Taste of the Lions 2016

First of all, this was the best Detroit Lions event I have ever attended. It was not cheap almost as much as the tickets but worth every penny.

Highlights:

Met up with Detroit Lions President Ron Wood. I told Mr. Wood the Desire of the lion fan for a winner. He seemed to agree.

I talked to Personnel man Kyle O'Brien he was shocked I knew who he was.

Met Jerry Ball. Told Jerry one of the most bitter of the many bitter days I have had as a Lions fan was when he got hurt. He agreed.

Talked to coaches Jim Bob Cooter, Kris Kocurek and Bill Sheridan. Great guys.

Best conversions- Anthony Zettel about exit 202. Deonte Gibson. I asked him about his height. He said he would overcome.

Met alum Maurice Harvey. He was shocked I knew who he was.

Lions I met
Front Office:
Ron Wood, Kyle O'Brien,

Coaches
Jim Bob Cooter, Bill Sheridan, Kris Kocurek

Alums
William Gay, Eric Hipple, Maurice Harvey, Pete Chryplewicz, George Jamison, Jerry Ball, Rob Sims, Scott Conover

Players
WR
Jace Billingsley, Quinshad Davis, Corey Fuller, Marvin Jones, TJ Jones, Jeremy Kerley, Jay Lee, Ryan Spadola, Austin Willis

TE
Eric Ebron, Adam Fuehne, Brandon Pettigrew, Cole Wick, Tim Wright

S
Isaiah Johnson, Miles Killebrew, Tavon Wilson

RB
Zach Zenner, Mike Burton

P
Kyle Christy

OT
Taylor Decker, Cornelius Lucas, Mike Ola, Riley Reiff, Corey Robinson, Joe Dahl,

OG
Laken Tomlinson, Larry Warford

OC
Graham Glascow, Gabe Ikard, Travis Swanson

LS
Jimmy Landes, Don Muhlbach

LB
Jerry Franklin, Khaseem Greene, Kyle VanNoy, Tahir Whitehead, Antwoine WIlliams

DT
Stefan Charles, James DeLoach, Kerry Hyder, Haloti Ngata, A'Shawn Robinson, Khryi Thornton, Tyrunn Walker

DE
Deonte Gibson, Wallace Gilberry, Louis Palmer, Anthony Zettel

CB
Crezdon Butler Quandre Diggs

Detroit Lions 2016 Undrafted free agents updated 6/30

The Lions sign the following UDFA to 3 year contracts:

Devon Bell P/K Mississippi State 6004 194

43 games 78  punts 42.5 ave
14/22 FG 45/46 Xp

Camp Leg

Dominic Jackson OG Alabama 6050 313 5.48 20 26 801

14 starts at Right Tackle

Absolutely owned by Kevin Dodd in the BCS Championship game. Has to play guard if he has a chance. Waived June 21



Ben McCord TE CMU 6027 237 4.93 15 32.5 906 6.91 4.53

48 games 65 rec 879 yards 9td

McCord went thru the draft process with the Lions. With injuries to Ebron, Pettigrew, Wright and Fuehne Lions need a camp body.


Adairius Barnes CB LA Tech 5103 179 4.54 14 41.5 1006 4.08 6.79

44 games 150 tackles 10 picks 3 Fr 2 FF

Played in the NFLPA all-star game. This guy has excellent quickness and ball skills only 5'10" and 179 lbs. Has a shot at the practice squad.

Jace Billingsley WR Eastern Oregon 5090 180 4.48 24 reps 35.5 908 6.88 4.1

242 rec 2,522 yards 42 td
5,911 all-purpose yards

Mr. C with Jace

Caught the eyes of Lions scouts at the Nevada Pro day. A guy who would play slot in the NFL. Good strength with 24 reps at 225. Ran 4.48. 4th in the NAIA in 2015 in all-purpose yards


Quinshad Davis WR North Carolina 6033 218 4.69 17 31.5 905 7.07 4.35

51 games 205 rec 2614 yards 25 td

Mr. C with Q

Q has size and good hands. Not a sudden athlete but a guy with traffic ability. Lions need a guy like this.

Chase Farris OG Ohio State 6042 295 5.2 22 26.5 806 4.8 7.85

A guy who is a limited athlete but is tough and can play a number of positions. Has a chance for a practice squad slot.

