tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78783745277408979492024-02-21T22:53:59.655-05:00NetRat's Lions BlogDetroit Lions, the NFL, the Salary Cap and More... courtesy of the NetRat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-50572241325002830992023-05-08T19:53:00.005-05:002023-05-12T18:13:07.196-05:00The 2023 NFL Draft as it pertains to the Detroit Lions.Last year I had intended to do more blog write ups on the draft but got overwhelmed with other things and was never able to get back to it. I predict this year may be more of the same so I’ll make one huge draft post for 2023 just in case that’s all I have time for.<br><br>
Now prior to the draft beginning the Lions traded away Okudah to the Falcons for a 5th round pick, number 159 overall. Using the Jerry Jones trade value chart that equates to 26.6 points and gave the Lions two 5th round picks to work with. Last year the Lions had traded TJ Hockenson to the Vikings for a 2nd rounder this year; that ended up being the 55th overall pick, worth 350 points and giving the Lions two 2nd round picks. And the year prior to that the Lions had traded away quarterback Matthew Stafford and received as the last part of the trade in 2023 the Rams 1st round pick which was 6th overall, netting them an 1800 point value and two 1st round picks to work with.<br><br>
The Lions wait until they are on the clock at 6th overall and make a trade down to 12th overall with Arizona. The Cardinals received number 6 overall in the first round and number 81 overall in the third round, a total of 1,785 points. The Lions received 12th overall in the first round, 34th overall in the 2nd round, and 168th overall in the fifth round, a total of 1,783 points. They say no one uses the JJ draft value trade chart, but I’m thinking this is rather randomly close if true.<br><br>
When the Lions finally got on the clock at pick 12 they selected Jahmyr Gibbs, running back. Gibbs has a RAS of 8.07 (elite athlete) and is known to have great hands for catching passes and great vision and quickness to hit the smallest of holes in the run game. I had him ranked 27th but other people had Gibbs ranked much higher. In fact, The Draft Network had him ranked 6th best player in the draft. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/jahmyr-gibbs-9a15a353-4267-4583-8b60-e1c77e08b588/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/jahmyr-gibbs-9a15a353-4267-4583-8b60-e1c77e08b588/</a> while The Huddle Report’s Drew Broylhart gave him a first round grade <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3162" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3162</a>. Ourlads has already anointed him as the starting running back with Montgomery the backup, who can do many similar things but most importantly, take some of the strain of being a NFL running back for himself probably helping the both of them to remain effective longer.<br><br>
The Lions patiently waited until their own first round pick at 18th overall and then drafted Jack Campbell, linebacker. Campbell has a RAS of 9.98 (high end of elite) and is known as a consistent tackler rarely missing. He has plenty of special teams experience and can play any LB position and is great against the run. I had him ranked 51st but again, others had him ranked higher. The Draft Network had him ranked 41st <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/jack-campbell-d213e4cd-9072-4d5b-bd52-05f43d4151c0/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/jack-campbell-d213e4cd-9072-4d5b-bd52-05f43d4151c0/</a> while The Huddle Report’s Drew Broylhart gave him a 2nd round grade reasoning that most teams wouldn’t know just how to use Campbell correctly (he’s a throwback LB, not so much new age). <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3460" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3460</a> Ourlads has anointed him the starting middle linebacker, I’m just not sure if that is where he will play, his OTA and camp workouts will help to determine all that. One thing I do know for sure, the Lions could really use a sure tackling run defender and they now have one, plus his special teams contributions will help as well.<br><br>
The Lions next pick due to the trade with Arizona was at the beginning of round 2 with the 34th overall pick where they selected Sam Laporta, tight end. Laporta has a RAS of 9.02 (elite) and is considered one of the top TEs in college football. The Draft Network had him ranked 50th overall while I had him ranked 54th. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/sam-laporta-0cceb5ff-8e5c-4f33-8f4a-9952da224c58/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/sam-laporta-0cceb5ff-8e5c-4f33-8f4a-9952da224c58/</a> and the Huddle Report’s Broylhart had him with a first round grade. <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3368" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3368</a> Ourlads as anointed him as the starting tight end but that might not be week 1, then again, it just might be.<br><br>
Before the Lions could pick at 48 they traded up to 45 with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers received pick 48 and a round 5 pick, 159th overall. The points for the Packers added up to 446.6 while the Lions moving up 3 added up to 450, again very close to the trade value chart being used it would seem. With the 45th pick the Lions drafted Brian Branch, Safety and Slot Cornerback. Branch has a RAS of 5.27 (good athlete) and I had him ranked as the 15th best player in the draft. The Draft Network had him ranked 20th overall and is known for his versatility and violent tackling. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/brian-branch-22d1b089-de8b-4e48-9e28-9c5aedd4d0d9/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/brian-branch-22d1b089-de8b-4e48-9e28-9c5aedd4d0d9/</a> The Huddle Report gave him a 1st round grade <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3194" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3194</a> Ourlads has him as the backup strong safety to Tracy Walker III but I think he takes over Okudah’s slot duties (eventually) and will get moved all around the defense depending on the play. Some of the other picks were considered “reaches” by many a pundit, but this pick is pretty much universally considered a “steal”.<br><br>
Instead of using the 55th pick gained from the Hockenson trade, the Lions traded the pick to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs ended up getting pick 55 and pick 194 in the 6th round (362.2 points) and the Lions got pick 63, pick 122 in the 4th round, and pick 249 in the 7th round (327 points). Points-wise, this was the worst of the many Lions trades.<br><br>
The Lions weren’t done yet though, they then traded pick 63 to the Denver Broncos. The Broncos got 63 and 183 in the 6th round (301 points) and the Lions received pick 68 in the 3rd round and 139 in the 4th round (286.5 points). With the 68th pick at the top of round 3 the Lions drafted Hendon Hooker, quarterback. Due to injury Hooker has no RAS rating. The Draft Network has Hooker ranked 43rd overall and is considered a developmental starter but no one is entirely sure how his college work will translate in the NFL <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/hendon-hooker-cca46d4a-7198-4211-bed4-94aaa34a7b0a/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/hendon-hooker-cca46d4a-7198-4211-bed4-94aaa34a7b0a/</a>. Drew Broylhart didn’t hesitate to put a 1st round grade on him though <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3072" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=3072</a>, so it’s possible the transition will be easier than some think. Ourlads has Hooker as the 2nd string QB behind Goff.<br><br>
The Lions apparently got nervous about losing their next target as they traded up from 122 to 96 with the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions got pick 96 (116 points) and the Cardinals received pick 122 in the 4th round, pick 139 in the 5th round, and pick 168 in the 5th round as well (109.5 points making it the best Lions trade points-wise). With the 96th pick the Lions selected Brodric Martin, nose tackle. Martin has a RAS of 2.14 which is not an unusual score for a nose tackle. Most places did not rank Martin at all. I had him as my 262nd ranked player. NFL Draft Buzz had him ranked as a 6th round pick <a href="https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Brodric-Martin-DT-WesternKentucky" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Brodric-Martin-DT-WesternKentucky</a> and all I know is he’s a big guy (over 330 pounds) but can move fast for a nose tackle. I’m assuming the Lions had word that he might go early in round 4 and felt it necessary to move up to ensure the pick. If he can command double teams (eventually) that frees up the rest of the defense to play one-on-one.<br><br>
While the draft was going on, D’Andre Swift took exception to the Lions’ first round pick of Gibbs and asked to be traded. The Lions were able to trade him to the Eagles (near his home town) for pick 219 in the 7th round and a 4th round pick in 2025. The Lions also had to give up their 7th round pick of 249 to make the deal. Not sure how you add up points for a 4th rounder 2 years from now, and the other two picks were 1 point and 2 points, so I guess the Lions upgraded the position with a younger player who has a rookie contract just beginning while Swift was on the last year of his deal.<br><br>
With the 152nd pick in the 5th round the Detroit Lions selected Colby Sordal, OT/OG. He has played both guard and tackle (both sides) and will look to become depth on the OL. Sordal has a RAS of 6.48 (Good) and he says he can play all 5 spots on the offensive line. <a href="https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2023/4/29/23704575/2023-nfl-draft-william-mary-ol-colby-sorsdal-selected-in-5th-round-by-detroit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2023/4/29/23704575/2023-nfl-draft-william-mary-ol-colby-sorsdal-selected-in-5th-round-by-detroit</a> though very few draft pundits knew him at all so there isn’t much to work with as far as links go. If he can transition to the NFL this could very well be another find by Lions GM Holmes. I entered Sordal as my 300th player on my board after his selection.<br><br>
Finally, at pick 219 in the 7th round the Lions drafted Antoine Green, wide receiver. The Draft Network had Green ranked 186th <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/antoine-green-71d9daa3-23e6-4b4b-b292-b13ed5499174/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/antoine-green-71d9daa3-23e6-4b4b-b292-b13ed5499174/</a> and I had him ranked 267th. He is a fast deep vertical threat but I don’t know if he can make the transition to the NFL. Let’s just say the Lions coaches have their work cut out for them.<br><br>
Now the draft is over but the Lions aren’t done looking under rocks just yet. They endeavor to sign (as far as we know) about 14 undrafted players. Rookie mini-camp is this upcoming weekend so until then the press has been pretty quiet and the undrafted rookies aren’t in Detroit yet to sign their contracts they agreed to so the transactions haven’t hit the wire yet. If the info I have is right, these are the players the Lions have added to their roster, and some of them ranked higher (as usual every year) then those that were drafted.<br><br>
Brandon Joseph, strong safety, RAS of 6.47 (Good) and ranked 167th on my board (5th round). The Draft Network has him ranked 103rd (top of 4th round) and is known as a ball hawking safety. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/brandon-joseph-09ae02d5-1816-4944-9676-280965990890/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/brandon-joseph-09ae02d5-1816-4944-9676-280965990890/</a> In my opinion there is a good chance he makes the final roster or at least the practice squad.<br><br>
Mohamed Ibrahim, running back, RAS of none (injured) and ranked 231 on my board (7th round). Rumor is the Lions guaranteed $100,000 of his salary in order to sign him. The Draft Network has him ranked 207th and he is known as an instinctive running back. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/mohamed-ibrahim-decdcffb-cf99-45fa-88dc-af782287258c/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/mohamed-ibrahim-decdcffb-cf99-45fa-88dc-af782287258c/</a> In my opinion there a very good chance he makes the final roster especially if the guaranteed salary rumor is true.<br><br>
Starling Thomas V, cornerback, RAS of 6.63 (good) and ranked 240th on my board (7th round). Draft Buzz has his profile <a href="https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Starling-ThomasV-CB-UAB" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Starling-ThomasV-CB-UAB</a> and some other draft pundits figured he’d be drafted in the 6th or 7th round. I’m not sure if he’ll make the team but the practice squad does seem very likely. He is very fast and a sure tackler, so if he can pick up the defense fast enough it could make a lot of difference.<br><br>
Connor Galvin, offensive tackle, RAS of 5.35 (good) and ranked 245th on my board (7th round). The Draft Network has him ranked 280th and he is known as a potential swing tackle in the NFL. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/connor-galvin-aef584db-cd77-4b77-ab7d-2ff8257bf8c5/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/connor-galvin-aef584db-cd77-4b77-ab7d-2ff8257bf8c5/</a> He will be in need of NFL coaching and NFL weight training to get his pad level right and to gain strength, after that, it remains to be seen if he can ever unseat some of the Lions depth to make the roster, for now, sounds like practice squad to me.<br><br>
Chris Smith, defensive tackle, RAS of 8.46 (elite) and originally unranked on my board but I added him at 302. Unranked by most, he stood out at his pro day and Notre Dame has this bio on him <a href="https://und.com/sports/football/roster/season/2022-23/player/chris-smith/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://und.com/sports/football/roster/season/2022-23/player/chris-smith/</a>. <br> <br>
Adrian Martinez, quarterback, RAS of 9.47 (elite) and originally unranked on my board but I added him at 311. I had to once again go to Draft Buzz to find his bio <a href="https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Adrian-Martinez-QB-Nebraska" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Adrian-Martinez-QB-Nebraska</a> and maybe he can make the practice squad depending on how much he can learn from the Lions’ quarterback coach.<br><br>
Chase Cota, wide receiver, RAS of 9.34 (elite) and rumor is he has $80,000 of his salary guaranteed by the Lions. The Draft Network has him ranked 382 and he is known for his special teams play. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/chase-cota-8f61332f-2436-434f-881f-16574b07bd98/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/chase-cota-8f61332f-2436-434f-881f-16574b07bd98/</a> If the rumor of the guarantee is accurate, he might make the final roster as a special teams player or at least the practice squad.<br><br>
