Wednesday Notes: Talking the Senior Bowl
by Sean Yuille on Jan 27, 2010 12:06 PM EST
in Detroit Lions Notes
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Print- Scott Linehan has spent a lot of time working with Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour this week. Based on all of the reports out there and what Linehan had to say about the former CMU quarterback, it seems like LeFevour is doing a much better job adjusting to taking snaps under center than Tim Tebow and in general is doing a better job adjusting to a pro-style offense. Considering how similar their style of play was in college, that is definitely interesting.
- Idaho's Mike Iupati has a fan in Scott Linehan, although part of that stems from the fact that the Lions' offensive coordinator played football and coached at Idaho. It does sound like Linehan is a big fan of Iupati's football skills as well, saying essentially that he is very versatile. I think if Iupati somehow dropped to the second round, the Lions would strongly consider drafting him. Hell, if it weren't for the nature of the draft I'd be inclined to call it a lock, as on paper it seems like a no-brainer. The problem is I would be shocked if Iupati is still around when the Lions go on the clock again. He appears to be well on his way to being the top guard in the draft, and I just have a hard time believing that he will not be a first-round pick.
- Mike Mayock thinks the Lions could have a solid shot at drafting Michigan's Brandon Graham in the second round. It seems like his stock will go up a bit based on early returns from a couple Senior Bowl practices, but that would essentially push him into the bottom of the first round or top of the second. I think if he is still on the board when the Lions go on the clock again there is a very good chance he could be the pick considering the Lions do have a need at defensive end.
- One player who is really seeing his stock rise this week is Ole Miss' Dexter McCluster. Even so, Tom Kowalski doesn't think he fits into the Lions' draft plans.
- WalterFootball.com posted a couple interesting things observed about Lions coaches during practice in the last couple of days.
My most favorite coach on the Lions staff is without a doubt is defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. He's giving a lot of good pointers technique-wise, and I love his backwards hat and fiery demeanor.
When I first walked into Ladd, I headed to the back end zone to watch the punt returners field balls. Mardy Gilyard did a great job focusing and looking the ball in - he looked like a natural out there. "Make sure to judge the wind, Mardy," said a Lions special team coach.
My reactions to those two things are: 1) Kocurek is likely going to become the Lions' new defensive line coach if Bob Karmelowicz retires, so that's good to hear; and 2) Hey, the special teams coach is actually coaching! That's also good to hear.
This coach also told the player to cheat a bit to the right so they could come back to the left to make the catch based on the wind direction. I love these little tidbits you get watching an NFL coaching staff. - With the Saints clinching their first trip to the Super Bowl, the Lions are now the last NFC team to have never made it to the big game. What's more, the Lions are the only team that has been in the league for every Super Bowl yet has never been in the game. It's gotta happen eventually, right?
- The NFL's RedZone Channel may be headed to cell phones next season. I think the NFL's vice president for media strategy summed it up best: "This is tailor-made to be able to watch during your kids' soccer games." Basically, say goodbye to all signs of productivity on Sundays.
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Iupati?
got this off a link on here discussing Iupati’s spending too much time on his ass during 1-on-1’s on Day 2. still overall, i hear he is looking pretty awesome in drills.
http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2010practice2.php
Idaho’s Mike Iupati was very physical in 11v11’s, but in 1v1’s he was simply on the ground too much for my liking. He’ll overextend and play top heavy, but the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced there’s no way the Cowboys pass up on him in the first round. He’s a prototypical guard for their system. Iupati manhandled Purdue defensive tackle Mike Neal a couple times and made it look easy – and Neal is an impressive specimen.
Mr Walter
Needs to specify if the 1v1 drill was at guard or tackle.
Iupati has looked dominant at guard every time the camera showed his drill, but he looked completely out of place at tackle (although he never played it so you have to give him some time).
by HoorayForEverything on Jan 27, 2010 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
I think it was a tackle drill
I read on DraftCountdown that that was the case.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 27, 2010 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
i believe the Lions would take...
