Lions Blog: January 2016

NFL's Zierlein's Mock Draft (DT Vernon Butler: Surprise. Butler has outstanding upside and has greater pass-rush potential from an interior spot than some of the others being listed ahead of him.) (1-22-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/lance-zierlein/275603

Draft Tek Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - OT Taylor Decket: Decker slipping to Detroit in this spot is a no-brainer! I suspect that new GM Rob Quinn will prefer an established veteran as an upgrade at LT, so this will bear watching closely during Free Agency. One look at the Lions' 2015 salary cap allocations indicates that upgrades on the O-Line have been sorely neglected and will be a top priority going forward. Decker will have an opportunity to usurp Riley Reiff's starting role, but he'll likely get the majority of his snaps at RT until he's been coached up. 46. Detroit Lions - SS Jeremy Cash: Lions' SS James ihedigbo was benched for Isa Abdul-Quddus in mid-season. The switch produced nice results, but underscored the need for depth at the SS position. At first blush, Cash looks like a luxury pick in a draft round where the Lions have known only abject failure in recent years. However, Cash is the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-Amercan who led the Blue Devils in sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss. He's versatile, playing nickel CB on 3rd downs, but he excels in the box. The caveat here is that Cash required wrist surgery, and will be evaluated closely by NFL medical staffs. 108. DE Yannick Ngakoue, 139. CB Harlan Miller, 156. OLB Antonio Morrison, 173. QB Cody Kessler , 184. WR Jakeem Grant and 204. TE Kyle Carter) (1-22-16):   http://www.drafttek.com/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp

Walter football Walt's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State: There's no question that upgrading the offensive line has to be a priority for Detroit this upcoming offseason, and the front office can start by finding an upgrade across from Riley Reiff. 46. Detroit Lions: Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame: An upgrade for the defensive interior is obviously needed, as the Lions failed to replace Ndamukong Suh last offseason. 108. Detroit Lions: Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA: There's talk that Calvin Johnson could be leaving Detroit this offseason or possibly retiring. Regardless, the Lions need some young blood at wide receiver.) (1-21-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016.php

Rotoworld's Josh Norris' Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - Alabama DL A’Shawn Robinson - It seems big media members, and likely the NFL, loves Robinson’s game. I see a big, stout run defender who does not offer very much as an upfield disruptor or pass rusher. Maybe he can be Michael Brockers, but I see adequate to above average run defenders signed every year off the street. I don’t hate Robinson’s game, I just don’t love it like others.) (1-21-16): http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/59423/344/nfl-mock-draft-version-10?pg=2

PFF Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: While the offensive line could certainly be addressed, the Lions swing for the fences with Nkemdiche who could become one of the best interior pass rushers in the draft. Like Bullard, he can play defensive end on early downs, while rushing against guards in sub packages. He graded at +23.4 as a pass rusher this season, good for seventh in the nation, but it was his improved play against the run (+11.8) that put him in the first round mix.) (1-21-16):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/21/draft-mock-draft-2-0-cowboys-49ers-each-draft-elite-wide-receivers/

CBS' Rob Rang's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche shares a lot in common with former Lions star Ndamukong Suh; the most important being remarkable athleticism on a naturally powerful 6-4, 295-pound frame. After electing not to re-sign Suh a year ago, the Lions may be hesitant to gamble on a player with Nkemdiche's red-flags but pairing him with Ziggy Ansah would be tempting.) (1-18-16): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/rob-rang

CBS' Dane Brugler's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions:  Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State: With a new front office, the Lions will be a wild card in the first round, especially if Detroit makes a splash with one of the high-priced contracts (Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, etc.) on the current roster. Decker is a plug-and-play option on the offensive line, which would address the Lions' issues at right tackle.) (1-18-16): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/dane-brugler

NFL's Daniel Jeremiah (16. A'Shawn Robinson: The Lions need to get better at this position, and Robinson has the tools to be a dominant three-down player.) (1-17-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/daniel-jeremiah/275602

NFL's Brook's Mock Draft (16. DT Jarran Reed: The Lions could elect to add an energetic interior defender to eventually replace Haloti Ngata as the team's designated destructive force in the middle. Reed not only brings energy, but he is a rugged playmaker capable of wreaking havoc at the point of attack.) (1-17-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/bucky-brooks/275601

Walter football's Charlie's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor: The Lions grab a nose tackle to cause disruption next to Ziggy Ansah. Billings has more talent and upside than any offensive lineman available. Billings totaled 39 tackles with 14 for a loss, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2015. The numbers don't tell the whole story as he is extremely powerful with some serious quickness. Billings can be overwhelming in the ground game and contribute to the pass rush. He causes a lot of disruption at the point of attack by using his power and explosion to fire into the backfield. Billings totaled 37 tackles with 11.5 for a loss and two sacks in 2014. The 6-foot-2, 310-pounder is also known as a weight-room champion. 46. CB William Jackson:
The Lions grab a cornerback to replace Rashean Mathis. Jackson recorded 43 tackles, five interceptions and 23 passes broken up in 2015. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder has excellent height and length, but also has a tall, lanky frame that he needs to fill out for the NFL. Over the past two seasons, Jackson was a steady defender for Houston. He recorded two interceptions, 37 tackles and 10 passes broken up in 2014. The previous year, he had one pick, 35 tackles and seven passes batted.) (1-15-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016charlie.php

