Cornelius Lucas scouting report

OT Cornelius Lucas (Kansas State) - Undrafted free agent

Last year, the Detroit Lions found starting right tackle LaAdrian Waddle via undrafted free agency. This year, the Lions are hoping that Kansas State's Cornelius Lucas will turn out to be a similar type of player after going undrafted and signing with Detroit.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 316 pounds

Stats

2010: 12 games
2011: 12 games
2012: 13 starts
2013: 13 starts

Random fact

Lucas got a $20,000 signing bonus upon joining the Lions. That accounted for nearly a quarter of the Lions' entire pool of UDFA bonuses (clearly they really wanted to sign him).

What the experts are saying

NFL.com:

Exceptionally sized, underpowered, developmental positional wall-off blocker lacking ideal foot quickness to handle edge speed and the grit and toughness desired to match up vs. power. Needs to spend more time in the weight room and develop his core strength. Could be most ideally suited for a swing-backup-tackle role and has upside to be groomed, with traits better suited for the right side.

CBS Sports:

Lucas is a large human being with a naturally wide base and an engulfing wingspan to eat up rushers off the snap. Lucas works hard to gain correct positioning and win with angles, staying balanced and patient with good reaction quickness to trust his eyes and quickly adjust. Really benefits from his aggressive mean streak.

Draft Insider:

Entering the season Lucas was overrated by most and never elevated his game as a senior. He's an athletic prospect who does not consistently play at a high level nor do the little things well. Lucas comes with upside and is worth keeping on a practice squad to develop his game.

Videos

(via Draft Breakdown)

Outlook for 2014

Based on the signing bonus the Lions gave him, Lucas has a very good chance of making the 53-man roster. The No. 4 spot at offensive tackle is up for grabs, and Lucas' only competition right now is former tight end Michael Williams and J.B. Shugarts. Even if he's unable to make the 53-man roster, Lucas should at least land on the practice squad.

Previous scouting reports

Draft picks: TE Eric Ebron, OLB Kyle Van Noy, C Travis Swanson, CB Nevin Lawson, DE Larry Webster, DT Caraun Reid, WR TJ Jones, K Nate Freese

UDFAs: QB James Franklin, FB Chad Abram, WR Andrew Peacock, TE Jacob Maxwell