First Lions Mock
by Mayhewed on Jan 12, 2012 11:10 AM EST
Email
Print
I know it's early in the off-season for mock drafts but the truth is I just love doing them. I think it's the intrigue behind trying to get that next great player... the later round steal... the thought that MY team could help plug holes in their roster adding more talent. I am well aware that the FO philosophy is to take the BPA but it's incredibly difficult to mock draft with that philosophy in mind since it's nearly impossible to predict which prospects will drop come draft day. I will still mock based on what I feel would be the best possible player come our pick but I will obviously have our team needs in mind. So here we go:
Round 1: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska (5'10", 205 lbs., 4.49 40 yard dash)
A lot of people have Dennard being gone by the time the Lions pick at 23, but only twice in the last 7 years have there been three corners drafted before pick 23. Last year when Prince Amukamara was scouted teams were surprised to find that teams would still throw his way despite being a "top CB". That was because they would rather attack Amukamara then throw the other way.... at Dennard.
Round 2: Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia (6'2", 245 lbs., 4.54 40 yard dash)
There are some question marks regarding his past... but he has infinite potential. Dropped out of high school and spent time in Juvi... only to smarten up and get his GED. Has natural instincts for defense despite his lack of experience. Has been used as a pass rushing specialist in the past. In 2010 he had 14 tackles for loss... all sacks. Shows unbelievable determination and effort... has great speed and tenacity. Gunther LOVES fast LB's.
Round 3: Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State (6'4", 305 lbs.)
Possesses quickness and strength to protect the passer at the next level. Positional blocker with good feet to wall off outside shoulder of defensive tackle. Can move to either side of the defender while engaged. Gets low in short-yardage situations despite his height, gets good push. Great character and team first mentality.
Round 4: Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly (5'11", 188lbs., 4.40 40 yard dash)
An intriguing small-school corner with some natural fluidity,especially in the hips, foot quickness and ball skills. Plays bigger than his frame would suggest because of length and at worst looks like a potential slot defender at the next level.
Round 5: Ryan Miller, OG, Colorado (6'8", 298 lbs.)
Possesses tackle size and strength, along with natural bend. Strong punch knocks back or re-routes rushers. Tough anchor, hard to move against bull rushes. Powerful run blocker capable of moving tackles out of the hole with his upper body. Stays low despite his height to get leverage, moves his feet to push the pile or maintain the line of scrimmage. Versatile player with experience at right tackle and guard.
Well that's it for now. Let me know if any of you have your eye on any lesser known draft prospects.
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.
70 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I have dreams of
A 6’ 2" CB who runs like the wind and has hands like stone (you can’t have everything. If this guy could catch he would be a WR)
No matter what scouts say, I don’t want anymore short guys playing DB for us when we have to compete with 6’5" WRs
by ATL Lion on Jan 12, 2012 12:05 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
rec'd you ATL
Although I do think the bigger cb’s coming out have just as good of hands as the smaller ones. the questions for big cb’s are ability to flip their hips and sink low in a backpedal. If Konz doesn’t enter the draft and Dre Kirkpatrick drops past the 10 spot in the draft, expect the Lions to attempt to trade up again this year. 6’3", good hands and his press skills make up for the high backpedal, much like Woodson and Namdi.
by Lionsickness on Jan 13, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Konz has already announced he is coming out for the draft
Listen to the Two Bro's Talk podcast!
Follow @tufflynx
wasting my life on the internet
and somehow I missed the announcement. haha. Thanks, TuffLynx.
by Lionsickness on Jan 13, 2012 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
You can waste your life on the internet?
Yikes! I’ll have to watch out for that :)
Lion fan in the Great Land!
trumaine johnson, cb montana
this is my sleeper third rounder right here
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=88900&draftyear=2012&genpos=CB
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Follow @vmbeav
by yooperlionfan on Jan 13, 2012 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think we see too many WR's that size.
The Vikings used to have that dude in Sidney Rice, but after letting him walk, there really are no “Big WR’s” in the NFC North outside of our very own Megatrizzy.
odds on money
that Chicago drafts one this year too
by Lionsickness on Jan 16, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
I was really pulling
for Amukamara last year…but I think the FO showed that it isn’t as worried by the secondary as everyone else is.