Mel Kiper's Mock Draft (16. DT Jarran Reed) (1-14-16): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/detroit_lions_address_defensiv.html

SI Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - A'shawn Robinson DT, Alabama: Robinson looks like a 10-year NFL vet. The 320-pounder plays above his experience at times, too, thriving with purposeful power. What I mean by that is Robinson can use his frame and hands to get into gaps, but he isn't a robot about it. He'll sniff out where the O-line is moving and make sure to stay active.)(1-6-16):   http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/01/06/2016-nfl-mock-draft-laremy-tunsil-jared-goff

Football's Future Mock Draft (16. Detroit - A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama: The Lions would like to add to their defensive front here, and have some intriguing talent available to them. Robert Nkemdiche was once a candidate for the top overall spot but an off the field run in has caused him to drop. He has a strong resemblance to Ndamukong Suh, and the Lions may want to pass on that. Robinson is special talent as well, and doesn't come with baggage.) (1-6-16): http://www.footballsfuture.com/2016/nflmockdraft.html

First Round Picks:

4 - DT A'Shawn Robinson
2 - OT Taylor Decker
2 - DT Jarran Reed
2 - DT Robert Nkemdiche
1 - DT Andrew Billings
1 - DT Vernon Butler
1 - OT Jack Conklin

Round 2:

1 - DT Sheldon Day
1 - CB William Jackson
1 - SS Jeremy Cash

Round 4:

1 - WR Rashard Higgins
1 - DE Yannick Ngakoue

Round 5:

139. 1- CB Harlan Miller
154. 1 - OLB Antonio Morrison

Round 6:

173. 1 - QB Cody Kessler
184. 1 - WR Jakeem Grant

Round 7:

1 - TE Kyle Carter

Friday, January 22, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 1-23-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Nate Sudfeld among potential Detroit Lions prospects at Shrine Game:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21907/nate-sudfeld-among-potential-detroit-lions-prospects-at-shrine-game

Local Media:

Detroit Lions hope to imitate Carolina Panthers' rise:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-Lions-hope-to-imitate-Carolina-Panthers-rise-/8d600335-b68a-45bf-bee9-b1805ff97169

2015 Position Breakdown: Wide receiver:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/2015-Position-Breakdown-Wide-receiver/23bffe81-c60b-4748-ad72-3c1566f5beda

Report: Lions assistant Modkins heading to 49ers:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/22/curtis-modkins-san-francisco-49ers/79186588/

Lions think Tomlinson will learn to ‘bring it’ every snap:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/22/lions-think-tomlinson-learn-bring-every-snap/79183410/

Report: Detroit Lions continue front office shake-up, fire VP of football operations Cedric Saunders:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/report_detroit_lions_continue.html

Ask Kyle: On which Lions players are headed for a breakout in 2016:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/ask_kyle_on_which_lions_player.html

MLive's Detroit Lions awards: Theo Riddick's jump in production nets him most improved honors:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/mlives_detroit_lions_awards_mo.html

Terry Foster: Quinn Shaking Up Lions, No One Is Safe:   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/01/22/terry-foster-quinn-shaking-up-lions-no-one-is-safe/

Notes: Is Calvin Johnson a HOF shoo-in?:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/22/10813898/lions-notes-mock-drafts-nevin-lawson

2016 Draft:

7 underclassmen who should have stayed in school:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000626975/article/2016-nfl-draft-7-players-who-should-have-stayed-in-school

2016 Shrine Game Practice Awards:   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2759/2016-Shrine-Game-Practice-Awards

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 1-22-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

New Lions G.M. gradually putting his own stamp on team:   http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/21/new-lions-g-m-gradually-putting-his-own-stamp-on-team/

Local Media:

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Will Lions be big players in free agency?:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-Will-Lions-be-big-players-in-free-agency/6c3e1dcf-9144-4b4f-b73a-d67e69b97e3b

2015 Position Breakdown: Defensive backs:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/2015-Position-Breakdown-Defensive-backs/cc14fc3b-9139-4ecf-a61a-e5992bcc1fa0

Quinn: Decision to keep Caldwell came after hours of meetings:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/20/jim-caldwell-bob-quinn-detroit-lions/79095426/

Lions' Johnson could co-headline 2021 HOF class:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/21/calvin-johnson-hall-of-fame/79112152/

15 possible Lions draft picks (version 1.0):   http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/21/15-possible-lions-draft-picks-version-10/79117932/

Bob Quinn signs first player as Detroit Lions GM:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/bob_quinn_signs_first_player_a.html

Evaluating Detroit Lions' 2013 draft class after three seasons:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/evaluating_detroit_lions_2013.html