Brad Cecil, center, RAS of 5.18 (good) and not ranked on my board. Apparently not on The Draft Network either since they have a link but no info <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/brad-cecil-ffd89afc-4291-46eb-9394-ff9696e8fef3/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/brad-cecil-ffd89afc-4291-46eb-9394-ff9696e8fef3/</a> Apparently he’s working towards a masters degree but I’m finding little on the player <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/usfs-cecil-chases-nfl-dream-213012799.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/usfs-cecil-chases-nfl-dream-213012799.html</a> <br><br>
Isaac Darkangel, linebacker, RAS of 7.16 (good). Another player with a blank bio <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/isaac-darkangelo-24b3d072-309b-47aa-b3c2-b6792b8d6b3f/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/isaac-darkangelo-24b3d072-309b-47aa-b3c2-b6792b8d6b3f/</a> I know some have written articles on these guys but I’m not going searching for it, I just don’t have the time.<br><br>
Cory Durden, defensive tackle, RAS of 4.96 (just shy of a good athlete, however pretty good for a nose tackle, if that is what he plays). The Draft Network has him ranked 308 <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/cory-durden-46f637a4-4b8f-40ca-940e-b8b7ce73a2bc/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/cory-durden-46f637a4-4b8f-40ca-940e-b8b7ce73a2bc/</a> but says he missed too many tackles, perhaps the Lions think they can fix that?<br><br>
Zach Morton, edge, RAS of 9.31 (elite). All I know is that he is a Detroit native.<br><br>
Keytaon Thompson, wide receiver, RAS of 5.36 (good). The Draft Network ranks him 361. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/keytaon-thompson-7a88839c-506f-4ddc-bcb6-f69c1c738fd4/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/keytaon-thompson-7a88839c-506f-4ddc-bcb6-f69c1c738fd4/</a> I don’t think I’ve ever read a profile mentioning a player who can be a wide receiver, a running back AND a quarterback. Interesting, if not puzzling about where he’d play.<br><br>
Ryan Swoboda, offensive tackle, RAS of 9.31 (elite). They don’t make too many 6’ 9” OTs these days, must be why his bio is blank <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/ryan-swoboda-cb0e6807-c11c-47ab-acd8-9d82e144be04/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/ryan-swoboda-cb0e6807-c11c-47ab-acd8-9d82e144be04/</a><br><br>
Trevor Nowaske, linebacker, RAS of 9.86 (elite). I know he played at Saginaw Valley State, and that’s just about it.<br><br>
So there we are… two to four undrafted players that could make the final roster in my opinion and some others that could end up on the practice squad. In addition to all the draft trades affecting the Lions, and the draft picks themselves. The roster is certainly getting crowded with some very talented hard working players, makes me believe the future is very bright indeed.<br><br>
Update: May 12, 2023... just found out today that another undrafted player was signed, a Steven Gilmore, cornerback. RAS of 6.26 (good athlete) hails from Marshall and The Draft Network has him ranked 356th <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/steven-gilmore-0b9b5ba7-fd2f-4123-88d0-3ba7f18b67d8/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/steven-gilmore-0b9b5ba7-fd2f-4123-88d0-3ba7f18b67d8/</a> while I didn't have him on my board. Younger brother of New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore. <br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-15703557706753027772022-04-30T19:59:00.002-05:002022-04-30T19:59:50.252-05:00Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft and the Detroit Lions<br>
The Lions started out day 3 with three draft picks. Eventually they would trade from 181 to 188 and gain pick 237 in the seventh round for a total of four draft picks. I haven't had time yet to do much research on any of the day 3 picks, none of them who were I had thought the Lions would draft, so I am unprepared to go into detail on any of them without researching first. In the end they drafted pretty much every position I figured they would with one exception, no backup offensive tackle and/or backup offensive guard. I guess they had to save something for 2023 on the line of scrimmage.<Br><br>
In round 5, at pick number 177, the Lions selected TE James Mitchell from Virginia Tech. He has no RAS score as his injury prevented him from completing all the drills necessary to produce a score. He'll start out as a backup, learning the craft and working the gym while on an NFL diet to build body mass. His versatility and coachability will allow the Lions to mold him into a great player for the team. If you want to read why I am saying that, read this: <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/james-mitchell/0D6sbufrAw" target="_blank">https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/james-mitchell/0D6sbufrAw</a> Once you read that you can easily see the appeal to the Lions in acquiring his various talents. Remember though, he's a round 5 pick on day 3, he was not drafted to be a ready-to-play-on-the-first-day kind of player. I had him ranked at 220, a full round later then when he was taken. I can live with that, teams (all teams) were taking players from all over the place ranking-wise.<br><br>
As I said earlier, at 181 the Lions opted to trade down 7 picks to 188 and gain a mid-7th round pick. At 188 in the 6th round they selected with one of their two picks in this round; LB Malcolm Rodriguez from Oklahoma State. Malcolm has an elite RAS score of 9.28 and I had him ranked at 173. He will play middle linebacker but also be able to handle coverage tasks, a skill many LBs tend to lack. For a 6th round pick it appears at first glance that there isn't much work to do for the coaches, but I think the fitness guys need to get to him first, then the position coaches. For the complete details read: <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/malcolm-rodriguez" target="_blank">https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/malcolm-rodriguez</a>. In the end, I'm looking forward to watching his development on defense in the middle of the field.<br><Br>
The other pick in round 6 was at pick 217, where the Lions selected DE James Houston IV. I looked up his RAS score, and they have him listed as a LB. His RAS score is 7.92 but I did not have him included on my original board, so I am adding him. Some have him graded as a 7th rounder or undrafted free agent. I believe the Lions took him due to the interest in him from Dallas. My normal sources have no info on him, so I went to the opposition. This will give you all the details you need to see what the Lions have to start working with: <a href="https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/lists/james-houston-2022-draft-profile/" target="_blank">https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/lists/james-houston-2022-draft-profile/</a>. He's raw, but he's an end of the 6th round draft pick, so that matches up fine. If he can match up with offensive opponents eventually he'll prove to be a good pick as well.<Br><Br>
With the acquired pick in the 7th round, the Lions drafted CB Chase Lucas of Arizona State. My board listed him as a nickle cornerback with an RAS score of an elite 8.89. I also had him ranked at 218 on my board, ahead of both TE Mitchell the 5th round pick and James Houston, the second 6th round pick. The Lions drafted him 237th overall, I would imagine they were surprised to still find him available. My source shows him to be rated as a 4th round pick, a bit more than I had him, due to his speed, but I'm not sure if his instincts won't completely negate that shortcoming. Read up on him here: <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/chase-lucas-9c4b09df-21b8-4138-b2a9-3db995fbfc7a/" target="_blank">https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/chase-lucas-9c4b09df-21b8-4138-b2a9-3db995fbfc7a/</a>. This player may turn out to be my favorite of all the players selected on day 3 by the Lions.<Br><Br>
There are the specifics of each pick, my next blog post will be more of a general overview of the entire 2022 draft, and perhaps the state of the roster with these additions, I'm just waiting now for the list of undrafted rookies the Lions sign... my board has quite a number of options there that the Lions might be interested in, but they have room for only a few (unless they make cuts or trades). The next few days should prove as interesting as the past few days.<br><Br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-28395773759421359452022-04-30T00:14:00.001-05:002022-04-30T00:23:13.071-05:00Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft and the Detroit Lions<br>
The Detroit Lions didn't make any more trades on day 2 of the draft. Instead they selected two players that should help the team in positions of need. In fact, I put those very needs in my estimated depth chart weeks ago. So here is my take on the 2nd and 3rd round picks for the Lions this year.<br><br>
At pick 46 (from last night's trade with the Vikings) the Lions selected DL Josh Paschal. The NFL at the time showed him as being a DE, but he can play anywhere on the DL and my source has him listed as a 5T defensive tackle, a postion I expected the Lions to draft to rotate with Brockers (and evenutally replace him). Paschal was 88th on my board, and he would not have made it to pick 97 (along with many others) so this was their 2nd round target. Paschal has an RAS score of 9.7, which means he is an elite athlete compared to other DL candidates in this draft. TheHuddleReport had him at 71 but they have no bio on him, so I had to look elsewhere. The only link you need to read to see why the Lions drafted this player is right here: <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/josh-paschal" target="_blank">https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/josh-paschal</a>. If after reading all of that you don't understand the pick, then you don't understand Holmes.<br><Br>
Next is the Lions pick at 97. Safety Kerby Joseph was ranked 100th on my board, but doesn't have a RAS score due to limited information. TheHuddleReport.com also has no bio on this player, so once again looking elsewhere. Choosing the same site, with a slightly less than glowing bio, here is the read on the Lions late 3rd round pick, which is technically about what you would expect from a player at that spot in the draft. <a href="https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/kerby-joseph/wGwqSPGAxb" target="_blank">https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/kerby-joseph/wGwqSPGAxb</a> Personally I think, in a year or two, he'll become a good safety, but he's not ready to start just now.<Br><br>
Since that was it for the Lions picks, this should be the end of my blog entry, but allow me to toot my own horn a bit. Each year I check to see how my top 100 does against Mel Kiper and others, and this year is no different. My total for 2022 was 82 right. I won't know the score of the competition for a day or three, so we'll see how I did then. Meanwhile, one other bit of info if I may. <br><br>
RAS is a score that compares one athlete to the others. It consists of things like 3 cone, and 40 yard times, and long jump, and height and weight, and so forth. It is completely factual. From data less than 2 months old. Above average is usually 5.0 or higher, meaning a good athlete (not football player, athlete) is from around 5.0 to about 7.9, the higher the better. An elite athlete is 8.0 or higher, maximum of 10.0, again, the higher the better. It is no more possible to know if a player with a high RAS will do well in the NFL than an interview or a flip of a coin would. However, NFL teams DO like athletic players, so even though RAS might not prove good or bad players of football, it does have a tendency to help determine if a player will get drafted, purely by accident really, teams don't use RAS score as far as I know.<br><br>
Oh, I forgot my point. There were 105 selections in the first 3 rounds of the 2022 draft. At 100 I had 82 right (drafted before pick 101). The next 5 picks were taken from my board ranked 93, 74, 58, 209 and 158. That means a total of 20 picks were beyond my top 100 list after 105 picks. Of those 20, eleven were elite, seven were above average to real good, and two were not scored due to lack of information. That leaves none at average or below average. I'll say that again. Of the 20 players taken later then my rank of 100, not one was an average to below average athlete. Does that mean they will have successful NFL careers, you got me, but they did get drafted. There are more elite and good athletes remaining, but there are also 4 more rounds of drafting to go, what happens next should be interesting.<Br><Br>
As for the what the Lions will do, my guesses at this point, a cornerback, a backup offensive tackle and/or guard, and a blocking style tight end. Instead they could go in any direction, this is just my guess. Saturday will show what they are really thinking.<Br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-8259617104905245952022-04-29T02:10:00.001-05:002022-04-29T02:10:16.273-05:00Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft and the Detroit Lions<BR>
Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the books. The Detroit Lions came away with their original number two overall pick (no trades) and chose Edge Player Aidan Hutchinson (the number one player on my big board) from Michigan. He is a Campbell/Lions type of player. Loves the game. Never stops. Wants to keep getting better. All the things the Lions want in a player. For his bio, check this out: <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=2118"target="_blank">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=2118</a><br><br>
I figured that either Walker (first overall pick by the Jaguars) or Hutchinson was going to be the Lions pick almost a week ago, and that is how it worked out. Hutch was the overall number one player on my draft board and the Lions got him with the second overall pick. If they can coach him up, and I have no reason to believe they can't, he could easily become a Lion to remember for all those watching during his career. As with any draft pick, he could fail utterly, but it is much harder to fail if you are willing to work hard, play hard, and learn from good coaching.<br><br>
Yes, I like the pick, though I would have liked about a handful of other options too. One of those "can't go wrong" things, possibly. There are no guarantees in the draft.<br><Br>
As the night proceeded suddenly it was announced the Lions had traded up, to 12, from 32. I dreaded learning what it cost. I only realized later on that the Lions traded with a division rival in the Minnesota Vikings. A huge no-no. You don't trade with division rivals. The Lions did, and according to the value charts, actually came out on top, if you care about that sort of thing.<br><br>