I would be very happy with Dennard, but my gut tells me Mayhew sticks with his formula (which as long as it keeps paying off I’m perfectly happy with) and drafts the highest player on their board
by Suhper Megatron on Jan 12, 2012 12:23 PM EST reply actions
Well, if they had traded up...
Peterson would have been BPA. For instance, they traded back into the second round to grab BPA (Leshoure). They don’t seem the kind of team that’ll trade up to reach for someone (i.e. trading up to grab someone before the following team plans on it.)
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
Quick question about last years draft
How many of the guys that bitched about drafting Titus are still mad about that draft pick? Now If anyone wanted to complain about a drafted player from last year Slick Nick could get quiet a few complaints.
How many lumps you want Doc?
I was shocked for like half a second (I wanted Leshoure) but came around almost immediately.
I was arguing from day one that Titus was a good pick, and I’m glad it was vindicated. But man do I have egg on my face over Leshoure!
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
We'll see what happens next year
I still think he could be good.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 15, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I still hold out that he could be good, great even.
But I was projecting him to have a rookie season that dwarved Ingram’s.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
I think if the heavens align and Dennard is still on the boards
they will jump at getting him as a BPA choice.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
was unaware
that you already had that profile pic. I changed mine so there is no confusion.
by Lionsickness on Jan 13, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think they are trying to build a team to beat the packers.
Packers don’t really have any BIG WR. I wouldn’t mind one that is 6’ or so…I think our D puts a premium on quickness and speed.
I agree completely
"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short
by YpsilantiJeff on Jan 12, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
6'3" 220 lbs
Isn’t a big wide receiver? Jordy Nelson spiked A. Smith like a lawn dart, with one hand, in the final regular season game. The road to the SB also goes through the Saints who have a couple biggins.
by Lionsickness on Jan 13, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Detroit fans might be a little jaded as to the definition of a big WR
I couldn't think of a better signature.
Very wise
We do have the gold standard.
by Lionsickness on Jan 13, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
About all those "big WR's"
Only 3 of the elites WR’s are big. Megatron, Fitz, and A Johnson. All the rest of the WR’s are average sized in my opinion.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Those are the only three I consider "elite"
because those are honestly the only three I can see as having a viable argument to being the best in the league. The rest are very good, but they’re not “elite.”
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 14, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Well Steve Smith
kind of is still elite, now that he has a QB that can get him the ball again. Next year assuming that Manning comes back you have Reggie in the conversation, and Harvin had nothing other than himself and had a very good year on a very poor Vikings team. add to it the 2 WR’s that are better than Calvin in Dallas (wink wink) and their are some young guys on the up and coming list. I’d even put a certain WR in GB on the list except Rogers knows how to spread the ball around so damn good he does not get the targets he should. And if I don’t mention Welker I’d be fooling myself, the guy just keeps having 100 rec. years one after the other, and always seems to be in the top 5 or so in yards every years since joining the Pat’s.
How many lumps you want Doc?
Those guys are all very good, I don't want to take anything away from him
they’re all A-grade receivers, but I feel Calvin, Andre, and Larry are on a tier of their own, A+ if you will.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 15, 2012 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
It doesn't matter
if a big WR is elite or not. They still have to be tackled when they get the ball and our midget db’s hurt themselves more than the WR in the process of a tackle.
by Lionsickness on Jan 15, 2012 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
Everyone keeps complaining that levy shouldn't start
So I’ll go with vontaze burfict if he is still on the board.. People keep comparing him to ray Lewis and that Baltimore wants him to be the replacement to ray Lewis.. Sounds like a bpa pick if he is still on the board
by basanders2021 on Jan 12, 2012 1:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I don't mind Levy at all
Ryan Miller??? I really don’t trust a Guard thats 6’8 and under 300lbs, if he was 330lbs maybe
Also think this is the 1st time in a long time were picking this low, now we will see how smart Mayhew is. We need secondary 1st, O-line 2nd, and I’m already preparing for Avril departure and wouldn’t mind seeing a DE taken this draft, but I also think that Young and Jackson will fill in just fine…
If Ryan Miller does anything in the league
It’ll be as an RT. He doesn’t have the leverage to play inside at the next level.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
along with DBs OT is becoming an issue as well
Lets all remember that Backus is not going to get any preseason practice with this bicep injury. If he returns to play for one more year..its great but otherwise, we don’t an experienced backup to protect Matt’s blind side.
