Lions Blog: March 2016

Draft Tek Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - OT Jack Conklin: In one of our preliminary simulations last week, Baltimore's DraftTek Analyst removed the "Grab" on OT Ronnie Stanley with the sixth pick. Amazingly, Stanley slipped all the way to 16th, where the Lions are expected to pounce on a Tackle. Obviously, that Grab is back in place in this DRAFTSIM. Conklin, meanwhile, is starting to generate some buzz in New York, where both the Jets, and Giants appear to be showing interest. Philadelphia is another rumored destination, but our money's still on the Lions gobbling up their RT of the next decade here. Considering that the Lions failed to land a Tackle in Free Agency, and will unlikely trade more than a fifth-round pick for Ryan Clady (Denver), they'll look to the draft for starting-caliber talent. 46. Detroit Lions - SS Von Bell: When Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer was recruiting Bell in 2013, he said, "Vonn, if you go to Alabama, you're going to be seeing me anyway. You might as well ride with us to the game." Bell lacks the versatility of Jalen Ramsey, who can play every position in an NFL secondary. That, my friends, is the sole weakness that I can find in this Buckeye's game. The Lions are definitely in the market for a starting SS after releasing James Ihedigbo, and the defection of Isa Abdul-Quddus in Free Agency. Bell is the answer as a plug-and-play safety who has the hands of a receiver. He's possessed of superior instincts as a ball-hawking playmaker. His six INTs in 2014 were followed by two INTs in 2015. Both, however, were returned to the house. Bell is by no means a big hitter, but he's a very sure wrap-and-drag-me tackler with good closing speed. 95: DE Charles Tapper, 111. CB Zack Sanchez, 151. QB Nate Sudfeld, 169. OLB Antonio Morrison, 191. DT Hassan Ridgeway, 202. OT Nick Ritcher and 236. Ryan Malleck) (3-25-16):   http://www.drafttek.com/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp

ESPN's McShay's Mock Draft (16. OT Taylor Decker, 46. DT Jonathan Bullard) (3-24-16):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/22848/todd-mcshay-picks-ot-taylor-decker-for-lions-in-latest-mock-draft

USA Today Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions – DT Jarran Reed:  Even with Haloti Ngata back, the Lions still need to get better and younger at defensive tackle a year after parting with Ndamukong Suh. And getting more push inside only benefits DE Ziggy Ansah off the edge.) (3-24-16):  http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2016/03/21/mock-draft-laremy-tunsil-carson-wentz-jalen-ramsey/82058868/

Rotoworld's Josh Norris' Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - OT Jack Conklin - By multiple accounts, the NFL is higher on Conklin than many media evaluators. Conklin tested like an average athlete but has an athletic background with plenty of starting tape out there for evaluators while playing in a “pro style” system. The Lions could need two new starting tackles after the 2016 season.) (3-24-16):   http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/61132/344/nfl-mock-draft-version-50

CBS' Rob Rang's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson: The Lions have a growing star in Ziggy Ansah but have not yet sufficiently replaced former free agent losses Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Cliff Avril over the past few seasons. Lawson isn't the blue chip prospect that his NCAA-leading 25.5 tackles for loss would indicate, but he is powerful, agile and tenacious and, like Ansah, is still just scratching the surface of his potential.) (3-24-16):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/rob-rang

CBS' Dane Brugler's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: OT Jack Conklin: Detroit has drafted a first round offensive lineman two of the past four years, but right tackle is still a trouble area. Conklin, who is a Michigan native, has the position flexibility to play on either the left or right side.) (3-24-16):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/dane-brugler

CBS' Prisco's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: WR Laquon Treadwell: Even after adding Marvin Jones, they would be wise to take a player I think compares to Dez Bryant. He isn't a burner, but he is strong and has great hands.) (3-24-16):  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/pete-prisco

