Monday, May 31, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 5-31-21

Articles:

Oruwariye enjoying working with new defensive coaches:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/oruwariye-enjoying-working-with-new-defensive-coaches

Last year's Lions hype video shows how much has changed in Detroit:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/30/lions-hype-video-player-changes-2020-to-2021/

Penei Sewell Explains Reason for Opting Out of 2020 Season:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/penei-sewell-explains-oregon-opt-out


Top 25 safeties in the 2021 NFL season (24. Tracy Walker, Detroit Lions:  Walker’s aesthetic is that of a cornerback. His frame is lean, and he spends a lot of time aligning in the slot and in the box, matching up against tight ends and slot receivers. He possesses fluid transition skills and good explosiveness to remain sticky in coverage. Additionally, this is a contract year for the safety, which often brings a bump in production.  2020 was ugly for the Detroit Lions, and Walker was not immune to punishment from opponents. Still, his overall game deserves a spot on the list.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-25-safeties-2021-nfl-season/




Posted by LionsFan at 5:10 AM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 5-30-21

Articles:

Sewell says switching to RT is a bit of an adjustment, but he loves a challenge:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/sewell-says-switching-to-rt-is-a-bit-of-an-adjustment-but-he-loves-a-challenge


5 Keys to Success for WR Breshad Perriman in 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-breshad-perriman-five-keys-to-success

Odds WR Julio Jones Is Traded to Detroit Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/odds-julio-jones-traded-to-detroit-lions


Ranking worst-to-first candidates: Who's ready to emerge (8. Detroit Lions:  What's working for them: Less than a year after succeeding her mother as principal owner, Sheila Ford Hamp gave the organization an overdue reset by dismissing coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn last November. Dan Campbell was tabbed as coach and Brad Holmes appointed GM, and the efforts to build a more cohesive culture within the team should make this franchise more competitively viable in the long term.  Campbell and Holmes appear prepared to make the best of the hand they were dealt. As the team shifts into a post-Matthew Stafford future, Detroit will lean on its up-and-coming offensive line to lead a hard-charging rushing attack. Jared Goff might not be an exciting replacement at quarterback, but the former Rams passer at least offers a stopgap solution for a team that otherwise would have been putting a rookie into an unfavorable situation. Meanwhile, there's not much lower for the defense to go after it allowed an NFL-worst 419.8 yards and 32.4 points per game last season.  What's working against them: Stoking the Lions' competitive fire appears to be Campbell's primary focus. Attaining meaningful progress in the standings, however, seems like a pipedream.  Goff has been a passable starter almost exclusively when things operate on schedule,  but he can't expect to replicate those conditions with a receiving corps cobbled together from castoffs. The ground-and-pound approach might help aid the defense in small stretches, but there's no way to hide a unit this overmatched. Even if Jeff Okudah develops after a rocky rookie season, the secondary still looks to be among the NFL's worst. Detroit has chosen to run against the grain of the league as a whole with a style focused on physicality above all else, and the early returns could be ugly.):  https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/sports/nfl/2021/05/29/nfl-worst-first-candidates-niners-jaguars-eagles-broncos/5247113001/

Top 25 offensive tackles in the 2021 NFL season (21. Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions
Most think of Taylor Decker as a nasty finisher, which his new coaching staff will love. Yet, he really performed well in protection last year, which is something Jared Goff will love. The Lions now have one heck of an offensive line to begin their franchise rebuild.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-25-offensive-tackles-2021-nfl-season/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:02 AM 0 comments

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 5-29-21

Articles:

O'HARA: Goff making a good first impression in Detroit:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-goff-making-a-good-first-impression-in-detroit

Lions’ special teams coordinator lists 5 names in the early mix for return specialist:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-special-teams-coordinator-lists-5-names-in-the-early-mix-for-return-specialist.html

Lions Pro Bowl TE T.J. Hockenson studying Calvin Johnson film heading into big Year 3:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-pro-bowl-te-tj-hockenson-studying-calvin-johnson-film-heading-into-big-year-3.html



Q&A: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Joins FanNation's NFL Draft Bible:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/st-brown-interview-nfl-draft-bib

Tavai: 'We're Tired of Being at the Bottom of Our Division':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/tavai-tired-of-being-bottom-of-division





Why Penei Sewell's move to right tackle could take a while to work:  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2021/05/28/why-penei-sewells-move-to-right-tackle-could-take-a-while-to-work/

Detroit Lion Rookie Penei Sewell Details Transition to Right Tackle with Detroit Lions:  https://www.si.com/college/oregon/pro-ducks/penei-sewell-breaks-down-moving-to-right-tackle-with-detroit-lions

Brooks' Top 5 now-or-never players for '21.  Plus, see which tight end can be the next star at the position. (T.J. HOCKENSON: Next great tight end?  It is hard to tout a Pro Bowl tight end as the NFL's next breakout player, but real and fantasy football observers should keep a close eye on the Detroit Lions' all-star tight end as a potential next-level performer in 2021.  T.J. Hockenson is coming off a solid season in which he snagged 67 passes for 723 yards and six scores. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder finished with six receptions of at least 20 yards while displaying an impressive combination of size, strength and athleticism as the team's designated playmaker over the middle of the field. Most impressively, he tallied 339 YAC (yards after catch), fourth-most among tight ends.  As the No. 8 overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, Hockenson is expected to put up those kinds of numbers, but he has the potential to do so much more as the No. 1 option in the offense.  "I think it's been a fairly consistent message all offseason from Coach (Dan) Campbell to A-Lynn (offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn) that there's plenty meat still on that bone for him," Lions tight ends coach Ben Johnson said last week. "And I think he's embraced that. He agrees with that, and we're really looking forward to getting more out of him now."  Given Campbell's history as an NFL tight end and Lynn's experience working with a star tight end in Los Angeles (Hunter Henry), the Lions could unlock Hockenson's potential as a dominant force in the passing game this season. Part of the plan could include more seam routes, crossers and deep-overs for Hockenson, as the playbook features more bootlegs and play-action passes to complement a zone-based rushing attack.  In addition, the Lions could sprinkle in more quick-rhythm passes designed to get the ball into the hands of playmakers in space. With Hockenson capable of running through arm tackles from smallish defensive backs in the open field, the emphasis on catch-and-run plays could enable him to rack up big numbers on low-risk throws.  The 2020 Pro Bowler certainly knows he is capable of adding another dimension to the offense if he can take his game up a notch with new quarterback Jared Goff in tow.  "I'm preparing myself to be the best player that I can be, and I know my ceiling is high," Hockenson said. "I know I can do what other people in this league do, and just being able to prepare myself for that. And maybe it doesn't happen and maybe it does, but I'm just preparing to be the best that I can be, the best that Detroit wants me to be -- and trust me, there's not more of a critic about myself than myself.  "That's what I'm excited about this year is just being able to work with these new guys, work with these new draft picks, work with Goff and be able to become that and know that I can do that. That's something I'm excited about and something I think we're working toward."  If the Lions' big-bodied pass catcher builds upon his solid 2020 campaign, Detroit's new offense could surprise opponents while elevating Hockenson's status as a top tight end.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-have-created-win-win-situation-at-quarterback-five-make-or-b

Top 25 guards and centers in the 2021 NFL season (9. Frank Ragnow, OC, Detroit Lions
The Lions wisely just extended Frank Ragnow’s contract, and after drafting Penei Sewell, Detroit’s offensive line is clearly the strength of their team right now and the foundation of this franchise’s rebuild. McCoy is the only center on this list that is younger than Ragnow.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-25-guards-centers-2021-nfl-season/2/

2022 NFL Draft:


Video:

WATCH - Woody Woodriffe reports from Lions OTA's:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/938104

Posted by LionsFan at 5:00 AM 0 comments

Friday, May 28, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Friday 5-28-21

Articles:

Swift focused on adding strength & speed this offseason:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/swift-focused-on-adding-strength-speed-this-offseason

Detroit Lions observations: Tyrell Crosby, Jamie Collins among no-shows at OTAs:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-observations-tyrell-crosby-jamie-collins-among-no-shows-at-otas.html

Lions DC Aaron Glenn sees path for Tracy Walker to become team’s ball-hawking safety:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-dc-aaron-glenn-sees-path-for-tracy-walker-to-become-teams-ball-hawking-safety.html

Todd Gurley meeting with Lions for free agent visit: Report:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/27/todd-gurley-detroit-lions/7471481002/

Detroit Lions' first-round pick Penei Sewell: Switching from LT to RT 'not that easy':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/27/detroit-lions-penei-sewell-todd-gurley/7474475002/




