Lions Coaches in Mobile
By the good graces of the NFL, the Lions' coaching staff had an inside pass and got to spend the better part of four days working with, and of course evaluating, some of the best senior college football players destined for the NFL this fall. Jim Schwartz, never one to tip his hand, always tended to be vague during his pressers. He complimented a host of players, never really singled anyone out as being better than another, and all in all kept his findings to himself. How Jim!
Based upon what has been written in various on-line articles by various analysts, reporters and amateur spectators, there are a few players who have stood out and possibly made themselves a great deal of money this week in Senior Bowl practices.
1. RB/WR Dexter McCluster
Likely the smallest player out there, but by all accounts the fastest and possibly the one with the greatest amount of heart. Used as a receiver and running back, McCluster used every opportunity to show off some considerable speed and overall skills. He never flinched from contact, even doing some hard running between the tackles. Though he's not likely to be used in a RB role, other than as a third down option, he has shown a competitive fire and the ability to break a play wide open. A likely second round pick now.
2. RB LeGarrette Blount
His widely publicized loss of emotional control will still cost him come draft day, but not nearly as much as it would have if he had not received an invitation to take part in this game. He ran hard all week, whether inside or outside, and displayed a humble demeanor to the press born of remorse for his actions. While some may have been looking at Jahvid Best or even Anthony Dixon as the possible third back off the board this April, I think Blount's name gets called early in the second round, possibly even by Detroit.
3. RB Jocquie Bell
The Wayne State Tartars sensation won the award as the top Division II player in the country, and certainly did not embarrass himself in Mobile. He displayed a good set of skills, whether running the ball, catching or blocking. While it is unlikely he is taken before the fourth round, it sure is better than a 7th round-UDFA grade like he had before. Some will still wonder if he has the speed to run away from NFL defenders, but that can be answered during the Combines and Pro Day workouts.
4. DE Alex Carrington
Arkansas State, who brought us the wonder known as Tarvaris Jackson, is now ready to introduce Alex Carrington to the NFL. Carrington was considered the best defensive linemen out there by some analysts, even better than more heralded DTs like Dan Williams and Jared Odrick. Carrington is an impressive 6'5" and 285 lbs, with a quick first step and the arms and hands to keep blockers off of him. He also displayed ample strength such that he was able to bull rush some pretty good offensive linemen and knock them on their butts. Carrington was carrying a grade of around a 5th rounder, but now may be looked at as high as the mid second round due to his ability to play defensive end in either a 43 or 34 defense.
5. OG John Jerry
Older brother Peria went to the Falcons in the first round last season, after he raised some eyebrows in last years Senior Bowl. The year brother John came to Mobile and has increased his draft stock, but likely not as much. Jerry didn't display flawless technique, but he was rarely off balance and was able to move his feet better than anticipated. He came to the practices in excellent shape, and by some accounts has lost some 20 pounds or more since the end of the college season. While he doesn't have the quick feet to be an elite NFL tackle, he does have the balance, hand quickness and technique to make for a damn fine NFL guard, or even right tackle. He will likely be taken in the second round, and could be the second interior offensive lineman off the board, after man-beast Mike Iupati goes in the first round.
Honorable Mention goes to West Virginia QB Jarrett Brown, who was the consensus best quarterback among both squads. While he doesn't possess the arm strength of Tony Pike, or the intermediate accuracy of Sean Canfield, Brown has enough arm strength and accuracy to do well enough to be considered a viable developmental prospect worthy of a mid to late second round selection. He could even be the fourth QB off the board, after Bradford, Clausen and McCoy, of course. How he manages the Senior Bowl South Offense while he's playing will be critical in his overall ranking.
All that said, this IS a Lions blog after all. It is obvious the Lions are going to be the proud parents of a defensive tackle in the first round. But the question is, what happens after that? The Lions have so many needs, what direction should they follow? Most have said that the Lions must go defense as often as possible when it makes sense. I agree. But those are not the only needs the Lions have. Left offensive guard has been an unsettled position for over a decade. In round two, there is likely to be a player or two who may be worthy of that #34 pick. Maurkice Pouncey, who was a center but has the size to play guard, could be considered. As well, the previously mentioned John Jerry is the kind of road grader guard the Lions would love to have between Backus and Raiola, but haven't been able to locate. "Address the lines, the rest will take care of itself" is a mantra many Lions fans have taken to heart, due to the ineptitude of the previous managerial regime to recognize that in the trenches is where the games are fought and won. Generals (QBs) may get the accolades, but it's the footsoldiers (linemen) who spill the blood and win the battles that decide the victories.