My dream draft would be to trade up in 2012 and a few picks from 2013 for two first round picks in 2012.
Denard is a good prospect..But I prefer Chase Minnifield is a better developing prospect and can be had in the second or third round.
1. Mike Adams (LOT Ohio)
1. Dre Kirkpatrick (CB Alabama) (trade up our second and third round and maybe package someone from the current roaster, add a pick from 2013)
4. Chase Minnifield (CB, Virginia), Mike Brewser (C, Ohio) or Trumaine Johnson (CB. Montana) May fall all the way to 4th round because of his off field issues and injury history)
5. Lucas Nix (OG, Pitt)
7. A strong running back to the PS
I shudder to imagine the world we live in
When a 12 year veteran needs pre-season practice. Especially considering he has missed preseason multiple years in a row now, IIRC.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
true but
he returned from injuries multiple times and did you see the effect of missing preseason the last few times? I have watched Backus get better as the season progresses. Given his progression over the season, getting him in the middle is important as he needs to get that rust off and get into the thick of things to start playing better.
Anyone who takes a break from tough physical job like NFL needs some time to get that rust off. Thats what I intended by preseason practice.
Also last years pec injury was the first time Backus ever missed more than 3 days at work. So the comment that he has missed preseason multiple years in a row is moot.
by MotownMauler on Jan 13, 2012 3:19 AM EST up reply actions
Like what I saw BUT
Who does Montanna play , NOBODY
And when they did how bad did they lose and More important how did he play against better players?
And so it begins...
Personally, I think it is way too early to start mocking…but it’s all good. I’ll reserve my opinions for later. Good post.
Check out my new blog, The Mane Attraction, featuring TCLion and I as authors, home of the Weekend Spotlight, and much more!
Not much
What up wit choo?
Check out my new blog, The Mane Attraction, featuring TCLion and I as authors, home of the Weekend Spotlight, and much more!
Have to wait
until Sunday, the last day underclassmen can declare.
I like to wait until the FA's are signed that changes all the teams needs
We came! We saw! We lost to the Saints
The 2012 Lions will conquer
by Wayne Fontes on Jan 12, 2012 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
In retrospect, I wanted them to draft Amukamara and I still wished they did. I think Fairley isn't going to be worthy of a 13th pick.
What's so funny 2011 Lions? Gordon Bombay doesn't think losing is funny.
Leshoure = 2012 Beastmode
Draft Konz!!
We've seen flashes of brilliance from Fairley ....
Just depends on whether the foot heals completely. If it does, I have high hopes for him.
Lion fan in the Great Land!
What if Trent Richardson is on the board at 23?
I’d be ecstatic to grab a guy like him. I’m not going to beat around the bush, Detroit doesn’t have a single runningback on the roster that I would trust to be the guy next year. Leshoure had a serious knee injury, Best has concussion issues, and Smith is made entirely of glass.
I couldn't think of a better signature.
Matt Millen.... is that you???
Trent Richardson? We draft a RB in the second round last year and the first round the year before. This suggestion is just rediculous. Before we start on about “we need a RB” let’s try and remember that there’s more to running the football then the guy that runs with the football.
I would also like to point out…. Leshoure did not have a “serious knee injury”….. he tore his achilles tendon… which is in the ankle… not the knee. He is expected to make a full recovery… and be ready for off-season activities AND training camp. So he will show up in playing shape on opening day. The guy was a BEAST in college.
So before we start on about, “we need a RB”, let’s start by drafting some guys who can run block.
Recovery
“Most people return to their former level of activity within four to six months.”
- Leshoure will have a full year before he has to play a meaningful game again.
