0


Raw points: 50 (seventh)
Modified points: 59.9 (seventh)
Productivity points: 26 (sixth)
Attributes points: 28.5 (sixth)


Beckham has his share of upper-tier physical attributes, including speed (fourth in 40-yard dash time), arm length (third) and hand size (third). His metrics didn't hold up quite as well, as he placed last in VYPA and next to last in SVYPA, targets per game and YPA versus cornerbacks or safeties. In most years numbers of this caliber would rank near the top of the list, so Beckham is an apt illustration of just how deep this draft really is at the wide receiver position. He is still an impressive prospect.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Top prospect Khalil Mack to visit Detroit Lions next week

read the entire article here; NFL draft: Top prospect Khalil Mack to visit Detroit Lions next week | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Next week, the Detroit Lions will host another probable top-six pick they’ll likely have to trade up if they want to draft — Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.
Mack, scheduled to visit the Lions mid-week, is considered one of the top edge rushers in the draft and would fill a need at outside linebacker.
He had 100 tackles, 10.5 sacks and three interceptions in an All-America season last year, and said at the NFL combine he can play defensive end if needed.

I don't want to limit myself to just playing one specific thing,” Mack said at the NFL combine in February. “I feel like that's the biggest thing for me. When I work out, I work out with the defensive ends, I work out with the linebackers, I also go over and work out with the (defensive backs) just to stay fresh. I work hard, and I want to stay loose and don't want to put a limit on myself.”

BB_72..This is the only player I would want to trade up for and yet I still would hate to lose a pick(s)

 

[Rollingthndr]

read the entire article here; NFL draft: Top prospect Khalil Mack to visit Detroit Lions next week | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Next week, the Detroit Lions will host another probable top-six pick they’ll likely have to trade up if they want to draft — Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.
Mack, scheduled to visit the Lions mid-week, is considered one of the top edge rushers in the draft and would fill a need at outside linebacker.
He had 100 tackles, 10.5 sacks and three interceptions in an All-America season last year, and said at the NFL combine he can play defensive end if needed.

I don't want to limit myself to just playing one specific thing,” Mack said at the NFL combine in February. “I feel like that's the biggest thing for me. When I work out, I work out with the defensive ends, I work out with the linebackers, I also go over and work out with the (defensive backs) just to stay fresh. I work hard, and I want to stay loose and don't want to put a limit on myself.”

BB_72..This is the only player I would want to trade up for and yet I still would hate to lose a pick(s)

I don't know, his numbers are almost similar to Aaron Curry's numbers. Just not sold on the level of competition. To be honest, trading up for anyone is sounding less and less appealing. We don't need another jersey selling superstar. We need depth and competition for jobs.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Peshek: Edge Rushers 1.0

Interesting Stats on the Pass Rushers. Here's the link to this; Peshek: Edge Rushers 1.0 - Out Of The Box - Rotoworld.com

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Here you go TrustMe

An article from Bleacher Report. link is here; Why the Detroit Lions Should Wait to Draft a Receiver Until Round 2 | Bleacher Report

a couple statements from this article below.

While there is no denying the need to add another receiver, the Lions already quenched that desperate thirst from the end of the 2013 season. Signing Golden Tate immediately gave Detroit a perfect complement to Johnson, who remains the preeminent receiving weapon in the NFL.

Tate's versatility and big-game experience in Seattle give the Lions two legitimate threats on the outside or in the slot, where Johnson can also do a load of damage to defenses. They figure to receive the predominance of quarterback Matthew Stafford's throws.

This is where a look at the offensive scheme is in order.

New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi comes from New Orleans, where the Saints have run a fairly consistent passing attack for the past few years.

A quick check of the passing targets indicates that the third receiver won't see a great deal of action in Lombardi's offense:


It's important to note that tight end Jimmy Graham had the most targets of any Saints player in all three of those years, with moderately less action than Johnson got in Detroit:


To average out the number of targets for the third-most targeted receiver in Lombardi's New Orleans offense, it's basically 75 chances. At a 60 percent catch rate, that's 45 receptions.

Forty-five catches. That's not exactly a high return on investment for a top 10 pick.

With both Reggie Bush and Joique Bell providing strong receiving options out of the backfield, and tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria sure to get their fair share of targets as well, the third wideout is more of a complementary piece than a top priority.