Adam Fuehne TE Southern Illinois 6074 256 5.05 31.5 804 7.15 4.56

43 games 45 rec 543 yards 4td

Big blocking TE with some hands. Could stick if he beats out Mulligan. Probably practice squad.

Deonte Gibson DE Northwestern 6014 261 4.68 20 reps

47 games 83 tackles 15 sacks

Lacks length but has burst. An effective pass rusher in college. Unlikely to stick

Darius Johnson OG MTSU 6033 285 5.14 32 30.5 707 7.7 4.64

Signed off the rookie tryout camp. Strong with 32 reps. Saved a girls life at the Special Olympics in April of 2013. Cut during OTAs

Jay Lee WR Baylor 6017 216 4.53 13 33.5 911 6.75 4.28

45 games 101 rec 1700 yards 15 td

Size speed guy. Good production at Baylor. Needs to learn how to play NFL football. Will compete for 5th WR slot. Played at the Senior Bowl.

Louis Palmer DE CMU 6010 259 5.03 21 28 810 7.11 4.52

48 games 91 tackles 5 sacks 2 FF

 Not a great athlete. Made the team out of the rookie tryout camp.

Charles Washington CB Fresno State 5102 190 4.48 18 41 1005 4.48 7.23

50 games 202 tackles 3 picks

Good athlete would have to play slot. Has a chance at the practice squad.

Ian Wells CB Ohio 5104 199 4.49 41 1104 4.08

141 tackles 2 picks 28 PBU

Will compete for a practice squad position.

Cole Wick TE Incarnate Word 6053 356 4.93 14 36.5 1005 7.16 4.32

31 games 61 rec 832 yards 5td

Big kid with some athletic ability. Will compete for the blocking Te position.

Andrew Zeller OG Maryland 6051 297 5.01 19 34 908 7.21 4.43

Good athlete who needs to get stronger. If he can play center he could on the practice squad. Cut during OTAs

James DeLoach DE Georgia 6021 274 5.01 18 31 9047.77 4.64

38 games 4 starts 39 tackles 1 FR

Cut after Mini camp

2016 Detroit Lions NFL Draft

Round # 1 Pick # 16

Taylor Decker OT Ohio State

Analysis:
Decker becomes a day one starter at right tackle. He is a better athlete than Riley Reiff but needs to develop as pass protector.

Stats:
54 games 42 starts

Testing
6070 310 5.23 22 29 805 7.7 4.76

Reiff
6056 313 5.16 23 26.5 802 7.87 4.75

Round # 2 Pick #46

A'Shawn Robinson DT Alabama

Analysis:
Robinson is big guy who just turned 21. A first team All-America at the National Champions. I thought he was a better fit at 5 tech in 3-4. He will play the 3 tech in Detroit.

Stats:
42 games 30 starts 133 tackles 22 TFL 9 sacks 5 PBU

Testing:
6035 307 5.2 22 26 802 7.8 4.74

Round # 3 Pick #95

Graham Glasgow C Michigan

Analysis:
Tall guy, Can play center or guard. Will dress on game day. Will push Swanson and back up at guard. Overcame some off the field problems while in Ann Arbor.

Stats:
37 career starts. Former walk-on Shrine Game, Senior Bowl

Testing:
6057 306 5.13 23 25 810 7.63 4.63

Round # 4 Pick # 111

Miles Killebrew S Southern Utah

Analysis:
My favorite guy in this draft. Big and fast. Will strike you. The Lions worked hard on the nickel safety position. He gets the first crack. Will excel on special teams.

Stats:
48 games 45 starts 356 tackles 21 PBU 3 int 4 ff 3 fr Senior Bowl

Testing
6016 219 4.65 4.52 22 38 1007 6.93 4.18

Round # 5 Pick #151

Joe Dahl OG Washington State

Analysis:
Versatile player with good football IQ can play tackle or guard. With Reiff and Warford scheduled to be free agents in 2017 this guy will get a shot to compete a job.

Stats:
34 starts Senior Bowl

Testing:
6041 304 5.18 28 31 901 7.64 4.77


Round # 5 Pick #169
Antwoine Williams LB Georgia Southern

Analysis:
Lions scouted the Ga Southern pro day. Williams got some buzz following the Shrine game. Has size to play inside but lacks speed.

