The Lions' final pick of the 2008 NFL Draft generated the most publicity of any selection on day two.  Why?  Well, Detroit drafted Army safety/linebacker Caleb Campbell.  The fact that he went to Army is why he has received so much attention from the media as a new policy will allow him to play in the NFL.  Normally, a player from Army would have to serve before eventually coming back to possibly play in the NFL.  Thanks to the new policy, though, Campbell can play immediately and doesn't have to go over to Iraq as long as he is on a team.  He still will be in the Army, but will serve the United States at home.

With so much attention focused on the off the field stories involving Campbell, his talent has really been overlooked.  Campbell was primarily a safety at Army, but on the Lions it is expected that he will play linebacker.  It will take some bulking up to get the size required to be a linebacker, but that isn't a huge concern at this point.  The transition to linebacker won't be easy, but I'm sure Campbell won't have a lot of problems.

Here are some positives and negatives of Campbell's game:

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: Has good range and can cover the deep half of the field when stays disciplined. Physical, has excellent upper body strength and can reroute receivers. While didn't intercept a pass last year, has big hands, catches the ball well and has shown big-play ability in coverage in the past. Takes adequate pursuit angles and is a sideline-to-sideline run defender. Has excellent size and can line up in the box. Wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler that flashes the ability to deliver the big hit and forced three fumbles last year Plays with a good motor and can cover kicks. Has excellent experience, vocal and helps get teammates lined up right.

Weaknesses: Takes too long to change directions and is going to have problems matching up with slot receivers in man coverage. Stiff in the hips, faster than quick so struggles to recover when gets caught in a trail position and is going to have problems turning and running with receivers. Lacks ideal awareness in zone coverage, too quick to jump crossing routes and can let receivers get behind him when asked to cover the deep half of the field. Tall enough to compete for jump balls but doesn't have long arms and isn't a great leaper. Doesn't use hands well enough and can take too long to shed blocks when reached by an offensive lineman. Doesn't protect legs and struggles to get over cut blocks. Sustained a season-ending knee injury in 2006, appeared hesitant at times last year and durability is a concern.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Nice-sized, physical safety best defending the run. Quickly diagnoses the action, takes good angles to the play and explosive at point. Displays a straight-line burst of speed and wraps up tackling.

NEGATIVES: Slow moving in reverse, struggles transitioning to run with the opponent in coverage and not quick changing direction. Possesses marginal ball skills.

NFL Draft Countdown :

Strengths:
Outstanding size and bulk...A reliable tackler who can deliver the big hit...Physical and aggressive...Does an excellent job against the run...Has good instincts...Very strong...Versatile...A hard worker...Team leader with elite intangibles...Productive.

Weaknesses:
Average athleticism...Lacks fluid hips to transition...Poor change of direction..Does not play as fast as he times..Might be a bit of a 'tweener...Range is limited and he struggles to match up in coverage..May have some health and durability concerns.

Videos:

Interview with Campbell:

• E:60 story on Campbell from ESPN

For right now, this is great PR for the Lions.  They drafted someone from the Army that is a great guy and has football skills as well.  With the new Army policy, Campbell is the first football player to be able to make it in the NFL right after college, and the media is eating it up.  Although all of that is great, the Lions could suffer from bad PR should Campbell get cut.  He does have a chance to make the team, but with a good amount of depth already at the linebacker position, I think it'll be tough for him to avoid getting cut.  I hope for his and the Lions' sake that Campbell does make the team, but it'll definitely be one of the storylines to watch toward the end of training camp.

The Lions' second to last pick of the 2008 NFL Draft came in the seventh-round when Detroit selected Ohio defensive tackle Landon Cohen.  After already picking up Andre Fluellen in the third-round, the Lions decided to add more depth to the d-line by picking Cohen.  There isn't very much information out there about Cohen, but below is what I was able to find.

ESPN:

Cohen is a one-gap defensive tackle who is at his best disrupting running plays, making plays in the backfield and rushing the passer. The biggest knock on him is that he's vastly undersized for the interior defensive line, which could mean that teams will have success running at him.