The cost to move up 20 spots in round 1 was to move down 12 spots in round 2 AND to completely give up to the Vikings the 2nd overall pick in round 3 (number 66). I don't know yet who the Vikings will take at 66, and that will play into the value of this trade heavily, but for now just know I absolutely HATE trading two draft picks for one draft pick. That's like trading two dollars for one dollar in my book. True it doubles the odds that you have a counterfeit buck, but I just don't care for it in a general sense.<br><Br>
So the Lions trade two picks to move up and then select a wide receiver. Not just any WR but Jameson Williams, who tore his ACL just a number of months ago. So an injured player. In the first round. Trading away two picks to do it, along with moving down 12 spots in round 2. I was/am not happy about that.<Br><br>
Now, having said all that, Williams is a very fast WR (when his knees are working). He gets open, is a bit underweight but not under height (you can't grow taller but you can gain muscle mass), and he has good hands and plays fearless, when he can actually walk. So it may take some time to heal, to get into condition, to learn the NFL from an injured position which is harder than from a healthy position. But eventually, it is quite possible, the pick will be a huge difference maker on a team that needs that sort of player. There are asteriks all over the place on this pick, it is a gamble, it was a target, it might work out great, or not. Most believe it will work out great, I have no reason to think overwise, but I'm a Lions fan, my thinking on this type of situation might be rather skewed, to say the least.<Br><Br>
Williams was the 13th player on my board, despite his injury. The Lions selected him 12th. So the tally to date is, got the 1st place player second and the 13th place player twelth. No reaches, no falling into the lap. The Lions are worse off for round 2, and lost out an early third round pick, so there is ground to be made up, and I'm curious to see what is made of day two. Nervous yes, but curious also. Who will they target next and what will the cost be?<br><br>
Oh, and Williams bio? Here you go... from the same source... <a href="https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=2290" target="_blank">https://www.thehuddlereport.com/blog/?p=2290</a> and you might note, that at 1.40, it makes him the best player in the draft based on film alone (no defensive player scored above 1.41 and no offensive player either). So at least one person thinks the Lions did fantastic, and others will surely follow.<br><br>
Me? I'm still upset about the trade. The drafting of an injured WR in round 1. And having to consider I just might be wrong. That part really sucks. <br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-89388836976466335502022-04-02T19:16:00.004-05:002022-04-02T20:13:51.054-05:00The 2022 Detroit Lions Roster, What are the Real holes in it?In order to complete this blog entry I visited the Lions depth chart at <a href="https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/pfdepthchart/DET" target="_blank">https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/pfdepthchart/DET</a> and then compared that to what a team needs at <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-each-position-s-importance-from-quarterback-to-returner-0ap3000000503855" target="_blank">https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-each-position-s-importance-from-quarterback-to-returner-0ap3000000503855</a> based on importance. Free agency is about half way over (pre-draft) and the Lions have 9 picks in the upcoming draft so allow me to talk a bit about what the team has and needs (as far as starters go).<br><br>
QB Jarrad Goff. Do I think he's the complete answer at quarterback? Probably not. But he will be the starting QB for 2022 regardless, and if he proves to be better than in the recent past, he might be the QB in 2023 as well. Meanwhile, the rest of the team needs to be worked on and at some future point, whoever is at QB, will benefit from these improvements.<br><br>
Designated pass rusher 1 (RDE/ROLB) The actual position depends on what defense the team operates. The Lions are paying Romeo Okwara to be the starter here, with Michael Brockers and him rotating in and out. To this point that isn't working too great, considering the importance of the position, and Brockers is looking to maybe hit free agency next year. A first round draft pick at this position is not entirely out of the question.<br><br>
Left tackle Taylor Decker. Lions extended his contract and he's been playing the position very well (when not injured). I doubt there are any plans to insert a different player at this position any time soon.<br><Br>
Left cornerback Amani Oruwariye. There is talk about extending his contract this year and his play has improved each of the past two seasons. He isn't exactly as household name or called an island, but until he loses a step he should remain the top CB for the Lions.<br><Br>
Wide receiver 1 DJ Chark. If he can stay healthy this new Lion could prove to be the solution to the top WR position on the team. I am uncertain though if he's the pro bowl type or if he can stay healthy, so depth here is a major concern (his backup is Kalif Raymond).<Br><Br>
Defensive tackle Alim McNeil, last year's third round draft pick, is the current favorite to be filling the 6th most important position. He will need to improve his run defense and command double teams to prove it though, and it's unknown if he can do that. Next to him plays last year's second round draft pick Levi Onwuzurike, a much larger player, perhaps better suited for the double team and run stuffing role... but boy if the both of them could up their play and both do well, the defensive line would be boosted an aweful lot. <br><br>
Running back D'Andre Swift, when healthy, is a force to be reckoned with. The Lions have pretty good depth at RB as well, I don't foresee too much draft capital being spent here.<br><Br>
Designated pass rusher 2 (LDE/LOLB) Charles Harris was re-signed to fill this role, and he was improving last year as time went by, he gets rotated in and out with Julian Okwara (3rd round 2020). Should the improvement continue for both of them this position could be considered well outfitted. <br><br>
Middle linebacker Derrick Barnes, the 4th round pick from last year, needs to take that next step if he's to be the main starting MLB for the Lions. If the Lions are in the 3/4 scheme he would play next to Alex Anzalone and at times Jarrad Davis. The depth at LB is about as questionable as the starters, so a draft pick or even two at LB isn't out of the question, but neither is the Lions saying they are set out of the question. It all depends on how well they feel about who is going to step up.<br><Br>
Tight end TJ Hockenson is set to have a great season, just like last year, if he stays healthy. There is a lot of potential in the depth behind Hock, no one knows for sure though if they will produce (or can block well).<Br><br>
Free safety Will Harris is definitely a weak link in the defense and it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Lions look to upgrade the position and make him fight for his starting role.<Br><br>
Weak-side linebacker Jarrad Davis, if that is what he ends up playing, can fill a gap and blitz. I'm just not sure he is the full time answer for the Lions, and I wonder if the Lions are wondering that too, enough to use draft capital on LB (as explained earlier).<Br><Br>
Right tackle Penei Sewell was last year's first round draft pick and after a rocky start proved to be every bit a great RT for the Lions. I fully expect that development to continue and the Lions not worrying too much about this position. <Br><br>
Right cornerback Jerry Jacobs? Ifeatu Melifonwu? I fully expect last year's other 3rd round draft pick to win this positional battle, even though Jacobs played okay later in the year last season.<br><br>
Right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai plays RG quite well, but was signed to a RT contract. The cap hit to cut him was too steep before and now he's proven his worth at RG (and emergency backup RT) so for now that position seems to be filled.<br><br>
Wide receiver 2 or possession receiver Josh Reynolds won the job late last year when Quentiz Cephus went down with an injury. I think the Lions consider this position filled.<br><br>
Center Frank Ragnow along with backup Evan Brown is about as solid of a position on the roster as the Lions can get. No changes foreseen. <br><br>
Strong safety Tracy Walker III was recently re-signed and is set to fill this starting role.<br><br>
Strong-side linebacker is probably Chris Board but no one is sure who will be the starter or even if it matters as the Lions aren't likely to play with 3 LBs on the field at the same time too often, they might, but it's not likely.<Br><br>
Left guard Jonah Jackson is not all pro material, yet, but he seems to be holding his own. If the rest of the line plays better then he does the OL will be pretty good for both the run and the pass.<br><br>
Nose tackle Alim McNeil and John Penisini were talked about above, I think the Lions are pretty much set at this position.<br><br>
Wide receiver 3 or the slot WR Amon Ra St-Brown was last year's 4th round pick and even as a rookie proved he is the starting slot WR. I look forward to watching him be a 2nd year player for the Lions. <Br><br>
Kicker Riley Patterson proved me wrong and became a solid kicker for the Lions last year. I think they actually found a diamond here. <br><br>
Punter Jack Fox has also proved to be the guy at punter. No changes foreseen here either. <Br><br>
Return specialist Igwebuike? Raymond? or someone new? Lions haven't exactly proven they have the perfect return specialist just yet. If a draft pick can also return he might be more coveted then an equal player who can not. <br><br>
The last two not mentioned in the article the Lions are also set at, Long Snapper Scott Daly did well last year as did Fullback Jason Cabinda who was re-signed to that position.<Br><br>
So what upgrades are needed? It differs for different people. I'd say the Free Safety for sure, a designated pass rusher, and a cornerback are up there, in no particular order. Followed closely by a deep receiving threat, a linebacker or two, and perhaps more cornerback depth, heck depth everywhere, but only depth that can actually beat out the current depth players.<br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-9601716296559711502022-01-09T22:21:00.001-05:002022-01-09T22:21:15.238-05:00State of the Detroit Lions, 2022 edition.Today the Detroit Lions finished their 2021 season with a win against the Green Bay Packers 37-30 for a 3-13-1 record. Today also is my first blog post since the end of the 2020 NFL draft. What with the pandemic and numerous other issues that I shall not go into, this was the first chance I really had to create an entry.<br><br>
Instead of trying to catch up with the 2020 season, the 2021 draft, the coaching change last year, and all the roster moves since, I'll pick up where they are at as the 2022 off season officially begins, which is tomorrow. First note, the offensive coordinator hired a year ago has been fired today. Head Coach Dan Campbell has been calling the plays since mid-season 2021, so it remains to be seen if they will search for a new OC or promote from within or have Campbell wear two hats in 2022.<br><br>
The Lions have a small amount of salary cap space to carry over into the 2022 season, so with the current contracts in place for 2022 they should have roughly $35 to $40 million to work with as they begin the year if my numbers are correct. The Lions do have some dead cap for 2022 already, mostly from the LB Collins cut plus a couple others cut after June 1st. So $8,165,786 is set to be dead cap space in 2022 before they even get started working on the roster. There are also only 37 players under contract for 2022 at this point in time. One player at risk of being let go due to cap reasons is Flowers, who they might not view as being worth a $16 million salary, but cutting him creats more dead cap space, yet saves about $10.3 million in cap space for 2022.<br><Br>
There are a large number of unrestricted free agents they may or may not re-sign, along with restricted free agents they may or may not tender an offer to, and even a number of eRFA's that will either agree to the league minimum contract the Lions might offer them or sit home, as eRFA's don't have enough years in the league to negotiate contracts with other teams, like at all. <br><br>
Player Pos. Type Snaps Age<br>
Tim Boyle QB UFA 17.2% 28 <br>
Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB UFA 51.1% <br>
Nicholas Williams IDL UFA 54.8%<br>
Josh Reynolds WR UFA 39.9% 27 <br>
Alex Anzalone LB UFA 77.2% 28 <br>
Charles Harris EDGE UFA 75.4% 27 <br>
Kalif Raymond WR UFA 67.1% 28 <br>
KhaDarel Hodge WR UFA 22.8% 27 <br>
Dean Marlowe S UFA 59.3% 30 <br>
Tracy Walker S UFA 76.0% 27 <br>
Tyrell Crosby RT UFA 0.0% 27 <br>
Shaun Dion Hamilton LB UFA 0.0% 27 <br>
Joel Heath IDL UFA 0.0% 29 <br><br>
Evan Brown C RFA 71.9% 26 <br>
Jason Cabinda LB RFA 0.0% 26 <br>
Will Holden LT RFA 3.8% 29 <br>
David Blough QB RFA 0.4% 27 <br>
C.J. Moore S RFA 13.6% 27 <br>
Josh Woods LB RFA 10.5% 26 <br><br>
Godwin Igwebuike S eRFA 0.0% 28 <br>
Jack Fox P eRFA 35.6% 26 <br>
Matt Nelson RT eRFA 59.1% 27 <br>
Jessie Lemonier EDGE eRFA 12.4% 25 <br>
Bobby Price S eRFA 14.1% 24 <br>
Jalen Elliott S eRFA 8.6% 24 <br>
Scott Daly LS eRFA 29.1% 28 <br>
Tom Kennedy WR eRFA 12.8% 26 <br>
Rashod Berry TE eRFA 0.0% 26 <br>
Mark Gilbert CB eRFA 4.4% 25 <br>
Riley Patterson K eRFA 6.3% <br>
Tommy Kraemer LG eRFA 20.5% 24 <br>
Brock Wright TE eRFA 24.8% 24 <br>
Ryan McCollum C eRFA 6.7% 24 <br>
Anthony Pittman LB eRFA 6.9% 26 <br><br>
Shane Zylstra TE SFA? 7.9% 26 <br>
Rodney Smith RB SFA? 3.4% 26 <br><br>
The Lions also have draft capital, their 3-13-1 record nets them 2nd overall picks in the rounds they still have picks in. Plus an extra 1st round pick for the Stafford trade. Plus comp picks and other moves they have made. The final spots won't be determined until the Rams exit the playoffs, so we'll save that for a future post.<br><br>
It's too early yet to determine who will get a chance to make the Lions roster in 2022, but a number of years ago an NFL writer ranked the importance of each position on a team. Though running the 3-4 defense makes some of it harder to interpret. The article can be found at <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-each-position-s-importance-from-quarterback-to-returner-0ap3000000503855" target="_blank">https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-each-position-s-importance-from-quarterback-to-returner-0ap3000000503855</a>
<br><br>
I think if you go through the list in that article, you'd likely agree the Lions are in need of a Safety, a couple of Linebackers, a Wide Receiver, and an Edge rusher to start with (not in this order). There are other positions that could maybe use competition or an upgrade, but those first 5 stand out as must upgrades to me. I was going to go through each and every one, and still might, but for now I'll just leave you with the link as this post is getting rather long as it is.<br><br>
More to come later. Thank you for reading my State of the Lions report.
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-35688887050055362552020-04-25T19:33:00.002-05:002020-04-25T19:33:35.437-05:002020 NFL Draft, Day 3, Detroit Lions are on the clock.<br>
The final stretch
<br><br>
On day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions the Lions had the 3rd pick of round 4 (109th overall) which they traded to the Raiders for the 121st overall pick (12 spots lower in round 4) and gained the 172nd pick (towards the end of round 5). That brought their total draft picks back up to 9 in all.<br><br>
With the 121st pick of the draft the Lions selected Offensive Guard Logan Stenberg. This gives the Lions two new guards to compete for roster spots on the offensive line. With neither Dahl nor Wiggins winning a starting spot outright last year, and with the Lions not re-signing Glasgow, this makes sense. I had thought maybe they'd draft a tackle and move big V to guard but that isn't the way they played it.<br><br>
Logan has an RAS score of 6.18 and (like most 4th round picks) needs some quality NFL coaching. I had him ranked as the 107th player on my board. Here is what the draft network has to say about Logan:<br><Br>
<i>PROS: Physical and nasty mauler that works to finish every block. Violent, well-paced and properly timed punch that can jolt pads and create opportunities to accelerate his feet and bury opponents. Has tremendous grip strength which helps him sustain. Assignment driven player that understands his role. Effective puller/trapper. Thick, burly frame to match his play style. Exploits leverage points on his opponents. No question about his ability to widen gaps and generate vertical push in the run game. Started every game over the last three seasons. <br><br>
CONS: Only average foot speed, that combined with his tall pass sets creates some challenges in pass protection. Lateral mobility is disappointing and staying square to twitchy interior rushers requires him to work overtime. Has to play with better bend. Committed way too many penalties in 2019 (14). Has only ever played left guard. <br><br>
BEST TRAIT - Power<br><br>
WORST TRAIT - Bend<br><br>
RED FLAGS - None<br><br>
Kentucky guard Logan Stenberg enters the NFL after starting every game across the last three seasons for the Wildcats at left guard. Stenberg shines in the run game where his power and tenacious mentality lead to considerable movement. While no pass rusher is simply going through him, Stenberg’s tight hips, slow feet and sluggish lateral movement skills will create problems maintaining the depth of the pocket on passing downs in the NFL. Stenberg has the upside to start in a gap-power run scheme but his modest range isn’t ideal and consistency in deeper pass drops could be problematic. </i><br><br>
In summary, he's a mauling run blocker that needs to work a lot on his pass protection. That gives the coaching staff something to work with and work on. Assuming he makes the roster, and I've no reason to suspect he won't, he should end up a backup guard at a minimum for the team.<br><br>
The Lions and fans then have to wait until pick 166 in the 5th round for their next pick. With the 166th overall pick the Lions select WR Quintez Cephus. Cephus has an RAS score of 4.54 and was ranked 197th on my board (the 6th round). Now I mocked Cephus to the Lions multiple times leading up to the draft so was kind of excited about this pick until other fans started throwing various items at me. The first issue was he has 8 3/4" hands (which to me is small, more prone to fumbling as I said yesterday). The next issue was his forty time, which is only 4.73 seconds. He has great explosion, good size, but doesn't have the second gear or break-away speed. He does have great body control and can block himself open though, plus his yards after the catch makes him a promising prospect. I wanted to compare him to Golden Tate, but Tate has poor size and great speed... so I'm not sure how well Cephus' game will translate into the NFL. The Lions must feel more confident though. Here's what the draft network has to say about him:<br><br>
<i>
Route Tree - I like his releases, shows balanced and intentional footwork to create freezes and false steps off the LOS vs. press. He's not the most dynamic on hard angles but he's a deliberate mover and if he's not impacted in the contact window, he'll build speed and can create/roll through shallow breaks for separation.<br><br>
Hands - He's got plucky hands and snatches the ball out of the air with confidence — really like his work in traffic, high point situations and in uncontested scenarios. He has illustrated some good hand-eye coordination on hot throws that test his catch radius to tip himself the football.<br><br>
Contested Catch - Has mistimed a few opportunities to elevate but he's got a fair amount of bounce and typically will still win favorable positioning when he's got to go above the rim. He's tough and shows good timing with back shoulder balls and timing routes that require body control along the sideline to peel back to the football.<br><br>
RAC Ability - Doesn't have a lot of explosive cuts in his game, he's more sudden and fluid than he is dynamic unless you give him a notable runway to build speed and accelerate. Good toughness — but he's lost his footing on light contact a few too many times to write off and say he'll rip through light contact down the field.<br><br>
Football IQ - Was really impressive to see him step back into offense in 2019 after missing full season and be as effective and polished as he was. Innate feel for the position and appreciate his timing, ball skills and nuance. He's a cerebral player whose got a terrific foundation to build upon.<br><br>
Vertical Receiving - Play him off or in bump and run, he'll challenge you — his flying 20 is effective and he's shown some easy separation beyond 10-15 yards as he opens his strides. He's pretty effective with his releases against press but hand fighting is where he'll really burn DBs and he's got tracking skills and body control to win in tight space.<br><br>
COD Skills - He's not super explosive with his cuts and hard angles aren't the easiest for him to transfer speed through — he loses his appeal some when he's got to fold back across his momentum. He's fluid at the LOS and does have effective release ability to slip contact — just don't expect dynamic speed cuts.<br><br>
Speed - Long speed is better than short area burst. Quick game has to feature slants or shallow breaks — he'll allow DBs back into his body on hard breaks because he can't really sell vertically vs. off coverage inside 10 yards. He's got effective open field juice, but not a burner by any means.<br><br>
Competitive Toughness - He's scrappy and when he flips the switch, he can be pretty tenacious in just about every measure of a WR. Whether that be as a blocker, at the catch point, at the LOS or in RAC scenarios, he's got a good blend of quickness, strength, balance and intensity that blend for a fun mix.<br><br>
Blocking Skills He can be hit or miss here, not because of effort but rather there are some angles that are too flat pressing into a challenge and he'll leave himself out to dry and let DBs shoot across his face when he's stalk blocking or looking for inside leverage. Mobility and hand strength is effective. <br><br>
Best Trait - Route Running<br><br>
Worst Trait - Short Area COD<br><br>
Best Film - Ohio State (2019)<br><br>
Worst Film - Michigan (2019)<br><br>
Red Flags - Missed 2018 season facing sexual assault allegations <b>(case was dismissed)</b><br><br>
Player Summary - Quintez Cephus is one of the more undervalued receivers in the class of 2020. Cephus can win from the outside, he can win from the slot and if he played in about 100 other offenses in college football he'd have had drastically better production. Significant off-field allegations (since cleared) kept him off the field in 2018 but Cephus bounced back with a strong 2019 campaign, showing effective releases, strong hands and an assertive mentality with the ball in the air. Potential starter.</i> <br><br>
At pick 172 in the 5th round the Lions select running back Jason Huntley. Huntley has an RAS score of 8.08 with great speed, elite explosion, okay agility, and poor size... because he's all of 5' 8 1/2" tall. He also only has 8.25 inch hands. He's not known for fumbling though, so he must also work on it constantly. Huntley was the fastest RB at the combine... which may be why he was picked up despite already drafting a RB in round 2. More info and a video; https://nfldraftrite.com/2020/04/08/stop-sleeping-on-jason-huntley/ That article speaks of his ability to break tackles, that could also come in handy when you don't want to be held up and have the ball stripped out from your small hands. This is not my favorite pick, but he is an intriguing pick none the less.<br><br>
At pick 197 in the 6th round the Lions selected NT John Penisini. He does not have a RAS score as his pro day was canceled as well. I wonder if more players will now participate fully at the combine just in case pro days are canceled again. Anyway, Penisini is a huge run stuffing DT. Think Snacks Harrison only younger (and cheaper). He'll start out backing up Danny Shelton. Here's what the draft network has to say on John:<br><Br>
<i>PROS: Dude is tank against the run. Squatty frame with built-in leverage that is difficult to move. Anchor is stout and he’s aggressive when competing for his gap(s). One guy isn’t moving him off his spot. Doesn’t have great length but he’s deliberate about getting his hands fit and playing with extension. Hands are violent with a ton of pop. Contact balance and leverage are terrific. When he fires into the neutral zone, he does so with urgency and frequently resets the line of scrimmage. Holds his own against double teams. <br><br>
CONS: Wish he offered more as a pocket pusher on passing downs but his bull rush isn’t that effective. Could use a bit more length. Is not consistent in clearing contact and finishing. One-dimensional player. How will his anchor fare against NFL blockers? Phone booth guy with minimal range. <br><br>
BEST TRAIT - Run Defense<br><br>
WORST TRAIT - Pass Rush<br><br>
RED FLAGS - None<br><br>
Utah John Penisini is a stout run defender that projects best to the NFL as an early down run stuffer, serving as a nose tackle. His squatty and powerful frame is tough to uproot for blockers and Penisini plays with a hot motor. Overall, he’s simply a load to deal. With that said, his pass rushing profile is underwhelming, even as a pocket pusher. Penisini shouldn’t have trouble finding work in base defense but his pass rushing upside is minimal at best.</i><br><br>
In the 7th round at pick 235 the Lions selected DT/EDGE Jashon Cornell. The third Ohio State player. He hasn't yet got an RAS score but he will eventually. Here is his bio from Ohio https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/roster/jashon-cornell/ and here is what pro football network has to say:<br><Br>
<i>
Jashon Cornell, DT
Career Snapshot: First-year starter who was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and made 30 tackles (6.5 for loss) with four sacks as a senior in 2019. Combined to make 29 tackles (5.5 for loss) with three sacks during his sophomore and junior seasons.
Positives: Quick, explosive three-technique prospect who comes off a terrific season. Flashes athleticism and displays the ability to get down the line of scrimmage and make plays in pursuit. Plays with leverage, works his hands throughout the action and gets the most from his ability. Shows great quickness and the ability to make plays in any direction.
Negatives: Lacks bulk. Easily out-positioned from the action by opponents. Did not move into the starting lineup until his senior season. Marginally productive.
Analysis: Cornell comes off a terrific senior season after he was not even graded by scouts coming into the year and performed well as a starter. He must get bigger, but his quickness, ability to change direction and movement skills lend well to the three-technique tackle spot at the next level.</i><br><br>
That for a 7th round pick isn't bad. If he makes the roster he'll be backing up Nick Williams and maybe some of the other DL jobs, depending on how coachable he is and how long it takes to learn all involved. <br><br>
So, to summarize the draft, the Lions got the best corner back in the draft in Jeff Okudah, a decent RB in D'Andre Swift, and Jack/OLB/DE in Julian Okwarea, a guard in Jonah Jackson that can in a pinch play center, another run mauling guard in Logan Stenberg, a body control WR in Quintez Cephus, the fastest RB at the combine in Jason Huntley, a huge run stuffing nose tackle in John Penisini, and a inside/outside DL 3t DT in Jashon Cornell. It did not address all the needs, and some of the picks won't be looked upon as good choices by fans who wanted someone else (what's new there) but the Lions did address a lot of roster spots that I spoke about before the draft started.<br><br>
By the way, speaking of before the draft... I had by draft board (posted at http://www.thenetrat.com/draft.html) and 98 of the first 100 were selected in the 2020 draft. In addition, the huddle report keeps track of how many picks of a top 100 list get drafted with the first 100 picks. Mel Kiper, who I always want to beat but have only once, got 81 this year. I got 83 for my second win. ESPN still pays me nothing so I guess it doesn't really matter.<br><Br>
One final tidbit, here is the CBS grade for the Lions draft:<br><br>
Round Overall Player Selected Grade<br>
1 3 CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State B<br>
2 35 RB D'Andre Swift, Georgia C+<br>
3 67 EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame A-<br>
3 75* G Jonah Jackson, Ohio State A<br>
4 121* G Logan Stenberg, Kentucky D+<br>
5 166* WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin B+<br>
5 172* RB Jason Huntley, New Mexico State D+<br>
6 197* DT John Penisini, Utah A-<br>
7 235* DT Jashon Cornell, Ohio State C+<br>
<br>
You may not agree with CBS, or me, or the Lions, but this is what we have to work with on the roster, now it's time to see who they sign as undrafted free agents. Then let the competition (for roster spots) begin!<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-8232311545589006282020-04-25T10:28:00.001-05:002020-04-25T10:28:23.683-05:002020 NFL Draft, Day 2, Detroit Lions are on the clock.<br>
Hitting their targets.
<br><br>
The Detroit Lions spent day 2 of the NFL Draft either staying and drafting where they were or moving up to select specific targets as I knew they would. It didn't help, I'm sure, that the Patriots used their draft capital to keep jumping in front of the Lions and most likely drafting other targets. Still, I think the Lions got a lot of the players they wanted day 2.<br><br>
At overall pick 35 the Lions drafted running back D'Andre Swift. I had him ranked 30th overall, so he went about where I thought he would. Swift has an RAS score of 7.56 (just short of the 8.0 or higher elite athlete rank). My biggest issue with the pick is he only has 9" hands. I consider anything under 9 3/8" hands to be small. The difference isn't much but it does mean the player has to be self conscious of fumbling and must protect the ball every time they come into contact with it. It also makes it progressively harder to catch the ball when playing like a receiver. Swift is noted for his routes and pass catching so it's possible he is aware of this and does work to keep his hands strong and the ball protected when running. <br><br>
Drew over at the huddle report has this to say about him and I think it pretty much sums it up completely. <br><br>
<i>
D’Andre Swift RB Georgia
by Drew Boylhart • February 18, 2020
STRENGTHS
D’Andre has good size, quickness, and speed and has been one of the more consistent productive Running Backs in college for the last two years. He does a solid job blocking and in the right offense can impact both running the ball and as a receiver on check-downs or down the field. D’Andre has the quickness to make players miss and when running from the right system and has the vision to bounce the ball to the outside and gain yardage in chunks. He is smart and works well with his teammates and shows leadership skills through his consistency on the field and workmanlike play.
