Why we will not draft Nate Solder, or any other LT, in round 1 of the 2011 draft
by KDawg on Jan 28, 2011 10:49 PM EST
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PrintOk guys...time for me to weigh into this mess we call mock draft season. First of all, I want to be clear that this post is going to be filled with my opinions, based on what I have saw with my own eyes and the facts that I have found by doing extensive research. I will explain what players I think the Lions will draft (and some that I think we will not draft), not the players I wish we could get, and why. Many of you are probably thinking "He's going to say Von Miller". Well, I think that is a distinct possibility. That said, I do not think that the Lions will be drafting Nate Solder or any other LT in the 1st round this year. The reason why, and much more, comes after the jump:
Wow, that was a big leap...lol. Anyway, the reason I do not believe we will draft Nate Solder, who I feel will come out as the #1 LT in the draft after the combine, is simple. Minnesota is sitting right in front of us at pick 12, and I am betting that they will take him before we have a chance. Now, before you start bashing me, hear me out. I know that the obvious pick here would be a QB. And believe me, I do not believe that the Vikings will roll the dice on Joe Webb or Tavaris Jackson under center when the regular season hits in late 2011. However I do believe that the guys they REALLY want in the draft at the QB position will be gone before it is their turn to pick, and barring a trade that sees them moving up significantly, I feel they could do worse than an upgrade at their bookend position on the O-line. It is very likely that such a prolific move, necessary to get the QB they really want, would be very costly. I believe that it would be so costly, that it would border on insanity in regard to a BLOCKBUSTER trade.
That being the case, I also believe that the Vikings WOULD draft Cam Newton at pick 12 if he were available at that point. The problem with that is that I think Newton will be a top 5 pick (call me crazy if you wish), and that he could very well be a Buffalo Bill next season. Furthermore, I see Locker, Mallet, AND Gabbert all being gone in the top 10 as well, with Tennessee, Washington, AND Arizona being desperate for QBs. With Newton, Locker, Mallet, and Gabbert all gone in the top 10, the Vikings will not reach for Colin Kaepernick (and if they do, I will laugh my ass off). Instead they will go with the best LT in the 2011 draft and choose Nate Solder at pick 12, and thereby dash any ideas of the Lions taking a LT in the 1st round at pick 13.
Why not another LT at pick 13? Because in all reality, NONE of the OT prospects in this draft are top 15 material. However, Nate Solder is going to be a guy that impresses the hell out of everyone at the combine with his athleticism, range, and lateral footwork, and he will become the sexy pick...IE the only OT that will really improve his draft position because of his performance at the combine. The Vikings have Bryant McKinnie at LT, and he will be going into his 10th season of mediocrity. Even if Solder sits behind him for a year or two, the Vikings are that desperate for help on both ends of their O-line.
Ok...not only are most of the OTs a reach in the top 15 this year, but our FO follows the mantra of drafting the BPA (of course I think they are smart enough NOT to draft the BPA regardless of whether or not we actually need a player in a specific position...in other words, I think it is actually BPA based on team needs). Because of that fact alone, I am willing to bet my last dollar that the Lions will draft an OLB or a CB before they draft an OT at pick 13. The guys over at Scout.com actually have us getting Prince Amukamara at pick 13, with Nick Fairley, Da'Quan Bowers, Cam Newton, AJ Green, Blaine Gabbert, Patrick Peterson, Marcel Dareus, Jake Locker, Robert Quinn, Ryan Mallet, Von Miller, and Nate Solder all being drafted in the top 12. That said, I believe it is entirely possible that Houston take Amukamara over Miller, and that could leave Von Miller as the BPA at pick 13. I would be really happy with either player, but if Amukamara is there at pick 13, I think we will draft him without a second thought. If he goes to Houston or elsewhere before that, AND if Von Miller is also off the board, then I think the Lions will be looking hard at Robert Quinn, Akeem Ayers, and Ryan Kerrigan unless they can move down.