NFL.com :

Positives: Has good strength and leverage, showing adequate explosion coming off the ball...Quick to locate and react to the play...Shows good pop behind his hand swipes and the lateral movements and change of direction agility to make plays knifing down the line... Hits with power, staying low in his pads and wrapping well when working in-line...His superb balance and low center of gravity makes it very hard to take him off his feet...Has a short closing burst to collide into ballcarriers...Uses an array of rip, spin and swim moves to gain penetration, showing a relentless nature in his pass rush and quarterback pursuit...Compensates for his lack of size with power and leverage...Will shock blockers with his initial hand jolt...Very comfortable in one-on-one matchups and does a very nice job of defeating double teams, when he keeps his hands active...Has good timed speed, but it is his sudden burst that shocks offensive linemen...Has a strong rip move to slip past blockers and shows good urgency closing from the backside...Has good field instincts and is not the type who will bite on pump fakes or misdirection.

Negatives: Lacks ideal size and bulk...Struggles to shed at times due to his short arms... Can be overwhelmed at the point of attack when blockers get underneath to get a piece of his jersey...Better working in closed quarters, as he seems sluggish in his moves when working in space...Loses speed when asked to run distances...His short arms pose a problem when trying to shed and while he has good swim moves, they are less effective vs. the taller blockers (can not get cross faced)...May be better suited for an under-tackle position due to size limitations...Despite weighing 278, he has a soft, fleshy midsection that sometimes prevents him from dropping his pads...Has a good burst off the snap, but labors when having to pursue long distances.

Videos:

None

Cohen could turn out to be a sleeper that makes the team, but my guess is he gets cut.  Just as with the other late second-day picks, Cohen could be a candidate for the practice squad if he is released.

With their second pick of the fifth-round, the Detroit Lions selected Furman fullback Jerome Felton.  This pick was another head-scratcher at first glance, but after learning more about Felton, I am warming up to this selection.  Felton brings intelligence, a good work ethic, and a hard-nosed attitude to the table, making him a great addition to any team.

For the Lions, Felton was picked as Detroit needs to stock up on blockers with the new philosophy focused on running the ball.  Felton isn't a run-blocker by trade as he was more of a runner in college, but it seems like he wouldn't have a hard time blocking at all.  Just looking at some of his videos (see below), it is obvious that he runs like a freight train, which is something you want all fullbacks to do.

Here are some opinions on Felton:

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: Locates seams quickly, runs low to the ground and is an effective between-the-tackles runner. Doesn't dance in the backfield, rarely gets brought down behind the line of scrimmage and has a nose for the end zone when gets close to the goal line. Shows excellent leg drive and can push the pile in short-yardage situations. Stays balanced, bounces off arm tackles and rarely goes down with the first hit. Shows good vision, has adequate lateral mobility and can cutback when sees the defense over pursue. Plays with a mean streak and flashes a powerful initial punch as a lead blocker. Plays under control in space and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Keeps head up, shows good awareness and can pick up the blitz when asked to help out in pass protection. Snatches the ball out of the air and rarely drops passes that should catch.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal explosiveness and is going to have a difficult time turning the corner at the NFL level. Doesn't have breakaway speed and isn't much of a threat to go the distance when gets a seam. Though has improved in this area, doesn't always protect the football and can put it on the ground. Lacks ideal body control, has some problem adjusting to passes thrown outside of frame and doesn't do a great job of tracking the ball downfield. Lacks ideal size, hasn't shown elite lower body strength and is going to have some problems rooting defenders out of the hole. Has improved in this area as well but doesn't always get good hand placement and plays with a narrow base so has some problems sustaining blocks. Played at a small school and there are concerns about ability to make jump to the NFL level. Tough and appears to quickly bounce back from injuries but missed the 2006 Appalachian State game with a high-ankle sprain, had arthroscopic surgery on left knee in February of 2007 and durability is a concern.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Athletic fullback who does the little things well. Quick out of his stance, displays good blocking vision, and attacks assignments. Squares into defenders and knocks them off the ball. Always looking for someone to hit, occasionally lined up in a one-back set, and displays a variety of skills carrying the ball. Runs with an aggressive style, lowering his shoulders into opponents and delivering a blow. Picks up yardage off initial contact, yet at the same time shows the speed and agility to cut back. Effective receiver out of the backfield.