CONCERNS
D’Andre runs light and high, very much like the Rams Todd Gurley. This makes him susceptible to injuries and fumbling although to my knowledge, neither of these two concerns has been an issue at the college level. When D’Andre lowers his pads, he seems to lose the vision to make yardage when there is no yardage to make. That sends a signal that D’Andre needs to be in a spread offense to impact in the running game more so than a conventional QB under center offense because of the bigger splits in the offensive line.<br><br>
BOTTOM LINE 2.86<br>
D’Andre will impact in the right offensive system. He has the hands to catch the ball down the field and when his QB is in the shotgun D’Andre does very well running the ball between the tackles when the holes are bigger and the linebackers are spread out. He is not a true speed running back and is not necessarily the type of running back who has explosive lateral agility to make his own yardage but he is a smart player with the talent to run well between the tackles and catch the ball making yardage, that is need to move the ball in chunks and make the important yardage an offense needs to make. I can see some teams rating D’Andre higher on their boards than other teams if I’m correct about him fitting a certain offense to impact. I can also see teams looking at his combine numbers to decide where they might select him. As for me, what you see is what you will get when watching film of him at the college level. For me, D’Andre is an RB that has to be in the right system to impact and not put into situations his talent will not allow him to impact. Don’t ask him to block a blitzing player on third and long. don’t ask him to make the tough yardage on third and short for a first down and don’t ask him to be a goal-line RB. He needs to be in a two-back system.</i> <br><br>
On to round 3 of the draft. At 67 the Lions selected OLB (Jack)/DE Julian Okwara. If the name sounds familiar it's because his older brother (by 3 years) Romeo Okwara has been a Lion for going on 3 years now. I had Julian ranked 49th overall (2nd round), so he is a pretty good value where the Lions drafted him. Julian has no RAS score as his pro day was canceled due to COVID-19.<br><br>
The draft network profile on him pretty much sums up what the Lions will get to work with where it comes to Julian Okwara.<br><br><i>
PROS: The athletic profile here is exciting. Has the type of juice out of his stance that puts considerable stress on offensive tackles to keep pace up the arc. Surprisingly good ability to convert speed to power and condense the pocket. There is room for technical growth but his hands are active and sudden. Dip and rip/cross-chop are his best moves. Complements his burst with good flexibility throughout his frame and the ability to corner. Comfortable worker in space and he flows well in all directions. Has upside as a standup 3-4 OLB defending the run. Motor runs hot. <br><Br>
CONS: Needs to become more consistent with pad level and surface area reduction to keep hands off his frame. Want to see him take the next step in terms of disengaging when on the same level as the quarterback as a rusher. Can be a touch calculated both initiating his pass rush plan and diagnosing the run. The more space the better and he’s not likely a candidate for even fronts. Had plenty of struggles defending the run and he frequently gets blasted out of his gap. Adding functional strength is critical for his success in the NFL. <br><Br>
BEST TRAIT - Burst and Bend<br><Br>
WORST TRAIT - Functional Strength<br><Br>
RED FLAGS - 2019 broken left fibula<br><Br>
NFL COMP - Barkevious Mingo<br><Br>
Julian Okwara is a bursty, bendy and lean pass rusher who impressed in 2018 but did not quite take the step many expected in 2019 and final season at Notre Dame was cut short due to a broken left fibula. Okwara has a solid foundation of traits to serve as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. His warts as a run defender would be mitigated in that role and he has the movement skills to execute responsibilities in space. I’m not sure he’ll ever be an impact run defender but his flexibility and twitch gives him a chance to affect the passer which is of great value in the NFL. He isn’t a fit for every team, but he should be able to carve out a meaningful role as a situational pass rusher at a minimum.</i><br><Br>
The Lions later traded the Darius Slay pick (85 overall) to the Colts. The Colts traded their third-round (75th-overall) and sixth-round (197th-overall) picks to the Detroit Lions in exchange for their third-round (85th-overall), fifth round (149th-overall) and sixth-round (182nd-overall) picks. In other words, the Lions moved up 10 spots in the third, gave up the 149th pick (5th round) completely, and moved down 15 spots in the 6th round. With the 75th overall pick the Lions selected Guard Jonah Jackson. Jackson has an RAS score of 6.44 and I had him ranked 97 overall (late 3rd). The Lions didn't wonder all over my board this year like year's past, they pretty much got value for all their picks save the first one.<br><br>
This is one of his three draft profiles over at the draft network which gives you some insight into how the Lions need to coach him up and have him work on his technique and physique at the same time.<br><Br>
<i>Functional Athleticism - His cadence is really strong, appreciate his ability as a puller, climbing to the second level and in pass protection to slide or hit his marks with swift efficiency and without overextending himself. His mobility is boosted by loose hips and a wide base to stay tethered and balanced.<Br><br>
Football IQ - Transfer from Rutgers who has been exposed to play at both guard and center throughout the course of his college career. Rave reviews for his football IQ and ability to process action up front, which is backed up by rarely being caught out of position or panicking when penetration threatens his gap.<Br><br>
Anchor Ability - Effective hop technique to gear down rushers looking to attack him with power. He's got a well built frame with ample density through the hips and showcases good e-brake in the interior to halt penetration. Boosted by effective length and striking timing to put off defender's momentum.<Br><br>
Hand Technique - He puts his extension skills to good use and does well to adjust as defenders look to slip his first punch to ensure he's set the hook. Pretty potent and well timed punch power — he's not overwhelmingly powerful but he's compact and clean with his hands, even when playing laterally at the LOS.<Br><br>
Balance - Watch him work and enjoy the show, he'll slide effortlessly and pops his hips open to transition and ride out defenders and create vacancies at the POA for his ball carriers. Body control is really smooth and he's effective to break down on the second level and square up LBs, too.<Br><br>
Pass Sets - Rarely caught out of position, he'll take compact but smooth steps to set up on his hips and shows comfort driving to wall off gap penetration or converting into squat to gear down power rushers looking to destroy up field momentum. Like his lower body density and hip mobility to drop and hold ground.<Br><br>
Flexibility - Fluid. Pretty smooth in pulls and can open himself effectively to get width. When he's stringing out blocks, he's effective to work across face and rarely looks to have issues with opening his base to gain ground and build leverage as the play is strung out along the LOS. Good initial pad level and hip drop.<Br><br>
Power at POA - He's not necessarily the most powerful mauler when he's tasked with charging forward and gaining real estate, but his functional strength is at a better place than some of the past OSU IOL to have passed through the NFL draft process and he'd be fine in gap/power concepts if charged with it.<Br><br>
Length - His anatomical reach is effective, especially in zone to stay sticky on blocks and ensure he's maintaining control of the play while defenders look to press or shuck the block. He does well to establish contact early in reps and won't give up his chest very often.<Br><br>
Competitive Toughness - He's pretty tenacious thanks to his foot mobility and balance. He's persistent to push and stay into the body of defenders throughout the play — mirror skills aid in his stickiness in pass pro and shows good effort to recover on reps when he's conceded some initial penetration into a hip to hip relationship. <Br><br>
Best Trait - Balance<Br><br>
Worst Trait - Raw Power<Br><br>
Best Film - Michigan State (2019)<Br><br>
Worst Film - Clemson (2019)<Br><br>
Red Flags - None<Br><br>
Player Summary - Jonah Jackson projects as a viable NFL starter at the next level. Jackson, who transferred from Rutgers to spend his final college season in Columbus, has ample body control and strong cadence on the interior to set up clean framing of his blocks and was a consistent catalyst for big plays in the run game throughout the 2019 season. Jackson projects best to a zone scheme, given his lateral mobility and footwork — but he would be a viable option in a gap heavy scheme as well. <Br><br>
Updated: 02/24/2020</i><Br><br>
He played some center and mostly right guard at Rutgers and played left guard at Ohio State earning him awards for his work there.<br><Br>
The Lions did a good job hiding their interest in these players and that will likely carry on into day 3 which makes it very hard for me to guess who they might target there. Here are a few names that just might come up though. <Br><br>
DT Larrell Murchinson RAS of 7.1<Br>
OT Colton McKivitz RAS of 4.35<Br>
QB James Morgan RAS of 3.87<Br>
S Jalen Elliott RAS of 4.1<Br>
S Josh Metellus RAS of 7.79 (better)<Br>
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones RAS of 9.63<Br>
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden RAS of 6.15<Br>
WR Gabriel Davis RAS of 6.89<Br>
WR John Hightower RAS of 8.03<Br>
WR Joe Reed RAS of 9.35<Br><Br>
They may select one slot WR and one deep threat WR yet this draft. They could also look at a 4th QB, maybe a safety, possibly a DT or NT, even an offensive tackle. They could also double up and take another corner or linebacker. Day 3 is all about potential, usually unrealized, so this is where the scouting department needs to shine the most.<Br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-91736895870105330272020-04-24T11:49:00.001-05:002020-04-24T11:49:29.680-05:002020 NFL Draft, Day 1, Detroit Lions are on the clock.<br>
Not what I wanted.
<br><br>
With the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select CB Jeff Okudah. Many fans wanted the Lions to trade down
using the third overall pick as draft capital to acquire more picks. That didn't happen. Word is there were no solid offers, only general discussion of possibilities, which basically means no team was all that overly interested. If a deal for them was there, then maybe, but if the Lions were serious about any offer needing to be extreme, then it was a no go. Many fans won't think that is the way to go, that any extra pick would be worth it, but that's not how Quinn sees things. He had his target and unless you made such a huge offer as to get him to move off that target, it was never going to happen. That is his operating method and I'm not surprised by it at all.<br><Br>
Many fans including myself preferred that the Lions draft Isaiah Simmons. He can play all over the defense and if used correctly would make a huge impact for his team. A difference maker. The Cardinals drafted him at 8th overall, so we'll see if he used correctly there (I suspect he will be) and just how much of a difference he makes. But we won't be seeing him do that with the Lions. <br><br>
Other fans had their eyes set on QB Tua Tagovailoa, but that was never going to happen. Those fans just can't fathom that the Lions are quite happy with Stafford as the starting QB. They have absolutely no intention of replacing him any time soon. That doesn't mean a QB won't be drafted at some point, for a 4th camp QB and competition for the backup jobs, but it does mean that high draft capital won't be used at that position.<Br><Br>
Another fan favorite was DT Derrick Brown. He will be a pretty good defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers who drafted him 7th overall in their 4-3 defense. The Lions run very few 4-3 defensive plays however, and Browns talent would've been wasted in the Motor City. The Lions defensive line needs big players who can move, who are strong and can play inside or outside depending on the play set. The big nose tackle, two DT/DE combo players, and outside linebackers to can fill in outside of them on occasion. Look for the Lions to yet draft an EDGE (a bookend to Flowers) and a Jack LB (to rotate in and play coverage or pass rush, depending on the play call). I'm not sure which rounds those picks will come in though.<br><Br>
Anyway, some info on the Lions new CB Jeff Okudah. Drew over at www.theHuddleReport.com has this to say about him:<br>
<i>
2020 Player Profiles<br>
Jeff Okudah CB Ohio St<br>
by Drew Boylhart • January 2, 2020<br><br>
STRENGTHS<br>
Jeff has the size, strength, football intelligence any sure tackling skills to play any one of the defensive back positions in any style defense. He shows the agility, quick feet, and adjustment to the ball in the air to make receivers wish they had his skills. He is smart in zone coverage and communicates well with his teammates showing the leadership needed to become a core player for any style defense at any position as a safety, cornerback or used in the slot. He shows a good burst to the ball and shows solid makeup speed. He can be used as a single free safety because he shows on film the speed, quickness, and football IQ to anticipate and roam from sideline to sideline. Jeff’s best attribute is his passion to impact and understand down and distance. Jeff is a potential shut down defensive player who shows the hands to make interceptions and the size and talent to play any position in your defensive backfield.
<br><br>
CONCERNS<br>
My biggest concern would be trying to replace Jeff’s impact when he gets injured. He throws himself around making tackles and defending passes and this could be a problem staying on the field. Of course, that truly is not a reason to not select him early in this draft, isn’t that obvious?
<br><br>
BOTTOM LINE 1.48<br>
Remember what I always say, “when you see the obvious, you draft the obvious”. Jeff is obvious. Because of his size and skillset and sure tackling Jeff is not only a talented player, he is also a value player and that will make him rated high on most team’s draft boards. Jeff also shows the maturity needed to accept millions of dollars from the team that selects him and still show up for work. He is one of those players that teams will select even if they have depth at the defensive back position because his talent and skillset and size are obvious and you always draft the obvious when it is sitting there right in front of you.
<br>
Drew Boylhart
<br>
dboylhart@thehuddlereport.com</i>
<br><br>
When you read that you can ascertain what the Lions see in Okudah as a player. It's never good to read just one source though, so allow me to paste a couple tidbits from www.pff.com 's draft guide (it's behind a pay wall):<br><br>
<i>
Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah looks to be
about as complete a cornerback prospect
as we’ve seen in our time grading college
football. He’s not only got the on-field
performance, but he also has the longest
wingspan of any corner in the draft class.
