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TE Dan Gronkowski (Maryland) - Round 7, Pick No. 255

With their third pick of the seventh round and the second-to-last pick of the draft, the Lions selected another tight end, Dan Gronkowski out of Maryland.  When it gets this late in the draft, teams usually make picks based on how hard it will be to sign a certain player as an undrafted free agent.  I'm sure that played a part in the Lions' selection, but another part apparently was the fact that the tight end position still needed more depth.  Brandon Pettigrew is the obvious starter, but additional depth at the position apparently was a need for the coaching staff, as Gronkowski became the second tight end to go to the Lions in this year's draft.

Experts' Opinions

Best trait per Scouts Inc.:

Possesses soft, reliable hands. Shows good concentration in traffic but lacks the body control to make acrobatic catches.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Nice-sized tight end prospect who plays much faster than his forty time. Quickly gets off the snap into routes, displays a burst of speed, and extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Gets vertical and adjusts in midair to come down with the difficult catch. Uses his frame to shield away opponents and protect the pass. Smooth moving around the field, and shows a good degree of quickness in his all-around game. Breaks down well, and plays with good knee bend. Solid strength at the point, and removes linebackers from the action.

NEGATIVES: Inconsistent hands and does not show the ability to pluck the fastball from the air. Lacks blocking balance and does not finish blocks.

Video

Touchdown reception against Florida State (2006):

Draft day feature (shows him getting the call from the Lions):

Outlook for 2009

Gronkowski will compete for a spot on the roster with the other tight ends on the team.  If I had to make a prediction right now, I would say he is more of a practice squad type of player since the Lions do have quite a few tight ends now, but it is only May.  Once training camp begins we should have a better idea of which players will make the roster and which ones will be on the practice squad or off the team altogether.  Also, we should have a better idea if three of four tight ends will make the team.  Scott Linehan seems like he wants to utilize the team's tight ends in his offense, so that very well could mean four TEs make the team.  If that is the case, then Gronkowski has a good chance of making the team as the fourth tight end.

Photo by Lance Iversen - SF Chronicle

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LB Zack Follett (California) - Round 7, Pick No. 235

One of my favorite picks of the draft came in the seventh round.  After already selecting an offensive tackle with their first selection of the seventh round, the Lions decided to draft their second linebacker of the day with the 235th pick.  Like DeAndre Levy, the LB selected earlier in the day, Zack Follett was technically an outside linebacker in college.  The difference between the two is that Follett played some MLB at Cal, though I believe that was mainly in the 3-4.  Regardless, Follett has a ton of potential and is a big hitter.  I don't care what people say about his technique, he gets to the ball and makes his target pay when delivering a hit.  The best way to describe his play is by saying that he has a mean streak at all times.

Experts' Opinions

Best trait per Scouts Inc.:

Flashes effective power moves coming off the edge and quick enough to turn the corner working against most NFL right tackles but doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves and could do a better job of setting offensive tackles up to the outside before redirecting inside.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Instinctive linebacker who plays with good instincts. Breaks down well, quick in his head, and immediately locates the ball. Effective in run defense, fires up the field, and wraps up tackling. Tough, and works hard to get involved in the action.

NEGATIVES: Displays marginal skill in pursuit and lacks speed to the sidelines. Struggles in coverage, displaying a poor backpedal and average ball skills.

Avinash of California Golden Blogs:

Zack's best strength is his pass rushing ability, to get off the edge and plant the quarterback down. He loved coming off the side and taking the quarterback out when he was called upon to do so. He's very athletic. He gets very pumped up for games, and he's capable of making game-changing plays on defense (he played a huge part in several California victories last season). He has played in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, so he is flexible in terms of understanding each formation regardless of where you put him.

Some of his more noticeable weaknesses include coverage and passing defense; he sometimes lets the receiver fall behind him and he plays the scheme rather than the man. His huge aggressiveness can sometimes be a detriment, because once he makes a big play he struts a little bit and doesn't exactly listen to the whistle (you'll see examples of this in the highlights).

Also, the fall in the draft for Zack might have been due to his neck issues.

For more on Follett from California Golden Blogs, click here.

Videos

Career highlights:

Senior Bowl practice (includes Follett making a play on Pettigrew in coverage):

More:

• Butkus Award watch list highlights
• 2006 highlights
• 2007 highlights
• Highlights against Miami (FL) in the Emerald Bowl (2008)
  
• Huge hit against Tennessee (HD)
• Pro Day interview
• Interview after a loss to Maryland (2008)
  
• Big hit from Follett's younger years
• Follett's YouTube page (includes videos of his fish tank and a still frame video of him buying Guinness)

Outlook for 2009

Follett is a versatile linebacker that will probably be nothing more than depth this season.  He definitely has potential, though.  If he can stay healthy and work on his technique, he may be able to climb up the depth chart someday.  Like I said already, he gets to the ball and makes plays.  If he can improve his technique, then he will have a great skill set to go along with his aggressive, hard-hitting attitude.