CBS' Jared Dubin's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: DE Emmanuel Ogbah: We had Shaq Lawson in this spot last week. Lawson is the better player right now, but he may not have the physical tools Ogbah has. The last time the Lions reached for a freakish defensive end that wasn't yet polished, they wound up with Ziggy Ansah.) (3-24-16):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25529047/nfl-mock-draft-30-eagles-get-their-elite-rb-in-ezekiel-elliott

Walter football Walt's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: DT Sheldon Rankins: The Lions Obviously Need A Big Boost At Defensive Tackle After Failing To Properly Replace Ndamukong Suh And Nick Fairley Last Offseason, And Sheldon Rankins Is One Of The Better Players Available. 46. WR Corey Coleman: Calvin Johnson has announced his retirement, so unless the Lions can lure him back with a mega contract, they'll have to find a new starting receiver to play across from Golden Tate. 95. DE Carl Nassib: Here's another defensive lineman for the Lions, as they'll need someone to replace Jason Jones if he leaves via free agency. 111. CB Rashard Robinson: The Lions had some solid cornerback play last year, but they lost one player at the position in Rashean Mathis, who announced his retirement. Depth is needed. 151. OT John Theus: The Lions have announced that Riley Reiff will return next year, but will he be around much longer than that? A long-term plan is needed. 169. S Elijah Shumate: The Lions lost some of their safeties to free agency, so this is a position they may look to address in the middle rounds.) (3-23-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016.php

NFL's Charles Davis (16. OT Jack Conklin: The Lions saw potential from RB Ameer Abdullah last season and believe this mauler can help him realize it.) (3-23-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/charles-davis/300602

CBS' Brinson's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: WR Laquon Treadwell: Adding Marvin Jones to Golden Tate is a nice move but they need a big, physical red-zone threat with Calvin Johnson retired. Treadwell is a great answer for that.) (3-23-16):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/will-brinson

SI Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - WR Laquon Treadwell: This is approximately our 214th mock draft and this scenario has not come up often: Treadwell sliding down to Detroit’s spot at 16. But it is entirely possible. While the Lions patched up their receiving corps post-Megatron by landing Marvin Jones, they are shy on a player who can be Matthew Stafford’s bailout target downfield. That problem would be solved—and the depth chart bumped from decent to outstanding—by bringing in the physical Treadwell.)(3-23-16):  http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/23/nfl-mock-draft-2016-trades-rankings-prospects

NFL's Zierlein's Mock Draft (16. LB Reggie Ragland: It's hard to imagine too many scenarios where Detroit wouldn't race this card up to the podium considering its need at the position and the steady play of the Alabama thumper.) (3-21-16):  http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/lance-zierlein/300603

NFL's Maurice Jone-Drew's Mock Draft (16. OT Jack Conklin: With the Megatron retirement, the Lions need to run the ball more and to do that you need guys who run block. Conklin is a really good run blocker, and he can also protect Matthew Stafford. He stays home.) (3-21-16):  http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/bucky-brooks/300601

Walter football's Charlie's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: DT Sheldon Rankins: Detroit let Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley leave last offseason, while Haloti Ngata showed signs of decline in 2015. Here, the Lions grab a talented defensive tackle to cause disruption next to Ziggy Ansah. Rankins was an impressive defender for Louisville in 2015, totaling 58 tackles with 13 for a loss and six sacks. In 2014, he was even better when he had Lorenzo Mauldin on the edge drawing attention. As a junior, Rankins totaled nine sacks, 54 tackles and 14.5 tackles for a loss. The 6-foot-1, 304-pounder could be a speedy three-technique for the NFL. Rankins had a strong week at the Senior Bowl. However, sources say that Rankins' tape wasn't as impressive as his performance in Mobile. Thus, he's a more challenging evaluation for what a team will get out of him in the NFL. 46. WR Josh Docston: Calvin Johnson retired, and while Marvin Jones was signed, Detroit could still use more receiving talent. Adding a big wideout like Doctson would make sense to team with Jones and Golden Tate. Sources have told me that they gave Doctson a third-round grade, others have him in the second. He was a huge part of the Horned Frogs' point-machine offense over the last few seasons. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder is a big receiver who wins 50-50 balls and is tremendous in the red zone. He doesn't have deep speed though, and separation from NFL defensive backs could be an issue for him as a pro. Doctson had 79 catches for 1,327 yards with 14 scores during the regular season. As a junior, he totaled 65 receptions for 1,018 yards with 11 scores. Doctson contributed as a sophomore (36-440-4) and freshman (35-393-5). 95. DT Shon Coleman: The Lions grab a tackle competitor to help their offensive line. Coleman was Auburn's starting left tackle the past two seasons and was a quality run blocker for the Tigers. The 6-foot-5, 307-pounder has good size and strength, but could use work on speed rushers for the next level. In 2011, Coleman underwent treatment for leukemia, and after beating cancer, he returned to the field without any issues the past two seasons. 111. C/G Graham Glasgow: The Lions could use some competition for Travis Swanson, who has underwhelmed and was a pick of the prior front office. Glasgow had great weeks at the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine to really help his draft stock. He showed strength, some athleticism, awareness and toughness. At Michigan, Glasgow started 37 games with experience at guard and center. The 6-foot-6, 306-pounder could compete quickly in the NFL. 151. DE Jason Fainaka: The Lions continue to build up their defensive line. Fainaka could be a solid backup and rotational player. 169. RB Kelvin Taylor: The Lions could use some running back depth behind Ameer Abdullah. Unlike Abdullah, ball security isn't an issue with Taylor.) (3-21-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016charlie.php

NFL's Brook's Mock Draft (16. OT Jack Conklin: The addition of the ex-Spartan would solidify the Lions' front line at left tackle and allow the team to move Riley Reiff to the right side of the line.) (3-16-16):  http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/bucky-brooks/300601

USA Today The Draftwire Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: OT Taylor Decker: Scouting Report - Overview: The Lions need offensive tackle help in a bad way, so seeing Decker fall to them at no. 16 has to be a relief. The Ohio State tackle is NFL-ready in his build and technique, with polished footwork and exceptional length. Probably the best run-blocking tackle in the draft, Decker should be able to step into the starting lineup Week 1 at either right or left tackle.) (3-16-16):  http://thedraftwire.usatoday.com/2016/03/16/nfl-mock-draft-5-0-post-free-agency-edition/

NFL's Daniel Jeremiah (16. DE Kevin Dodd: The Lions need a defensive tackle, but they can find one later in the draft.) (3-14-16):   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts/daniel-jeremiah/275602

NFL's Chad Reuter's Mock Draft (16. WR Laquon Treadwell: Ex-bengal Marvin Jones Was A Good Find As A No. 2 Receiver, But Treadwell's A Legit No. 1. 46. DT Robert Nkemdiche, 95. CB Will Redmond, 111. OT Brandon Shell.) (3-11-16):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000629975/article/fourround-mock-draft-cowboys-grab-qb-wentz-at-no-4

Football's Future Mock Draft (16. Detroit - CB Eli Apple: The Lions have a few options here, but the player with the most upside is Apple. Landing a corner with his ability level in free agency isn't going to happen this year, and he would be a long, athletic presence to their secondary.) (3-9-16):  http://www.footballsfuture.com/2016/nflmockdraft.html

Mel Kiper's Mock Draft (16. A'Shawn Robinson) (3-8-16):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/22530/mel-kiper-switches-up-defensive-linemen-for-lions-in-latest-mock-draft

Foxsport's Schrager's Mock Draft (16. Detroit (7-9): RB Ezekiel Elliot: Yes, the Lions already have a pair of running backs in Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. No, neither is close to what Ezekiel Elliot is. I've had two teams tell me they believe he's a top-10 pick. That's a little too rich for my blood at the moment, but I also saw Todd Gurley skyrocket up boards the week of the draft a year ago. Elliott is the best blocking running back to enter the NFL in years, and he can run the ball too.) (3-3-16):  http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-mock-draft-post-combine-laremy-tunsil-carson-wentz-deforest-buckner-jared-goff-030316

Freep's Birkett's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - DE Shaq Lawson: Edge rusher is an underrated need for the Lions, who don't have much at the position beyond Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor. Lawson would play as a rotational player as a rookie â€“ Taylor can play inside in nickel packages â€“ and provide insurance in case Taylor leaves after the season.) (3-2-16):   http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/02/dave-birketts-nfl-mock-draft-10/81214416/

Detroit News Katzstein's Mock Draft ( 16. Detroit Lions - DT Sheldon Rankins: The Lions defense has thrived the past two years when there's been interior pressure. Rankins is lightning-quick off the snap and plays bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame) (3-2-16):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/02/josh-katzensteins-nfl-mock-draft-10/81235438/

PFF Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame: The pick remains the same for the Lions as they bring in Stanley who graded at 9.6 as a pass blocker and 9.3 in the run game. He’s better as a pass blocker as he moves well to mirror opposing rushers but he’ll struggle with power in the running game. Stanley surrendered only 13 pressures on 458 attempts last season and he can step right into Detroit’s revolving door at right tackle while potentially pushing LT Riley Reiff out the door in the coming years.) (3-2-16):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/02/draft-mock-draft-4-0-jalen-ramsey-surges-to-no-1-overall-pick/

Kirwan's Mock Draft ( 16. DT Sheldon Rankins: It’s no secret the Lions need help on the defensive line. Rankins has more plays behind the line of scrimmage (sacks/tackles for a loss) in the last two years than any defensive tackle in the draft.) (3-1-16):  https://realfootballnetwork.com/2016/03/01/kirwan-mock/

NFLRealGM's Mock Draft (16. Lions: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor: I toyed with a lot of different defensive linemen here. In the end Billings won out over Sheldon Rankins, Vernon Butler and Shaq Lawson because what he does well fits exactly what the Lions need along the D-Line: he’s an attacking nose tackle who plays the run very well on his way to the pass rush. Note--if you see any national pundit giving the Lions a cornerback in this slot, you have my permission to assault them with blunt objects; that is about as likely with this CB class as Martin O’Malley winning the Democratic nomination.) (2-1-16):   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2764/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-30-Post-Senior-Bowl

Draftcountdown Mock Draft (16. DT A'Shawn Robinson: The loss of Ndamukong Suh in free agency last offseason was a serious blow. Trading for Haloti Ngata was merely a stop-gap solution so it’s time for Detroit to bring in a long-term fix for the middle of the defensive line.  Alabama DT A’Shawn Robinson maylook like a grizzled ten-year veteran but in reality he is still just 20-years-old. Robinson anchored the best defensive line in the country, using his size, strength and aggressiveness to control the line of scrimmage for the Crimson Tide en route to a national championship. Robinson isn’t a particularly explosive athlete and probably won’t ever be a dynamic pass rusher but few are better when it comes to stuffing the run. Another bonus with Robinson is that he is scheme-diverse and has the ability to play either defensive tackle in a 4-3 or the five-technique in a 3-4. This may not be a sexy choice for the Lions but Robinson is going to be a solid player in the league for a long time, addresses a need and offers good value at this point. Can’t ask for much more than that.) (1-26-16):   http://www.draftcountdown.com/mock-draft/2016-mock-draft/round-1/page/2/

First Round Picks (8 OT, 8 DT, 4 DE, 3 WR, 1 RB, 1 LB and 1 CB):

6 - OT Jack Conklin
4 - DT Sheldon Rankins
3 - WR Laquon Treadwell
2 - OT Taylor Decker
2 - DE Shaq Lawson
2 - DT A'Shawn Robinson
1 - DT Jarran Reed
1 - RB Ezekiel Elliot
1 - DT Andrew Billings
1 - OT Ronnie Stanley
1 - CB Eli Apple
1 - DE Kevin Dodd
1 - DE Emmanuel Ogbah
1 - LB Reggie Ragland

Round 2 (2 - WR, 2 - DT, 1- LB and 1 - SS):