Linky:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/achilles-tendon-rupture/DS00160/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
That article is talking about normal people
Not HGH pumped up freaks of nature NFL athletes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Except taking Trent Richardson isn't about "we need an RB".
It’s about, “What would you do if a WR who was every bit as good as Calvin Johnson coming out of college fell to you at 23rd?”
You entertain offers to get the better end of a deal, and if one doesn’t come, you take him and walk away. Haters gonna hate.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
BPA sure but...
Players with Calvin Johnson talent and ability don’t fall to 23… they just don’t. Someone with that kind of unbelievable ability doesn’t get out of the top 10. If Richardson falls it’s because there are serious concerns about him. This isn’t a league where you need to draft a RB in the first round to have success. ex. Sproles, and so on. It’s all about how well does player A work in Scheme B.
The Saints drafted the top rated RB last year
at about the same spot as we draft this year. I know I thought Leshoure was the better complete RB but our Lions don’t have a between the tackles RB that is proven on our roster and until we do have one we don’t have a running game.
How many lumps you want Doc?
If Trent Richardson is on the board at 23.
I entertain trade offers that are favorable to us (i.e. we’re getting worth more than the 23rd pick is worth) and if one doesn’t come, I take Trent Richardson.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
That sounds ridiculously reasonable.
I’m really not too high on the idea of us taking an RB early in the draft three years running, but the dude is too good to pass on at 23 if we can’t find a team willing to give us solid value for it.
Plus.
There’s the angle of if we don’t take him, he slips down to our contemporary playoff teams. Do we really need Green Bay getting him? Denver? Et cetera.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
per Mayhew
“We need to be careful at running back because we could have an embarrassment of riches at the position.” Between the lines translation = if we draft one it won’t be in the first two rounds. agree or not, he’s the man in charge.
If Richardson is on the board Schwartz will take him
Who remembers when Beanie Wells almost fell to us and Schwartz stunned us all by saying they were wondering if Wells was gonna far to them because they were gonna take him. I think that was after Smith rookie year which he did pretty damn good that year.
We took Fairly when he fell to us, Mayhew and Schwartz draft the BPA and it probably won’t matter what postion it is…
by msivits on Jan 14, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well it's the off season so as you know I can't bitch about Mock Draft...for a little while anyways lol
All seriousness I don’t love it…I don’t hate it. It’s a solid well rounded draft that I would be pleased with for sure. I’m just not sure your 1st rounder will be there BUT your explanation actually helped convince me he might be. Remember this day folks a Mock Draft the profiler didn’t attack not destroy…He actually gave the guy a REC…For doing good work and a good explanation without doing every damn team or making it 14 pages long..
Nicely done sir
ROAR Offically Restored ! 12/24/11
THE PHONZ ~ I LOVE THAT GUY
PCP 4 LIFE
but only twice in the last 7 years have there been three corners drafted before pick 23.
Actually you have that backwards. Only 3 times in the past 7 when three CBs were not drafted before the 23rd pick.
2008,2010,2011.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
With how many passing records were broken this season
I’d expect D-Backs and pass rushers to go early this draft.
I couldn't think of a better signature.
I disagree
the complete lack of offensive holding calls across the league has made even the most feared defenses close to impotent. Look for QBs, WRs, and TEs to go in droves in the early rounds.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 16, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
you mean like the Giants and the Niners?
the two of the better D’s that just took out the 2 best offensive in the NFL
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
Really, the Giants are a better D?
In terms of yards/game I have them as sixth-worst.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 16, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Yards/play they were tied for 9th worst
8th worst points/game
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 16, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
I just re-read that and it was unnecessarily douche-baggy. I apologize.
The Giants have a reputation as a stout defensive team, but they failed to live up to that this year. The 49ers did better, but I think that based on the teams that got into the playoffs this year, we can say that Defense is meaning less and less in this league.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 16, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Giants were 3rd in the league in sacks
and 6th in INTs. Two stats the directly relate to the passing game. And if you want to go by yards per game the top four teams were Pitt, Hou, Balt, and SF. All of them made the playoffs and 2 are still playing.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
Some truths never change
Defense wins championships.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROW THE F UP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