Stats:
49 games 31 starts 227 tackles 7 sacks 5 FF Shrine Game

Testing:
6026 247 4.8 23 35 910 7.03 4.58

Round # 6 Pick #191

Jake Rudock QB Michigan

Analysis:
Lions made the rounds looking for a developmental QB. They settled with on Rudock. Completed 64% of passes at Michigan. Better athlete than given credit for. Could be a reliable back up down the line.

Stats:
38 Starts 666/1080/27 7836 54 td Shrine Game

Testing:
6026 207 4.88  29 903 4.31 7.06

Round # 6 Pick #202

Anthony Zettel DE Penn State

Analysis:
A good depth guy. Can play on run downs at end and tackles on pass downs. Has a chance to be in the rotation.

Stats:
50 games 23 starts 120 tackles 38 TFL 20 sacks 2 FF 2 Fr Shrine Game

Testing:
6037 277 4.81 28 30.5 904 7.63 4.39

Round # 6 Pick # 210

Jimmy Landes LS Baylor

Analysis:
This means the end to the Don Muhlbach era. A much better athlete than Muhl at this point.,

Stats:
32 games Senior Bowl

Testing:
6014 240 5 4.97 27.5 902 4.38 7.05

Round # 7 Pick # 236

Dwayne Washington RB Washington

Analysis:
Size speed guy will get a shot to compete against Zenner and Ridley.

Stats:
31 games 226 1311 yards 17 td 41 rec 411 yards 3td

Detroit Lions Mock Draft

The Patriots typically have very few players on their draft board. They select players that fit their scheme and can develop into players. If the players are not available or many of the players are there at the pick they trade back.

#16
Ronnie Stanley OT Notre Dame
Jack Conkin OT MSU
Sheldon Rankins Louisville

Stanley starts at LT day one. I think Conklin can as well. Rankins is a 3 tech that can get up field.
I have seen Shaq Lawson here. I don't like him here. He is a strong player but not an edge pass rusher.

#20-#31
Jarran Reed DT Alabama
Taylor Decker OT OSU
Kevin Dodd DE Clemson

If the Lions trade back Reed is an option. High motor who is run stopper. Does have DUI on his record. Decker is not a LT but starts at RT day one. Dodd is rotational player at DE who has potential.


Round # 2
Sua Cravens OLB USC
Jason Spriggs OT Indiana
Emmanuel Ogbah DE Oklahoma State
Jon Bullard DT Florida
Sean Davis S Maryland
Xavien Howard Cb Baylor

Cravens would play the Nickel backer and box safety. Spriggs is LT but needs polish. Ogbah can pass rush but not a run stopper. Bullard is DE on run downs, inside on pass downs. Davis can play CB or Safety. Howard might go int he first round.

Round # 3
Justin Simmons S Boston College
Miles Killebrew S Southern Utah
Caleb Benenoch OG UCLA
Deion Jones OLB LSU
Jeremy Cash S Duke

Simmons is a centerfield guy with range. Killebrew is an option for the nickel backer if Cravens is gone. Benenoch is developmental OT/OG. Jones is a hit and run LB who can play special teams. Cash is a box safety type coming off an injury.

Round # 4
Daniel Braverman WR WMU
Cody Core WR Ole Miss
Hassan Ridgeway DT Texas
Ryan Smith CB NC Central
Kevin Byard S MTSU
Kevin Hogan QB Stanford
Vincent Valentine DT Nebraska
Matt Judon DE GVSU

Braverman is a perfect slot WR. Core is a Size/speed guy. Ridgeway would play in the rotation inside. Smith has size but suspect speed. Byard is centerfielder with range. Hogan would be a developmental long term back up. Valentine is a rotational player inside. Judon is same school edge rusher.

Round # 5
Tyler Matakevich LB Temple
Jeff Driskel QB LA Tech
Tyrus Powell S OSU
Jerrell Adams TE South Carolina
Jon Jones CB Auburn
Key Russell S Notre Dame

Matakevich is my favorite guy in the draft. Makes plays despite not ideal athletic ability. Driskel is an athletic QB. Powell is developmental safety. Adams would fit is the TE rotation. Jones is speed guy. Russell is can play CB and safety coming off an injury.

Round # 6
Darius Jackson RB EMU
Antonio Glover S Ga Southern
Greg Milhouse DT Campbell

Jackson is a workout warrior. Glover can play safety and special teams. Milhouse is a developmental DT.

Round # 7
Josh Woodrum QB Liberty
Blake Countess S Auburn
David Morgan Te UTSA

Woodrum is big guy with a big arm. Countess can play both CB/S Morgan is blocking TE

Detroit Lions draft preview Running backs

Running back is not a big area need or value for the Lions. They could bring a late rounder or UDFA to compete with Winn, Zenner and Ridley for a spot. Here are the RB that the Lions have been linked to in the process.

Tyler Ervin RB SJSU- 5th round grade. A tough runner with three down potential 5097 193 lbs with 4.36 speed.  Will be a NFL player.

Darius Jackson RB EMU- 6th round grade- A fast riser in this draft. 220lbs ran 4.4 at Michigan's pro day. The Lions have met with at least twice. Good receiver with 44 rec last season. Needs some seasoning but has potiential.

Marshon Coprich RB Illinois State UDFA- 5080 200 lbs 4.4 speed. Good prospect but has an arrest in 2015. Lions interviewed him at his pro day.

Brandon Wilds RB South Carolina UDFA-6004 220 4.6 speed. Grinder who can run between the tackles. Could make a practice squad and get a season call up.

Detroit Lions draft Preview QB

Detroit Lions have stated they will likely bring in a rookie QB from this years crop. I think the could draft a prospect on the third day or wait for UDRFA to emerge after the draft. Here are the players the Lions have been linked with and my evaluation:

Obviously, Carson Weenz, Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook will be gone. Dak Prescott is off their board.

Brandon Allen QB Arkansas- 3rd round grade. The Lions met with him at his pro day. Needs a couple of years to sit before he is ready to play. Probably to rich for Lions n the 3rd round.

Jeff Driskel QB LA Tech- 5th round grade. Lions interviews him at his pro day. He fits the description of a developmental QB. Excellent size and ability. Needs at least three years to prepare but has upside.

Kevin Hogan QB Stanford- 5th round grade. Lions have had multiple interactions with Hogan. a three year starter who improved in his senior year. Good athlete above average arm. Bob Quinn loves smart guys from good schools.

Josh Woodrum QB Liberty-6th round grade. Great size and arm. Comes from a small school and major development. Has tools needs coaching.

Jake Rudock QB Michigan- 7th round grade. Played himself into draft consideration at Michigan., Good athlete with an accurate arm. Needs time to develop but could be a solid back up down the line.

Blake Frohnapfel QB UMASS 7th round grade- Big guy 6055 233 lbs and big arm. Good athlete. Needs a lot of development. Would be a good 3rd guy for awhile.

Detroit Lions draft Preview- Players off the boards

I beleive the Detroit lions led by the ownership of Martha Firestone Ford and Shelia Ford Hamp will take many players off the draft board because of character red flags. It will be interesting how they handle DUI arrests. Players like Jarran Reed, Tyler Boyd. Karl Joseph (2/2013) are on that list.

These players I believe will not be on the Lions draft board this April:

DT Robert Nkemdiche Ole Miss
WR Roger Lewis BGSU
DE Noah Spence EKU
QB Dak Prescott Mississippi State
DT Chris Jones Mississippi State
QB Trevone Boykin TCU
WR Jalin Marshall OSU
RB Marshaun Coprich Illinois State
WR DeMarcus Robinson Florida
DE Alex McAllister Florida
DE Shawn Oakman Baylor
LB Curt Maggitt Tennessee
DT Adolphus Washington OSU
TE Tyler Higbee WKU
RB Wendall Smallwood WVU
RB Shad Thornton NC State
WR Leonte Carroo Rutgers
WR Tyler Boyd Pitt
WR DE'Runnya Wilson Southern Miss
WR MacGarrett Kings MSU
TE Ty Flourney-Smith Alabama
OT Alex Lewis Nebraska
DT Darius Latham Indiana
DE DJ Pettway Alabama
LB Dillion Lee Alabama
LB Antonio Morrison Florida
S Karl Jospeh WVU
CB Darryl Worley WVU
CB Cyrus Jones Alabama
S Jalen Mills LSU
CB Lafayette Pitts Pitt
DT Jarran Reed Alabama
CB Rashard Robinson LSU