 

[Rollingthndr]

North Carolina TE Eric Ebron said he believes the Lions will draft him.


Ebron, the consensus No. 1 tight end in the draft, visited Detroit last week. He'd be an athletic, downfield option to complement current plodders Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria. We highly doubt Ebron is privy to the Lions' draft plans, but it's clear they're intent on further upgrading Matthew Stafford's weaponry -- possibly as early as No. 10 overall. They've also been linked to a fistful of first-round wideout prospects.

Related: Lions

Source: SI.com

 

[themuzzer]

No thank you on Ebron.

 

[Rollingthndr]

I don't want to limit myself to just playing one specific thing,” Mack said at the NFL combine in February. “I feel like that's the biggest thing for me. When I work out, I work out with the defensive ends, I work out with the linebackers, I also go over and work out with the (defensive backs) just to stay fresh. I work hard, and I want to stay loose and don't want to put a limit on myself.”

BB_72..This is the only player I would want to trade up for and yet I still would hate to lose a pick(s)

I think Clowney is the only player worth trading up for. Once in a generation player.

 

[LPinSLC]

Clowney sounds like lazy ass Fairly to me.

 

[LPinSLC]

Clowney sounds like lazy ass Fairly to me.

I don't know if it would make me feel better to hear Clowney admit he played safe all year to be ready for the NFL. Does that mean he would "play it safe" to make sure he gets paid? He looked average all year. Why did he look average? Is any answer acceptable?

 

[tpaulus_2]

If we don't draft Aaron Donald at #10 I'd love to see us trade back 5 to 10 spots and pick from Haha Clinton-Dix, Justin Gilbert, Darqueze Dennard, Kyle Fuller, Eric Ebron, Odell Beckham Jr., Brenden Cooks, Marquese Lee, or Ryan Shazier.

I'd take any one of those guys plus an extra 3rd rounder over anyone not named Jadevon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Sammy Watkins, Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, Mike Evans, or Aaron Donald (am I missing any obvious ones there?). That's seven guys, and, imo, the next 9 best are the ones I listed above. Throw in two or three QBs and OT Taylor Lewan and we're up to 19 or 20 players. Basically, we can trade back and have our pick of at least one the 15 or so "best" players (imo, of course) in the draft and add a 3rd round pick in the process.

I'd be all about that move.

 

[gandydancer]

If we don't draft Aaron Donald at #10 I'd love to see us trade back 5 to 10 spots and pick from Haha Clinton-Dix, Justin Gilbert, Darqueze Dennard, Kyle Fuller, Eric Ebron, Odell Beckham Jr., Brenden Cooks, Marquese Lee, or Ryan Shazier.

I'd take any one of those guys plus an extra 3rd rounder over anyone not named Jadevon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Sammy Watkins, Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, Mike Evans, or Aaron Donald (am I missing any obvious ones there?). That's seven guys, and, imo, the next 9 best are the ones I listed above. Throw in two or three QBs and OT Taylor Lewan and we're up to 19 or 20 players. Basically, we can trade back and have our pick of at least one the 15 or so "best" players (imo, of course) in the draft and add a 3rd round pick in the process.

I'd be all about that move.

I heard a prior GM say yeasterday. " if you want to trade back 3 spots or 6 spots, just make sure you have 3 or 6 guys you want still there." By your list, they can trade out of the first round here...

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

If we don't draft Aaron Donald at #10 I'd love to see us trade back 5 to 10 spots and pick from Haha Clinton-Dix, Justin Gilbert, Darqueze Dennard, Kyle Fuller, Eric Ebron, Odell Beckham Jr., Brenden Cooks, Marquese Lee, or Ryan Shazier.

I'd take any one of those guys plus an extra 3rd rounder over anyone not named Jadevon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Sammy Watkins, Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, Mike Evans, or Aaron Donald (am I missing any obvious ones there?). That's seven guys, and, imo, the next 9 best are the ones I listed above. Throw in two or three QBs and OT Taylor Lewan and we're up to 19 or 20 players. Basically, we can trade back and have our pick of at least one the 15 or so "best" players (imo, of course) in the draft and add a 3rd round pick in the process.

I'd be all about that move.

.... Yep, that's a long list of quality players that not only fits needs but any one of those can be an impact player before years end, IMO. Having an extra 3rd round pick means a possibility of 4 players (not 3) that could provide substantially this year, if Mayhew drafts properly.