Players to Key on in the Draft

Let's be honest the draft is overdone by now. It seems like we've concentrated so much on the first round. I'm going to go through rounds 2-7 Lions should key on. I'm picking 1 guy from each position in each round which that the Lions need. I'll put an * next to who I'd take. Will assume that's who they take later as well.

2nd Round

*Jordan Matthews WR Vanderbilt

I'm a huge Matthews fan for the simple reason of production. Production translates to the next level quite well when it comes to WRs. There are guys like Kelvin Benjamin that have huge upside, but when you can't catch the ball like Benjamin or so many Lions WRs of old it doesn't work out.

Jimmie Ward S Northern Illinois

I wasn't originally going to put a safety here, because I have too many concerns with Joyner in the 2nd round. I'm not sure Ward will be available.

Kyle Van Noy OLB BYU

Now the Lions really don't get to play many 3 LB sets. I'm still wondering how high the need is to draft a pass rushing LB.

CB, C, TE, DT, and DE

Lions shouldn't be taking a QB or a kick here but do need one. I'm a huge fan of Dee Ford DE but don't see him available. CBs are a huge concer for me and the Lions should wait. It's likely a plethora of CBs will be taken in the first round. DT Timmy Jernigan would be a good pick if available, but I think the Lions would much better off with any of the above. TE I do have ASJ and Amaro available, but I just think that's a big investment for what is already there. Unless Pettigrew is a 1-2 guy. I still think you can then wait. I also think there is a great value later on to be had. I'm not a fan of drafting a replacement in the second round at center.

3rd Round

Marcus Martin USC/Weston Richburg Colorado C

I'm kind of leaning towards if you're going to draft a replacement. Draft a guy later that needs a little development or draft your start when you need him. Neither one of these guys really needs much development.

Brock Vereen Washington State S

There's only one Calvin Pryor in this draft. Him and Glover seem like a good fit together. I think Vereen is a 2nd round talent. Ahmad Dixon would definitely be what we need at S. With the league the way it's going. I think safeties like him and Louis Delmas hurt you more then they help.

*Marcus Roberson/Loucheiz Purifoy CB UF

Might seem like a reach that they fall to the third round, but I don't think so. Athletic freaks they both are could turn into great CBs. Pierre Desir is likely to go before them both now because of size people are looking for. I'll take Roberson/Purifoy both whom do have some off the field issues. If it wasn't for the Seahawks I think they'd be a 2nd round lock.

Christian Jones LB FSU

I like this guy a lot. I wouldn't consider him a playmaker, but a playmaker stopper. He just makes those routine plays and a quality tackler with that p word again production. Think he's a 2nd round talent in most drafts.

Jared Abbrederis WR Wisconsin

Abbrederis and Borland I'm huge fan of because of production. Yeah, size is a concern for both of them. Arms for Borland. I think they're worth a 2-3 round pick. Borland is likely going to be gone at this point. I still like Jones more. Not a knock on Borland though. Abbrederis is a guy that can do everything the Lions need. Third round seems like a better value then a Lee or Beckham.

4th Round

Since the Lions have 3 picks I'll be going through several players.

Travis Swanson C Arkansas/*Gabe Ikard C Oklahmoa

All of sudden Centers have been really moving. I think in the 4th round Swanson is a great value. Ikard is not a top tier guy, but a guy that can develop for a year and then take over.

Dion Bailey S USC

Possibly a late round steal. They guy made a ton of plays at USC and had a lot of production.

*Anthony Johnson DT LSU

This is a guy that can push Fairley as he will be able to get in on the rotation and make a difference. He might not make plays, but that's not necessarily what a DT is supposed to do.

Khairi Fortt ILB Cal

Makes a ton of good reads and seems to enjoy playing the game. Reminds me quite a bit of Zack Follett. Brings some good fun energy.

*CJ Fiedorowiz TE Iowa

If available at any of their comp picks they need to take him.

Jordan Tripp OLB Montana

Just put on a show at the combine. I was really looking forward to seeing Starr and this guy stood out. I've only heard good things at the post season games.

6th Round

Jacob Pedersen TE Wisconsin

Pedersen is a late round guy that could really turn into something. I'm more favorable in taking a  LB or DE here though.

Larry Webster DE Bloomsburg

What I like about Webster is he seems to play very intelligently. I don't think he's a guy that will get to the QB often. He plays the run very well. Sheds blocks reads and reacts. Not a typical Lions DE.

*Denisos Allen OLB MSU

Hate him or love him the guy can play. At the very least he will have production on special teams. I think he's the perfect fit for a team that won't play much 3 LB sets. I think he's better then Palmer.

7th Round

Jermiah George LB ISU

Not a big name after getting hurt in the combine. Very instinctive player.