There are no sure things at the position,
but his on-field dominance and physical
tools look close to it.<br><br>
Okudah really does have it all. The 'cons' on his scouting report were some of the most difficult to write of any prospect in the class.
He not only has a high floor, but everything you want for a high ceiling.<br><Br>
Cons:<br>
Needlessly physical down the
field. Grabs even in good
position because he can get
away with it.<br><br>
Pros:<br>
Ideal size and length for the
position. Can execute any
coverage asked of him.<br><br>
No fear of getting beat deep.
Longest completion allowed
last year was 28 yards.<br><br>
Exceptional feet for larger
corner. Rare to see a slip or
stumble on his tape.<br><br>
Immediately closes space
between him and WR. Not
content running on back hip.<br><br>
Jolts WRs in press. Packs a lot
of punch.<br><br>
0 dropped interceptions.<br><br></i>
In summary, the Lions weren't able to convert their draft capital into more picks (in the first round, not to say the can't in other rounds). They didn't select the player many fans wanted (there is never a consensus on this anyway). They did select the safer pick, but if he manages to get an interception to seal a win in the playoffs all will be forgiven by nearly everyone I am sure. Now to firm up the rest of the roster in order for the team to even make it to the playoffs. There is still a ton of talent to be found.<Br><Br>
Day 2 Round 2 prospects for the Lions (other then a trade down) include:<br>
EDGE A.J. Epenesa<br>
RB Jonathan Taylor<br>
DL Ross Blacklock<br>
OT/OG Erza Cleveland<br>
LB Terrel Lewis<br>
WR/TE Chase Claypool<br>
WR Denzel Mims<br>
<br>
and many many others. I listed those above merely due to the fact that the Lions have been tied to each in some form of meetings or other interest.<br><br>
Me personally, and this won't be popular either, I would love to see either RB Taylor or WR Claypool in round 2.<br><br>
Day 2 Round 3 prospects for the Lions (other then a trade down) include:<br>
WR K.J. Hamler<br>
S Kyle Dugger<br>
RB Cam Akers<br>
EDGE Curtis Weaver<br>
EDGE Bradlee Anae<br>
DL Raekwon Davis<br>
EDGE Jonathan Greenard<br><br>
and many others. Again, listed those with ties to the Lions, though technically any Senior could be on the list as the Lions coaching staff were the Senior Bowl coaches for the North team and know many if not most of the players from that.<br><br>
Lots of talent, lots of options, lots of ways to tick off more fans. What will happen is still a major question mark, but it's still intriguing none the less, and if the picks work out as well as the Lions (and fans) believe, the team gets a talent boost that is sorely needed.<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-3000444293139133232020-04-20T21:37:00.000-05:002020-04-23T18:02:38.308-05:00The 2020 Draft is coming up this week<br>
With the draft coming up this week I wanted to make a quick blog entry to get things started.
<br><br>
I have have updated my estimated depth chart to include the 2020 roster as it stands today. I had to change some of the positions as the Lions have changed some of the job descriptions as they move into a versatile yet 3-4 base. I believe the Lions will look for D-Line players who can play either inside (when in 4-3 mode) or outside (when in 3-4 mode) so versatility is going to be key.
<br><br>
Guys like Chase Young, Javon Kinlaw, and A.J. Epenesa come to mind as some options. LB/S Isaiah Simmons is versatile all on his own, he makes me think of Matt Patricia's desire for versatile players. Jeff Okudah is expected to play man coverage very well in the NFL and that keeps him on the radar, as well as a number of other CBs throughout the draft.
<BR><BR>
But the Lions can't draft them all. One maybe two, and to get two they'd have to trade down. Now Quinn in the past has always (always) reserved the number of draft picks he has from his roster of 90 people. Up until last week the Lions had 9 draft picks and 81 players under contract. Then they released 3 players last week, taking them down to 78... and they have not signed anyone to take those spots. This, to me, means they have trades lined up that will add 3 more picks to their board. We won't know if that is what will happen until Thursday night, but it could.
<Br><Br>
I have made my top 123 board http://www.thenetrat.com/draft.html but making a contact list this year was near on impossible with visits primarily being virtual due to COVID-19 but we did get some. DBs, OL, DL, and LB were all looked at all throughout the draft boards (as we understand them). I can't think of one position that is perfectly safe from having a draft pick added to provide depth and competition, though a few are more unlikely then others. I haven't mentioned here in the blog but for the past couple months I've been writing weekly articles for www.sideLionReport.com under my real name. Here's a few of the recent articles...
https://sidelionreport.com/author/gnielsen/ go there to click on any of them. I bring it up as the most recent is the one where I talk about the roster and needs and openings, etc.<Br><Br>
So my thinking goes like this for day 1 of the draft... a trade down (or more then one maybe) 40% chance. Drafting Chase Young if there 40% chance. Drafting Isaiah Simmons in round one 30% chance (yes that's more then 100% but you can trade down and still draft a guy). Drafting an offensive tackle first pick wherever you are 25% chance. Drafting Jeff Okudah 20% chance. Drafting a QB in the first round 5% chance. Drafting Derrick Brown in the first round 6% chance. Drafting any skill position on offense with the first pick in round 1 is a 1% chance. And screwing up the draft entirely due to internet outages, power outages, or other user error type matters... at least 5 times more likely or a 5% chance.<br><br>
In other words, I think, probably, the Lions draft Young if there or trade down if not.<br><br>
Could I be wrong? Yep. Easily. It's just what I think at this point. Even though I have done a number (okay dozens) of mock drafts and posted them in the forum doesn't mean I'm prepared to guess about day 2 or day 3 of the draft yet until day 1 is over. So here's to the 2020 draft, what will likely turn out to be one of the strangest drafts in the history of the NFL draft.
<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-45288345625352883992019-12-29T17:16:00.002-05:002019-12-30T11:03:21.473-05:00Week 17, 2019 Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers @ Home<br>
2019.
<br><br>
The 3-12-1 Detroit Lions lose another close one to the division winning 13-3 Green Bay Packers 20-23. This game made it 14 out of 16 games that the Lions had a lead at some point in the game. Anyone who wants the Lions to draft offense in round 1 needs to re-evaluate the situation to be sure there isn't a difference maker in the 2020 draft that could help the Lions defense.<br><br>
David Blough was 12 of 29 (41.38%) for a whole 122 yards and no TDs along with 1 interception. Yet that doesn't mean the Lions need a better backup QB, it means they need a better offensive line. But in order to obtain a better offensive line, you don't always need to draft OL in the first round. There are quality guards and even right tackles on day 2 and day 3 of the draft. The Lions also had 170 yards rushing with Kerryon Johnson the only RB to score a rushing TD. I think with better OL play and perhaps a new OL coach the Lions could have a pretty decent run game next year if all the RBs are signed for next year. That doesn't mean you can't draft another in the 2020 draft, it just isn't quite as big of an issue as it would otherwise be. The passing TD was thrown by WR Amendola, to Blough, who ran in untouched for the score in what was a lovely bit of trickery that didn't happen enough during 2019 if you ask me, even though earlier in the year there was a flea flicker that was a thing of beauty as well.<br><br>
The Lions defense allowed Aaron Rodgers to go a very poor 27 of 55 (49.09%) for a very large number of yards (323 yards) and 2 TDs as well as one interception. The Lions defense also allowed 120 yards rushing without an scores. The Lions held the lead until the 4th quarter when the Packers finally tied up the game then with two possessions after the 2 minute warning, scored the game winning field goal as time expired. Once again, the Lions need a game changer on defense, actually, more then one. Luckily they'll have somewhere above $45 million in salary cap space to work with, though half that will be used to re-sign guys that would otherwise go in free agency... that is... if they evaluate them and decide they are all worth keeping and the player and his agent agrees with the offers. The normal off season kinds of stuff. Also normal is team firings on Monday after the final game of the season, which is Dec 30th (tomorrow) and I am still hopeful there will be an announcement from the Lions that they will be needing a new defensive coordinator. <br><br>
So ends the 2019 season. The upcoming off season may include the Lions coaching in the senior-bowl, which could give them some much needed time with the draft prospects that are seniors this year. We also get to wait for all the juniors to declare that are leaving college early, and then there is the even longer wait for the combine towards the end of February. As Lions fans, we all know the drill. It's just a matter now of seeing if the Redskins can beat the Cowboys to determine the Lions draft position.
<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-25552534113756753592019-12-22T19:31:00.000-05:002019-12-22T19:31:18.446-05:00Week 16, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Denver Broncos<br>
Go Redskins!
<br><br>
The 3-11-1 Detroit Lions lose to the 6-9 Denver Broncos 17-27 at Mile High Stadium. <br><br>
David Blough was a horrid 12 of 24 (50%) for only 117 yards with 1 TD an 0 INTs. The three RBs (Bo, KJ, and Ty) totaled 96 yards and no TDs. Agnew had one TD on a punt return, the only bright spot of the game. <br><br>
The Lions defense allowed Drew Lock of the Denver Broncos to go 25 of 33 (75.76%) for 192 yards and 1 TD with 0 INTs. They also allowed the Broncos to rush for 151 yards and 2 TDs.<br><br>
Now to be fair, the Lions were playing without their starting left guard, their starting right tackle, their starting tight end, their starting quarterback, their second string quarterback and a number of defensive players as well. However, fully healthy the defense would still be looking bad in my opinion, though I do believe Stafford could've helped the Lions win at least 4 or 5 of the games they ended up losing because he was unable to play.<br><br>
The Lions now hold the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 draft. If the Lions lose next week they could draft #2 overall (Bengals get the first overall pick now no matter what happens) <b>if</b> the Redskins can beat the Cowboys next week. The latest the Lions could draft is 5th overall now should they win against the Packers. Go Redskins! <br><br>
The Lions play the Green Bay Packers at home in the final game of the 2019 season. The only way the Lions win that game is if the Packers sit their starters, and even that might not be enough. Meanwhile, Quinn (the GM) and Patricia (the head coach) were told they won't be fired at seasons' end and have one more year to get the Lions in playoff contention (whatever that means). <br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-61613831537005394332019-12-15T17:18:00.001-05:002019-12-15T17:23:00.470-05:00Week 15, 2019 Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Home<br>
Observation.
<br><br>
The 3-10-1 Detroit Lions lose to the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-38 in a game that saw nearly half the Lion's starters not play on offense and defense due to injury. Not that that is an excuse, more of an observation really. <br><br>
Third string QB David Blough went 24 of 43 (55.81%) for 260 yards no TDs and 2 INTs (he only had like 56 yards in the first half). Somebody name Wes Hills played starting RB (up from the practice squad) and he had 10 carries for 21 yards and 2 TDs. The entire stat for rushing only added up to 45 yards and the QB Blough had 19 of them. Ty Johnson lost a fumble to go with that. Talk about domination by the Bucs. This makes two weeks in a row in which the offense was just about as bad as the defense. Of course not everyone will agree with me on this, it's just my observation of the way things went.<br><br>
The Lions defense allowed Jameis Winston to go 28 of 42 (66.667%) for <b>458 yards</b> and 2 TDs with 1 INT. The Lions allowed only 49 yards rushing, so they finally managed to control a team's running game, more or less. The defense is in dire need of a superstar to go with Slay and Flowers. My hope is that they find that player in day one of the 2020 draft.<br><br>
Next week the Lions go to Denver to play the 5-9 Broncos. With all the Lions players on IR or playing hurt and considering how many 3rd,4th or even 5th string players are starting, it's very unlikely the Lions will win that game, but it's not impossible. <br><br>
Fans of the NFL Draft and the Lions are okay with the losses at this point, since each makes it more likely the Lions get a higher draft pick, yet at the same time I've been observing more and more concern as to whether Quinn should be the one doing the drafting. Same observation goes for the coaching staff, more and more I see fans wanting to replace everyone on the coaching staff except maybe the OC Bevell. I don't think that's the way to go, but I'm also not in Allen Park so I don't know for sure if there is more to it then the product on the field or not. Assuming there are no other reasons for firing the coaching staff, then it's likely they get one more season to prove they deserve the job. The only way that happens is if Quinn remains in charge, so that would mean one more Quinn draft as well. If next year isn't a good year for the Lions it would likely mean a complete sweep of the front office and coaching staff, assuming it doesn't happen before then. For now, the Lions remain the 5th worst team in the NFL and would be drafting 5th overall if the season ended today.<br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-7000395288905805182019-12-08T22:18:00.000-05:002019-12-08T22:18:27.725-05:00Week 14, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings<br>
Improving their draft spot.
<br><br>
The 3-9-1 Detroit Lions lose easily to the 9-4 Minnesota Vikings 7-20 and for the very first time in 2019 did not have the lead even once in the game (they had a lead in all 12 previous games at least once). It was debatable going into the 4th quarter if the Lions would even break 100 total yards on offense. At least the Lions are improving their draft spot.<br><br>
David Blough, the undrafted rookie QB for the Lions, went 24 of 40 (60%) for 205 yards 1 TD and 2 INTs. Bo Scarbrough went for 65 yards on 19 carries with the backup RBs getting 5 more yards on 3 carries. It was a pretty anemic offensive day for the Lions. But at least they are improving their draft spot.<br><br>
The Lions defense allowed Kirk Cousins to go 24 of 30 (80%) for 240 yards 1 TD and 0 INTs. The Lions defense also allowed 120 yards rushing and a touchdown by Cook. Allowing any QB to complete 80% of their passes should be unacceptable as well as unlikely, but at least the Lions are improving their draft spot.<br><br>
Next week the Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are 6-7 right now, I won't be placing any bets on the Lions for that game either. At present the Lions would be drafting in the 5th position, a one spot improvement from last weeks 6 spot. I think they can do better then that yet, we just need to wait for the results of each games to find out.<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-2544062064374853532019-11-28T16:33:00.002-05:002019-11-28T16:33:32.170-05:00Week 13, 2019 Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears @ Home<br>
Adjustments.
<br><br>
The 3-8-1 Detroit Lions lost once again to the 6-6 Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving day by a score of 20-24. For the 12th time out of 12 times this year the Lions had the lead at one point in the game (in this case, the entire first half). For the 8th time this year the Lions blew the lead and then lost the game. I hadn't kept track how many times the lead change happened after half time like it did in this game, but to me that means the opposing team is making half time adjustments and the Lions can't counter. <br><br>
The Lions were forced to play their 3rd string QB, David Blough, due to injury. Blough went 22 of 38 (57.89%) for 280 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT (last play by the offense as they were driving for the winning TD). Bo Scarbrough rushed for 83 yards on 21 carries, whole the rest of the RBs (and 1 yard by the QB) went another 22 more yards for a total team rushing stat of 105 yards. Why it wasn't half again more then that I don't know, but normally you would if you don't outsmart yourself, which seems to be a common theme these days.<Br><br>
The Lions defense allowed Mitchell Trubisky to go 29 of 38 (76.32%) for 338 yards and 3 TDs and 1 INT (only the 4th one this year by the Lions). The Lions defense also allowed the Bears to rush for 88 yards. The defense also only managed 1 sack by Flowers this game, I'm sure they make adjustments during the game but I'm not seeing results, of any kind really. To have the lead in every single game of the season only to lose 8 times (and tie once) is a testament to how poor the defense is playing. <Br><br>
I did some research on the job that Quinn has done, finding that there are no undrafted free agents that the Lions had choose on the 2019 roster from any year other then 2019. I also found that every single player on the roster was either found and signed by Quinn or was originally signed by Mayhew and has had a contract extension by Quinn since he started as GM 4 years ago. I didn't count how many other free agents that Quinn had signed over the past 4 years and are no longer on the team, but needless to say, it's a lot. So the entire roster is all Quinn. Now a large number of the players are young, and they may be able to turn things around with experience, or it's possible the coaching staff is incapable of coaching the players up. It's possible they aren't being used correctly, it's also possible that they are. I can't know, since no one is really saying much about it, yet. Still, most GMs get 5 years to prove themselves and most coaches get 3 years, both of which amounts to the end of next season (the 2020 season). So while it's possible that this will be the last year of this regime, it's probably slightly more likely that they will have next year to prove they are capable of doing the job despite it being 3-8-1 right now.<Br><Br>
The Lions play the (currently) 8-3 Minnesota Vikings away in 10 days, I don't anticipate it going the Lions way simply because the team has not proven that they can get a lead and maintain it to the end of the game. I also don't anticipate the coaching staff to make enough adjustments to how they do things despite the few extra days they will have to prepare for it. Depending on how the other teams do today and Sunday (and Monday) we may be finding out the Lions will be looking at drafting in the top 5 in 2020 (they are at 7 right now I do believe). If Quinn does remain the GM and if the coaching staff remains at least partially intact (got to get rid of a scapegoat somewhere, probably the DC)... I pray they select a great player in the first round, a difference maker, one that can make plays to turn an entire game around all by themselves. That probably means someone on D and probably someone on the DL at that, though I can't rule out DB or LB. They need someone who is disruptive on defense, and they must get it right along with the rest of the draft and even the undrafted players after the draft. Someone they can use to make adjustments in game, every week, in order to secure wins. I hate talking draft in November, but that's where we are, so let's make it the last time we have to do so for many years.<Br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-4140209636413775212019-11-24T22:11:00.001-05:002019-11-24T22:11:33.570-05:00Week 12, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Washington Redskins<br>
Too many mistakes, still.
<br><br>
The 3-7-1 Detroit Lions lost to the 2-9 Washington Redskins 16-19. There was just too many mistakes, still. <br><br>
Jeff Driskel was 20 of 33 (60.6%) for 207 yards with 1 TD and <b>3 INTs</b>. Bo Scarbrough had 98 yards on 18 carries and 1 fumble that was lost to the Redskins. Kicker Prater missed his first field goal attempt, but made the other three. Since it ended up being a 3 point game some will blame Prater even though it happened in the first quarter.<br><br>
The Detroit Defense allowed Dwayne Haskins to only go 13 of 29 (44.83%) for 156 yards 0 TDs and 1 INT. They also allowed them to get a mere 86 yards rushing with no TDs. Special teams had a kick off return for a TD though. The rest were field goals, all made.
<br><br>
Considering how little the Redskins actually produced in total, the only thing to blame, once again, is the Lions themselves. They've played in 11 games so far and had the lead at least once in all 11 games. Yet they can not pad the lead nor stop the opponents when needed. It's pretty much the same thing every week, like a broken record. I do not know the exact reason why the Lions team is broken, but I suspect that fixing it will require some coaching changes. Maybe. Maybe it's truly a health issue. Maybe the depth just can't play mistake free football. Either way, the front office and the coaching staff has to accept the blame for the record, such as it is.<br><br>
Next week the Lions play at home against the Chicago Bears. While the Lions should win that game, they probably will make too many mistakes in order to win. Why should they suddenly play mistake free in week 13 when they haven't for the 11 games prior.<br><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-88675153789523229782019-11-17T21:16:00.003-05:002019-11-17T21:16:55.506-05:00Week 11, 2019 Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys @ Home<br>
Next Year.
<br><br>
The 3-6-1 Detroit Lions lost to the 6-4 Dallas Cowboys 27 to 35 effectively taking the Lions out of playoff contention this season for all intents and purposes even if not yet mathematically (one more loss will do that). <br><br>
Jeff Driskel was 15 of 26 (57.692%) for 209 yards 2 TDs and no INTs. The runners managed to rush for 121 yards and 2 TDs, including the newest RB, Bo Scarbrough, a player I had been hoping the Lions would've drafted the year Dallas drafted him in the 7th round. <br><br>
The Lions defense however allowed Dak Prescott to go 29 of 46 (63.04%) for 444 yards and 3 TDs with no INTs. The Lions defense also allowed 75 yards rushing and another TD for Elliott. <br><br>
There is still no word on when (or even if) Matthew Stafford will be back to work, but then again, unless he can play defense as well as QB then there is really no reason to rush him back on the field. <br><br>
What I don't really understand though, is the Lions defense last year (the 2nd half of the year) and this year are so completely different, and yet most of the players are the same. Coleman instead of Lawson, Flowers instead of Ansah, plus a few others added through the draft and free agency, all of which should (on paper) have been upgrades, and yet the D is worse then last year. Last year though there was a lot (as in A LOT) more blitzing where as this year it happens seldom (though often effective when used). I don't know the exact usage difference but I seem to recall that Davis did a lot of blitzing be they delayed or designed, and this year it seems to rarely happen. <br><br>
I doubt the front office is in danger of losing their jobs, and thus the coaching staff is probably safe for one more year, but I have to believe they must start showing improvement before too much longer or we'll be rebuilding from the ground up once again, and four times in two decades is not something I'm looking forward to. <br><br>
At the present time, with 6 games to go for most teams, the Lions are looking at picking 10th overall in the first round. The Lions also have just under $20 million in salary cap space available that if unused this year will roll over into next year. There is just no reason for the team not to do what needs doing and begin to have success. Maybe too late this year, but unless something major occurs I don't see why there should be any reason for next year not to be highly successful.<br><br>
Egads, I just said something similar to "just wait until next year"... how the Lions make me do that so often is another fact I wish didn't happen. Half way through November and we're once again looking at the off season moves and draft. Shame really.<br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-11005918242542773532019-11-10T21:30:00.001-05:002019-11-10T21:30:56.208-05:00Week 10, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears<br>
Very underwhelming.
<br><Br>
The 3-5-1 Detroit Lions lose to the 4-5 Chicago Bears with a score of 13-20. Matthew Stafford sat this one out with a back injury so getting his first start as a Lion was Jeff Driskel. That worked out just about as well as you would expect, very underwhelming.<br><br>
Jeff Driskel was 27 of 46 (58.7%) for 269 yards and 1 TD along with 1 INT (straight to the opponent). Now it was nice to watch a QB who can run a 4.59 40 yard dash, making him just a tiny bit slower then the RBs, but I'm hopeful Stafford gets well soon, like now. Driskel had 5 carries for the team leading 37 rushing yards. McKissic had 10 carries for 36 rushing yards. Ty Johnson had 5 carries for 16 yards before he went under the concussion protocol (so out of the game in the first quarter). Total rushing yards for the Lions was 98 yards and no TDs. Very underwhelming.<br><Br>
The Lions defense actually had some improvement in their rushing D allowing only 81 yards but they allowed Mitchell Trubisky to go 16 of 23 (69.57%) for 173 yards and 3 TDs with no INTs passing. The complete lack of blitzes by the Lions defense is beginning to drive me crazy, but I digress. The defense for the Lions was able to get some stops, and some three and outs, but not one turnover, again. Before this game the Lions defense was ranked one of the three worst in the NFL. Very underwhelming.<br><br>
The Lions next game is at home at 1pm next Sunday against the 5-3 Dallas Cowboys (they are playing the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night). There are currently 9 NFC teams with a record above .500, the odds of the Lions knocking 4 of those teams out of the wildcard race is approaching single digits. In fact, it won't be long and we might be talking about who the Lions will draft with a top 10 pick once again. Since I still don't want to talk about the draft in November just yet, I'll just keep on hoping for that miracle. <br><Br>
Oh what the heck, let's show one draft paragraph now, just in case. Currently the draft order is as follows:<br><Br>
1 Cincinnati 0-9 .000 <br>
2 Washington 1-8 .111<br>
3 NY Giants 2-8 .200 <br>
4 Miami 2-7 .222<br>
5 NY Jets 2-7 .222<br>
6 Atlanta 2-7 .222 <br>
7 Cleveland 3-6 .333 <br>
8 Tampa Bay 3-6 .333 <br>
9 Denver 3-6 .333 <br>
10 Arizona 3-6-1 .350 <br>
11 Detroit 3-5-1 .389 <br>
12 LA Chargers 4-6 .400 <br><br>
Sad, isn't it? Yep, very underwhelming.<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-87472157943444991962019-11-03T20:32:00.002-05:002019-11-03T20:32:36.207-05:00Week 9, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders<br>
Too Many Mistakes (again)
<br><br>
The 3-4-1 Detroit Lions made too many mistakes (again) and lost to the 4-4 Oakland Raiders with a score of 24-31. In a weekend that saw all the division rivals also lose their matches, the Lions couldn't help themselves with a win to gain on all 3 of the NFC North teams.<br><Br>
Matthew Stafford was 26 of 41 (63.41%) for 406 yards, 3 TDs and 1 (costly) INT (in the end zone early in the game) and one fumble. The ground game managed to rush for 90 yards between 5 individuals and got no TDs. <br><Br>
The defense allowed Derek Carr to go 20 of 31 (64.52%) for 290 yards 2 TDs and no INT. The Lions defense also allowed the Raiders to rush for 171 yards and 2 more TDs. <br><Br>
There were penalties for too many men on the field by the Lions. False starts. Holding and interference calls. So many it's hard to remember them all. The fumble was during a hand off from Stafford to McKissic, who appeared to me to be looking where to go instead of focusing on securing the football, but the QB always gets the stat on handoffs and maybe it was his fault, but whoever did it it still counts as a mistake by the Lions. The INT by Stafford was a jump ball to Golladay who usually does come down with those but this time he was outside and the ball was just a bit inside, of course Golladay landed out of bounds so me thinks he was too far outside to begin with, which means the ball was more or less on target... but I don't want to appear to be excusing Stafford's play, as there were plenty of other throws that were not quite where they needed to be (and even more that were spot on). Regardless of who is to blame, Stafford made too many mistakes... the OL made too many mistakes... the entire defense made too many mistakes... but the officials only made a couple which was a nice change.<BR><BR>
There is no way I could pick one thing that made it so the Lions lost this game, other then to say the obvious, too many mistakes (again). Seems to be a theme this year. Anyway, the Lions had a perfect opportunity to gain ground in the division but didn't lose any ground instead with the rest of the division also losing, still when you got 4 games to make up you can't afford to make these mistakes... especially with half the season already gone. <br><Br>
The Lions now travel to Chicago to play the 3-5 Bears. The Lions can no longer afford to lose any game (in my opinion) so they better figure out how to focus and make fewer mistakes from here on out, or the season will be lost in November (again).<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-91233630147535498342019-10-27T15:33:00.000-05:002019-10-27T15:58:59.175-05:00Week 8, 2019 Detroit Lions vs NY Giants @ Home<br>
All Game.