NEGATIVES: Marginally effective blocking on the second level. Has not faced top competition.

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
Good size and bulk...Very strong...Physical and aggressive...Runs hard and breaks a lot of tackles...Terrific balance...Decent hands...Does a nice job in short-yardage and goalline situations...Extremely smart with top-notch intangibles...Has a ton of experience...He can adjust in space as a blocker...Great vision....Pretty productive.

Weaknesses:
Did not play against elite competition...Does not have great timed speed...Is not explosive and lacks a burst...Not a big play threat...A bit of a FB / RB 'tweener...Is not a dominating lead blocker..Is strictly an inside runner..Has durability concerns.

Videos:

Draftguys TV profile:

• Felton runs over a couple of defenders
• Felton pancakes a defender

Felton certainly has a good shot at making the Lions since they are focusing so much on the run, but I'm not sure if he'll beat out some of the better blockers already on the team.  If he does get cut, he's another candidate for the practice squad as injuries are inevitable at running back or fullback.

After having zero fourth-round picks, the Lions' got the fifth-round started by drafting Wake Forest wide receiver Kenneth Moore.  This pick was made possible by the Lions' day one trade with the Chiefs, who sent the fifth-round's opening pick to Detroit.

When this pick was first made, it was a head-scratcher to say the least.  On top of the fact that the Lions had just picked a wide receiver, we all wondered why they had done so at the start of the fifth-round.  It's not like Detroit had a huge need for an additional receiver, so why did the Lions make this selection?  Basically, Detroit wanted to add someone with the ability to play receiver and then also be a return man, and that sums up Kenneth Moore.

Here is more on Moore:

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: Is fluid getting in and out of cuts and runs adequate short-to-intermediate routes. Snatches the ball out of the air and catches passes in stride. Is fluid turning upfield after the catch and makes crisp first moves. Tough and fights for yards after contact. Reads blocks well, quick to turn the corner and is a shifty open field runner that can make defenders miss. Takes sound angles to assignments and can get into position as a blocker. Gets adequate hand placement, moves feet and flashes the ability to sustain blocks. Has experience lining up in the backfield and is versatile. Has experience retuning punts and has flashed big-play ability in that role.

Weaknesses: Undersized and is going to get pushed around by bigger corners. Doesn't use hands well and struggles to get a clean release working against press coverage. Lacks ideal explosiveness and is going to have a harder time separating from man coverage at the NFL level. Doesn't show a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and isn't fast enough to run by most NFL corners. Lacks breakaway speed and isn't going to outrun NFL defenses when gets a seam. Though can locate soft spots when sees zone coverage sits in areas for too long making it easier for the defense to recover and needs to do a better job of adjusting when the protection starts to break down. Lets the ball get too far away from frame when running in space and is vulnerable to getting the ball knocked loose from behind. Doesn't have great lower body strength and is far effective running outside than is running between the tackles. Appears hesitant when cracking down on linebackers and doesn't play with enough of a mean streak. Foot injury limited him to five games in 2004 and durability is a concern.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Athletic skill player with the ability to produce in a variety of ways. Quickly releases off the line, makes the reception in stride, and extends to catch the pass away from his frame. Displays a sense of timing, uses his frame to shield away opponents, and makes the difficult catch when covered by defenders. Possesses soft and strong hands and shows the ability to pluck the pass from the air. Quickly transitions from making the catch to running after the reception. Displays good instincts, effectively uses blocks, and picks up positive yardage handling the ball.

NEGATIVES: Lacks top size and speed. More quick than fast and not blowing by defenders.

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
Adequate size and bulk...Good athleticism...Has reliable hands and he'll make the difficult grab...Elusive with good vision...Runs well after the catch...Tough...Is real versatile...Team player with excellent intangibles..Has experience as a return guy.