Lions coach Dan Campbell pleased with 'first step' with the team all together in OTAs:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/27/lions-coach-dan-campbell-ota-coaching-staff-players-having-fun/



Goff ranked No. 31 among NFL QB's: "One of the least catchable balls in the game":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/chris-simms-ranks-jared-goff-no-31-among-nfl-quarterbacks


Gurley in Detroit for free agent visit with Lions – and Swift is psyched:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/todd-gurley-in-detroit-to-visit-with-lions


Social Media Reacts: Adding Todd Gurley Does Not Make Sense:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/twitter-reacts-todd-gurley-tryout


Ranking NFL triplets: Bottom half (31. Detroit Lions (30.4) (QB: Jared Goff RB: D'Andre Swift TE: T.J. Hockenson):  It's a step fall for the Lions, though that's not surprising. They downgraded dramatically at quarterback with Jared Goff replacing Matthew Stafford. They're talking up a timeshare at running back where Jamaal Williams is heavily involved. Their wide receiver group might be the worst in the NFL, with Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams looking like the best perimeter options.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfl-2021-triplets-part-i-from-the-worst-group-texans-to-no-17-falcons/

Playing out Julio Jones' trade market: Four offers, intriguing returns and an accepted deal (Why 13 teams that might have made sense decided to pass - Detroit Lions: For Lions fans, it would be a match made in heaven. Detroit certainly needs help at the position, could afford it and wants a star to draw attendance. Plus, he would be a culture fit. But it is unlikely to happen because the Lions are in the midst of a complete rebuild, and trading away valuable assets and draft capital to land an aging receiver doesn't make sense with the direction they're headed under the new regime. -- Eric J. Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31509054/trade-offers-julio-jones-accepted-deal-where-wr-land-potential-return-more

Analyst tabs Trojan, Lions rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown as the most under-rated receiver rookie:  https://247sports.com/college/usc/Article/Amon-Ra-St-Brown-receiver-Detroit-Lions-rookies-USC-Trojans-football--165806162/

Video: 



Detroit Lions OTAs early observations: How they look under new coach Dan Campbell:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/28/detroit-lions-otas-early-observations/7479983002/
Posted by LionsFan at 4:58 AM 0 comments

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Afternoon OTA Lions Links for Thursday 5-27-21

Articles:

TIM AND MIKE: OTA Week 1 observations:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-ota-week-1-observations-okudah-goff-swift


Detroit Lions players said they would boycott voluntary practices. Then more than 80 showed up for OTAs.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-players-said-they-would-boycott-voluntary-practices-then-more-than-80-showed-up-for-otas.html




Dan Campbell: It's 'Crash Course' for Lions' Roster Next Four Weeks:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/campbell-shared-thoughts-plans-otas-next-four-weeks




Video:


Posted by LionsFan at 4:19 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 5-27-21

Articles:

Lions DT Joel Heath reportedly out for year after suffering ‘freak’ ACL injury during OTAs:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-dt-joel-heath-reportedly-out-for-year-after-suffering-freak-injury-during-otas.html

Detroit Lions jersey numbers: Jamie Collins changes to No. 8, keeping Penei Sewell with No. 58:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-jersey-numbers-jamie-collins-changes-to-no-8-keeping-penei-sewell-with-no-58.html





Pros and Cons of Lions Signing Guard Trai Turner:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/pros-cons-lions-signing-trai-turner


(Detroit Lions (Below Average.  Now: Average):  Even though Frank Ragnow has been everything we thought he’d be as the 14th overall player on our draft board that season, he’s still a low-value position, and the rest of the draft has been ugly. Second-round running back Kerryon Johnson managed only 916 snaps in three years because of injuries and was cut this offseason. I can’t ding safety Tracy Walker too hard because he wasn’t alone in his struggles in the secondary under Matt Patricia, so we’ll see how he bounces back in a new scheme.):  https://www.pff.com/news/regrading-the-2018-nfl-draft-classes-ravens-bills-and-buccaneers-among-nfls-biggest-winners

