NFL Draft 2019 Day 3

...then for the grand finale.

The Lions traded away one of their 6th round pick Friday night to move up for their 3rd round pick (Will Harris) which means they started the last day of the 2019 draft with 5 picks. Then, when on the clock in the 4th round, they traded down a little over a handful of picks (6) and gained a 6th round pick back, giving them their original number of draft picks for today, a total of 6.

With the 117th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... DE Austin Bryant from Clemson. Austin is a tick under 6'4" tall and weighs in at 271 pounds. He was unable to be measured for anything else due to an injury he suffered in November (though he finished the season before having corrective surgery as I recall). Obviously playing hurt isn't a thing to worry about with him. One article had this to say "Bryant was part of one of the best defensive lines in the nation, finishing the 2018 season with 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 45 tackles in 15 games played. His best game likely came against Notre Dame when he recorded two sacks, six tackles, and two TFLs to help propel Clemson to the national title game." Due to the lack of measurables, there is no RAS score to report.

One draft guide has this to say on Austin:

OUTLOOK: Perhaps the greatest statement about just how much talent has been playing along the defensive line for Clemson is the fact that the prototypically-built Bryant - and his 35 career tackles for loss, 20 sacks and penchant for making big plays in big moments - is expected to be selected fourth among the Tigers' fearsome front. And yet Bryant is viewed by some as a potential first round pick. He looks the part of an NFL edge rusher with broad shoulders, a tapered, athletic frame and long limbs. Flashes excellent initial quickness, timing his get-off with the ball to cross the face of right tackles and showing the quickness to counter back inside. Equally explosive off the ball out of the two or three-point stance, offering his future NFL team a great deal of schematic versatility. A flexible athlete with the agility, bend and closing speed to be very effective on twists and stunts. Accelerates quickly, generating impressive power as a tackler, creating some big collisions and forcing two fumbles in 2017. Uses his long arms to lasso ball-carriers in the open field, wrapping them up for the secure stop. Shows some awareness of passing lanes, getting his hands up and showing good timing on his leaps to hamper the view of quarterbacks. Lack of playing time is evident in how long it takes him to process the action, too often hesitating and reacting only after the ball is moving. Does not currently show a wide variety of pass rush moves and hand technique, relying mostly on pure speed, a counter back inside, a bull rush and the variety of twists and stunts utilized by the Clemson coaching staff. Has undergone surgery on both feet for the same injury (broken fifth metatarsal), which warranted further investigation at the NFL Combine. He possesses impressive initial quickness and agility for a man of his size and should only improve with greater strength and repetitions, offering big upside.

The same guide has Austin ranked .1 points above Winovich, who the Patriots drafted. I had him ranked 162 (or a 5th round grade), but I also had no combine info to go by. It is well known he needs a study NFL diet and weight training, which he is about to encounter full time now, but while he's learning he'll be eased into the rotation. The total number of snaps depends on how hard he works and how fast he learns. Some highlights... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YU8_Xp8r04. Fans who were distraught that the Lions did not address the Edge position can now take it all back, as they managed to do so in the 4th round (and before I hear complaints about it being the 4th round, just remember, DT Hand was a 4th round pick last year).

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With the 146th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... CB Amani Oruwariye from Penn State. Now we're talking! I have Amani ranked 50th overall (a 2nd round grade) and his RAS score is 8.53 (elite). At 6' 1 5/8" tall and weighing in at 205 pounds Amani fits the proverbial CB suit. Combine that with a 4.47 forty and you definitely have something to work with.

Some highlights if you're interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m77fgzCnXjo

This draft guide doesn't have a profile on him, but nfl.com does, so here we are; "Oruwariye (pronounced OH-rue-war-ee-AY) began to show his potential as a lockdown corner his junior season in 2017, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors despite not starting in 11 games played. He intercepted four passes and broke up eight others as a reserve, making 28 tackles. Oruwariye was a starter in 2018, earning first-team all-conference nod by leading the Nittany Lions with 12 pass breakups and tying for the team lead with three interceptions, to go along with 51 tackles (two for loss) in 13 starts. He was a reserve as a freshman (five tackles, one PBU in 13 games) and sophomore, as well, though his playing time was more significant in 2016 (23 tackles, one INT, one PBU).

Overview
He can be an effective press-man defender, but must win at the line of scrimmage or he could become an early target for quarterbacks as he lacks makeup speed once he's beaten. Oruwariye is a proven disruptor at the catch point and is willing to step up and take on run support duties. When all factors are considered, he'll be considered a scheme fit for zone-heavy teams who covet physicality in press.