The Lions could also consider a running back, since the health of Kevin Smith is in question, as well as his overall capacity of being an effective full time running back. Smith displayed a tendency to hesitate at the line this past season, which may have cost him the respect of the coaching staff and other players. He criticized himself for it at times, but didn't seem to fix the problem. Overlooking the importance of having a dominant running back would be a mistake. Just ask Brett Favre, who continuously gave credit to Adrian Peterson for getting the Vikings to where they were at seasons end.
Other defensive positions to consider would be corner back and defensive end. In my eyes, cornerback is the single weakest position on the Lions roster. There was a complete turnover from 2008 to 2009, and it seemed like the secondary play got worse. It got so bad, that folks were wondering if Travis Fisher was looking for a job (he was in Seattle). It always made me wonder why the new coaching staff cut Keith Smith? He seemed like he was their best cover guy in pre-season, yet they parted ways with him. Obviously not the finest hour for Mayhew, Schwartz and Cunningham. But now they must look to fix that leaky secondary, and they can't wait until round five to pick someone off the scrap heap. Kyle Wilson seemed like he was velcroed to receivers he was covering in all the practices that took place in Mobile. He was smooth in his backpedal and was able to flip his hips without losing any speed or give up space to the man he was covering. He played zone well, reading receivers and quarterbacks and making play after play. While before this week he carried a third round grade, he could be late first round material now. If he's still on the board at #34, the Lions have to strongly consider him.
Lastly, there is the defensive end position to consider. I've already spoke of Alex Carrington, who could look very good in Honolulu Blue and Silver. He played the run and pass equally well, and would allow the Lions to cut Dewayne White, who obviously can't stay healthy and is running on fumes at this point. Others to consider would be Everson Griffen, Corey Wootton and possibly Ricky Sapp as a pure pass rusher. All three of those players, as with Carrington, likely won't be available in round three.
I understand and accept the idea of taking the best talent available. The Lions roster has been void of talent for quite some time. The more I look at the prospects available into the third round, the more I wonder if the Lions won't be considering a trade down in round two to pick up additional picks in hopes of adding more talent in more areas. But do you pass on a Kyle Wilson, or John Jerry, or Alex Carrington? Tough choices to make for the Lions front office and staff. I just hope they make the best choices for the team.
Based upon what has been written in various on-line articles by various analysts, reporters and amateur spectators, there are a few players who have stood out and possibly made themselves a great deal of money this week in Senior Bowl practices.
1. RB/WR Dexter McCluster
Likely the smallest player out there, but by all accounts the fastest and possibly the one with the greatest amount of heart. Used as a receiver and running back, McCluster used every opportunity to show off some considerable speed and overall skills. He never flinched from contact, even doing some hard running between the tackles. Though he's not likely to be used in a RB role, other than as a third down option, he has shown a competitive fire and the ability to break a play wide open. A likely second round pick now.
2. RB LeGarrette Blount
His widely publicized loss of emotional control will still cost him come draft day, but not nearly as much as it would have if he had not received an invitation to take part in this game. He ran hard all week, whether inside or outside, and displayed a humble demeanor to the press born of remorse for his actions. While some may have been looking at Jahvid Best or even Anthony Dixon as the possible third back off the board this April, I think Blount's name gets called early in the second round, possibly even by Detroit.
3. RB Jocquie Bell
The Wayne State Tartars sensation won the award as the top Division II player in the country, and certainly did not embarrass himself in Mobile. He displayed a good set of skills, whether running the ball, catching or blocking. While it is unlikely he is taken before the fourth round, it sure is better than a 7th round-UDFA grade like he had before. Some will still wonder if he has the speed to run away from NFL defenders, but that can be answered during the Combines and Pro Day workouts.
4. DE Alex Carrington
Arkansas State, who brought us the wonder known as Tarvaris Jackson, is now ready to introduce Alex Carrington to the NFL. Carrington was considered the best defensive linemen out there by some analysts, even better than more heralded DTs like Dan Williams and Jared Odrick. Carrington is an impressive 6'5" and 285 lbs, with a quick first step and the arms and hands to keep blockers off of him. He also displayed ample strength such that he was able to bull rush some pretty good offensive linemen and knock them on their butts. Carrington was carrying a grade of around a 5th rounder, but now may be looked at as high as the mid second round due to his ability to play defensive end in either a 43 or 34 defense.