…Iupati ahead of Graham. But hell, they’ll probably surprise us all and take Dexter McCluster so Linehan will have his “eraser.”
Lupati
I feel our ends are good enough right now, and will be sufficient after a few free agent signings. We need to get that left guard spot filled. But I would definitely not complain about having Graham on our team.
As of yesterday
I have heard that both are looking to be 1st rounders this year based on their practises this week.
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
Yea
Sure seems like it now. Their stock is blowing up.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
by Sean Yuille on Jan 28, 2010 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
Iupati
Iupati is possibly a 1st round talent. If he drops to us, then we’d have a solid Guard for once.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 27, 2010 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
Iupati
1) He will grade higher most likely so that would be a steal
2) Top ranked guard over ?th ranked DE fits the Lions’ strategy
by HoorayForEverything on Jan 27, 2010 1:14 PM EST reply actions
Iupati
Very talented guard who fits our downhill style. Graham doesn’t seem to have the flat-out speed Gunther wants from “really fast DE’s”. Jerry Hughes is a much better fit for Gunther at DE, if he’s still on the board at #34.
Somebody’s going to drop. You hear 50+ guys mentioned as 1st Round picks, but of course there’s only 32 picks in the round. Somebody’s going to drop, so we can grab the BPA who fits our style.
Guys who fit our style who might drop to #34 include OG Iupati, DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and DT Terrence Cody (although I question his maturity). CB Kyle Wilson, whose stock is rising, could possibly rise as high as the 2nd Round (although I’m holding out hope we can get him at #66 in the 3rd Round).
Chief Flag-waver and Keeper of the Dreadlocks for the Kyle Wilson Bandwagon!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
And so my earlier prediction starts to take shape....
I said months ago that Dan would be the 3rd or 4th QB taken and it would be lin the 3rd round.
I stand by that.
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
I stand by the McCluster pick
Despite what Killer says. I don’t think he will last until the 4th round, where I would like the Lions to draft him but I think he would be awesome in a Lions uniform (this coming from a guy who wants nothing but OL, DE, DT and CB)
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
Killer's point was that because he won't last until a later round he won't be picked by Detroit
The point was that we don’t have the luxury of picking a player like McCluster early on, but he will be gone before we do get a chance.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
That is a tall order...sub 4.3
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Jan 27, 2010 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
I see
in that case Killer’s point makes sense. Thanks Sean.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me in one of my LIONS shirts
by NYCLionsfan on Jan 28, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed
I’d prefer Gerhart, or possibly Blount late. McCluster, while interesting, seems redundant since we have Brown. That is unless we use McCluster purely as a receiver.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 27, 2010 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed
Redundant, we have Brown, who was drafted by the new regime.
And if we give McCluster anything close to major playing time at RB, defenses will break his 165 Lb body in half. We’ve got bigger priorities.
Chief Flag-waver and Keeper of the Dreadlocks for the Kyle Wilson Bandwagon!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Blount has been explosive in Senior Bowl practices.....
However, the knock on him is that he runs to upright for a bigger back that does not have elite breakaway speed. People worry that he will expose his legs to linebackers too much to be truly effective at the next level. That said, I would take a flyer on him in the 5-7 round range, if he falls that far.
What about
Jonathon Dwyer? I saw a mock draft on FOX sports having us pick him with our 2nd pick. He’s got good size and speed. Should be a pretty good NFL back
It's possible
However, I would think that we will be looking at DT, G, or Cb in round 2, depending on what we do in round 1. If we take a DT at pick 2, and Iupati is gone at pick 34, then Dwyer or guys like Devin McCourty and Kyle Wilson are going to get consideration.
Super Bowl Clarification
You mentioned in the article that the Lions are the “only team that has been in the league for every Super Bowl yet has never been in the game”.
However, don’t forget the Browns have not been there either. There is still hope we are not the last. The Battle of Lake Erie is now on!