Strengths
Big cornerback with above-average length
Wins the eyeball test at weigh-ins
Can beat receivers up when he gets early hands on them
Good recognition and reaction in zone coverage
Impressive finding and playing football from trail
Good recognition of double moves
Physical traits restrict catch space outside numbers
Outstanding on-ball production over last two seasons including seven interceptions
Smart paths to the throw allow length to play the ball
Physical and assertive when attacking catch-point
Allows house odds when elevating to compete for 50/50s
Willing to get into the mix and handle duties as run supporter

Weaknesses
Only a full-time starter in senior season
Needs additional technique work and needs to trust it
Lacks fluid hips and feet to mirror routes from a pedal
Can be a step slow to plant and drive out of a pedal
Slow to accelerate from change of direction
Scheme dependent
Crossing routes can get away from him
Long speed and recovery burst are issues
Forced to sit on high side of routes in off-man due to speed deficiency

Sources Tell Us
"Our national scout is high on him because of his size and length. We don't care as much about speed numbers as long as you can play the big receivers and make plays on the ball, but he has to hit our minimum speed numbers at the Combine." -- Pro personnel director with NFC team

Obviously the Lions believe he fits their scheme, and all rookies get the NFL diet and weight training program, so even in round 5 the Lions may have a potential future starter on hand.

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With the 184th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... WR Travis Fulgham from Old Dominion. I had Travis ranked 203rd (6th round grade). Travis is 6' 2 3/8" tall and weighs in at 211 pounds with a 4.58 forty time. His RAS score is 8.01 (elite) and compared to other WRs has great size, poor speed, great explosion, and good agility. He has 9 1/2" hands and if he were just a touch faster he'd have been long gone before the 6th round.

One draft guide has this to say on Travis; "OUTLOOK: A former walk-on, Fulgham is a big bodied receiver that embraces the physical aspect of the game not only breaking tackles after the catch but as a blocker in the running game. He’s not a sudden mover and lacks a true third gear but is highly competitive and does exceedingly well in contested catch scenarios."

Some highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SnNaWyYvqI

I haven't done a side-by-side comparison, but a lot of his info reminds me of one Marvin Jones.

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With the 186th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... RB Ty Johnson from Maryland. I had a 7th round/undrafted rank on Ty. Ty has an RAS score of 8.63 (elite). He's 5' 10 3/4" tall and weighs in at 210 pounds with a 4.4 forty time. His hand size is a small worry, at 9 1/8" (I don't like hands under 9 3/8" and the smaller the hands the more likely the odds of fumbling). Still, he's fast.

A draft guide has this to say on Ty: OUTLOOK: An explosive runner, Johnson shows excellent vision and can hit the hole between the tackles but he also possesses the plus acceleration needed to cut it to the outside. A multi-purpose prospect who can also be a receiving threat and return weapon, Johnson is one of the best running back prospects no one is talking about leading up to the draft. He projects as a change of pace back at the next level with the ability to factor in on special teams but his dynamic speed gives him the chance to be more.

PROS: Johnson is a tough smaller, change of pace back with some upper body strength, which allows him to break arm tackles and gain additional yards after contact. He is physical and invites contact at times but he has a rare third gear which makes him an extremely tough runner to defend against. He possesses great acceleration and patience, quick burst and change of direction ability. He is also a return specialist who has averaged over 26 yards per return for his career, including a 100-yard return in 2017.

CONS: There were questions surrounding Johnson’s maturity when he was an underclassman. Former head coach DJ Durkin said that his mental approach changed entering his junior campaign, as he took a more professional attitude in practice. Had shown to have proven hands coming out of the backfield during the week of East-West Shrine Game practices but wasn’t nearly utilized enough in that aspect during his Terrapins career.

“He said, ‘What if something happens and I don’t have my degree? I have to have my degree.’ That was the final straw. No, I’m not leaving without it. He went to [coach DJ] Durkin and said, ‘I’m coming back. I’m not leaving without that paper.’ I was pushing him to leave. He ended up being the smart one in that situation and went back.” – Tracy Johnson, mother of Ty"

Some highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpc7_1q0jcw

Now I'm not awarding the starting job to Ty, but he'll be a hard player to cut I do believe, and will contribute to the RB rotation that most teams employ these days.