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Nebraska offensive lineman Lydon Murtha works on a drill at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

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OT Lydon Murtha (Nebraska) - Round 7, Pick No. 228

The Lions finally addressed their need for an offensive lineman in the seventh round.  By then, though, any pick was going to be more of a long shot to someday actually make an impact.  That's not to say that Lydon Murtha, the OT from Nebraska the Lions drafted, won't someday be a player that can contend for a starting job.  It's just rare that seventh-round picks make an instant impact.  Obviously the Lions felt confident enough in their current players to not worry about the O-line very much in the draft, so let's just hope that doesn't turn out to be a mistake.

Experts' Opinions

Best traits per Scouts Inc.:

Excellent height, adequate bulk and rare top-end speed.

Moves well for player his size. Shows quick feet when gets into space but hips appear a bit stiff in pass protection.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Sensational athlete still developing as an offensive lineman. Plays with a good amount of quickness, immediately sets up in pass protection, and displays better-than-average footwork sliding off the edge. Keeps his feet moving throughout the action, jolts opponents with good hand punch, and anchors at the point. Effectively uses his hands and works blocks hard.

NEGATIVES: Stiff in his pads and does not look as athletic on the field as he did during combine workouts. Lacks balance, on the ground too much, and he struggles finishing blocks. Not a natural knee bender.

Video

Draft profile:

NFL Combine (No. 39):

Outlook for 2009

Murtha will likely be no more than depth this season.  He has lots of potential due to his athleticism and size, but that hasn't really translated too well to the football field.  If his potential becomes a reality, then Murtha could very well be a pick we look back on and characterize as a steal.

RB Aaron Brown (TCU) - Round 6, Pick No. 192

After taking the entire fifth round off, the Lions were back on the clock in round six and selected Aaron Brown, an Aveion Cason-like running back from TCU.  He has the ability to return kicks and can catch passes, making him a good addition for depth purposes.  Brown's versatility is his big appeal, as he has more of a chance of making it in the NFL as a third-stringer who sees sporadic playing time rather than a starter or even a backup, for that matter.

Experts' Opinions

Best trait per Scouts Inc.:

Explodes out of breaks and can separate from man coverage.  Shows natural hands and can catch the ball in-stride. Won't be as much of a homerun threat at the NFL level but can still pick up yards after the catch.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Versatile running back with an array of ball handling skills. Smart football player, finds lanes and quickly gets through them. Instinctive, creates his own yardage on the inside, and darts around opponents getting through the small creases of the defense. Quickly cuts back against the grain, avoiding piles, displays solid open field running skills, and makes defenders miss in a small area. Weaves through the traffic, and uses blocks all over the field. Solid pass catcher out of the backfield. Picks up blocking assignments and gives effort.

NEGATIVES: Mostly a one-speed back who cannot run to daylight or turn the corner. Lacks strength in his running, and not a ball carrier who breaks tackles or picks up yardage off initial contact. Struggled with injuries and suspensions the past two years.

Videos

Interview:

Outlook for 2009

Brown will likely battle with Aveion Cason for a spot on the roster as the Lions' third-string running back.  I tend to think he has a slight advantage based on the fact that he is younger and is probably seen as having more potential.  We already know what Cason can do -- be an average kick returner and come into the game for a carry every once in a while.  Brown very well may be no more than a Cason clone, but he does have more potential.  For that reason I think he could make the roster, but we will just have to wait and see.

DT Sammie Lee Hill (Stillman) - Round 4, Pick No. 115

One of my favorite picks in this year's draft was the Lions' selection of Sammie Lee Hill in the fourth round.  Hill is big defensive tackle from a small college in the south.  He is one of those players selected based on potential, as Hill has the make-up of a great player.  Problem is the coaching he received at Stillman wasn't all that great.  The same can be said for the competition he faced, which is why he is such a raw talent.  His development will take time, but I have a good feeling about Hill in the future.

Experts' Opinions

Best traits per Scouts Inc.:

Quick first step and can shoot into the backfield. Above-average lateral mobility and changes directions well for a player his size.

Put on close to 50 pounds during time at Stillman and tough to move off the ball with one man but has a tendency to play too high and has some problems anchoring against double teams as a result. Use hands fairly well and can shed blockers in time to make the play.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Large, athletic defensive lineman swiftly moving up draft boards. Moves well on his feet, quickly changes direction, and strings plays out to the flanks. Jolts blockers with good hand punch, breaks down well, and easily redirects to the action. Fights throughout the play, flashes power, and works to get involved in the action.

NEGATIVES: Gets a little tall and allows blockers to get leverage on him. Does not display great first step quickness. Does not show dominant lower-body strength.

Story about his great character (via Arrowhead Pride):

Sammie Lee Hill: Just one night on our way home, we were seeing a burning house on fire. My teammate told me to turn around, because someone might need help and, sure enough, there was a lady outside saying that her father needs help. All we could do was put our hands over our faces and hope that we didn't get hurt. We looked up, and, well, it was a blessing that we could grab him and protect ourselves so we all were safe.

Video

Cribs-style tour by Hill (his athleticism is shown off at the beginning of the video):

Outlook for 2009

As mentioned in the intro of this post, Hill is very raw due to a combination of things.  He has great potential, though.  I don't expect big things out of him this year, as he has to have time to develop.  Down the road, however, I would not be surprised if Hill was able to contend for a starting job.

WR Derrick Williams (Penn State) - Round 3, Pick No. 82

It is a Lions fan's instinct to groan when a wide receiver is drafted, especially when other needs exist and the pick is in the third round.  That is why the reaction to the Derrick Williams selection was overwhelmingly negative.  While the Lions did need a returner, the third round seemed a bit too early to worry about that, especially, as stated, when other needs still existed.  Williams can be an impact returner; there's no doubt about that.  I'm just worried that there won't be a spot for him at wide receiver.  He will play in the slot as a Shaun McDonald type of player, but with some of the depth added at the WR position this offseason, can Williams crack the lineup to make the active roster if he makes the team?

Experts' Opinions

Best traits per Scouts Inc.:

Reaches top speed quickly and fast enough to run by most corners when they don't slow him down at the line. Makes corners pay when they don't give him a healthy cushion.

Developed into one of the leaders on offense and there have been no off-the-field incidents to our knowledge. Shown a willingness to play a number of different positions and willing to do whatever helps teams. Team captain in 2008.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Athletically gifted prospect with the ability to impact games in a variety of ways. Quickly releases off the line, runs good routes, and gets separation from opponents. Adjusts to the errant throw, extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame, and then immediately transitions from making the reception to running after the catch. Fluid, displays a great burst and plays much faster than his 40 time. Comes back into the clearing to make himself an available target, strong for his size, and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Game-changing return specialist, also picks up positive yardage running reverses.

NEGATIVES: Double catches too many throws on occasion, and does not consistently come away with the difficult reception. Has been moderately productive at Penn State, but never met expectations. Ran poorly at the combine, which has sent up a lot of red flags. [Note by Sean: The poor run at the combine was due to a combination of bronchitis and the flu.]

Mocking the Draft:

Final word: Williams is the kind of player who seems like he’ll be a better pro than college player. Williams never had a great quarterback getting him the ball and Penn State had other quality receivers to throw the ball to. His physical ability may be too much for a team to look past. Williams should immediately be able to contribute returning kicks and playing receiver in the slot.

Videos

Punt return TD against Notre Dame (2007):

2008 highlights:

More:

• Kick return TD against Illinois (2008)
• Punt return TD against Wisconsin (2008)
• Punt return TD against Temple (2006)
• TD run against Ohio State (2005)
• Highlights against Illinois (2008)
• Highlights against Ohio State (2008)
• Highlights against Michigan State (2008)
• Various videos from the Senior Bowl (2009)

Outlook for 2009

I don't know if Williams will crack the lineup as a slot receiver, but if he makes the roster and is active for games, chances are he will be the starting punt/kick returner.  The best part of Williams' game is his ability on returns, and the Lions have been looking for a solid returner ever since Eddie Drummond left Detroit.  Hopefully Williams can be that player and show some ability at wide receiver as well.  Also, it wouldn't surprise me if the Lions ran some Wildcat packages with Williams, who ran that formation at Penn State.

LB DeAndre Levy (Wisconsin) - Round 3, Pick No. 76

After trading down to open the second day of the draft, the Lions eventually selected DeAndre Levy as their first pick of the third-round.  This pick instantly caused confusion, as Levy played outside linebacker in college.  The Lions have a huge need at middle linebacker, so why did they draft an OLB?  Well, Levy is going to play MLB for the Lions, at least at the start of his career.  Jim Schwartz and company obviusly like Levy's potential in the middle, which is why they picked him so early on.  Many consider this to be a huge reach, and I can't really disagree with them.

Experts' Opinions

Best traits per Scouts Inc.:

Durability is not a concern to our knowledge.