True
I forgot that the NFL considers the old Browns as the same franchise as the new Browns rather than the Ravens as getting that history.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
Eh
The Ravens went and won. They’re the real Browns, whether anyone wants to admit it or not.
by metatron5369 on Jan 27, 2010 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Its confusing!
Old Browns, New Browns, Ravens … Ugh lets just see the Lions go to and win next years Super Bowl and let the Jax Jaguar and Houston Texan fans worry about it.
Now
Now I’m confused, so I’m Just gonna go whack one.
One guy I'm hugely impressed with...
Andre Roberts, WR, The CItadel. I’m smitten. If we could land him with a with a 4th or 5th round pick then I’d be ecstatic. Hell, I’d even be happy with him in the 3rd. I like him that much.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
Coach Karm
Will be a huge loss, SLH developed nicely this year. Jared allen still hails Coach Karm, Gunther has stated his confidence in Coach Kocurek but I would prefer Karm with a #2 overall pick.
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain. Lily Tomlin
schwartz interview at the senior bowl
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d81601841/Senior-Bowl-Jim-Schwartz-interview
same shit different day… we need talent, looking at all positions etc.
talked about pettigrew a little bit
made fun of douche bag kyle wilson and his stupid fucking RV, talked ducass and how stafford is a man
That's why I put more stock in what the Lions brass said DURING the season, and what they DID
During the season, the answers tend to be true unguarded answers. Now in the offseason, we’re in “draft spin mode”. Also, actions in-season speak louder than words after the season.
Chief Flag-waver and Keeper of the Dreadlocks for the Kyle Wilson Bandwagon!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
That being said.................
Schwartz WAS consistent with many of the same things he said during the season.
1. He talked about finding players that FIT the specifications of what they were looking for at certain positions. Sound familiar? I’ve been harping on that all year.
2. He wants talent. He’s not going to draft “only _”. We need talent all over, and maybe only QB is off the table. BPA, baby.
3. He wants attitude. Delmas’ attitude sets the tone for the defense. He wants more of that. Bring on the swagger! Then somebody immediately mentioned Kyle Wilson. Schwartz said the kid has made plays all 3 days, and done well in the drills. And they love the bus, LOL.
Chief Flag-waver and Keeper of the Dreadlocks for the Kyle Wilson Bandwagon!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
Wilson's stock is rising.........good chance we take him at #34
If there’s any one player that Schwartz will fall in love with at this Senior Bowl, it’s Kyle Wilson. He has the attitude Schwartz wants. In terms of attitude, Wilson is to CB what Delmas is to safety. In terms of physical ability and skills, Wilson also perfectly fits what we’re looking for in an elite cover CB. And the secret is now out…….Wilson is a 2nd Round value, and one of the best CB’s in this draft, despite what the “expert” lemmings have been saying up to now. The “experts” are behind the curve on this one…..for now.
There’s a very good chance that in late April, Mayhew/Schwartz/Gunther will see Kyle Wilson as the BPA at #34 and make him a Detroit Lion at the top of Round 2. Maybe by then, other peoples’ opinions will have caught up to what Schartz is seeing on the field this week……not that Schwartz cares.
Driver of the Kyle Wilson Tour Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
if Iupati and wilson are both there at 34
take Iupati and throw wilson off a cliff… glad we could clear that up
You might be disappointed on Draft Day then
Both are excellent players, but based on everything I’ve seen and heard about Schwartz, his reaction to Wilson, the kinds of players he wants, the Lions in 2009, Schwartz’s in-season attention to the Lions defensive shortcomings, and both players, ….I’ve got a hunch Schwartz would rather have Wilson over Iupati. Wilson is a very rare player. He not only has the skills, he also has the attitude. That sets him apart. IMO, Mayhew drafts the player Schwatz wants at #34….Kyle Wilson. We’ll see in April.
Glad we could clear that up.