My take on it is like this...the Lions main concerns for spoiling the chances of getting either Von Miller or Prince Amukamara at pick 13 rests on the choices of Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco. The 49ers could take Amukamara at pick 7, but chances are they will be looking at Locker and Mallet, or if they are content with Alex Smith and/or Troy Smith, then they might be looking at establishing a strong defense first by taking Marcel Dareus (who many believe is a guy you can build around). Dallas could go with Robert Quinn OR Von Miller at pick 9 (I think they will want Quinn more), or maybe they will want Solder or some other OT prospect that they like (they need one). Houston will most likely be salivating over Von Miller, and if he is there at pick 11 then I imagine it will be a no brainer for them, BUT they could also go with Amukamara here if SF passes on him at pick 7. Bottom line...if San Francisco does not take Prince Amukamara with the 7th pick, and if he does not go in the top 6 (it is not likely to happen in my opinion), then it is very possible that we will have a shot at either Amukamara or Miller, with an outside chance that the leftover player will be Robert Quinn, with Akeem Ayers and Ryan Kerrigan to consider as well.
All of the guys I just named (Amukamara, Miller, Quinn, Ayers, and Kerrigan) are legitimate top 15 prospects, and that is a near 100% consensus across the board. None of the OT prospects are consensus, or even near consensus, top 15 picks. Logic stands to reason that there are better players who will be available for us to choose from at pick 13, rather than reaching for an OT that is not necessarily an absolute need at this point in time (keeping in mind that our FO is in love with Jeff Backus, and because of the fact that Backus had a pro bowl caliber season for us this year). And that my friends is exactly why we will not be drafting Nate Solder, or any other OT prospect at pick 13 in this draft.
Here is my mock:
Round 1 - Amukamara, Miller, or Ayers (in that order): If Amukamara is there at 13, he will be our pick. If he is gone and Miller is there, I believe that will be our pick. If both Amukamara and Miller are gone by pick 13, then I think it will be Ayers, simply because I do not see Robert Quinn or Ryan Kerrigan as solid fits for our defense (both are smaller pass rushing types of DEs and I feel that we are solid at that position in terms of immediate need). As a consolation prize, Akeem Ayers will be a decent fit for the Lions if it comes down to that, and he is a much better prospect than any of the OTs in my opinion (plus he would likely be the BPA who fills an immediate need).
Round 2 - A) Sit tight at pick 44 and draft Curtis Brown if OLB was our pick in round 1. B) Trade back into the bottom of round 1 for Brandon Harris (if he is still there and we did not get a CB in round 1). C) If we got a CB in round 1 and we are not trading up, then Greg Jones at pick 44 would be a great fit for WILL in Detroit.
Round 3 - John Moffit: He would immediately start at RG and give us a big push in the run game, plus he is a good pass blocker.
Round 4 - Kris O'Dowd: Injury history aside, this guy is an absolute MONSTER at center. He is a mauler, and he would instantly make our inside running game credible. In my opinion, his injuries are ones that can be overcome and he would be a HUGE upgrade over Raiola, or at least he would be there to replace him after this coming season.
Round 5 - John Clay: I only make this pick IF we can't make Jerome Felton happy enough to stay and play well. If Felton is not going to be with us next season, then Clay would be a great substitute who might even be better suited as a true FB in our offense. If Felton stays, then maybe we draft our #2 or #3 WR here...IE someone like Austin Pettis, Cecil Shorts, Dwayne Harris, Vincent Brown, or Greg Little.
Round 6 -No pick yet
Round 7 - Ahmad Black (if available): Black may fall deeper into the draft than projected because of his size, and generally I am not very high of Florida Gator prospects, but this guy can play SS pretty darn well, and we could do worse. If Black is gone, then maybe we take a look at someone like Chris L Rucker (or some other player that can play safety) here (character issues and U of M biases BE DAMNED!). I am not giving up on Spievey, but I want some insurance, and if it doesn't happen before now...better late than never. Yes guys, I realize it is likely that both of these guys could be off the board by now, but I am saying I might even look at a guy like Will Hill in the 7th round, and I just want SOMEONE with some skill on the field for our 7th round pick, and I am TERRIBLE at picking guys from no name schools, which is the much more likely scenario considering the prowess of Mayhew.
CUSS AND DISCUSS!!
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.
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So your not giving up on Spivey but you want insurance
No love for Randy Phillips man? Love Moffit I want that guy on are front next season
"Show me someone with an offseason and I'll show you someone in last place"- Ndamukong Suh
lol...
I want MORE insurance than Randy Phillips…but I do like him and hope that he pans out.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
I agree that OLT is a reach at 13 value wise AND..NOT a position of need for NEXT season
…i do think it is something that is going to have to be addressed. But from what i see it would be a hugh waste to find a replacement for someone that is playing at a high level. Is Backus a future all of famer?..NOPE. But if you asked tell me that if i started Backus off this year and he only gave up 1 sack in 2 games against Julius Peppers i would take that. …NOOO emergency here…Stafford getting hurt after being touched 7 times the entire season is on him. You can’t expect things to be like on the video game where you never get sacked this isn’t a video game. Sometimes the possible future hall of fame defensive ends will make a play.
I have said all along that the Lions need to trade down if possible because of the situations you noted. I don’t however agree with some of the players that you value. But even with that said i do see your logic. However this is what i am seeing >>>
Amukamara….this guy is a trap.I honestly feel this guy is hyped up.
PROS
-he is physical
-outstanding run defender
-good size for a corner
CONS
-slow
-poor ball skills (doesn’t identify the balls flight path and challenge for the football at its peak. Doesn’t get his head around….all of this equates to Aaron Rodgers eating this guy up 2 games a year)
-not instinctive in man to man and showed poorly against NFL level competion (was embarrassed against Justin Blackmon and exposed)
Von Miller….one of the most impressive athletes at the linebacker position i have honestly seen. Seems like a Al Davis type pick (speed strenght body type…but no instinct for the position)
PROS
-fast and quick
-outstanding speed pass rusher with a deadly first step
CONS
-played a different position in college. Coaches asked for him to play on the line of scrimmage and run to the ball. Which is opposite of what he would do in a 4-3 defence where he would read and react support the run drop in coverage
-defence against the run is suspect
-the very things a 4-3 defence needs a OLB to do he is suspect in that role.
Akeem Ayers…..big fast with tons of experience in the 4-3 with rush linebacker size.
Pros
-can play many roles.
-fast
-Johnny on the spot in coverage making big plays in the pass defence
CONS
-reads and reacts slow
-could be weak against north south running attacks (running right at him)
Robert Quinn…. outstanding pass rusher and very long
PROS
-fast
-knack for getting the edge
-can fill multi roles on defence
CONS
- not a stud against the run can be pushed around (reminds me of Avril)
Ryan Kerrigan….solid against the run and pass
PROS
-good all around end
-good pass rusher with speed and bull rush
-decent against the pass
-constant motor and doesn’t take plays off
CONS
-not small for a end…but not big either (very small grip)
-doesn’t blow you out of the water with anything…just good at everything(not really a con )
Just from what i see I think Jimmy Smith would be a better choice at 13 than Ayers or Miller and brandon harris. I rank him as 2nd too ONLY Patrick Peterson. Yes Jimmy smith is raw agaisnt the run. But man can this big guy cover and he is FAST…..he runs in the mid 4.3 40 yard dash time..and for 6’2" 210 pounds that is eye popping….and its not his dimensions that cause me to take notice. IT IS his ball skills…he is right up there with Patrick Peterson in terms of “how good are they when the ball is in the air”. This guy has outstanding instincts and consistantly plays the flight path of the ball correctly. He has outstanding technic when the ball is incoming to the reciever getting his hands up and his head around to make a play on the ball(outstanding against fades..back shoulder throws and slants)…out of all of the corners minus Peterson this guy has the chance to be a shutdown corner…write it down…i say the combine will shake things up. But i would draft him over all of the players listed above….(then again remember i am the guy wanting a trade down…but i will still reach for Smith i think he is that good.)
by Shankdiddy on Jan 29, 2011 12:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
And that ain't even a long one...