Weaknesses:
Timed speed is just average and lacks a burst...Not much of a big play threat...He won't stretch the field...Needs to work on his route running...Is not very strong or physical...Not a great blocker..Was essentially a one-year wonder..Limited upside.

Videos:

None

I don't expect Kenneth Moore to make the team, but if there is only one injury at the wide receiver position he could be on the main roster.  I would bet on him being signed to the practice squad should he be cut, and then making an appearance or two on the Lions before the season is over.  Moore's versatility will make it hard to get rid of him, but the Lions' have a couple other players like him already.

After already going on the clock twice in the third-round, the Lions decided to make a trade that gave them one more third-round selection.  The trade allowed Detroit to pick Purdue tweener Cliff Avril, who can play both defensive end and outside linebacker.  His measureables project him as more of a linebacker in the NFL, but with the Lions he is likely going to be Rod Marinelli's edge rusher on the defensive line.

The one criticism Avril has received the most is that he doesn't show up enough during games.  He amazed people at the combine and during his workouts, but some NFL scouts were a tad disappointed in how he played during games.  Regardless, he should see a decent amount of playing time given the Lions lack of depth at defensive end.  I don't see him starting in the immediate future, but down the road that's a realistic possibility.

Here's what others are saying about Avril:

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: A tweener DE/OLB that can be very effective when turned loose up the field. Has very long arms (34.5 inches) and big hands (9.6 inches) for his smaller frame. Fires out of stance with very good leverage and shows good body control and lean when turning the corner. Displays very good initial burst and top-end speed for the position. Much stronger upper body than lower body. Uses rip and swim moves effectively. Does a good job of keeping his hands active and will jar some OT's with his initial punch. Displays a good motor. Plays with a mean streak and won't back down from physical challenge versus bigger OT's. He shows good initial pop as a tackler and will occasionally jar the ball loose.

Weaknesses: Is undersized. Lacks ideal height and has just adequate bulk for his shorter frame. Plays with a narrow base and will struggle to anchor at the point of attack when teams run at him. Gets in trouble when forced to play head-up or inside shoulder of OT. Needs to be a seven-technique to be effective. Gets too far up the field ate times and will take himself out of plays. Has very limited experience turning and running in coverage as an OLB.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Athletic defender with good size and playing speed. Plays with good pad level, rarely off his feet, and uses good hand technique to protect himself. Fast off the edge, can bend around the corner, and covers a large amount of area on the field. Displays speed in pursuit. Quickly changes direction, nicely redirects to the ball-carrier, and displays a good head for the action.

NEGATIVES: Slow shedding blocks and engulfed by larger linemen. Did not live up to expectations as a senior.

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
A great athlete...Good speed and quickness with a burst...Active with a non-stop motor..Does a nice job of shedding blockers...Versatile with experience at multiple positions...Hard worker with top intangibles...Productive and made a lot of impact plays..Hails from a program that is known for producing similar types of prospects.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and does not have the bulk you look for...Is not stout at the point and could be a liability against the run..Heavily reliant on the speed rush and needs to develop additional moves..May be a 'tweener who has to make a position change.

Videos:

SI Film Room:

• Avril returns an interception for a TD
• Interview with Avril following a game

Looking at the depth chart for defensive end, Dewayne White and Jared DeVries are projected to be the two starters.  After that, it's really a toss-up for who gets to be the backups.  I would say Corey Smith and Ikaika Alama-Francis have the best chance to be the backups, but Avril certainly could come in and beat one of those two out.

One of the things the Lions received in exchange for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers was Cleveland's third-round pick.  On the second day of the draft, the Lions used that pick to replace Rogers with another defensive tackle.  That DT was Florida State's Andre Fluellen, who is seen by some as a sleeper type of player that could turn out to be something special.

Fluellen is undersized according to some of the "experts" out there, but that really doesn't hamper his abilities.  He has suffered from injury troubles in the past, but when healthy, he is a great player.  On top of that, he is another high character type of player that Rod Marinelli will love to have on his team.