Driver of the Kyle Wilson Tour Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
Boise state fan?
how many times have you seen kyle wilson play? He’s big, he’s pretty fast and he has no ball skills. I go to Idaho, and watched our solid, but not great receivers get open on him the last three years. Hell, our backup QB making his first career start threw for 300 yards against Kyle Wilson and the BSU D (granted we were getting our asses kicked, but still). I’ve got a hunch you have no idea what Schwartz would rather have and neither do I or any of us for that matter. I doubt most of you guys follow too much WAC football and the only thing you’ve seen of him is the Fiesta bowl and what people have said this week. Maybe he’ll be good but I’m positive Iupati will instantly solidify our line for years to come.
Idaho fan?
Like a wolverine homer….with spuds?
Driver of the Kyle Wilson Tour Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
idaho student
and just like i couldn’t tell you about all the big 10 guys cuz i don’t watch much big 10 football, don’t tell me about WAC guys like you’re at every game.
I have to agree
Iupati would be our pick if he was there in round 2…..I’m almost certain of it (but not 100% positive, since I do not know what the Lion’s FO is thinking).
Great Quotes by Schwartz
First off, Schwartz talked about the importance of the time the coaches get to spend with players at the Senior Bowl. At the Combine, 15 minutes. Pro Days, 4-6 hours. Team visits, 8-10 hours. Senior bowl,
“We have a week with these guys.”
“By the end of this week, you really know these players….not just as players, but as people, as individuals.”
About Pettigrew and Delmas:
“Their Senior Bowl was a big part of their draft evaluation.”
“Both of them FIT the profile of what we were looking for in the position.”
“Personality you bring to defense is important, and that’s what Louis Delmas brought to us. When we’re good on defense, it’ll be because we play with Louis Delmas’ personality.”
About Kyle Wilson:
“He’s made plays (with emphatic emotion in his voice). He’s come out consistently from Day 1, Day 2, now Day 3 and he’s made plays, he’s looked good in the drills, and it’s been a real good week for him.”
On the draft:
“We have a lot of needs. Our #1 need is talent. So, we’re not going to pigeonhole ourselves with ‘we gotta take one position or one position’s off the board.’…..maybe other than QB.”
On OG Vladimir Ducasse (who, like SLH, came from a smaller school, and who might be a possible later alternative to Iupati):
“Oh, he’s a physical specimen, obviously, and it doesn’t take a draft expert to see that.” (smiles and laughs).
“They knew it was going to be an adjustment for him. I don’t think anybody judges him on what happened 1st day, maybe 2nd day…..what they want to see is improvement through the week. They know the physical skills are there. They want to see improvement through the week. and, you know, a guy like that, the game is going to be very important to him, Saturday. That’ll be a really important part of his evaluation.
Driver of the Kyle Wilson Tour Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(Hey, I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
Ever play poker?
GRLion, I think you are a smart man, and I usually agree with what you say (as I usually am thinking the same things). However, since the Senior Bowl practices have started, I have often found myself questioning your opinions of certain players. Schwartz and CO are not going to show their hand to the national media, keep that in mind. They might say that they “like” this guy or that guy, and they might actually “like” that guy too, but that does not mean that is the guy they want, nor does it mean that that guy fits our system perfectly or that he has become a target of the team in the draft.
Vlad Ducasse is a big question mark. Like Schwartz said, he needs to improve and the game on Saturday will be a great evaluation of him as a player. I would not agree, and I do not believe, that Vlad Ducasse can be considered a viable alternative to a player like Mike Iupati. Also, I like what Kyle Wilson did in the Fiesta Bowl, and I like what I have read about him at the senior bowl practices. I like that Schwartz has publically recognized his abilities too. Again, however, that does not mean that he has become a target of ours by any means. I would most certainly say that he is a player to consider, but I am willing to bet that Iupati is above him on our big board, and I would not be surprised if Devin McCourty is above him on our board as well.
I agree with stumpy in that many of us do not truly follow WAC football. I know that I do not pay too much attention to that conference. I’d hate to see us draft (or target) a player solely based on what he accomplished in a bowl game or at a few practices. I would hope that the Lion’s coaches and FO will be looking at the overall big picture of each player as well, before they target or draft a specific player. That said, I also have a gut feeling (and agree with you in this aspect) that Kyle Wilson will turn out to be a good cornerback in the NFL. If he can be a play maker at the professional level, then nothing else matters.
At least we still agree on Berry if Suh is gone! I do not like the idea of a 257 pound DE (Jerry Hughes, who projects as an OLB) in round 2, and if Iupati is there at pick 34, I will be rather upset if he is not our choice.
On Hughes
Maybe I am wrong here, but Hughes seems like a Cliff Avril clone. If he (and Avril) can stay healthy, and we were to have someone in the middle of the D-line creating pressure and collapsing the pocket, then I am coming around to the idea that Jerry Hughes could be good here.
I don't see Iupati making it out of the first
Unfortunately. I thought I’d give my first mock of the year right in this comment. Note: This is based off the small amount of research conducted by me at this time. Take it with a grain of salt.
1. N. Suh, DT – What hasn’t already been said. If not him then Berry.
2. K. Wilson, CB – A very impressive corner who should be available to us here.
3. A. Roberts, WR – A sleeper receiver who may have jumped this far up the board after his week at the Senior Bowl. I love his consistentcy and fundamentals. A great potential #2.
4. J. Jerry, OG – Our Guard help is finally here. Jerry can slot in at LG and provide us some competence from that position for the first time in ages.
5. A. Carrington, DE – I’m hoping he lasts this long but he is an athletic specimen with the strength and skills to provide us with a consistent force from the edge.
5 (2). M. Rolle, S – Very smart with fantastic technique. Would be great across from Delmas.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 29, 2010 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
It's more of a dream mock than anything
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 29, 2010 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Iupati will not likely be there in round 2.....
I like your 1, 2, and 4 picks HE…..the rest I think I will take with a grain of salt….:o)
I like Wilson in round 2…..if we aren’t going to take a DT like Cody or Odrick.
Well, if Berry is our top pick then I suspect we'd take a player like Odrick in the second
Or we might even wait longer and give a look at guys like Geno Atkins.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 29, 2010 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
and Wilson does have ball skills
Seen it, read it, and he has the stats…..and Schwartz says he makes plays.
Driver of the Kyle Wilson Tour Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
McCourty's good, pretty fast, and his stock should go up soon too....I like him
But in what specific area is he better than Wilson?
And yes, Wilson does fit the system perfectly. How does Wilson not fit the system?
As for the Idaho game…….how many of those yards were thrown to the receiver Wilson was covering? How many were thrown towards the other CB’s man, or even the other side of the field? And who won that game? (something about an “ass-kicking”?)
Don’t worry about Schwartz tipping his hand……he’ll effuse over many other players in the coming months. Meanwhile, the “experts” and fans who mock players to us who so obviously don’t fit our team will overlook the fact that Kyle Wilson so obviously DOES fit our team, in skills, talent, and personality. We’ve got enough lemming “experts” and fans living in denial out there expecting the Lions to draft Gerald McCoy, undersized linemen, oversized safeties, etc, …….that they won’t see the Wilson pick coming, just like they didn’t see the Delmas pick last year.
Driver of the Kyle Wilson Tour Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
Proud supporter of DE Jerry Hughes, safety Earl Thomas, and OG Mike Iupati
(I hear that Eric Berry guy is pretty good, too)
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.
I'm just saying.....
You can’t say that a guy fits our system perfectly, solely based on what the coaches told the media. He could be a perfect fit, and I was impressed with him in the Senior Bowl (as far as that goes). I will not be upset if we end up drafting Kyle Wilson, but in all reality we have no clue if the Lions are targeting him or if they are just piping smoke for the other teams to draft him and stay away from who we really want.
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