<br><br>
The 3-3-1 Detroit Lions managed to beat the 2-6 New York Giants at home with a 31-26 score. Had the defense not scored a TD on a fumble recovery early in the game the Lions may not have won today. Injuries to the DBs forced the Lions to put in their 3rd stringers as starters for the 2nd half, which is not surprising, since the Lions just traded Safety/CB Diggs to Seattle this past week. Overall though, the Lions were up and down all game and eeked out a win.<br><br>
Matthew Stafford was 25 of 32 (78.125%) for 342 yards 3 TDs and 1 INT. The run game, led by one Tra Carson (who had 34 yards on 12 carries) totaled 59 rushing yards with 5 different runners. KJ might not be all that, but he's going to be missed (he's on IR now). The defense for the Lions managed to allow the rookie QB Daniel Jones complete 28 of 41 (68.29%) for 322 yards and 4 TDs with no INT (but one backwards throw that is recorded as a fumble). The run defense was slightly improved, only allowing 80 yards (64 to Barkley) but they also allowed Barkley to catch 8 passes for 79 yards, only being topped by Golden Tate who had 85 yards. Many of those throws were to wide open receivers, so it's quite amazing the Lions won at all... yet the Lions scored first (ala defense) and never once lost the lead all game.<br><br>
The officiating was at times a little bit frustrating, but no where near as bad as the past few games. The Lions themselves also made many errors, but once again, not quite as bad as the past three games. Perhaps this will generate a little bit of confidence that might carry over into next week's game against the Oakland Raiders for the first of two away games. To win the Raiders and Bears games away the Lions will need to clean up their errors and play well, all game. The up and down alternating good and bad plays have to get turned around, and quickly. <br><br>
The Lions are now in 3rd in the division, as the Bears lost today by 1 point (failing to hit a field goal as time expired). After the Raiders the Lions play the Bears twice in 18 days (due to the Thanksgiving day game)... all the next 5 games are critical... they must be wins if the Lions want any hope of making the playoffs. Not sure yet if they can pull that off. The Lions confidence might have improved, but mine has not. Not when you keep making mistakes every game all game.<br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-1356573924769620692019-10-20T19:02:00.001-05:002019-10-20T19:02:03.771-05:00Week 7, 2019 Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions @ Home<br>
Hoping.
<br><br>
The 2-3-1 Detroit Lions lost to the 5-2 Minnesota Vikings 30-42 at Ford Field today. Unlike the Monday night game against the Lions, the officiating this game was much less controversial. However, injuries played a huge part in the loss. Not to say if the injuries hadn't happened the Lions would have won, but I do believe the score would have been much closer. The Lions still managed to do things wrong aiding the other team to win, as they have done every game this season so far (not that all were loses). I wonder if the coaches and players can ever get their act together for a complete game, here's hoping. <br><br>
Matthew Stafford was 30 of 45 (66.667%) for 364 yards 4 TDs and 1 INT. The offense always gained 81 yards on the ground. Meanwhile the defense allowed Kirk Cousins to go 24 of 34 (70.59%) for 337 yards 4 TDs and no interceptions. The Lions defense also allowed the Vikings offense to rush for 166 yards. This was mostly a game of defense, or the lack thereof, and the Vikings defense outplayed the Lions defense. Prior to the game a couple of the Lions defensive starters were inactive and during the game more then half the starters ended up out for at least part if not the larger portion of the game. I'm hoping they can all get healed up this week for the next game. <br><br>
Next week the Lions play the 2-5 New York Giants at home. There can be no excuse for them to not win this game. Should they lose I predict the Lions will be drafting in the top 5 again next April. Here's hoping that is not the case. The Lions absolutely must go on a lengthy win streak if they want to have any hope of a post season this year at all. I'm much less confident of that happening then I was just a couple of weeks ago.<br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-7111137192182901952019-10-14T22:58:00.000-05:002019-10-14T22:58:12.388-05:00Week 5 = Bye, Week 6 2019 Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers<br>
Incorrect.
<Br><br>
The 2-2-1 Detroit Lions were beat by the NFL refs, err, I mean the 5-1 Green Bay Packers by a score of 23-22. Now it's true the Lions settled over and over for field goals instead of getting touchdowns. It's also true they led the game from the opening series all the way until the final 2 seconds, and the only reason the Packers were able to win was due to some great play by the Packers and even better penalties (or lack thereof) that kept the Packers in the game. The announcers know it, my local news guy knows it, my friends and family know it, and all Lions fans know it. Only some Packers fans will deny it, and that's fine, that's what fans do. The NFL will get all kinds of complaints, they will apologize to the Lions, and the Lions will still be 2-2-1 and not get the calls the next time they play. What should happen is that official should be fired. Tomorrow. Never to call an NFL game again. But I'm sure that won't happen either, as there are no consequences for repeatedly getting the calls wrong in the NFL. Nothing happens when the officials are incorrect.<br><br>
Matthew Stafford was 18 of 32 (56.25%) for 265 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The offense gained 56 rushing, which is horrible while the defense allowed 170 yards rushing and allowed Aaron Rodgers to go 24 of 39 (61.54%) for 283 yards 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Yet it was the two hands to the face calls against Trey Flowers (his hands were never once in the dudes face, but the dude did have his hands in Flowers face the second time) and the no call for pass interference when the Lions were driving to regain a two score lead that really affected the game the most... though there were other calls that were a bit one sided, not called or made up completely that also contributed. Now why the Lions didn't challenge the no call on pass interference I don't know, that is a coaching mistake. In the end, the Lions went toe to toe against a good team, would've won, but did not. As incorrect as that may be.<br><br>
Next week the Lions go against the refs, err, the Minnesota Vikings at home, I'm just going to predict a loss right now, since the Lions are probably really upset and it's only take one thing going wrong that shouldn't to get them into the doldrums and blow the game. Unless, that is, they are more resilient then I give them credit for, which would make me incorrect. <br><br>
Once more, I'll just say, the NFL really should remove that official from the league to show their are consequences for throwing a game... even if the only reason he blew it was due to needing glasses, which I doubt is the case, but you never know. I do know he was incorrect, more then once, and it did in fact matter this game. <br><br>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-23982030715070510322019-09-29T16:13:00.003-05:002019-09-29T16:13:53.322-05:00Week 4, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs vs the Detroit Lions @ Home<br>
Mistakes.
<br><br>
The 2-1-1 Detroit Lions gave away game 4 of the 2019 season to the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs 30-34. Of course the national talking heads say the Lions played well and the Chiefs played poorly but managed a win anyway. I think it was more an equal matchup then anything, with the difference being one too many mistakes by the losing team. Both teams did a lot of things right, but both teams messed things up a bit here and there too. Overall, it was another nail biter that the Lions defense gave up the losing TD... no wait... it was the offense the fumbled in the endzone and the chiefs ran it back for a TD... or was it the TD catch that was called incomplete after the review showed some air between the ball and the body so the process was once again not completed. Yeah it was all those things, but any one of them would have made the difference in a 4 point game. What's worse, had those calls all gone the Lions way (we're talking inches here, if that much) the Lions might have actually won this game by multiple scores. So you national talking heads, the Lions did not play well, they played just as well as the Chiefs, which is to say, with mistakes.<br><br>
Matthew Stafford was 21 of 34 (61.76%) for 291 yards 3 touchdowns and no interceptions and 1 fumble lost. The offense also produced 186 yards of rushing plays (18 by Stafford). I already mentioned the fumble that was returned for a touchdown, that was Kerryon Johnson trying to score a TD on another rushing play. Overall though, the Lions scored 30 points, it might have been more with fewer mistakes, but usually 30 is adequate to win a football game.<br><Br>
Now the defense did a lot right too. They allowed Patrick Mahommes to go only 24 of 42 (57.14%) for 315 yards (lots of yards after the catch) and no touchdowns and no interceptions along with 54 yards rushing (converting some key third downs). Overall the Lions defense allowed a total of 123 yards rushing and 3 TDs and recovered 3 fumbles. In other words, some really good plays to mix in with some mistakes. Not there were a lot of mistakes, just poorly timed ones as it turns out.<br><br>
It was a game that was both fun to watch and moments of suspense that could test the heart of any Lions fan. It means the Lions are improving as they can hang with a top 5 team, and if they can limit even one more key mistake in this kind of game, they could beat that team. The Lions have a bye week for week 5, so no Lions football for 2 weeks. That's good though, Lions were playing without some starters, namely slot WR Amendola, both 3 tech DTs and their top CB Slay (S Diggs when out early, CB Ford was also out for part of the game and TE Hockenson went down in the 2nd half into the concussion protocol when he failed to hurdle the defender he was trying to hurdle). As it turns out, the Lions need a week off to heal up before they head to Green Bay in a very important divisional game. Here's hoping for fewer mistakes (for the Lions) that game.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-88575860846676006032019-09-22T16:23:00.002-05:002019-09-22T16:23:55.590-05:00Week 3, 2019 Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles<br>
Just Enough
<Br><br>
The 2-0-1 Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles 27-24. It was an edge of the seat type of a game where the Lions could have won (as in put the game away) a number of times, or got behind and eventually lose a number of times, right up to the final seconds of the game. Mistakes were made by both teams, and mistakes were made by many a Lion at different points in the game. It was not a sure thing at any time and it was not a clean game. It was just enough, barely.<br><br>
Matthew Stafford was 18 of 32 (56.25%) for 201 yards and a TD with no INT and perhaps most importantly for the offensive line, no sacks. While the completion percentage was down from where I'd prefer it to be, and there were some errant throws, there were also times when it was better to throw it away... besides, Stafford's numbers for this game are nearly identical to Rodgers stats in their Denver game (that they won today) so it's hard to point a mean finger at the QB even if there are definitely things he needs to clear up if they are to have any hope next week. The run game resulted in 86 yards total, but 44 of those came from one play by McKissic.<br><br>
The Lions defense allowed Carson Wentz to complete 19 of 36 passes (52.78%) for 259 yards and 2 TDs and no INTs. There was 127 yards rushing allowed as well. However, there was a couple of fumble recoveries and a couple of sacks that, along with penalties, both helped and hurt the Lions cause. Overall it was just enough for a win.<br><Br>
I could rag some more on the coaches, but the team had the odds of losing set at 7.5 so to get a win, even if it got close and was at times kind of ugly, is a victory, as in, just enough of a decent game plan to make it work.<Br><br>
Next week the Lions have the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs coming to town, a team that just beat the pretty decent defense of the Baltimore Ravens today. The Lions are going to need some top notch play from the O, D and special teams (along with coaching) to do just enough to win that game... and even then it might not be enough. Let's just say I'm not placing any bets on the Lions next week.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878374527740897949.post-28158076553761601672019-09-15T19:21:00.001-05:002019-09-15T19:21:44.895-05:00Week 2 2019 Detroit Lions vs LA Chargers @ Home<br>
A whole lot.
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The 1-0-1 Detroit Lions narrowly beat the 1-1 LA Chargers at home week two with a score of 13-10. Mistakes (a whole lot of them) were made by both teams, including missed field goals, extra points, dropped passes, interceptions, penalties (a whole lot of them too) and even some questionable coaching decisions (again). So a normal week two game in other words. In the end though, the scoreboard shows the Lions as the winning team, which due to other scores around the league puts the Lions in 2nd place in the division behind the Packers.<br><br>
Matthew Stafford was 22 of 30 (73.33%) for 245 yards 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions (though one INT was solely due to the WR muffing the catch in the endzone and hitting the ball into the defenders hands). The offense managed to put up 94 yards rushing using all the running backs (except for the fullback) that were active. All the TEs had at least one catch as well. In fact, Amendola is the only WR to not have a catch in the game, so the ball was definitely shared around. But the biggest news on offense, and this is despite starting Crosby at left tackle and Dahl at left guard, Stafford was sacked ZERO times, that's a whole lot different then usual.<br><br>
Now the defense kept Phillip Rivers to 21 of 36 (58.33%) for 293 yards no touchdowns and one interception. But the Lions defense also allowed 137 yards rushing. So apparently the game plan was not to stop the run as much as the pass, and it worked, barely.<br><br>
The coaching was a bit better, even though I think the Lions should have been calling timeouts at the end of the 2nd quarter when they had the Chargers penned back at their 5 yard line with about a minute to go, they might have been able to get the ball back around mid-field and possibly get themselves in a position for another field goal attempt (not going to say points, as Prater missed an extra point and a field goal this game). Basically, at different times during the game, mistakes were made by all the normal culprits, and yet, they created some issues for the Chargers as well, and ended up with the winning score, so I'm not going to be too critical this week... I'll save that for later if it'll be needed.<br><br>
Next week the Lions play the Eagles in Philadelphia, a team I'll be watching Sunday night. Hopefully the Lions can continue to work on what needs work and put on a better show next week, just for my hearts sake... I'm not enjoying the ups and downs of these too close games. I am enjoying the Lions haven't lost a game yet in 2019 (ties don't count as a loss my friends) and are only a half game behind the Packers for the lead in the division, so that more then anything is why I would love to see a win against the Eagles, but that can only happen if the Lions can tighten things up a whole lot by next weekend.<br>
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