Here is some info on Fluellen:

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: Anticipates snap well, can locate the ball carrier quickly and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Active feet and makes it difficult for blockers to sustain. Works hard, takes sound angles to the ball and can make plays in pursuit. Wraps up upon contact, generally brings the ball carrier down when gets hands on him and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. Has a quick first step and shows adequate not great closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Flashes an effective rip move and is a relentless pass rusher. Moves well laterally and runs line stunts well.

Weaknesses: Undersized and isn't tall enough to add substantial bulk to frame. Tough and physical but gets engulfed by double teams and lacks ideal lower body strength. Doesn't use hands well and is far more effective attacking gap than occupying blockers. Lunges at times, ducks head at times and loses balance far too much. Can be overaggressive and gets caught too far upfield at times. Doesn't show great body control in space and has some problems making plays in the open field. Has yet to develop effective double moves and doesn't always force blockers to move their feet. Drives legs once in position but doesn't have great lower body strength and isn't a great bull rusher. Slowed by ankle and hamstring injuries in 2006, he missed three games with an elbow injury last year and his lack of size raises questions about his ability to stay healthy over the course of a 16-game season.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Explosive penetrating defensive tackle who plays with tremendous quickness. Displays a great first step off the snap, quickly changes direction, and moves well about the field. Keeps his feet driving on contact, wedges between the small creases of the line, and makes plays up the field or out on the flanks. Immediately alters his angle of attack and redirects to the action.

NEGATIVES: Struggles against big opponents and easily pushed off the line. Slow locating the ball and not instinctive. Does not consistently play hard.

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
Great height with the frame to get bigger...Excellent athleticism...Good speed and quickness with a burst...Can penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Explosive off the snap...Fantastic first step...Mobile and pursues well...Still has some upside.

Weaknesses:
Does not have the type of bulk you look for...Has to get stronger...Plays with poor leverage and technique..Has an inconsistent motor...He's not stout at the point of attack...Limited pass rush repertoire...Average production...Durability is a concern.

Videos:

SI Film Room:

Fluellen finding out he is a Lion:

• Interview with Fluellen

Fluellen will likely come in and compete to be a backup defensive tackle this season, but if Shaun Cody plays below his expectations, there's always the chance that Langston Moore or Fluellen could move into the starting lineup.

Side note: My interview with Fluellen will be up sometime soon.

The Lions traded up to the first pick of the third-round to select Central Florida running back Kevin Smith.  Detroit had a pressing need at the running back position for added depth, and Smith certainly helps alleviate that issue.  In fact, many, myself included, believe that Smith has the potential to become a starter in the NFL.  Considering that the Lions' depth chart at RB isn't exactly that great, he could be starting in 2008.

Smith is best known for threatening Barry Sander's single-season college rushing record.  He came very close to breaking that record last season, and even though he fell short, his season was truly remarkable as he rushed for over 2500 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns.

To get an idea of what kind of player Smith is, look below for his scouting report.

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: Patient and makes the most of his blockers. Has above-average lower body strength, instinctively turns pads when trying to squeeze through tight spaces and can pick up tough yards in short-yardage situations. Keeps eyes downfield, has adequate lateral mobility, can cut back when sees defense over pursuing and can bounce runs outside when defense collapses inside. Doesn't have great elusiveness but shifty and can make the first defender miss. Plays with a mean streak, has good upper body strength and flashes a powerful stiff arm. Runs with excellent balance, bounces off arm tackles and is tough to bring down in the open field. Is a long-strider and possesses deceiving top-end speed. Shows good awareness, does a good job of stepping up and flashes the ability to anchor when asked to help out in pass protection. Attacks the thighs of blitzing linebackers and is an effective cut blocker. Shows good focus as a receiver out of the backfield and shouldn't drop many passes that should catch.