Linebacker Rankings: The 32 best LBs entering the 2021 NFL season (26. JAMIE COLLINS SR., DETROIT LIONS:  Detroit’s defense may have been a disaster in 2020, but Jamie Collins Sr. enjoyed his best season yet outside of New England. Collins recorded three pass breakups and an interception in coverage, added 11 total quarterback pressures and forced three fumbles on the year. He remains a very scheme-dependent player, but he at least showed he can be an impressive force away from Bill Belichick.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-linebacker-rankings-entering-2021-nfl-season

2022 NFL Draft:

Top safeties in the 2022 NFL Draft include Kyle Hamilton, Brandon Joseph:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-safeties-kyle-hamilton-brandon-joseph/


Video:

Under-the-radar rookie WRs to watch for in 2021 'NFL Total Access':  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/under-the-radar-rookie-wrs-to-watch-for-in-2021-nfl-total-access

Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 5-26-21

Articles:

Rookie Jermar Jefferson enjoying NFL grind, working with Lions coaches:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/rookie-jermar-jefferson-enjoying-nfl-grind-working-with-lions-coaches

After breakout season, 'plenty of meat on the bone' for Lions' Hockenson:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/25/tj-hockenson-detroit-lions-2021/7427841002/


Detroit Lions Jonathan Adams Big Part Offense Bleacher Report:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/adams-has-chance-to-impact-lions-offense

NFL announces training camp will start across the league on July 27th:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/25/detroit-lions-training-camp-2021-schedule-dates-fans-allowed/

Jahlani Tavai: Does the LB have a future with the Lions?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/25/jahlani-tavai-lions-defensive-scheme-change-otas/

Taylor Decker cracks the top 20 in PFF's offensive tackle rankings:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/25/lions-taylor-decker-top-20-pff-tackle-rankings-2021/


'Off-Script': NFL Analyst Questions Jared Goff's Playmaking Abilities:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/jared-goff-playmaking-abilities-questioned-by-nfl-analyst

Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell Make Top Offensive Tackles List:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/sewell-decker-ranked-among-top-tackles-pff

Detroit Lions Coach Brayden Coombs Could Be Hired by Urban Meyer:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/coombs-could-reunite-with-bevell-on-jaguars-staff



Edge Defender Rankings: The 32 best players entering the 2021 NFL season (23. TREY FLOWERS, DETROIT LIONS:  Flowers has been one of the lone bright spots on Detroit’s defense when healthy over the past two seasons. He ended each of the 2019 and 2020 seasons with PFF grades of at least 82.0, continuing his strong play both against the run and pass from his time with the Patriots. However, that 2020 grade came in just over 300 snaps, as Flower’s season was cut short by a fractured forearm.  The Lions have an opportunity for an improved defensive line in 2021 with his return and the additions on the interior this offseason.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-edge-defender-rankings-the-32-best-players-entering-the-2021-nfl-season

Posted by LionsFan at 5:06 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 5-25-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions add Darrin Paulo to stacked mix at offensive tackle:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-add-darrin-paulo-to-stacked-mix-at-offensive-tackle.html

Detroit Lions players are reporting for OTAs despite saying they would boycott workouts:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-players-are-reporting-for-otas-despite-saying-they-would-boycott-workouts.html

Detroit Lions optimistic they have something special in the oft-injured DL Da’Shawn Hand:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-optimistic-they-have-something-special-in-the-oft-injured-dl-dashawn-hand.html

O'HARA: Melifonwu working to maximize his size advantage:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-melifonwu-working-to-maximize-his-size-advantage



It's up to Goff to prove experts wrong: 'Major drop-off' from Stafford:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/nfl-experts-jared-goff-a-major-drop-off-from-stafford

Lions last in NFC in Peter King's power rankings: Games will bring 'pain':  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/peter-king-games-will-bring-pain-for-lions-in-2021

2022 NFL draft: Which team is most likely to pick No. 1 overall?:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-draft-2022-order-super-bowl-odds-number-1-pick/


Report sheds more light on the Lions pursuit of Iowa State coach Matt Campbell:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/24/lions-head-coach-pursuit-matt-campbell-iowa-state-no-offer-chris-spielman/

Lions Updated Depth Chart Heading into Organized Team Activities:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/updated-detroit-lions-depth-chart-ahead-of-2021-ota




Posted by LionsFan at 4:58 AM 0 comments

Monday, May 24, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 5-24-21

Articles:

Tight ends coach Ben Johnson sees Hockenson as an ascending player:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tight-ends-coach-ben-johnson-sees-hockenson-as-an-ascending-player


Brad Holmes breaks down why the Lions didn't want to trade back at No. 7 in the 2021 NFL draft:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/23/lions-brad-holmes-2021-nfl-draft-trade-no-7-pick-penei-sewell/

Breaking down the Lions new defensive front scheme and alignments:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/23/lions-defensive-scheme-change-front-alignment-capers-pressure/

Lions Believe Da'Shawn Hand Has Chance to Be 'Special Player':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dashawn-hand-can-be-special-player-if-healthy


Roundtable: Which Player Will Benefit Most from Detroit's New Coaching Staff?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-roundtable-which-player-benefits-most-coaching-staff


Lions’ OL coach Hank Fraley: Hal Vaitai ‘can do a lot of things that people in this league can’t’:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/5/23/22449842/lions-ol-coach-hank-fraley-hal-vaitai-can-do-a-lot-of-things-that-people-in-this-league-cant

Top 25 quarterbacks heading into the 2021 NFL season (20. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions:  Jared Goff gets a lot of guff despite being a capable starter with some favorable tools. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a Goff fan. Yet, claiming the Detroit Lions are the worst team in football now that Matthew Stafford is gone is a bit premature.  At just 26 years old, Goff has already participated in five postseason contests, including a Super Bowl. In fact, he’s garnered much more valuable experiences than his predecessor in half the time. With that said, I don’t expect Lions fans to fall in love with his dink and dunk approach.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-25-quarterbacks-2021-nfl-season/

2022 NFL Draft:

Top inside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft include Edefuan Ulofoshio, Ventrell Miller:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-inside-linebackers-edefuan-ulofoshio-ventrell-miller/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:08 AM 0 comments

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 5-23-21

Articles:


Frank Ragnow: Breaking down the details of the Lions center's contract extension:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/22/frank-ragnow-lions-contract-extension-details-breakdown/

Detroit DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant offers a telling quote on the change coming to the Lions defense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/22/detroit-dbs-coach-aubrey-pleasant-offers-a-telling-quote-on-the-change-coming-to-the-lions-defense/

D'Andre Swift Views Himself and Jamaal Williams as 'Tandem':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-dandre-swift-jamaal-williams-tandem



One Player Lions Can Expect to Shine in 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/player-lions-can-expect-to-shine
Posted by LionsFan at 5:06 AM 0 comments

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 5-22-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions talk over trade rumors with Tyrell Crosby:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-talk-over-trade-rumors-with-tyrell-crosby.html



Lions 'really impressed' with this holdover LB from Patricia regime:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/21/detroit-lions-jahlani-tavai/5192026001/



PFF's wide receiver rankings show the NFC North is loaded...except for the Lions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/21/nfc-north-pff-wide-receiver-rankings-lions/


Lions Assistant Coach: 'We Need to Disrupt the Quarterback':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-defense-must-disrupt-opposing-quarterback

Brad Holmes: 'We’re Not Going to Just Bridge Guys':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/brad-holmes-supports-players-signed-on-2021-roster



The Detroit Lions are the NFL’s version of ‘Last Chance U’:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/5/21/22444753/detroit-lions-nfls-version-last-chance-u

Defensive tackles drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft (Levi Onwuzurike, Washington | Round 2, Pick 41 | Detroit Lions:  Just three picks after Barmore went off the board as the first defensive tackle, the Detroit Lions drafted Levi Onwuzurike. The optics surrounding Onwuzurike and Barmore were quite different. While Barmore’s 2020 play boosted his stock immensely, Onwuzurike opted out in 2020, and that decision clouded his profile. Nonetheless, most mocks had him listed on Day 2, and that’s where he went.  From a talent perspective, it’s easy to see why Onwuzurike was selected so highly despite his decision to opt out. At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, he’s a naturally well-leveraged lineman with impressive proportional length. He also has exceptional athleticism and flexibility, which shows up on pass-rush reps and in run defense. Boasting a 4.88 40-yard dash and a 30-inch vertical, Onwuzurike has exciting upside.  Alim McNeill, NC State | Round 3, Pick 72 | Detroit Lions:  The Lions doubled up on Day 2, and in doing so, massively strengthened the interior of their defensive front. Onwuzurike was already a strong pick in Round 2, but Alim McNeill almost provides even better value in Round 3. McNeill was a top producer for several seasons in college, and he also has the athletic profile to match.  Over three years with NC State, McNeill logged 10 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 5 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. Standing at around 6-foot-2, 317 pounds, he’s a stout defensive tackle prospect with great natural leverage. Additionally, McNeill is an exceptional physical talent who could rotate in to play nose tackle in hybrid fronts. He put up a five-second 40-yard dash with a 1.68 10-yard split and a 30-inch vertical at his pro day.):   https://www.profootballnetwork.com/defensive-tackles-drafted-2021-nfl-draft/