MLive's Detroit Lions awards: Ameer Abdullah wins rookie of the year:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/mlives_detroit_lions_awards_am.html

Notes: Laken Tomlinson gets all-rookie honors:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/21/10805384/lions-notes-laken-tomlinson-makes-an-all-rookie-team

2016 Draft:

Who's been most impressive player at Shrine Game?:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000626548/article/debate-whos-been-most-impressive-player-at-shrine-game

Javon Hargrave, Tajae Sharpe lead Shrine Game standouts:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000626747/article/javon-hargrave-tajae-sharpe-lead-shrine-game-standouts

2016 Shrine Game: Five prospects who created buzz among NFL scouts:   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25457310/shrine-game-five-prospects-who-created-buzz-among-nfl-scouts

Audio:

Bob Quinn on Sirius NFL Radio:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/audio/Bob-Quinn-on-Sirius-NFL-Radio-012016/adbf18d9-8c14-44b3-8d28-01649ecd0193

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 1-21-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Lions DT Tyrunn Walker posts Twitter video of rehab progress:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21896/lions-dt-tyrunn-walker-posts-twitter-video-of-rehab-progress

Anatomy of an 'average' QB:   http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14609505/an-average-nfl-quarterback-now-stats-great-quarterbacks-years-achieve-nfl

7 players the Lions must move on from in 2016:   http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/detroit-lions-stephen-tulloch-haloti-ngata-james-ihedigbo-move-on-012016

Ranking all 32 offensive lines this season (Lions ranked 24th):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/20/pro-ranking-all-32-offensive-lines-this-season/

Local Media:

TIM AND MIKE: Offseason decisions looming:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TIM-AND-MIKE-Offseason-decisions-looming/e302b122-052f-46f2-8766-2fa7a8cf7e60

Quinn talks Caldwell decision, front office changes:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Quinn-talks-Caldwell-decision-front-office-changes/874367db-7c6a-489b-9de0-8ee91f6b00d9

2015 Position Breakdown: Offensive line:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/2015-Position-Breakdown-Offensive-line/7b611592-dc1a-442b-b5eb-2333029bc6d7

After 5 years of Quinn, Lions will be 'smart, tough':   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/20/detroit-lions-bob-quinn/79058228/

Ranking the Lions' most valuable players:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/20/ranking-lions-most-valuable-players/79081438/

Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn says too many changes detrimental, Jim Caldwell offers stability:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/detroit_lions_gm_bob_quinn_say_1.html

4 potential cap casualties for the Detroit Lions:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/4_potential_cap_casualties_for.html

Report: Detroit Lions fire longtime strength coach, others:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/report_detroit_lions_fire_long.html

MLive's Detroit Lions awards: Ezekiel Ansah edges out Darius Slay for defensive MVP:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/mlives_detroit_lions_awards_ez.html

Mel Kiper drops Lions to C+ in re-grade of 2015 draft; how about you?:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/mel_kiper_drops_lions_to_c_in.html

Detroit Lions — Matthew Stafford’s 5 most impressive stats:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20160120/detroit-lions-x2014-matthew-staffords-5-most-impressive-stats

Lions notes: Detroit may lose run game coordinator:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/20/10796808/lions-notes-detroit-could-lose-their-run-game-coordinator-curtis-modkins

2016 Draft:

What we learned on Day 3:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000625764/article/utahs-carter-jared-goffs-fiveint-game-not-indicative-of-talent

Mike Mayock's East-West Shrine Game Day 3 observations:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000626082/article/eastwest-shrine-game-day-3-observations

Sources Tell Us: WR turning heads at Shrine Game:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000625819/article/sources-tell-us-wisconsin-qb-cant-make-plays-under-duress

2016 Shrine Game: Pair of Michigan prospects stand out at practice:   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25456336/shrine-game-pair-of-michigan-prospects-stand-out-at-practice

2016 East-West Shrine Game East Practice Report:   http://walterfootball.com/eastwest2016practice5.php

2016 East-West Shrine Game West Practice Report:   http://walterfootball.com/eastwest2016practice6.php

Wednesday Shrine Game Recap, NFL Notebook:   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2757/Wednesday-Shrine-Game-Recap-NFL-Notebook

East Practice Notes:   http://optimumscouting.com/draft/2016-shrine-game-east-practice-notes-from-day-1-and-2.html

West Practice Notes:   http://optimumscouting.com/draft/2016-shrine-game-west-practice-notes-from-day-1-and-2.html

Audio:

Hall Of Fame QB Compares Stafford To John Elway:   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/01/20/hall-of-fame-qb-compares-stafford-to-john-elway-audio/

Lions Blog

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Monday 2-1-16

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 1-31-16

Friday, January 29, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 1-30-16

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 1-29-16

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 1-28-16

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 1-27-16

2016 Shrine Game Notes

Monday, January 25, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 1-26-16

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Monday 1-25-16

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 1-24-16

2016 NFL Mock Draft 4

Friday, January 22, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 1-23-16

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 1-22-16

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 1-21-16

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