Weaknesses: Takes too long to reach top-end speed and is going to have a harder time turning the corner at the NFL level. Lacks elite top-end speed and isn't going to outrun NFL defenses when gets a seam. Tries to make too much happen at times and dances in the backfield rather than getting what he can when there's no seam. Runs too high and is going to take some big hits. Doesn't run crisp routes, doesn't explode out of cuts and is going to have a hard time separating from man coverage. While extremely productive, played in the Conference USA and there is some concern about ability to make the jump to the NFL. Missed two games with a shoulder injury in 2006 and durability is somewhat of a concern. Missed a 2006 game because of disciplinary reasons and character may be a concern.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Instinctive, hard-running ball-carrier with the ability to create yardage. Runs with outstanding vision, finds the cut-back lanes, and loses little momentum when he must change direction. Weaves his way through the inside finding the openings on the field, makes defenders miss, and quickly gets through the cut-back lanes. Runs with balance and body control. Keeps his feet moving up the field and breaks arm tackles. Uses blocks everywhere on the field and will pick his spots. Squeezes through the small creases of the defense. Very quick in all aspects of his game.

NEGATIVES: Not a natural pass-catcher. Does not display the speed to beat defenders around the corner or in the open field. Not a smooth or fluid ball-carrier.

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
Good size...A very good athlete...Plays faster than he times..A natural runner with excellent vision and instincts..Strong, tough and powerful...Runs hard and doesn't go down easily...Great feet...Terrific balance and agility...Soft hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield...An adequate blocker..Was extraordinarily productive.

Weaknesses:
Doesn't have great speed and lacks a burst...May have trouble turning the corner in the pros...Isn't a big play threat...Runs too tall...Has a lot of mileage on his tires and durability might be an issue...May have some minor character concerns...Has a thin frame and may need to bulk up..Didn't always play against top competition.

Videos:

SI Film Room:

Kevin Smith's 41 carries against UAB:

• Smith's pro-day workout
• Interview with Smith on College Football Live
• Smith against Tulsa
• Three long runs by Smith

Going into the 2008 season, I have big hopes for Smith.  Although he was only a third-round pick, I expect him to get a lot of playing time, and then if things don't work out with Tatum Bell, he could easily become the starter. 

One final thing to add is that Smith has his own website that will probably be updated soon with info on his time so far with the Lions, so make sure to check that out.

The Lions' second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft addressed a pressing need at the linebacker position.  Other than Ernie Sims, Detroit's linebackers haven't exactly been that great, and on top of that, there isn't a true middle linebacker at all.  During the offseason, the Lions attempted to sign a veteran free agent to fill their MLB needs, but after not being able to find one, they were forced to add depth to that position via the draft.

Detroit selected Colorado LB Jordon Dizon in the second-round with the hopes that he will be able to someday start, preferably in the middle.  Although he is a fairly big reach, the Lions are more concerned with getting the right players into their system.  Because of that, they will draft someone when they feel the time is right, and that's what happened with Dizon.

Since the pick has been made, we have primarily heard that Dizon is undersized and doesn't have the greatest speed.  He is, however, a tackling machine, which is why the Lions like him so much. 

To get a better idea of what kind of player he is, here is a look at Dizon from a few different websites:

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: An overachieving, fast-flowing space linebacker. Displays outstanding quickness and lateral mobility. Very good balance and change of direction skills. Tough and doesn't shy away from contact and has a mean streak. He reads plays extremely well, rarely takes false steps and seems to always be around the football. Aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage. Works from whistle to snap and makes some plays in pursuit. Squares up to the ball carrier, wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler that flashes the ability to deliver the big hit for a smaller LB. Gets adequate depth and shows adequate awareness when asked to drop into zone coverage. Takes the shortest path to the quarterback when asked to blitz and flashes the ability to run through blockers in the backfield. Plays with emotion and is a leader in the field.

Weaknesses: Has below average height, bulk, arm length and hand span. Doesn't use hands to protect legs, frequently plays with a narrow base and gets knocked to the ground too much. He is quicker than fast. Does not display good top-end speed, which will limit his range in run support and in man-to-man coverage far more in the NFL. Lacks ideal ball skills and isn't a playmaker in coverage.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Explosive run-defending one-gap linebacker who plays with a warrior mentality. Instinctive, quickly locates the ball, and works hard to make plays. Collapses from the outside defending the run, possesses a burst of speed, and works his hands to stay off blocks. Redirects to the action and wraps up when tackling. Gets depth on drops and covers a lot of area on the field. Attacks ball-carriers and likes to mix it up.