*Isiah Lewis S MSU

I think he'd be a great fit with Glover. I'm not saying he'd pan out. Even if you've taken a safety he's worth pulling the trigger on.

Without taking into consideration the first round you're looking at several good players.

Jordan Matthews WR

Marcus Roberson CB

Anthony Johnson DT

CJ Fiedorowiz TE

Gabe Ikard C

Denicos Allen OLB

Isiah Lewis S

From that haul. A lot of players with someone in front of them that are likely short term. Lewis isn't likely to be a star, but it's not a pressing position need. Fiedorowiz and Ikard can be starters at their positions. Didn't walk away with a developmental QB and DE. Maybe DE can be addressed in round 1. 

Trading Down in Round 1

Some good news that there is speculation that the Lions will receive a 4th round compensation pick on the loss of Gosder Cherilus. I'd sa the emergence of Waddle has turned out very well. I still am a fan of Fox of Hillard, but I think it's Waddle's spot. Now the Lions do not have a 5th round pick form the Mike Thomas trade to the Jaguars. This has been seen as a terrible trade and it clearly was. Personally I think it was worth the risk.

With the rookie salary cap trading up and down is much more likely. I think we very well could see a lot of movement in the first ten picks. Who is a team that would want to come up to ten though. Honestly who knows. Maybe it's the Redskins. I wouldn't be upset if the Redskins through the farm in to get the Lions first rounder this year and we no longer had one. The Jets are a team that I think will want to get talent and aren't afraid to move up. I think you look at Dallas as a contender also. Maybe even the Steelers needing a CB. I think any team back there might find a guy they fall in love with.

Trading down with the Redskins mean. It could possibly mean a lot of things. It could possibly mean two first round picks over the next two years and possibly more. Maybe they through in pretty much everything this year and a first rounder next year. Lion fans won't be happy, but having two first round picks in a draft leaves so much flexibility.

Trading down to anyone else. Lets look at the Jets because they're kind of in the middle and probably the most realistic. They'd be giving up the 18th and 49th pick for the 10th. Keep in mind this is before compensation picks are handed out. Now why does this make sense for the Lions. The Lions need a lot of quality help. They also need it at a cheap rate. The Lions are in a serious cap issue. While extending Suh makes sense from a cap situation. Personally I'm not read to tie a knot with the guy yet. They need a quality safety, CB, TE, and WR. They need depth at the d line. They could use an upgrade at OLB and DE with Young a free agent. You look at really keening on getting secondary help and a playmaker. Now having two second round picks and a first should help you get three starters over two.

With the Jets 18th pick I think you will still have the possibility of your choice of at least 1 of the top 2 CBs in Gilbert or Dennard. Possibly the top safety Clinton. Two WR are probably off the board. Top TE in Ebron might be there.  I've been very adamant about taking a WR in the second round or later. Mainly due to the lack of separation between WRs and such a deep WR class. I think you pass on that position. So we can narrow it down to CB, S, or TE here.

Their original 45th pick and the Jets 49th pick I think you look to fill WR or whichever position you didn't in round one between CB, or S. I doubt there's a top TE you see to draft in round 2. Austin Sefarian-Jenkins being the most likely, but lets say he's gone. I think you're looking at Calvin Pryor at safety Jason Verrett at CB being the top guys,but possibly not there. Marcus Roberson and Lamarcus Joyner are your likely CB and safety be available there. Possibly off the field issue athletic stud Loucheiz Purifoy or Dion Bailey at safety. Maybe look to upgrade OLB with Van Noy.  I think at WR you're looking for Jordan Matthews. Someone like that is definitely very likely to be available. With the Jets 49th you're looking at picking two of these guys instead of one.

Lets look more directly at what kind of combinations we're looking at. We'll start with Ebron then Gibson and then Clinton as if they had been the pick in the first round.
18 - Ebron
45 - Marcus Roberson
49 - Van Noy

18 - Gibson
45 - Jordan Matthews
49 - Lamarcus Joyner

18 - Clinton
45 - Marcus Roberson
49 - Jordan Matthews

Now you can swap in who you like, but you could be looking at three huge upgrades. Now I think all CBs in this draft are a risk. I think there are a lot of starters at safety in this draft. I think if you went Ebron, Joyner, and Van Noy are likely group to succeed.

Lions First Three Rounds

We now know were a large selection of the teams are going to be selecting. The Lions need about every position. Honestly there's not one position that the Lions should look away from including QB. They need help at WR. They need to look for a replacement at center. I'm eating my words from last year on the importance of center after how great Raioli was. They can resign him and maybe still be fine. O-line overall though was great with great depth. We have restricted free agent Bell who they do need to resign. Defensive side you're looking hard at CB, but there isn't a top shutdown guy really. Defensive line did not get the job done this year. Need quality depth at CB and LB. Palmer played well at times, but it would certainly be a boost to get a stud in there. Levy is pretty versatile.

