FanPost

My Lions 2011 NFL Mock 2.0



Based on the FO strategy of taking BPA and little influence from position needs; not depth.

1. Mark Ingram RB Alabama or Tyron Smith OT/OG USC

(Previous Jimmy Smith CB Colorado (or move up in the draft to pick) Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska)

Most will say NO not another RB in the first round because we drafted one in Best last year. But don't be fooled because as we all could see in 2010 Best is the type of RB to run out in the edges and excellent in screen passing. Best struggled with running inside lanes and gaining extra yardage dude to his strength and shiftiness. Ingram could compliment well as our #1 runner and utilize Best for tosses, sweeps, screens you name it. Tyron Smith could be great at pick 13 as well but for a OL that gave up a total of 26 Sacks in 2010 (Best in the NFC) you have to believe we could wait just one more year to address it.

2. Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia or Aaron Williams CB Texas

(Previous John Moffitt OC/OG Wisconsin)

Round 2 I have Ras-I Dowling out of Virginia falling to us here because he is the physical CB who can also fit the safety role if needed. Due to injury his Senior year that might slip his stock but is expected to be at full strength come his Pro Day. Great size 6'2'' 200 lbs. solid tackler and has a nose for the ball/pass breakups but concerns could be with Speed against faster recievers and they say he could be a liability in coverage, so depending on his 40-yard will decide if its CB or S in the NFL. We could also take Aaron Williams CB Utah. 6'1'' 200 lbs. with great fluid hips and back pedaling ability, also great in stuffing the run. He might just be the choice come the time we pick if we are addressing our CB position based on BPA.

3. Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina or Leonard Hankerson WR Miami

(Previous Casey Matthews OLB Oregon)

As many expect due to injury Bruce Carter will most likely fall to the 3rd Round. The Lions have shown interest in Carter so it could be ideal to ATLEAST mention him as a possible pick here. Generally does a nice job at his reads and is aggressive on the line, can elude blockers with quickness, and has the speed to chase down field. Bad thing is because that he is overly aggressive he can be baited when QBs play-action and his initial pop towards the tackling (primarily lowering his shoulder) can result in either missed tackles or fails to wrap up securely. Which can be taught. Round 3 is also an ideal place to start looking for a #2/#3 WR if the FO doesn't think Derrick Williams will ever mold into what they tried accomplishing drafting him in 2010. Leonard Hankerson tops my list at this pick. He might very well be gone by the 2nd but who says a man can't drop? Alas Michael Crabtree or Dez Bryant. (even though they were 1st round WRs) Nice size 6'2'', not a burner on release but has great ability to break jam on contact and has improved his hands. Move Nate Burleson to slot and THIS guy could be our possession #2.

4. Casey Matthews ILB/OLB Oregon

(Previous Mark Herzlick OLB/ILB BC)

Oh yes, Round 4 we are and should be were Clay Matthews younger brother, Casey - should be. Great instincts to finding the ball carrier and recognizing the play. Has a non stop motor like Vanden Bosch and CAN tackle. Cons are as we all know his size at 6'2'' 237 but with his versatility and speed he should make his transition to the 4-3 OLB fine.

5. Mark Dell WR Michigan State or Dane Sanzenbacher WR Ohio State

(Previous John Clay RB Wisconsin)

Round 5 I believe is our last pick so why not draft a WR? If we choose to take a LB at Round 3 instead of a WR then pick 5 would be it. Clearly I believe Mark Dell is very underrated and can be a great addition to the Lions. He's 6'2'' 200 lbs. with good speed and initial burst off the line and is a great route runner. Will go up and get the ball and can make those circus catches. Can be a deep threat with double steps in coverage to seperate from defenders. Dane Sanzenbacher is another option at 5'11''' 182 lbs. He has a highly concentrated ability to catch the ball, isn't a guy who will burn off the line of scrimmage but can get the seperation to catch the damn ball. Alas Bryant Johnson who can't. Put either at the slot and thats the end of my Mock 2.0

- Give Me Your Thoughts and Comments..

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride Of Detroit or its writers.