NEGATIVES: Bites on play-action passes, occasionally gets caught out of position, and pursues the action too aggressively at times. Undersized and slow to shed blocks.

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
Has a non-stop motor...Tough...Aggressive and intense...Has excellent range and makes plays sideline-to-sideline...Timed speed's adequate...Reliable tackler..Good blitzer...Has a lot of experience...Team leader...Very smart...Extremely productive.

Weaknesses:
Is vastly undersized and needs to add weight...Has to get stronger...Does not flip his hips well, has poor ball skills and really struggles in man coverage..Has trouble shedding blockers...Is not stout when run at...Average instincts...Upside is limited.

Videos:

SI Film Room:

Jordon Dizon Interview:

• Highlights of Dizon at the NFL Combine
• Another Dizon Interview

Although Dizon doesn't have the size and speed of other middle linebackers, he has the tackling skills that really make you forget about his shortcomings.  I'm not a huge fan of this pick, but after getting to see what Dizon brings to the table, I have a feeling I could easily change my mind.  Off the field, he has great character.  On the field, he has great skills.  Will the skills translate to the NFL?  We'll have to wait and see.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be doing a scouting report on each of the Lions' draft picks.  Basically, I'm going to dig up information on each draft pick from various sources so we can get a better idea of what each player is like.  To start things off, today we will look at Detroit's first-round pick, Boston College offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus.

Before diving into the actual scouting report, I should note that Cherilus is by far a better right tackle than a left tackle.  As a Lion, I imagine he will come in and start at right tackle from day one.  He is an outstanding run blocker, which is perfect for the Lions' new offensive scheme that focuses more on putting the ball on the ground.  On top of that, Detroit really doesn't have anybody that will be a lot of competition for Cherilus as Damien Woody is gone, and although he had a decent season before injuries ended it early, I don't think Jonathan Scott will be a big factor.

Moving on, let's find out exactly what Cherilus brings to the table by looking at what various sources think of Detroit's first-round selection.

New Era Scouting:

Pass Blocking: Excels versus power rushers who come straight ahead on a bull rush. Struggles greatly against speed rushers who move to the outside. Lacks foot quickness and has trouble changing direction. Struggles to recover. Could get better against countermoves.

Run Blocking: Can engulf opponents on running plays. A road grader at tackle. In run blocking, Cherilus needs to learn to become more explosive off the snap.

Scouts Inc.:

Strengths: Has a massive frame and good feet for his size. His arms (36.2 inches) and hands (11.6 inches) are enormous. Plays with a mean streak. Is big enough to engulf defenders if he's in position, can wear them down over the course of a game and has the frame to add even more weight. Won't take many false steps, is efficient and generally gets into sound position. Drives legs once in position, shows above-average lower body strength and is a powerful run blocker that can get movement in short-yardage situations. Plays with good motor, stays under control when gets into space and is an effective downfield blocker. Efficiently gets into pass set and uses long arms to ride pass rushers past the pocket. Moves feet well for size, stays balanced and flashes the ability to counter double moves. Keeps head up, shows good awareness and can pick up the blitz as well as line stunts.

Weaknesses: Plays entirely too high. Has quick feet for his size and good overall strength but both can be compromised by his marginal leverage. Though he gets good hand placement and rarely loses battle once locked on to the defender, he doesn't deliver a powerful initial punch. While big enough to hold ground most of the time, he bends at the waist rather than the knees and powerful bull rushers should have some success pushing back into the pocket.

SI.com:

POSITIVES: Powerful, king-sized tackle who projects to the strong side. Keeps his feet and hands active throughout the action, plays with a nasty attitude, and annihilates opponents. Always looking for someone to hit, dominant at the point, and easily removes defenders from the action or engulfs them altogether. Makes good use of angles, jolts defenders with good hand-punch, and keeps his head on a swivel. Picks up stunts and blitzes. Gets a lot of movement from run-blocks and anchors at the point in pass protection.

NEGATIVES: Lacks footwork and lateral blocking range and exploited by speedy edge-rushers. Not light on his feet, lacks adjustment, and ineffective in motion.

Eagle in Atlanta (Boston College blog):

Gos has all the pieces to be great. He moves well and has the ideal size. The lone question is about his mental focus. He struggled last year after we moved him from the right side to the left. He was also prone to mental mistakes throughout his career (false starts, etc). BC's track record producing lineman is solid. I expect him to be a very good pro. Let me know if there are specific questions you want me to answer.

Click here for Todd McShay's take on Cherilus.

YouTube:

Goodell announcing the pick and analysis from Mike Mayock afterwards:

• Gosder Cherilus Interview
• Highlights versus Wake Forest (look for the left tackle, #77)
• Highlights versus Georgia Tech
• Highlights versus Michigan State

Basically, Cherilus is someone that can come in, start at right tackle, and be a pretty good player in the NFL.  He is a better run blocker than pass blocker, but once he develops the latter should improve.  He needs to work on his footwork the most, and if that gets better, his pass blocking will as well.  If Cherilus can continue to stay healthy as he did for most of his career at Boston College, then the Lions have found their starting right tackle for years to come.

This year's NFL Draft featured a new "stream-lined" format that successfully made day one considerably shorter.  Changes included only having rounds one and two on Saturday, and then shortening the amount of time between each pick in both of those rounds.  I have to applaud the NFL for making those changes as it was much easier to follow, but I do have a few suggestions for the future.

One of the other major changes the NFL made this year was changing the start time of day one of the draft to 3:00 ET.  Before this year, the start time was noon ET, and it was much better.  The drama of the first four picks was really taken out entirely as the extra three hours allowed teams to decide on who they wanted to pick.  Unsurprisingly, news of those selections leaked out, making the first forty minutes of the draft pretty boring. 

There's nothing that can be done about Jake Long signing in the week leading up to the draft, but when we all found out that Chris Long was going to the Rams, Matt Ryan was going to be selected by the Falcons, and Darren McFadden was going to become a Raider, it took a lot of excitement out of the start of the draft.  Those extra three hours really provided a lot of leaks, and I hope something is done in the future to prevent that.

Another reason I prefer the noon start time is that you don't have to sit around and wait all day for the draft to get started.  On Saturday, I really didn't like having to wait around for 3:00 to finally arrive.  I would much rather wake up and only a few hours later get the draft going.  That way, leaks of which players have already been selected would be less likely, keeping the drama around at the start of the draft.

When these changes were first made, there was some talk about possibly moving the first-round of the draft to Friday night.  I believe a move like that will happen eventually as the advertising revenue generated would be much greater in primetime.  The one thing that held back a move to Friday night was the question of when the draft should start.  The NFL can't have the draft start too late for people on the east coast, but at the same time it can't start too early for people out west.  Based on this year's first-round that lasted around 3 hours, I think a start time of something like 8:30 would be feasible.  That way people out west can tune in at a reasonable time, and people in the east will be able to stay up to the very end if they want.

The one other thing I wish would change is the TV coverage of the draft.  Going back to the loss of excitement I brought up earlier in this post, ESPN and the NFL Network did their best to take the fun out of it as well.  For ESPN, they would show a player talking on the phone either in New York City or somewhere else, signalling that they were the next pick.  At least this year Chris Berman didn't give away any selections, but those live shots of the players did.

On a similar note, why did the NFL Network feel that Adam Schefter should blow the whistle on so many picks?  I understand that they want to get information out quicker than their competitors, but there is no reason to put him by the podium with the sole purpose of taking the surprise out of everything.  It's not a huge issue as we will find out who the pick is literally only minutes or seconds later, but part of the reason why the draft is so fun to watch is because of the drama. 

As the NFL moves forward, I believe Roger Goodell will do his best to make the draft experience better for everyone.  What I like about him is that he isn't afraid to make changes, whether they be small ones or drastic ones.  That attitude will go a long way in making the draft as good as possible, and hopefully steps will be taken from now until next April to make 2009's version even better.