First Round

Every mock draft I see has us taking Marqise Lee pretty much. No secret that the Lions need someone across from Megatron. I just don't see it in Lee. Sadly we need a slot for depth and of the future and we need a #2, but this is a deep WR class. I just don't see Lee that separate from the rest of the pack to take him at 10. It's going to be a run of QBs sadly Hundley went back to school. Watkins may fall and I would love that pick. The guy is a dynamic versatile playmaker. Sadly I like some 3-4 guys Khalil Mack and Anthony Barr. Other then that, nobody that I love at 10. I definitely think there's a legitimate possibility of one of them being there. I realize it's not sexy and we've spent a lot on the d-line, but it helps when they actually get to the QB. Too many times I saw the opponent QB having all day in a nice pocket.

Second Round

It's going to be tough to know who is going to make it to the second round. Obviously guys like Dennard and Gilbert at CB I think the Lions need to snatch up. Gilbert in the second round I don't see happening. Kyle Fuller and Jason Verrett are a couple of other CBs not a huge fan of. Loucheiz Purifoy is an interesting prospect at CB he could possibly go third round, but I'd take him before the other two I just mentioned. At WR there will be someone. A Kelvin Benjamin, Allen Robinson, Davante Adams, or Jordan Matthews. Some quality LBs Christian Jones, Yawin Smallwood, and AJ Johnson. I think it's early for center, but either third or second you're looking at Brandon Stork or Travis Swanson.

Third round

Your looking for WR Paul Richardson would be a great pick. CB Purifoy I'd like also. Top two center would be good if they're available. CB Roby is a pick that I like. High reward guy that just played awful this year. Preseason most people had him in the first round. Take him in the third round isn't bad price tag. There will be WR available. Brandon Coleman, Odell Beckhman, Abbrederis, and Jarvis Landry are likely to be available. Guy I really like here is a ILB Khairi Fortt out of Cal. Stanford ILB Skov wouldn't be bad either.

Expectations for the Lions 2013

We're still over 3 months away from the first preseason game. From this point forward though we have a good idea of who will be starting. Have to say just based on the division improvements I'm a little worried.

We picked up three quality starting players in the draft. Ansah should start and you would hope that with the 5th pick. Slay isn't a starting quality, but our CBs aren't very good so he might. Larry Warford should start day one at guard. I think Theo Riddick will get some snaps just as long as he can block in the NFL. He should line up in the slot every now and then, but you have to imagine Scheffler will get a lot of those snaps over him. He provides depth at WR, TE, and RB and different packages. He's obviously a RB, but you may see more two RB packages where a TE or WR is coming out. Sam Martin should start day one. Devin Taylor is a project, but the nice thing is he really just needs to bulk up. He should be in rotational snaps. He has high potential. Corey Fuller may not see a snap. He's extremely fast and raw like most of the draft picks. He needs to learn to put the ball away, route running, and improve his catching. Michael Williams is a guy that should be in on goal line situations. He probably won't get Heller playing time, because he doesn't have that speed. Hopefully we'll see a lot more goal line packages with Leshoure. The best teams have the ability to just hand it off down near the goal line.

Offensive line

Michael Williams will provide a nice addition to blocking. Raiola C, Sims G, Warford G, Fox RT, and Reiff LT is the potential starting lineup. We're going to see if the coaching staff has it. They either drafted a good project and coached him up right or the complete opposite. He was a guy that supposedly fell because of an injury in the draft. Well his time has come and it sounds like they have faith in him and Hillard. Fox has had injury problems so if you think Fox is the guy you have to have faith in Hillard too provide depth at about every position. Nagy will also provide much needed depth at interior. He'll push for the starting job against Warford, but may also push Railoa. Nagy might be taking over once Raiola is gone. If this line works out this will be an extremely young line. It really comes down to Fox and Nagy. It might be something that gets addressed next year. Once the first two tackles came off the board I think it was smart of the Lions to not taking a tackle. We didn't need another Jason Fox development project.

Running back

It's a full backfield. You have to like Bush in that shotgun set. Leshoure the power running back, Riddick the smaller versatile all around back that can go to the slot, and Joique Bell that is that all around bigger back.It comes down to if the Lions can run from the shotgun set. It's a difficult thing to do. I know everyone talks about less in the box. From the shotgun set you're not going downhill and lineman are in a farther back 2 point. It's more WR blocking. Realistically you're looking at one unblocked LB with not a lot of traffic to fight through.