1 - WR Corey Coleman
1 - WR Josh Docston
1 - SS Vonn Bell
1 - DT Robert Nkemdiche
1 - DT Jonathan Bullard
1 - LB Kentrell Brothers

Round 3 (2 - DE, 1 - CB, 1 - DT):

1 - CB Will Redmond
1 - DE Charles Tapper
1 - DE Carl Nassib
1 - DT Shon Coleman

Round 4 (2 - CB, 1 - OT, 1 - C/G and 1 - WR):

1 - WR Rashard Higgins
1 - CB Zack Sanchez
1 - CB Rashard Robinson
1 - OT Brandon Shell
1 - C/G Graham Glasgow

Round 5:

151. 1- QB Nate Sudfeld
1 - OT John Theus
1 - DE Jason Fainaka
169. 1 - OLB Antonio Morrison
1 - S Elijah Shumate
1 - RB Kelvin Taylor

Round 6:

191. 1 - DT Hassan Ridgeway
202. 1 - OT Nick Ritcher

Round 7:

1 - TE Ryan Malleck

Friday, March 25, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 3-26-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Lions' Matthew Stafford has continuity, even without Calvin Johnson:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/22853/there-will-be-continuity-for-matthew-stafford-despite-calvin-johnson-retirement

Lions center Travis Swanson posts video of shoulder recovery:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/22874/lions-c-travis-swanson-posts-video-of-shoulder-recovery

Local Media:

Lions have until May 2 to pick up Ansah's fifth-year option:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-have-until-May-2-to-pick-up-Ansahs-fifth-year-option/10818179-86b4-4cc2-878e-91a866381915

Rod Wood mum on Lions' Color Rush jerseys:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/Rod-Wood-mum-on-Lions-Color-Rush-jerseys/5b8e8e67-e877-4be3-9f83-68b104b4c4b8

Lions looking for competition for center Swanson:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/25/detroit-lions-starting-center/82249068/

Opportunity knocks: Chance to stand out lures FAs to Lions:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/25/opportunity-knocks-chance-stand-out-lures-fas-lions/82254342/

Don't pencil Rafael Bush into the Lions' starting lineup just yet:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/03/detroit_lions_expect_tavon_wil.html

Lions GM Bob Quinn: I think we're better all the way around:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/03/lions_feeling_good_about_thems.html

Notes: McShay's mock draft gives Lions an OT, DT:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/3/25/11303446/lions-notes-todd-mcshay-fixes-detroits-offensive-and-defensive-line

2016 Draft:

Film study: WR Fuller would add deep threat to Lions:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/03/25/detroit-lions-film-study-will-fuller/82263690/

Detroit Lions 2016 NFL draft prospect: Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/03/detroit_lions_2016_nfl_draft_p_5.html

Perfect Pairs: Ideal picks in Rounds 1-2:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000647590/article/perfect-pairs-ideal-draft-picks-for-afc-north-clubs-in-rounds-12

What about Bob? NFL landing spots for Nkemdiche:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000647462/article/robert-nkemdiches-draft-range-raiders-cowboys-among-fits

Most freakish athletes in the 2016 NFL Draft:   http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000647554/most-freakish-athletes-in-the-2016-nfl-draft

NFL draft profile: Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott, smart and savvy:   http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft-profile--mississippi-state-qb-dak-prescott--smart-and-savvy-192502197.html

NFL draft positional rankings: After Zeke Elliott, any special RBs?:   http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-draft-positional-rankings--after-zeke-elliott--any-special-rbs-171842944.html

Breaking Down Alabama’s 2016 NFL Draft Class:   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/25/draft-breaking-down-alabamas-2016-nfl-draft-class/

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 3-25-16

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 3-24-16

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 3-23-16

Lions Blog

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 4-1-16

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 3-31-16

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 3-30-16

Monday, March 28, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 3-29-16

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Monday 3-28-16

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 3-27-16

2016 Mock Draft Round-Up #10

Friday, March 25, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 3-26-16

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 3-25-16

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 3-24-16

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 3-23-16

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