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 29, 2011 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
Couldn't be bothered to look
But KDawg and Evilsmurf have had some that go quite a long way.
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 30, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
ithink the lions will draft carmeron jordan de out of cal with 13pick in the 1rd hethe type of player a 4-3 deffense line coach fallin love with he a great pass rusher and play theerun real well a perfect fit for the lions deffense next year as for ayears i yhink he tackes plays off and is abit of a reach at 13in the 1rd as for von miller he has a lot skills that a team that runs a 3-4 deffense will want and he will be long gone before the lions draft .the same thing with the top 2cb in the draft that give the lions achance to draft cb in the 1rd but ijust do nothink they will for the cb class in this draft is very deep this year and they could get one in the 2rd who might 3bpa at cb in this draft so that out in the 1rd wr i donot think so they will wait to the later rd of the draft maybee a rb at 13 now that might just happion if mark in gram is thier at 13 on most mock draft they have him going in top 15picks in the 1rd and this lions team that drafted te when most fans thought they would tacke a ot in the draft that got standford as thier 1 qcb in the draft that year .and now they have the best te corps in the nfl all beause they folled bpa at any spot of need on the team so donot be shocked if the lions draft a ot//rb// de in the 1rd if they feal if they our bpa at 13 in the 1rd of the draft this year .
i hope we trade
down a few spots and pick up a few more picks.
Nice post
Solder seems to be getting more and more hype, so he’ll probably be a concensus top 15, if not top 10 right before the draft. Still, I think he hasn’t been hyped until now for good reasons. Ayers isn’t a consensus top 15, but he’s usually always hovering around there. The combine could be good for him if his speed is anywhere close to Miller’s. I still have real concerns about Ayers, but trust if Gun and Schwartz like him, they must feel they can coach up his weaknesses (which are very coach-able weaknesses for the most part – the lack of aggressiveness when taking on blocks or technique in shedding blocks…)
Honetly, it looks like right now, Julio Jones is the real BPA that will likely be available at 13, but I would rather reach down the board a tad and get Ayers if that’s the case…when you think of the ROI, it’s just too much money to put at WR period (especially for a #3)
RA
Nice post Dawg!
What would we do if both Amukamara & Solder are available at #13…in your opinion. If it is true that 4 QB’s go in the top 10, then it is a real possibility that they are there.
I also agree with Rames that Julio is going to be a stud, but probably too much of a luxury considering the needs of our defense and the two year future of our OL.
It was 3rd & 7; Delhomme dropped to pass
"Man, I hope, I don't get knocked on my ass"
He felt twisting and clawing, "When will it stop?"
Then SUH ripped his head off, like a bottle of pop!!
Yeah, I'm a Lions fan
If prince Amukamara is there at pick 13, he will be our pick...and I would bet the farm on that.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
+1
I’d be shocked if we didn’t take a CB first if a good one is available.
The only legend around here is the one that exists in your own mind.
Then I pray Miller is gone because I'd be upset if we passed on him.
The only legend around here is the one that exists in your own mind.
If it is a choice between Miller and Amukamara...
I have to go with the corner, simply because he is more ready to play in our system than Miller is…Miller will need a year to develop into our system on a full time basis.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
Plus you get a shut down corner,,
it would have an immediate impact on the effectiveness of the D-line, especially if he comes in and doesn’t need a full year to quit looking like a rookie.
The only legend around here is the one that exists in your own mind.
KDawg.....read this if you haven't already and picture Miller in this line of thought.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/sports/football/23titans.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
Stiffie!!!!!
The only legend around here is the one that exists in your own mind.
I like this sentence
Belichick regards Schwartz as one of the smartest coaches he has been around,
A P.C.P. staffer since way back.
Thank you REV
For specifically mentioning Soldier in your write up bro, And I agree with you that if Prince or the other CB is there when we pick it’s a done deal, you can almost give that a LEAD pipe lock. I still hope that we get Soldier with our first pick but our D needs more talent than our O-line or any spot on that side of the ball so if we do get either the CB/LB I don’t see how any of us could bitch about that. Now I do think you are wrong about all the QB’s going inthe first 10 or so picks mostly because of the 2 top FA’s out there, refering too Colb and the head case from Tennessee. Those 2 will find homes with teams that need a QB prior to the draft.
How many lumps you want Doc?
please don't throw the term "shutdown corner" around like that....
…the NFL only has maybe 2 or 3 guys you can call a “shutdown corner” actively at any given time…currently i can only see 2 guys that are shut down corner in the NFL….and everyone else i would regard them as “good cover guy”.
Good cover guys make plays if you keep throwing it over there and its a bad idea to test them repeatedly….
Shut down corners…is a guy that you put on a wide out and they are taken out of the game period…..well ask Calvin Johnson who he thinks a shut down corner is:) (Darnelle Revis)……….after that there is well….everyone else.
Honestly i am gonna go out on a Limp here and say i think Jimmy Smith has a chance to be the best “cover guy” in this draft. If everyone stops looking at the hype factory and acturally watch Tapes of each player it is pretty clear to me who is special and who isn’t. (and you can’t get that by quoting some blog or some scouting report dot com.)
Patrick Peterson isn’t a sure bet to be a shut down corner
I like Smith too
Like some have said, he may climb into our range value wise, by the time the draft gets here.
I agree with the over use of the term "shutdown corner".
Peterson has not shutdown the elite WRs that he has covered. This year Julio Jones caught ten passes for 89 yards and a TD. I saw that game and Peterson was on him the whole game. Peterson did show good tackling skills as Jones never broke away for much yards after the catch. But Jones got open on a regular basis.
In 2009, Peterson faced AJ Green and Green ended up with 5 catches for 99 yards and a TD. While I did not see the game, I have to believe that Peterson was put on Green that game. Georgia’s QB that year was not very good either.
In 2009 Julio lit up LSU for 102 yards and a TD. Locker in 2009 and Mallett in 2010 both had + 300 yard games against LSU. I have to believe they tested Peterson sometime and had some success.
The guy has some great tools but is unproven in the NFL.
shutdown corner is..
guy like woodson or revis that can jump on the back of Calvin prior to the ball getting there and not get called for it.
LoL well I agree with Woodson getting away with murder, Calvin still exposed him, even when he had help over the top
Charles is no shutdown corner IMO.
We just have 2 in the league, Revis and Nnamdi. Beyond them no one else can erase the other teams top WR week in and week out.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
Seriously?
Manningham made Samuel his girlfriend at least once this year.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
Asante
Suffers from having a terrible defense playing around him. One of the worst LB corps in the league, a shallow pass rush, and spotty safeties.
Tramon Williams got into the probowl over Asante this year despite Asante being everything more than him. Tramon Williams plays on one of the best pass defending teams in the league.
Coincidence?
Asante Ballhawk yes
One of the best cover corners around HELL YES…..Shutdown gotta give ya a no there.
"Show me someone with an offseason and I'll show you someone in last place"- Ndamukong Suh
by The Profiler on Jan 30, 2011 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
and none of those guys mentioned above were considered "Shutdown CB" out of college
Revis was thought of the best in a weak draft. Nnamdi was the 6th DB taken in his draft. And Woodson was drafted for the combination of his cover skills and return skills.
A P.C.P. staffer since way back.
I think you are confused. The Eagles have a very good pass rush.
Frankly their D Line is better than ours, IMO. Not sure what you mean by “shallow” but they got 39 sacks [tied for tenth in the league]. Their safeties are much better than ours. Mikell is one of the best Safeties in the NFC and Nate Allen is a very promising rookie. Their depth there is not good, but whos is? I agree that their LBs are not very good, worse than ours now that we dumped Sims on them, but overall their defence is average against the run and pass.
Why were really not looing for a tackle in the draft
We already have the future project for LT on the team in Jason Fox, link. I know this is not exciting writing about the guy that we had in the weight room all year long recovering from surgery, but until he passes or fails I cannot see the FO investing in another. By the way Gosder is looking better on the right side so that is also locked down.
On a team with a defense with so many needs I would be really surprised to go after a luxury pick for OL in the 1st.
That is definitely another reason and distinct possibility
Thanks for the comment.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
Another Reason
Schwartz was a Belichick prodigy. Belichick is a firm believer of finding OL late in the draft and then coaching them up to fit the system. I think Schwartz and Mayhew will do the same (like the Jason Fox pick last year).
by UniBallOut on Jan 29, 2011 7:42 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Another possibly viable reason
Thanks for the comment.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
You should take a look at the Senior Bowl information and consider it.
John Moffitt is starting the game at Center for the North team. He had been working out at that position all week. It will be very interesting to see how he does. I really like him as a great fit for the Lions. Even more if he looks good at Center. Unfortunately, he may have improved his draft stock to second round level.
O’Dowd was regularly cited for his poor play in practices, regularly getting abused in 1 on 1 drills. I don’t think you can put his injuries aside as they look like they may have resulted in a real performance drop for him.
Curtis Brown was identified time and again as the best CB in that group in coverage and run support. I am surprised that you would not consider waiting in the second round for him to drop to us.
And I agree with you about not selecting an Offensive Tackle, although for different reasons. ie. We may have our guy already and it is too early to bail on him IMO.
Yeah
I really like Curtis Brown…it is just that I like Brandon Harris a lot too. As for the OTs, I was just mentioning some good reasons that we haven’t already heard before…:o)
O’Dowd is not that far recovered from his surgery. I believe he will make a full recovery and be a beast in the near future. That said, I am open to other ideas in the 4th round if they are viable.
I have wanted John Moffit ever since the beginning of last season. He is a beast!
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
I meant to add that as a 3rd option in the 2nd round too NL12
I am going to edit my post to include that possibility. I would be happy if we stayed put at 44 and got Curtis Brown as well.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
KDawg
I totally agree and thank you for being reasonable about Felton…
He is obviously better than Clay right now.
I think when it comes to Felton, people think the grass is greener on the other side..
All men are created equal. Its just that some men are more equal than others....
Other than pass blocking, I see no value in Felton
He does not run with the power of a fullback, and does not run block like a fullback either.
I am not sure he has a spot on the team next year.
It was 3rd & 7; Delhomme dropped to pass
"Man, I hope, I don't get knocked on my ass"
He felt twisting and clawing, "When will it stop?"
Then SUH ripped his head off, like a bottle of pop!!
Yeah, I'm a Lions fan
IMO he does not pass protect much like a full back either, Mo Morris is actually the best on the team at it along with Kevin Smith, well backs that is
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
i cant see us going 2 OL.. and miller and jones dont fit the D that well
"things not to talk about with people RELIGION,POLITICS,k. smith,FINANCES"
sandvet Sep 2010
On what basis are you claiming that Jones wouldn't be a good fit?
You are entitled to your opinion, and I even went so far as to say that Ayers would probably be a decent fit for us, but damn dude…you are just disagreeing with everything that is not exactly what YOU believe should happen. It is really starting to get old…bordering on as annoying as the fire Schwartz BS.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
I really like Ahmad Black, the dude is just a ball hawk and a gamer
If he is there anywhere around the 4th round even I would not be upset with them taking him. IMO he is a 2nd round talent but your right, his size might push him down some. Putting him next to Delmas would definitely give Spievey some competition IMO.
Ndamukong Suh - Bringing 50's football back to Motown!
I liked him last year too
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
I'd be up for him too
I seriously doubt he’ll last until the 7th.
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
by Hyperion Ecta on Jan 29, 2011 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
Nice Post and Very Detailed.
I like the Moffitt pick in the third, I don’t see Detroit reaching for Ayers with the 13th pick or trading back into the bottom of the first to get Harris. Wouldn’t it make more sense to trade down in the first and draft Harris and get an extra 2nd to 3rd round pick, i know its easier said than done.