Tight ends

You're looking at an impressive on paper group. Scheffler, Pettigrew, and Williams. Scheffler being you're slot WR, Pettigrew you're all around TE, and Williams being you're blocking TE. They signed Fauria who is an athletic TE that might be the understudy to Scheffler. I really like Fauria. You may not see him this year, but hopefully the future. My biggest concern is Scheffler has been dropping passes and Pettigrew has been dropping passes and losing the ball. Guys know and they'll be going after him. I hope he's made an adjustment this off season.

Quarterback

If you don't know Stafford is the starter. Shaun Hill is a quality backup and Kellen Moore hopefully never sees the field because he doesn't have it.

Wide receiver

You're looking at a lot of Calvin, Burleson, and Broyles. You're probably going to see a lot of 3 WR, 1 TE, and 1 RB sets. Nobody to really stretch the field opposite of CJ. Hopefully Burleson and Broyles stays healthy. Without a Young immature WR screwing things up. You look at and the WR should be better especially with Bush and Riddick. You have to realize without Fuller on the field a safety moves up and a safety slides towards CJ. Hopefully the running game will affect the defensive alignment opening up lanes for the WRs.

Defensive line

This is where things get interesting. Fairley will be starting and will hopefully have the conditioning to keep it up. The quality depth isn't quite there across the line. This is where the Lions is different from every other defense. The d line is supposed to penetrate up field and create havoc. This opens up running lanes and doesn't protect the LBs. Ansah, Suh, Fairley, and Jones. The subs will have to do the same thing. They need to collapse the pocket, get to the QB, and throw the RB off his route. Most importantly make plays back there. Can't continued to get trapped or whammed for 20 yards.

Linebackers

There's Tulloch and there's Levy and then ummm. There's no real starter strong side. Tulloch wasn't his reliable tackling self and as he's getting older I'm a little worried. Levy isn't exactly a stud and we're not going to be bringing in a stud. The LBs will need all the help they can get from CBs and D line in the running game. This is a very quick group that do well in the passing game and should continue to do so. This isn't a group that blitzes well. With the d line told to get to the quarterback they need too not the LBs. LBs need to come up make a good read and make good quality tackles in the hole. Keep the safeties from needing to come up opening up the back end of the defense.

Safeties

Delmas and Quin are great athletic guys. My biggest problem is there is no depth absolutely none. I don't trust Spievey. He's been picked on. Health is the biggest thing here. Delmas can cover up mistakes, but he need to be out there. Quin is a great safety. It's going to make a difference having two top tier safeties if their healthy.

Cornerbacks

Talk about an interesting group. Mayhew talks highly of every d back he drafted last year. I think this is another position area where we're at least a year away from being a contender. We have a lot of nickelbacks. I know I said last year Houston was a #2 CB, but he made me eat my words. I realize he sucked one game against the Falcons at primetime. He played extremely well every other game. Bentley, Greenwod, and Slay are nickle CBs. One of them is going to have to step up and make a big improvement. Greenwood we knew was a project so I don't expect him to see the field much. Jonte Green played well for a late round CB and showed he could do it. He got burnt too many times. He's a depth guy. Whose across from Houston, I'm not sure. I think Bentley is the leader. Hopefully we have a playmaker in this group. With having Greenwood and Bentley injured most the year we're not really sure what we have. Slay had a torn meniscus who even knows that he'll be ready at the start of the season.

The offense is really missing a guy to stretch the field vertical. It seemed like last year it was a team that needed a big play to score. Hopefully with Broyles and Burleson across the middle can be more of a chain moving group. Leshoure should be healthier to pound up the middle. The defense is shaky in pretty much every area. There's no depth anywhere on defense. Hopefully Ansah can be a playmaker.

Detroit Lions 2013 Draft

Like so many people predicted myself not included correctly had us taking the Ziggy.

Ziggy

With both tackles gone the Dolphins already moved up I think the Lions were in a tough spot. If you have seen or read anything you've heard everything. High risk high reward guy. Not a lot of experience. Strong, quick, and has long arms. There's really not a lot too say here. We need someone to get to the QB hopefully he can do that. I'm not in love with the pick, but I think they took on a chance they've been able to really get their hands on. He sounds like a high quality character good which is always good.

Darius Slay

Fastest CB at the combine. Great ball skills and good size. He's a little bit of a project. I don't think he's a plug in starter, but is a nickel package guy. On our current roster though who knows. Right coaching he could be a great CB. He's someone to be excited about. Got great hips. He has the ability just needs some coaching and experience. I think he was worth the pick. Otherwise you're looking at Warford, Armstead, or a WR here.

Larry Warford

I would have been happy for him at the second round pick. He's a big beast with good athleticism. We're picking up a starter here in the third round. Which is good value. I think he fell because so many teams had already picked a lineman. This fills a hole on the OL.