Smart and instinctive player that locates and gets to the ball in a timely manner.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Strong, athletic linebacker who started to pull the pieces together last season. Physical, aggressive, and attacks ball carriers. Collapses from the outside to defend the run, strong at the point, and defeats blocks to get to the action. Chases the play hard, and displays a good burst of closing speed. Plays with balance, rarely off his feet, and nicely redirects to ball carriers. Improved his reads, instincts, and ability in coverage last season.

NEGATIVES: Inefficient, at times a bit too quick to come up the field on play-action passes, and does not always take proper angles to the action. For the most part, marginal skills in coverage for a smallish linebacker.

Mile High Report:

Smart defensive leader, Levy makes up for his lack of speed and playmaking with a steady, physical presence on the outside.  A sure tackler inside and in the open field, he doesn't show the hips or feet needed to be a consistent option in coverage.  And despite his downhill effectiveness, he too often doesn't show the explosiveness needed to properly engage and shed blocks.  He needs to work on his handwork, explosiveness and ability to rush as a 9-technique, but he could be a solid special-teams addition for his ability to break down and wrap up, and his willingness to play within his scheme.

Videos

Levy takes out Joe Paterno (HT: Highlight Reel):

More:

• Highlights of Levy (couldn't embed)
  

Outlook for 2009

Barring the signing of a veteran middle linebacker like Larry Foote, Levy has a great opportunity to not only get playing time but also to contend for a spot in the starting lineup.  That is how bad the Lions' situation at middle linebacker is right now.  I don't expect too much out of Levy early on since he is technically changing positions, but sometimes situations like this come about and give a player a chance to see the field anyways.  That is why it is vital that the Lions do sign a veteran MLB.  Right now the depth chart at that position is scary.  The fact that Levy is in the conversation for the starting job basically sums the situation up, and that's not meant to be a slight at him.  It's just that no third-rounder converting positions should immediately be presented a chance to start.

More photos » by Jerry S. Mendoza - AP

Louis Delmas is introduced to the media in Allen Park, MI. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)

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S Louis Delmas (Western Michigan) - Round 2, Pick No. 33

Of all the Lions' picks on the first day of the draft, this was really the biggest head-scratcher.  While it was no surprise that the Lions drafted someone that was ranked as the top safety in the draft, no one was expecting a safety to be drafted with one of the Lions' top three picks.  Although Jim Schwartz made it clear that talent would be drafted over need, I don't think many of us expected him to mean it so literally.  Just as with the 20th pick, most of us were hoping that a left tackle or middle linebacker (Rey Maualuga was still available) would be the pick.  Instead, however, we were treated to Louis Delmas, a safety from Western Michigan.

Experts' Opinions

Best traits per Scouts Inc.:

Great recognition skills. Will diagnose plays faster than most young safeties. Not afraid to take on bigger blockers and ball carriers. Feisty and aggressive. Plays much bigger than measurables indicate. A natural playmaker in run support and in coverage. Great example of instincts and toughness is on 1st-and-10 play with 13:37 remaining in first quarter of 2008 Nebraska game, when he diagnoses the play quicker than any other defender and looks like he's shot out of a cannon as he flies upfield to make the tackle.

No off-the-field issues. A natural leader. Named team captain as a senior. Plays the game with passion and displays an excellent work ethic.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Active and aggressive safety flying up draft boards. Quickly picks up assignments in coverage, effectively diagnoses the action and gets to plays with a closing burst of speed. Displays good sideline-to-sideline range, plays with a good degree of suddenness, and flies around the ball. Quick up the field in run defense, and sacrifices his body to make the tackle. Solid ball skills and good hands for the interception.

NEGATIVES: Lacks classic safety size. Too aggressive at times, and takes himself from the action. Inefficient and does not always take correct angles to plays.

Mocking the Draft:

Final word: Very similar to Tyrell Johnson, who was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Delmas was successful in pass coverage as a senior, even though those surrounding him struggled. Notched 111 tackles as a senior. Finished his career with 18 pass breakups and 12 interceptions. A four-year starter, three-time all-conference safety and two-time team captain, Delmas has all the intangibles.

Videos

Highlights against Rice (2008):

More:

• Pro day interview
• WMU pro day highlights

Outlook for 2009

Similar to the Brandon Pettigrew selection, I am warming up to this pick quite a bit.  I think Delmas will compete for a starting job at the very least, and I have to imagine he will become the starter eventually if he can stay healthy.  Safeties like Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks are no strangers to injuries, so if Delmas can't simply beat out the players in front of him, the injury bug may take care of that problem for him.  One way or another, though, Delmas will see the field quite a bit in 2009.