Not as big on John Clay, his age (24) and the fact that he was out produced by his back ups scared me away. I do like Black in the 7th if he is there, i really think that Schwartz and Gun can coach this kid up regaurdless of his size.
BOBBY " BOUCHER " CARPENTER for PRESIDENT...
P.C.P IS AN ADDICTION, GET HOOKED.
Well, this is what I said...
John Clay: I only make this pick IF we can’t make Jerome Felton happy enough to stay and play well.
I’m not sold on him absolutely being the guy there, but I do think he is a viable blocker. Felton is pissed because we don’t give him the ball more. I think Clay is a pure FB.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
Well
He is 248 lbs and his legs are super strong…he looks like a linebacker and he hits the hole pretty quickly…I’m not sure how that does not translate to lead blocker in the NFL…you run through the hole and you hit someone. And maybe you even get the ball now and then for short yardage situations…which he excels at. I think his skillset transitions very well to fullback in the NFL.
It's a terrible thing to have to tell your fans, who have waited like Detroit's have, that their team won't win it this year. But it's better than lying to them.
--Sparky Anderson
He seems timid
To me. He seems like the gentle giant type who’d rather play in space, at least from what I’ve seen on him.
Hey Smitty
Ayers is no “REACH” at 13 trust me. Pending what guru you listen too he is the top LB who can play either the 3-4 rusher or the OLB in any 4-3 system.
How many lumps you want Doc?
No person
Who would label Ayers as a 3-4 rusher can seriously be called a “guru.”
The only thing that allows him to rush is if there’s a wide open lane, or he can bowl over a small blocker with size alone. He has no technique and can’t shed blocks for crap. He’d basically be a faux blitzer that distracts blockers so other guys can do the job.
he looks lame on film
watch some cut-ups on youtube….i was disappointed in the two games i saw. von miller looks like a turd too. i am really sad because i thought these guys graded out really high. even as rush guys they tend to loop out too far and take themselves out of plays. both are undersized for OLB in 3-4 at this time. neither show a good bull rush and both appear to dog plays, take bad angles, and reach on some tackles.
i hope some mystery guys move up into the spotlight after the combine. i’m sure there are gems out there i’ve never heard of that can shine—like Levy.
that said...
i’m not as worried as Killer and many others about the transition to SLB in the 4-3 for either of these guys since both have at least seen the system and if they are superior athletes that can adjust. film from the last year shows ayers as a down linemen on the end quite often though he moves around too.
my concern is that they don’t look to have that LB instinct and a nose to the ball. some guys just get to the ball really quick and are hard to block—an LB instinct. neither of these guys looks to have that.
I love John Clay
Age doesn’t matter, RB die out at 30 in this leage and please don’t name the few that don’t. I don’t know why but I feel any LB in the top 15 pick range fit more in the 3-4 range. I feel schwartz will really pick the best player for us, and that could piss alot of people off. A trade could also happen, And I mean both way’s, I could see us moving up or back for a player we want…
Nice mock Dawg
1. I’d be pretty darn happy with the Prince and Miller picks. Ayers would be decent enough also.
2. Curtis Brown, Mason Foster, Bruce Carter would all be fine 2nd round picks to me. I’d also be alright with trading up for Harris, depending on cost.
3. Moffit is another nice pick.
4. O’Dowd doesn’t rock my boat though. I’d rather us take a look at a S or WR.
5. Same as #4, S or WR.
7. BPA….
RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.
Perhaps LT is already taken care of
Don’t forget about this kid…Linehan hasn’t it
http://www.freep.com/article/20110129/SPORTS01/101290400/1049/rss14
"Show me someone with an offseason and I'll show you someone in last place"- Ndamukong Suh
solder and his film
he looks terrible. i don’t care what happens in the combine, he is sluggish and looks like a big-time bust to me.
i am disappointed with Miller and Ayers film too. neither of them jump out at me—even if we did run a 3-4.
granted I only watched about 2-3 games of cut-ups for each of these guys but it was enough to see big holes. maybe i just happened to see their worst games.
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