5. OG John Jerry
Older brother Peria went to the Falcons in the first round last season, after he raised some eyebrows in last years Senior Bowl. The year brother John came to Mobile and has increased his draft stock, but likely not as much. Jerry didn't display flawless technique, but he was rarely off balance and was able to move his feet better than anticipated. He came to the practices in excellent shape, and by some accounts has lost some 20 pounds or more since the end of the college season. While he doesn't have the quick feet to be an elite NFL tackle, he does have the balance, hand quickness and technique to make for a damn fine NFL guard, or even right tackle. He will likely be taken in the second round, and could be the second interior offensive lineman off the board, after man-beast Mike Iupati goes in the first round.
Honorable Mention goes to West Virginia QB Jarrett Brown, who was the consensus best quarterback among both squads. While he doesn't possess the arm strength of Tony Pike, or the intermediate accuracy of Sean Canfield, Brown has enough arm strength and accuracy to do well enough to be considered a viable developmental prospect worthy of a mid to late second round selection. He could even be the fourth QB off the board, after Bradford, Clausen and McCoy, of course. How he manages the Senior Bowl South Offense while he's playing will be critical in his overall ranking.
All that said, this IS a Lions blog after all. It is obvious the Lions are going to be the proud parents of a defensive tackle in the first round. But the question is, what happens after that? The Lions have so many needs, what direction should they follow? Most have said that the Lions must go defense as often as possible when it makes sense. I agree. But those are not the only needs the Lions have. Left offensive guard has been an unsettled position for over a decade. In round two, there is likely to be a player or two who may be worthy of that #34 pick. Maurkice Pouncey, who was a center but has the size to play guard, could be considered. As well, the previously mentioned John Jerry is the kind of road grader guard the Lions would love to have between Backus and Raiola, but haven't been able to locate. "Address the lines, the rest will take care of itself" is a mantra many Lions fans have taken to heart, due to the ineptitude of the previous managerial regime to recognize that in the trenches is where the games are fought and won. Generals (QBs) may get the accolades, but it's the footsoldiers (linemen) who spill the blood and win the battles that decide the victories.
The Lions could also consider a running back, since the health of Kevin Smith is in question, as well as his overall capacity of being an effective full time running back. Smith displayed a tendency to hesitate at the line this past season, which may have cost him the respect of the coaching staff and other players. He criticized himself for it at times, but didn't seem to fix the problem. Overlooking the importance of having a dominant running back would be a mistake. Just ask Brett Favre, who continuously gave credit to Adrian Peterson for getting the Vikings to where they were at seasons end.
Other defensive positions to consider would be corner back and defensive end. In my eyes, cornerback is the single weakest position on the Lions roster. There was a complete turnover from 2008 to 2009, and it seemed like the secondary play got worse. It got so bad, that folks were wondering if Travis Fisher was looking for a job (he was in Seattle). It always made me wonder why the new coaching staff cut Keith Smith? He seemed like he was their best cover guy in pre-season, yet they parted ways with him. Obviously not the finest hour for Mayhew, Schwartz and Cunningham. But now they must look to fix that leaky secondary, and they can't wait until round five to pick someone off the scrap heap. Kyle Wilson seemed like he was velcroed to receivers he was covering in all the practices that took place in Mobile. He was smooth in his backpedal and was able to flip his hips without losing any speed or give up space to the man he was covering. He played zone well, reading receivers and quarterbacks and making play after play. While before this week he carried a third round grade, he could be late first round material now. If he's still on the board at #34, the Lions have to strongly consider him.
Lastly, there is the defensive end position to consider. I've already spoke of Alex Carrington, who could look very good in Honolulu Blue and Silver. He played the run and pass equally well, and would allow the Lions to cut Dewayne White, who obviously can't stay healthy and is running on fumes at this point. Others to consider would be Everson Griffen, Corey Wootton and possibly Ricky Sapp as a pure pass rusher. All three of those players, as with Carrington, likely won't be available in round three.
I understand and accept the idea of taking the best talent available. The Lions roster has been void of talent for quite some time. The more I look at the prospects available into the third round, the more I wonder if the Lions won't be considering a trade down in round two to pick up additional picks in hopes of adding more talent in more areas. But do you pass on a Kyle Wilson, or John Jerry, or Alex Carrington? Tough choices to make for the Lions front office and staff. I just hope they make the best choices for the team.
posted by Mike @ 6:14 PM
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Here is a look at the 2010 NFL Draft order:
