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"I hope to see the Lions in the Super Bowl before I die"
My friend Ken LComment
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The concentration on that catch was awesome but I’ll always be meh on Michigan WRs. Draft Michigan OL, TE or damned near any of the defensive positions and you have at the bare minimum a good NFL career for making a second contract.Originally posted by El Axe View Post
but WR, I’d pass even in the later rounds. Much like I’ve always been down on Ohio QBs (huge fan of Stroud) I wouldn’t waste a draft pick on a Michigan WR.
DPJ and Nico Collins were the absolute exception but both of those guys were SEC caliber players that should have went elsewhere. Michigan is a run heavy and TE school with a Stout defense.
Lloyd Carr broke a bit of that mould but towards the end of his tenure he couldn’t match recruiting against Ohio and the SEC. Harbaugh brought them back with what works in the cold. Steer clear of Michigan RBs and WRF#*K OHIO!!!
You're not only an amazingly beautiful man, but you're the greatest football mind to ever exist. <-- Jeffy Shittypants actually posted this. I knew he was in love with me.Comment
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I thought how he tipped the ball out of the DB's hands was the most impressive. That should have been an INT.
Last year, Stroud broke the mould on OSU QBs. This year, Wilson & Johnson can do that for Michigan WRs. I mean, I don't think either will be a superstar, but I think both will be solid NFL starters in their careers.Comment
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Stroud broke the streak for sure but I don't think they'll see another like him for a hot minute. Ohio should get back to the mobile QBs that give Michigan fits. Stroud was precision with his throws but they need players like Fields who can make quick reads or run like hell.Originally posted by El Axe View Post
F#*K OHIO!!!
You're not only an amazingly beautiful man, but you're the greatest football mind to ever exist. <-- Jeffy Shittypants actually posted this. I knew he was in love with me.Comment
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Another paywall mock draft article from the Freep.
NFL mock draft 4.0: Detroit Lions stick with OL; who trades up for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy?
Dave Birkett
Detroit Free Press
The closer we get to draft day, the more convinced I am quarterbacks will go 1-2-3-4 for the first time in modern draft history.
There are too many quarterback-needy teams and too many tantalizing quarterbacks available for any of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy to slip out of the top five, and I think one team – either the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants or Denver Broncos – will be motivated to trade up and get one.
I've incorporated trades into my mock for the first time this spring. Nothing too crazy, but enough to have a sense of who might go where and when.
No. 1 Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams, USC
The consensus on social media is that Lions fans will start a “Jar-ed Goff” chant when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell walks to the stage next Thursday to announce this pick.
No. 2 Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
There’s been a lot of J.J. McCarthy buzz at No. 2 recently, but I’m sticking with Daniels, the dual-threat Heisman Trophy winner.
No. 3 New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
This is the worst landing spot for a quarterback, given how baren the Patriots’ roster is.
No. 4 — TRADE — Minnesota Vikings (originally Cardinals): QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
The Vikings don’t have second- or third-round picks, but they can’t afford to haggle over the trade-up price and risk not getting their quarterback after dealing for a second first-rounder.
No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Give Jim Harbaugh his pick of the best non-quarterbacks in the draft and of course he’ll start with a lineman.
No. 6 New York Giants: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The Giants are another trade-up candidate for McCarthy, but the draft's best receiver is a nice consolation prize if they sit tight.
No. 7 Tennessee Titans: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
The Titans could take just about any position here and find an immediate starter.
No. 8 Atlanta Falcons: Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama
It’s a coin flip here between Turner and Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse, but Turner gets the nod because he's two years younger.
No. 9 — TRADE — Arizona Cardinals (originally Bears): WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Much like they did last year, moving down to No. 12, then trading up with the Lions, the Cardinals get a haul to move down from No. 4 then move up and still get one of the best receivers in the draft.
No. 10 New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
The Jets are all-in for what might be Aaron Rodgers’ last season, but they just signed a left tackle who hasn’t played a full season since 2015 so some insurance is in order.
No. 11 — TRADE — Chicago Bears (Originally Vikings): Edge Jared Verse, Florida State
The Bears have the first and ninth picks in Round 1, but only two other picks in the draft. By dealing down from nine, they get extra draft capital to build their roster and another pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat.
No. 12 Denver Broncos: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Sean Payton has to have something up his sleeve at quarterback, but there’s no one left worth taking at No. 12.
No. 13 Las Vegas Raiders: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Back-to-back cornerbacks for AFC West teams who still have to figure out a way to beat Patrick Mahomes.
No. 14 New Orleans Saints: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Fuaga likely would be a Day 1 starter at right tackle, but also could play inside if needed.
No. 15 Indianapolis Colts: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
The Colts give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson a trusty safety valve in the draft’s best tight end.
No. 16 Seattle Seahawks: DT Byron Murphy, Texas
Murphy has long been connected to the Seahawks and new coach Mike Macdonald as the best interior lineman in the draft.
No. 17 Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Brian Thomas, LSU
Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis won’t cut it as Trevor Lawrence’s top options at wide receiver.
No. 18 Cincinnati Bengals: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
The Bengals will be back in the Super Bowl mix next season if they can keep Joe Burrow healthy.
No. 19 Los Angeles Rams: DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Aaron Donald retired, so why not grab his replacement in the draft?
No. 20 Pittsburgh Steelers: OL Graham Barton, Duke
A college left tackle who might play center in the NFL, Barton is considered safer and more versatile than Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson.
No. 21 Miami Dolphins: Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Latu won’t be on every team’s draft board because of his medical history, but he’s unquestionably one of the draft’s top pass rushers.
No. 22 Philadelphia Eagles: OT JC Latham, Alabama
Lane Johnson turns 34 next month and hasn’t played a full season since 2015.
No. 23 — TRADE — Arizona Cardinals (originally Vikings): DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
With the second first-round pick they acquired in the Vikings trade-up for McCarthy, the Cardinals take one of the draft’s most versatile linemen.
No. 24 Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
If the Cowboys don’t want to move guard Tyler Smith to left tackle, Guyton has as much potential as any lineman in this draft.
No. 25 Green Bay Packers: Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson didn’t have great production at Penn State, but his upside is undeniable as a pass rusher.
No. 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Baker Mayfield took 40 sacks last season. Powers-Johnson could start Day 1 at center or guard.
No. 27 — TRADE — Las Vegas Raiders (originally Cardinals): QB Michael Penix, Washington
In this scenario, this is the Cardinals’ third first-round pick (by way of the Houston Texans) and it makes perfect sense to deal to the Raiders, who have the highest second-round pick of the teams still in need of a quarterback.
No 28 Buffalo Bills: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
DeJean can play cornerback or safety — both needs for the Bills — and might be the best punt returner in the draft.
No. 29 Detroit Lions: OL Zach Frazier, West Virginia
I’ve gone offensive line in three straight mock drafts for the Lions, both because I like the players (Frazier, as well as Barton and Powers-Johnson) and the fit. Had Darius Robinson or DeJean still been on the board, they’d make sense here. And there are a couple cornerbacks left I strongly considered, including Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri. Ultimately, though, Brad Holmes is a build-through-the-trenches guy and I think that’s what the Lions do here.
No. 30 Baltimore Ravens: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Mims is a pure developmental play, but the Ravens can afford to bring him along slowly at tackle.
No. 31 San Francisco 49ers: WR AD Mitchell, Texas
There are so many good receivers it’s tough trying to pick who belongs in Round 1. Mitchell is one of the best size-speed combinations in the draft and would give Kyle Shanahan another weapon to play with on offense.
No. 32 Kansas City Chiefs: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
The Chiefs struck gold with cornerback Trent McDuffie in the back half of the 2021 draft. They can sit tight here and get another playmaker for their secondary.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
"I hope to see the Lions in the Super Bowl before I die"
My friend Ken LComment
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Paywall 2024 NFL Draft Detroit Lions article from the News.
Lions 2024 draft preview: No. 3 RB or hybrid FB could be Day 3 options
Justin Rogers
The Detroit News
Over the next several days, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Running backs.
▶ Current roster: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Zonovan Knight, Jermar Jefferson, Jake Funk
▶ Short-term need: Two out of 10
▶ Long-term need: 3.5 out of 10
▶ Top prospects: Jonathon Brooks, Trey Benson, Blake Corum, Jaylen Wright, MarShawn Lloyd
▶ Late-round considerations: Braelon Allen, Kimani Vidal, Jaheim Bell, Will Shipley
▶ Analysis: General manager Brad Holmes made a series of aggressive moves to overhaul the Lions' backfield last season.
First, in free agency, Holmes allowed Jamaal Williams to walk after the veteran ran for 1,066 yards and set the franchise record with 17 rushing touchdowns. In his place, the GM signed David Montgomery to a three-year deal, luring him away from division rival Chicago.
Even with Williams' status as a fan favorite, the move was well-received. Despite some similarities in their career numbers, underlying metrics highlighted the potential of the upgrade, especially considering the younger, more durable Montgomery would be afforded the opportunity to run behind a vastly superior offensive line than he had worked with in Chicago.
That projection proved correct. While Williams floundered in New Orleans, mustering just 306 yards and one score on a career-low 2.9 yards per carry, Montgomery enjoyed his best year, rushing for 1,015 yards (4.6 YPC) and 13 touchdowns.
Of course, that wasn't the only backfield wager Holmes made that paid dividends. In the draft, he bucked the modern approach to the position, using the No. 12 pick on Jahmyr Gibbs. The rookie was effectively brought in to replace the oft-injured D'Andre Swift, who was dealt a day later.
Swift had averaged a respectable 958 yards and eight touchdowns from scrimmage during this three seasons with the Lions, but Gibbs gave the team 1,261 yards and 11 scores as a rookie. He also appeared in 15 games, more than Swift ever played in a season for the Lions.
As a tandem, Montgomery and Gibbs became the first pair of running backs to both top 1,000 yards from scrimmage and score 10 times. As a team, Detroit averaged 4.6 yards per carry. It marked the fourth straight year of improved efficiency and the franchise's best yards per carry since 1997, when Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders topped 2,000 yards.
The Lions should be good with their current setup at the top of the depth chart for the next two seasons. Montgomery's cap hit jumps this year, and is the seventh-highest at the position, but still palatable at under $7 million in 2024 and slightly over that amount in 2025. If there's room for an immediate upgrade, it's the No. 3 spot in the rotation, which is currently held by Reynolds.
Signed off the street in the middle of the 2021 preseason, Reynolds might lack upside, but he's been reliable in the role. In addition to averaging 4.4 yards per carry in spot duty last season, he was a key figure on special teams, logging more than 200 snaps with those groups. That kind of reliability and skill set isn't easy to unseat.
In terms of Day 3 picks who could push Reynolds for the job, we like Allen, Vidal and Shipley, for different reasons.
Allen is a hulking, 235-pound back out of Wisconsin. As you'd hope with someone carrying that kind of mass, he's stellar in short-yardage situations. He's also has built a reputation as a quality pass protector, which is a valuable asset for a third back to possess.
Vidal, out of Troy, is decidedly smaller at 5-foot-8, 213 pounds, but also has shown proficiency as a pass protector. As a runner, he was highly productive, racking up nearly 2,800 yards on the ground the past two seasons, while scoring 25 times. Even the athletic profile is promising, with elite speed, agility and leaping metrics. His ability to contribute on special teams is the biggest question mark.
As for Shipley, the Clemson runner has a grittiness and passion for the game that would fit in well with Detroit's culture. Additionally, he's had success as a kickoff returner, which will carry added value after the NFL's decision to overhaul that play this offseason.
Finally, it's worth noting, the Lions could be in the market for a fullback, given they haven't re-signed Jason Cabinda. As you might imagine, there aren't a lot of traditional blocking backs coming out of the college ranks these days, but Bell, the Florida State tight end, is intriguing. He didn't do it as much last season, but he spent a lot of time working out of the backfield in 2022. He's also a dynamic receiving threat, doing major damage after the catch in the screen game for the Seminoles.
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
@Justin_Rogers
"I hope to see the Lions in the Super Bowl before I die"
My friend Ken LComment
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This is pretty exciting! 1 week away from the draft!F#*K OHIO!!!
You're not only an amazingly beautiful man, but you're the greatest football mind to ever exist. <-- Jeffy Shittypants actually posted this. I knew he was in love with me.Comment
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"I hope to see the Lions in the Super Bowl before I die"
My friend Ken LComment
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I have a feeling that the last few picks in the first round are going to be hot beds for trades this year.
Penix and Bo Nix will be at a premium just to have that 5th year option of a first round pick. It’s a smart move rather than waiting for all the trades at the top of the second round.
F#*K OHIO!!!
You're not only an amazingly beautiful man, but you're the greatest football mind to ever exist. <-- Jeffy Shittypants actually posted this. I knew he was in love with me.Comment
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Question here what would you guys do in this possibility
@29
Barton and Chop Robinson are there
Carolina calls you up and offers the 33 and 104 for 29 and 249
What do you do?2012 Detroit Lions Draft: 1) Cordy Glenn G , 2) Brandon Taylor S, 3) Sean Spence olb, 4) Joe Adams WR/KR, 5) Matt McCants OT, 7a) B.J. Coleman QB 7b) Kewshan Martin WRComment
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Trade unless the team feels they have to have that 5th year option for some reasonOriginally posted by Whitley View PostComment
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Barton all day long, but I highly doubt he's there. He's now being projected before 20 by the better analysts (like Brugler). Barton is a stud and people are starting to realize it.Originally posted by Whitley View Post
If it's JPJ instead and the concussion rumors are true, then I take the trade. Zero interest in Chop. There are handful of players I like as much that are very likely to be at 33. 104 should have a nice range of immediate depth options -- maybe even a rotational WR.Comment
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The Mock drafts are starting to incorporate more trades and the Lions are a favorite to do one. Here's a few I've seen this week:
PFF Mock: Lions trade back to 32 with Chiefs, get 159 (which is bad value, they'd get 131 which is the standard trade value and I doubt it would be a debate). Chiefs take McConkey, Lions get McKinstry
Dolphins Wire: Lions trade up to 20 with Dolphins, giving up 29 & 73, and select Cooper DeJean
The Athletic: Lions trade back to 44 with Raiders, get 77 and select Zach Frazier at 44
Saints Wire: Lions trade up to 15 with Colts, giving up 29, 61 & 2025 2nd, select Jared Verse
Sports Illustrated: Lions trade back to 32 with Chiefs, get 131. Lions get Latu with 32 (that would be an incredible fall for Latu)
VSin: Lions trade back with Raiders (doesn't say or go beyond 1st, probably similar to Athletic trade)
In general, Kool-Aid is now the current favorite to go at 29. It's interesting how the mocks all seem to follow the same script each week. I'm thinking that agents are at work on this.Comment
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B077 put together some final thoughts on the draft. It's a nice read, IMO
Comment
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