Devin Taylor

Interesting pick. I think the Lions clearly still want to get to the QB. I think this guy could start. The work that needs to be done with him is strength. He has some impressive moves. Has a nice swim move, which is hard to time and get it right. He has really long arm and bats down some balls which I'm excited about. He was a beast 2 years ago and then this past year didn't have quite the same year. I think we'll definitely see him on the field next year. Just needs to bulk up and could be a beast. I like the pick.

Sam Martin

Wasn't very familiar with him. I knew the Lions had brought him in. This guy has a leg. He also handled kickoffs. He can put the correct spin on the ball to down it inside the 10. This guy has an unreal leg though. Until you see it it's hard to believe the hang time and distance on the fly this guy has. I got a little worried about out kicking coverage, but his hang time is great. I didn't see him angle any punts which is a concern. He'll be a day one starter at a position that has killed us. I was advocating a punter and kicker. We got one of the too and looks like this is where they were going.

Corey Fuller

Interesting pick. This is a track guy that struggled catching the ball at the combine. He'll be a  project. I"m curious to see him hand fight against a press. I didn't see any film. One thing that popped out is that he does not tuck the ball away. I'm curious how many fumbles he has. I thought he made some good catches and catches the ball well with his hands. Megatron, Fuller stretching the field vertically, and Broyles in the slot could be a great combination for years to come.

Theo Riddick

He is a system fit guy. He has a little shift can go in the slot. Played a lot in the shotgun sets. Catches the ball well. He is use to running from the shotgun set and it's his style. It is a hard thing to do as I've said several times. He can also help in the return game. I think we had needs fill out on the defensive side to help in the coverage teams. With RBs constantly hurt this isn't a terrible pick. More RBs might limit the hits of other RBs and increase the already short NFL careers. I still think the best player is going to be out there.

Michael Williams

What you see is what you get. I'm sure this was a targeted guy to replace Heller. He blocks well and has good recognition. A goal line TE. Can catch the ball, but he's not going to go out for too many passes. Can definitely help with some concerns at the tackle position protecting Stafford. He doesn't have quite the speed that Heller has. I think he has good hands though like Heller. I do think Reddick LB should have been the pick.

Brandon Hepburn

A guy that has special teams experience. He's an ILB that is 240 that definitely doesn't look 240. A guy that passes the eye ball test. Haven't seen any game film on him out of Florida A&M. Great footwork at the combine. I think he'll contribute. Think this was a great pick. He sounds like an extremely high character guy. Extremely smart guy.

The Lions need to go out and sign some defensive players. They should bring in some WRs, but defense needs to be their priority. They only got one seventh round LB. They'll still need special team guys. Their wasn't a kicker available late worth drafting with the FSU and UF kickers gone. With Sam Martin we'll need some flyers that can cover those punts. I wouldn't mind if they went out and got Da'Rick Rogers.

Lions Trading Down Options Mock Draft

First pick is who I think they'll draft and then who I think they should draft. Everything is based off of who I think they'll draft though.

1st Round

Chiefs
Luke Joeckel LT
Same

This isn't a lock yet.

Jaguars
Dion Jordan DE
Eric Fisher LT

A lot of picks just seem so much in the air. Dominoes fall at one and only continue at 2 affecting every other pick behind it. I think they're going to want a big fast flashy guy.

Raiders
Star Lotulelei DT
Same

I know people have Floyd here now because of the medical condition. Star is a rare prospect and fits their new scheme much better. He's also yet to stomp on a player's face and deny it.

Eagles
Eric Fisher LT
Same

They need help. With Star gone I think this becomes an easy pick.

Dolphins from the Lions
Dee Miliner CB
Same

I think the Lions try to trade down. I struggle thinking people are this in love with Johnson. People might love Miliner and you have to figure that's who the Lions take. If not the Lions the Browns. Lions get the 12th and the 42nd pick. Lions have several needs and will get help filling them. The Dolphins get a big physical CB that I don't think the Lions love. Lions would take Miliner here.

Browns
Ansah DE
Floyd DT

They might not see Floyd as a system fit. I think he is. I don't think he's the athlete at the same size that Star is and that is why I don't have him going before him. The Browns need someone to get to the QB. With Dee gone. I think this becomes one of the flashy DEs. If someone wants Lane they will look to move up here.

Cardinals
Floyd DT
Same

Maybe I'm in my own head here. Everyone seems to slate Lane Johnson here. Floyd is the better prospect. I'm leaning towards Lane being fabricated by the media. They see what he can do athletically and fall in love with him.

Chargers from Bills
Johnson LT
Warmack G

Chargers desparately need  a LT. They don't have much ammo so they give up a 3rd rounder here to move up 3 spots mainly to get ahead of the Titans

Jets
Jones DE
Rhodes CB

Sounds like they're going to take the top DE at 9. Mingo would probably be the other guy. Jones fits their system and might seem like a good value to them.

Titans
Warmack G
Same

Titans would probably love to get Miliner which adds to the Lions trading down possibility. Part of me thinks they'll reach and take Fluker. They really need help on the offensive side. Chris Johnson didn't perform nor did Locker. Warmack will help the running game. Since they have a great RB leads me to believe they'll value the guard position.

Bills from Chargers
Austin WR
Vaccaro S

I think the Bills feel better about taking a WR here. I've changed my mind here several times about who'll they'll take. Here I do think Vaccaro is the right pick though. Mingo is another option. I think they need bigger receiver. Austin might be a rare almost Harvin like guy. He showed great hands at the combine and is why I think he goes earlier then I originally thought prior to the combine.

Cowboys from Lions
Vaccaro S
Same

I actually had the Lions taking Mingo here and then when I got to the Cowboys I don't think they're going to want to sit there and see their guys gone. They want a guard or Vaccaro. They love seeing Cooper still there, but I think they'll want Vaccaro bad. I had Vaccaro going to the Jets the next pick. Lions get another 2nd round pick. Lions should take Cooper, Mingo, or Vaccaro in that order in my opinion.

Jets
Cooper G
Same

Losing Landry and Bell the safety position is in shambles. I had Vaccaro here now I'm just not sure. I think it now comes down to Fluker or Cooper.

Panthers
Richardson DT
Same

This fills a huge need for them.

Saints
Mingo DE
Same

They need help on the line or a defensive playmaker.

Rams
Fluker LT
Same

I think the Rams are stoked he's there. They're going to be able to fill another need a little bit later.

Steelers
Ogletree OLB
Same

Possibly top ten talent here, but has issues. The type of athletes the Steelers like.

Jaguars from Lions
Smith QB
Same

Jaguars get big time guy Geno giving up a second and the third round pick might feel like they got two first rounders. Knowing the Lions are shopping it and willing to go to the second round. They might fear of someone else taking Geno.

The Lions get another 2nd round to get this pick. I think back here the Lions are targeting Hayden. Mayhew has this personality of go get your guy, but also get every little thing you can. It's going to take the teams a 2nd and a 3rd to get back into the first round. The Lions want to move back and are willing to give a discount and give them a higher pick. Pick would probably be Rhodes or Tank here.

Giants
Rhodes CB
Same

CB is a huge need and I think Rhodes is a good value here.

Bears
Eifert TE
Same

Can't believe I'm agreeing with this pick. I'm not sure they need a WR. I don't like any of the LBs. I wouldn't take Te'o here. Maybe take Reid at safety I'm not sure. Eifert will really provide help on the offense. There's really not a top guard or tackle here for the OL.

Bengals
Reid S
Same

this seems like a no brainer. I think they'd be willing to trade up for Vaccaro, but Dallas beat it to them.

Rams
Hunter WR
Same

Could turn out to be a star in the league and they have shied away from troublemakers.

Vikings
Hopkins WR
Williams DT

They need a DT bad. They also really like DT named Willaims. It's a no brainer right? I think they want to prove that Ponder can do it.

Colts
Jones DE/DT
Werner DE

I think they'll like Jones DT/DE guy. His ability to get to the QB and play the run.

Vikings
Williams DT
Same

Maybe I was wrong they still got their DT

Packers
Patterson WR
Werner DE

They like to feed Rogers Rodgers weapons. With Jennings gone and Jones a free agent. I'd be surprised if they don't take a WR.

Bills from Texans
Nassib QB
Barkley QB

Bills give up a second and third round to get Nassib. The Texans don't see their WR or OL here.

Broncos
Carradine DE
Werner DE

They want to fill that Dumervil spot

Patriots
Taylor CB
Hayden CB

I really think the Patriots will trade this for a first round next year. I'm just not sure who. Everyone loves that they give up a future player. Well the Patriots are going to sign someone and next year they get another first round pick probably earlier. I'm just not sure. The Patriots know how to stock pile though. Their two CBs are inked for 1 year deals. Taylor seems like a Patroit.

Falcons
Trufant CB
Werner DE

They're going to take a DE or a CB. They're hurting bad.

49ers
Cyprien S
Same

They'd run this pick up there. This will probably be a safety.

Ravens
Elam S
Minter LB

I think they need a to fill that void that is Ray with a stud. Maybe Te'o. With Reed gone and Pollard they're going to want a stud sure thing.

2nd Round

Lions
Hayden CB
Same

They sit patiently. They don't get Miliner. Miliner isn't an elite CB so they might not get a downgrade. Some people do believe Hayden is the top guy. There isn't too much of a drop down. CB check.

49ers
Banks CB
Same

Get a big physical CB. Could be the steal of the draft.

Eagles
Manuel QB
Same

They sit tight and they get who would be a good fit for Chip.

Lions
Werner DE
Same

I think Werner would be the top guy on the board and who they'll take. I had a few names going through my head. Warford, Long, Armstead, Pugh, Minter, Brown, and Allen. The WR Allen out of Cal really made a lot of sense to me.

Bengals
Long LT
Same

Sounds like they want to replace Andre Smith. Only they know that.

Cardinals
Warford G
Same

They're going to be stoked. They really need help on the interior line.

Jets
Ertz TE
Woods WR

They need to replace Keller. Woods would fit into the system very well. A guy that can run every route and has great hands.

Titans
Woods WR
Allen WR

This could be where Damontre goes. I'm just leaning towards them wanting to give locker weapons. If you put on the tape you have to like Woods I like Woods. Yes, Allen ran a 4.71. I just think him, Johnson, and Locker could be deadly. Woods probably does make more sense though because the ability to go across the middle.

Texans
Watson T/G
Armstead LT

I'm not a huge Watson fan. A lot of people are putting him in the first round. to me he has great potential, but sometimes he's just plain making bad mistakes. Lunges, doesn't recognizes stunts, and sometimes is just slow off the ball. He's very athletic though and gets to the second level well.

Lions
Armstead LT
Minter LB

I'm not 100% sold that Armstead is a LT. I don't like Reiff at LT. We might need to wait another year to complete our line. Minter would fill the LB position. Might be a steal.

Bucs
Moore DE
Okafor DE

They've taken falling DEs recently. Hard to believe they wouldn't do it again.

Panthers
Amerson CB
Pugh G

They need to help their line and Pugh can play tackle position.

Chargers
Pugh G/OT
Same

They are really trying to improve their OL.

Rams
Lacy RB
Minter LB

I just think Minter is becoming a great value at this point. Lacy would be a great pick, but I also like some other RBs.

Lions
Allen WR
Minter LB

I'm just thinking you can get a speedy WR later, but he does have great hands. He'd be a returner. I think he'd be the top guy on the board. I'm also starting to think Mayhew likes the heat, but he's not liking the hot seat. He knows he need to produce. Putting a fun offense out there would be a start. One WR to look for later would be Stedman Bailey. Allen's 40 time wasn't good which is why he's available. He's quick on tape and that's what counts. What you do on the field with pads on not in a tee and shorts. Not that I call those t shirts and shorts.

Steelers
Minter LB
Same

This pick makes a ton of sense.

Giants
Okafor DE
Same

Little surprised he's available. I'm not a huge fan though.

Bears
Brown LB
Same

They would probably consider him in the first round. So they'll snatch him up here.

Redskins
Alford CB
Same

Pretty much all CBs are FA next year.

Vikings
Quinton Patton WR
Dobson WR

I like Dobson. I'd put Dobson ahead of Patton too, but Patton next. This could also be a RB.

Bengals
Bernard
Same

They need a real RB. They have good run blocking.

Chiefs from Dolphins
Alonso ILB
Franklin RB

Sounds like the Chiefs are trading Albert. Should happen soon. So I'm giving them to the Dolphins losing Long. Get a proven tackle for this pick makes so much sense.

Packers
Franklin RB
Same

They may trade up to get Bernard, they may sit back till Lacy is gone and Bernard or Franklin. Since Bernard just went they'll sit tight I thifnk.

Seattle
Short DT
Same

Short drops because Panthers drafted Richardson.

Texans
Bostic LB
Wheaton WR

Just not sure what kind of buzz Te'o will bring. He's a 4-3 guy. I want to mock him here, but I just don't think he's a 3-4 system fit.

Broncos
Hankins NT
Same

You need NT. Need bodies.

Patriots
Wheaton WR
Same

Wheaton will stretch the field better then Dobson is why I have him here. Swope is another possibility.

Falcons
Hunt DE
Same

An early second round guy now late second round. This draft is deep in DEs and S.

49ers
Slayer

Trying to upgrade that secondary

Ravens
Poyer

Trying making over that defense.

This what the Lions can accomplish by trading down. They don't get a plug in LT. They do get a starting CB. They can take Jones to play guard and replace Dominic at center eventually. They get a play making WR.

Lions 7 Round Draft

1st Round

I think Joeckel is gone, but Milliner and Fisher are there. I'm hoping at least one is there.

-Eric Fisher

Keeping Fisher in Michigan. Fisher and Reiff. Hillard and Fox quality backups. Sims being 29 is still young. Nagy the believed starter at 25. Could be a center away from not needing to worry about the OL for years and years to come. There's no stud center, but there's some good ones.

2nd Round

This is a tough one. There's going to be a CB here, but I am not sure there is a starter here. Apparently Rhodes in now a consensus first rounder. Personally I agree with it. I just wasn't seeing him getting the love I was giving him. If Jonathan Banks is there I think he's the pick.

-Bjoern Werner

Really trending down. I don't think Banks or Rhodes will be there. Damontre Moore just isn't a strong player and takes poor angles. Werner is a high motor guy that plays the run game well. I think in the second round your getting a get deal. You're not getting a high ceiling guy like Ansah, but I think there's a less of a risk.

3rd Round

You should still be able to get a good DE. I really think the interior lineman will still be there as well. We still haven't taken a CB yet. If there's a guy that can start we should take him. Frederick makes a lot of sense here though. We still have a major need at LB as well.

-Terrence Williams

I think we can get Schwenke late next round which will fill the interior line need. We should probably take the top CB or DE here if we haven't taken one. Either way we need more then one. Taking another 3rd CB might be just a waste though. A bunch of high ceiling guys that don't pan out or stay at the same level of mediocre won't do us much good. Either way were only putting a few CBs on the field at one time. We need a starting CB not another nickel CB. Amerson might be that guy. He's going to need some coaching though. I'm saying we're not getting a starting CB why waste a pick. Williams would be a great addition to the offense. Make a good vertical threat. Willaims can be a little bit lazy, but he'll block and would be a good big threat in the redzone with CJ. Really be a great fit. Aaron Dobson is a smaller name that I absolutely love. Coverage got rolled his way a lot playing at Marshall. I've never seen a guy make CBs just shake their heads. You should see some of his catches. He plays hard.

4th Round

-Brian Schwenke

I think he'll be here. I think Frederick and Barrett Jones will be gone. I think speedster WR like Goodwin and Swope will be gone. We've already take Williams so we should fine. Unless we take a CB in the first three rounds we're not drafting someone we already don't have. We can hear how great they are and don't step on the field. Listen like I said I don't think we're getting a starter in the third round. We might be able to get one in the 2nd round. With Schwenke our OL will hopefully never be worried about for a very long time. If Aaron Dobson is here especially if we haven't take a WR he needs to be taken. Great hands and could be a big time playmaker in the 4th round that doesn't happen often. He's got great hands. I think he'll be gone though. He's rated as a 4th round guy. Personally I think he's much better then that. Youtube him and you'll see why.

5th Round

I think there could be some intriguing options. Lattimore being one. If he's here I think it would be a great pick. I think he'll be gone though. Sam Montgomery here I think he's the pick regardless of if we've drafted a DE. I don't think he will be. Kenny Stills makes a lot of sense here. Since we already have Williams we'll pass.

-T.J. McDonald

I've had a little change of heart. I had Klein just ahead of Riddick. Klein just has a nose for the ball. Riddick really has stoned some people in the middle behind of the line of scrimmage. He gets off blocks better then Klein and has better skills. I think if McDonald is here this is too much of steal. Otherwise it'd be Riddick. McDonald is starting safety caliber. He's a type of guy that  I think we could have some interesting packages. I would put him in the box as a 3rd safety a lot in nickel and dime situations. He'd really provide great depth. This pick would be an absolute steal, but it's where people are projecting him. In fact I'm tempted to say take him and then Schwenke, but that's a more immediate need. Not that that comes in to play.

6th Round

-Caleb Sturgis

We need a kicker. Dustin Hopkins or Quinn Sharp would be the other kickers. Sharp also punted and lead the nation in touchbacks. Sturgis hit some big kicks.

7th Round

-Ryan Allen

Do you you take the punter Ryan Allen or Quinn Sharp. Allen did a great job of pinning people inside the 20 and 10 and that's why I think he's the guy. I think the Lions need to try and bring Quinn in as competition and prove that Sturgis can prevent the return like Sharp has. The special teams start with the kicker and punter. Hopefully we can prevent issues thanks to a new punter and kicker. As someone that wanted Jason Hanson to retire a Lion more then anything his kickoffs were starting to lack. Hopefully we have the next Jason Hanson in a kicker and punter from this draft. Kicker is the position the Lions draft well.

-Wes Horton

I think we need to take a DE here. We loaded up in LBs last year. Giving up a 4th rounder this year to get one. This needs to be on the defensive side. The LB position wouldn't change much here. The CB position wouldn't change. With McDonald we have great safety depth. Horton is a guy that could make the team and provide quality depth. The reason I don't take Sharp is because I think you have to decide what you want. If you think Sharp is your kicker or punter take him. Freeing up a roster spot helps, but I think you need the best kicker and punter you can have. More important then a guy that sees a handful of plays. You draft 2 kickers and/or punters your guaranteeing one won't make the roster.