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With the 224th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... TE Isaac Nauta from Georgia. That's right, another TE. I have Isaac ranked 174th (5th/6th round grade). The problem is, his RAS score is 1.57 (poor/very poor). There is not one measurable that is desirable for him to be a TE. I have a hunch the Lions plan to move him to full back. He's 6' 3 1/4" tall and weighs 241 pounds running a 4.83 forty. His best measurable was bench, with 19. So he's strong. Still, I can't find anyone mentioning that he might be a FB playing at TE, so maybe I'm just wrong. Anyway, a draft guide has a bit more positive of an outlook then everything else suggests, it goes like this:

OUTLOOK: Arrived to Georgia as a heralded five-star recruit and while he didn’t quite live up to expectations, Nauta finished up his career strong and appears ready for the next level as an early entree. He finished his career with 42 games played, including 27 starts, registering 68 catches for 905 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Possesses the size, frame and maturity that should make for a rather seamless transition to the NFL. A highly competitive and physical player. Also a big play threat who is difficult to tackle in the open field. Has been used out of the slot and is not afraid to go over the middle. Shows sound blocking technique and great strength. Does a nice job of riding out his blocks and staying on his man through the whistle. A vocal leader who holds teammates accountable and isn’t afraid to speak up, according to his head coach Kirby Smart. Has been a streaky performer during his Bulldogs career, with 29 catches as a freshman, then just nine as a sophomore, before bouncing back with 30 receptions as a junior. The Georgia offense did not make great use of the tight end in their passing game. Will get caught turning and running before he actually catches the ball, leading to an occasional drop. Would like to see him be a bit more aware of the first down marker, he often cuts off his route prior to the marker.

Here is the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MEqFMFswQA

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With the 229th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... DT PJ Johnson from Arizona. I have PJ ranked 207th (6th/7th round grade). His RAS score is a lowly 0.87. At 6' 3 3/8" tall and 321 pounds with a 5.34 forty I think what we have here is a nose tackle. But with a bench of only 18 I would say maybe not such a super strong one. This is maybe a nose tackle project, which you would expect with a 7th round pick (a project that is).

His highlight film says he's the most underrated DT in the draft: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hFgO3_aBgk

He's not in the draft guides, so let's check the internet. nfl.com has this info: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/p.j.-johnson?id=32194a4f-4858-0971-a306-a31ea05fb62b but this one hits the nail on the head, as they compare him to "snacks" Harrison: http://draftanalyst.com/pj-johnson which should explain the Lions interest.

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Now I am going to do one more thing, I'm going to take all NINE 2019 Lions Draft Picks and re-shuffle them so that they are in order of my board, as the Lions obviously had these guys ranked differently then I did. Here we go:

7th Overall TE T.J. Hockenson drafted Round 1, 8th overall.
50th Overall CB Amani Oruwariye drafted Round 5, 146th overall.
108th Overall ILB Jahlani Tavai drafted Round 2, 43rd overall.
162nd Overall DE Austin Bryant drafted Round 4, 117th overall.
174th Overall TE Isaac Nauta drafted Round 7, 224th overall.
203rd Overall WR Travis Fulgham drafted Round 6, 184th overall.
207th Overall DT PJ Johnson drafted Round 7, 229th overall.
274th Overall DB Will Harris drafted Round 3, 81st overall.
302nd Overall RB Ty Johnson drafted Round 6, 186th overall.

As you can see, what I have for rankings is nothing at all like what the Lions have them ranked. I'm fine with that, they have a ton more information and people involved then me, and in fact I warn people every year leading up to the draft that teams look at players differently then we fans do. I know it'll happen, it always does, and yet every year I allow the reaches to bug me and the values to make me feel good (like Amani there, taken in the 5th round, with a 2nd round grade). Every year I tell myself the team needs to be able to work on these guys for a year or three and THEN see where we are. Every year I fail miserably. I would explain the same to those reading this, but if I can't convince myself what chance do I really have? So I'll change my speech to this, if you feel the Lions took a day 3 player on day 2, at least they also took a day 2 player on day 3! [insert smiling face moji here]. Oh, and as for the lousy RAS grades and almost glowing scouting profiles, that might be the film shows more then the tape measure... or is it an arbinger of things to come? Maybe we can at least agree on this... it's too soon to know for sure! Hope you got to enjoy at least part of the draft everyone, blog at you later.

NFL Draft 2019 Day 2

And the excitement continues...

With the 43rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... MLB Jahlani Tavai from Hawaii. Who, you may ask? Well, I had heard of him, even mocked him to the Lions a couple times in round 4 or 5 back in February until I did my research after the combine and realized I shouldn't have him on the draft board at all. So I stopped mocking him to the Lions completely. You see, Tavai is a player kind of like Devin White, who I thought the Lions might draft in round 1 and then play him in the middle moving Davis to the Van Noy position that the Patriots use. I never thought that they would have a backup for White in another round and that the player would be Tavai. White, who was drafted 5th overall by the Bucs, has an RAS score of 9.33 is 6 foot tall, weighs in at 237 pounds and runs a 4.42 forty. Tavai who was drafted 43rd overall by the Lions, has an RAS score of 4.14 (below average athlete) is 6' 2 3/8" tall, weighs in at 246 pounds and runs a 4.86 forty. I had Tavai ranked 108th (4th round), those I follow had him ranked 86 to 113th (3rd/4th round). Everyone had White ranked top 10 except PFF who has him at 12. So athletically Tavai is not the best backup option to White... especially not a 2nd round backup option.

So what does his film show? One draft board has this to say, which isn't all that far from what others I have read say...

OUTLOOK: For scouts to pay much attention to programs with a limited track of producing draft-worthy talent, players have to dominate. That is precisely what Tavai did over four seasons at Hawaii, leaving the program ranked second all-time in tackles despite missing the final six games of the season due to a shoulder injury which required surgery. A four-year starter with legitimate NFL size, athleticism and production, he's likely to hear his name called on Day Three, making him the first Rainbow Warrior defender to be drafted since the then-St. Louis Rams took a seventh round flyer on Aaron Brown in 2012.

PROS: Possesses a legitimate NFL frame with broad shoulders and good overall weight distribution, including a thick lower half. Quick to read run, showing good key and diagnosis skills to step up and take on hard-charging blockers in the hole. Extends his arms to keep blockers away from his frame, showing good length and strength to stay clean on his way to the ball. Balanced and agile to fight through traffic, showing at least average speed to the flanks. Good flexibility to dip under the reach of would-be blockers and is surprisingly fluid in scraping the corner. Core and hand strength show in his ability to fight off blocks and pull down ball-carriers while engaged. Athletic bloodlines. Two older brothers who also played D-I football, including J.R. Tavai, formerly from Southern Cal and the Tennessee Titans.

CONS: While possessing good speed for a linebacker of his size, Tavai shows just fair speed overall for the position, lacking ideal suddenness to close. More of a drag down 'rassler than a true striker, lacking the intimidation factor as a hitter that his size might suggest. Comes with character red flags that require investigating. Along with Hawaii teammate Kaiwi Chung, Tavai was arrested and charged with assault following an incident at a Honolulu nightclub.

Here is his highlights on youtube... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8_vOB9MQbk So he is a productive LB that should not technically be productive. That probably speaks for his football intelligence and his instincts and his ability to instantly process what is happening. Can he do that at the NFL level? That's the gamble. The Lions either drafted Devin White part II or they drafted a total draft bust. I'll just throw this out there, not what I would have done.

With the 81st overall pick in the 2019 draft the Detroit Lions select... S Will Harris from Boston College.

But the Lions didn't have the 81st pick, they traded for it. Detroit gave up its 3rd round pick, number 88 overall, as well as one of its 6th rounders, number 204 overall, in order to move up 7 spots with the division rival Minnesota Vikings.

So who is this guy they used their 3rd round AND their 6th round pick on? Well, I had Will Harris ranked 275, or a 7th round/undrafted grade. The Lions moved up 7 spots, presumably in order to draft ahead of the Patriots, who were drafting 87th over, one in front of the Lions. Would the Patriots select this guy in the 3rd round? I do not know, but the Lions must think so.

Now comes the interesting stuff. Will Harris has the absolute best RAS score of all the Strong Safeties in the draft. An elite score of 9.64. Good size, good explosion, elite speed and elite agility. At 6' 1" tall and 207 pounds he ran a 4.41 forty. Now that is impressive!

So what does his film show? Here is his highlight film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQAe7vN4wQw

Here is what one draft profile says:

OUTLOOK: With defensive-minded head coach Steve Addazio running the show, it should come as no surprise that Boston College has turned into a consistent producer of quality NFL defensive prospects. Harris is a bit of a throwback to a prior generation as a run-defending box safety. While his production and experience should not be ignored, Harris' lack of speed and agility in coverage could be exposed by the precision passing and explosiveness he'll face in the NFL

PROS: Looks the part of an NFL safety with an imposing frame. Plays to his size, routinely delivering physical hits to ball-carriers and showing zero hesitation when fighting through the mass of humanity near the line of scrimmage. Shows good awareness in pass coverage, anticipating routes and timing his hits well to break up passes or eliminate yard after catch opportunities. While lacking top speed, Harris diagnoses the action quickly, getting a jump on the ball to click and close. Excellent intangibles. Voted a team captain in 2018. Father, Will Harris, Sr., played wide out at Mississippi State (1989-92) and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills (seventh round).

CONS: Possesses just average straight-line speed for the position, lacking the second gear to recover when beaten in coverage or in pursuit. Exacerbating the issue, Harris needs to show improved timing when diving at ball-carriers running away from him, too often failing to trip them up before they leave him in their dust. Too often appears satisfied with allowing the reception and making the hit rather than going for the ball. Recorded one interception in 2018 and zero passes defended.

In other words, he has the tools, for the most part, and is old school, which would appeal to certain coaches, but needs exactly that, to be coached into NFL quality play. Apparently the Lions believe they can do that for him. I can't say if that will work out or not, but as the highest RAS score of all Strong Safeties, he has the tools to work with.

So even though I thought he was taken a day too soon in the draft, I can't really argue he shouldn't have been drafted. If the Lions know the Patriots were going there one pick before them, I can't blame them for giving up a 6th to a division rival to move ahead of the Patriots. But if they are wrong, this has the makings of a double negative in the ole report card.

The Lions have the best TE in the draft from day 1, the best athlete that plays strong safety in the draft, and a not so athletic middle linebacker that plays real hard (does the remind you of anyone? How about Chris Spielman?)

I hate this draft! I just might absolutely love this draft and proclaim it as one of the best of all time, maybe. Depends on these players and the coaches.

NFL Draft 2019 Day 1

Well, that's exciting.

With the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select... TE T. J. Hockenson from Iowa.

Yep, that's right, the Detroit Lions picked yet another tight end in the first round of the draft. In 2009 it was Brandon Pettigrew and in 2014 it was Eric Ebron (whilst passing on DT Donald). This year DT Ed Oliver was there for the taking (went 9th overall to the Buffalo Bills) when the Lions turned in their card for TE Hockenson. Sounds like a broken record, almost like the three wide receiver score by Matt Millen years ago. But actually, it's nothing like that at all.

You see, T. J. Hockenson can actually block and catch the football, has good hands, and is a hard working football player. In other words, he can actually play the position. He'll be 22 in July (21 when drafted). He's 6' 4 3/4" tall weighs in at 251 pounds with 9 1/2" hands. He has an RAS score of 9.21 with great agility, elite explosion, and good size and speed.

One draft publication has this to say about him

"OUTLOOK: A first down waiting to happen, you might as well call him, “Mr. Automatic.” Hockenson plays beyond the whistle. He would be an all-pro fullback, the fact that he possesses the size to play tight end and can be a receiving threat as well, makes him a blue chip prospect at his position. After an outstanding season, in which he accumulated 760 receiving yards on 49 receptions and six touchdowns, Hockenson was awarded with the 2018 John Mackey Award as top tight end in the nation. He also took home the Ozzie Newsome Award and First-Team All-American honors. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hockenson go in the top ten.

PROS: The way he is able to be used is an offensive coordinators dream. He can play inline, he can play outside, h-back, fullback and is a mismatch for linebackers or safeties. He’s a banger; big time blocks and train wreck collisions coming at you. An exceptional blocker who does a nice job of seeking out his targets in the second level and holding his blocks on the seal. He puts emphasis on getting proper positioning. Possesses great size, above average athleticism and certified toughness.

CONS: He can be a bit wild out there in the open field and will get a bit reckless, forgetting technique. His route running could stand to use some sharpening, he tends to get sloppy feet on occasion and will round off his cuts. Overall, this is a pretty clean player, if you want to criticize his speed you can, as he doesn’t run as fast as some of the other pass-catching tight end prospects. Has just 23 games played for his career and is one of the least experienced players in this year’s class.

COMPARISON: Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles – The complete package, Hockenson can do it all and could join Ertz one day as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends."

The only thing lacking in his profile is the 17 bench presses, which means he needs a study NFL diet of nutrition and workouts, which he about to start getting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqU9EfOGVK0 Highlights

He is on the Lions contact list, and I had him ranked at 7th overall. Does that mean I would've drafted him instead of making my DL rock super solid by drafting Ed Oliver? Nope. I would've taken Oliver. But I can at least understand why the Lions took T.J. now it's up to him to prove that the 3rd time is the charm.