Regrading the 2019 NFL Draft classes: Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers among big winners (Detroit Lions (Then: Below Average.  Now: Below Average):  This draft was the nail in the coffin for the Bob Quinn era. Turning two top-40 picks into a tight end and a two-down linebacker was never going to end well. It isn’t a completely hopeless draft, however, as Hockenson is still a solid tight end, while fifth-round corner Amani Oruwariye has shown flashes and earned a starting role last season.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-regrading-2019-nfl-draft-classes-tennessee-titans-san-francisco-49ers

2022 NFL Draft:

Top cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft include Derek Stingley Jr., Kaiir Elam:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-cornerbacks-derek-stingley-jr-kaiir-elam/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Friday, May 21, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Friday 5-21-21

Articles:  

O'HARA: Improving Lions' defense a shared responsibility:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-improving-lions-defense-a-shared-responsibility

How competition has become a point of emphasis for Campbell, Lions:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/how-competition-has-become-a-point-of-emphasis-for-campbell-lions


Defensive line is changing a lot. That includes new positions for Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/the-lions-defensive-line-is-changing-a-lot-that-includes-new-positions-for-trey-flowers-and-romeo-okwara.html

New Lions LB coach Mark DeLeone raves about early interactions with Jahlani Tavai:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/new-lions-lb-coach-mark-deleone-raves-about-early-interactions-with-jahlani-tavai.html

T.J. Hockenson doubled his production in Year 2. The Lions are looking for even bigger things in Year 3.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/tj-hockenson-doubled-his-production-in-year-2-the-lions-are-looking-for-even-bigger-things-in-year-3.html



Lions assistant: Packers, Rodgers will do everything possible 'to make things work':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/20/detroit-lions-aaron-rodgers-green-bay-packers-dom-capers/5191390001/



Despite trade rumors, Crosby still can be 'great piece of the puzzle' for Lions:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/05/20/tyrell-crosby-detroit-lions-trade-rumors/5180099001/

Lions TE coach Ben Johnson offers up a deep philosophical change in Detroit's approach:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/20/lions-te-coach-ben-johnson-offers-up-a-deep-philosophical-change-in-detroits-approach/



D’Andre Swift curiously left off PFF’s top 32 RBs for 2021 list:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/5/20/22445339/pff-top-32-rbs-2021-dandre-swift-snubbed-detroit-lions


Regrading the 2020 NFL Draft classes: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings come out on top (Detroit Lions (Then: A.  Now: C+):  The Lions' draft grade had easily the biggest fall from grace from last year. We are not writing off this Detroit draft class by any means, however. Jonah Jackson showed signs of life in pass protection and finished with a 61.5 pass-blocking grade, while D’Andre Swift produced pretty much whenever given ample opportunity. Jeffrey Okudah should see a massive uptick in performance now that Matt Patricia is out as head coach.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-regrading-2020-nfl-draft-classes-tampa-bay-buccaneers-minnesota-vikings

Top 25 tight ends heading into the 2021 NFL season (4. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions:  T.J. Hockenson was exceptional last year, and he might be Detroit’s best receiver right now. Expect him to get at least 100 targets in 2021. Hockenson can thrive in all situations, particularly in the red zone. He is a good run blocker as well. Jared Goff is going to love this guy. Hockenson isn’t yet 24 years old, and the best should be yet to come. His target share this year should be immense.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-25-tight-ends-2021-nfl-season/2/

2022 NFL Draft:

Top defensive ends in the 2022 NFL Draft include Drake Jackson, Kayvon Thibodeaux:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-defensive-ends-drake-jackson-kayvon-thibodeaux/

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 5:02 AM 0 comments

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 5-20-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions reportedly offered Iowa State coach Matt Campbell an 8-year, $68.5 million contract:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-reportedly-offered-iowa-state-coach-matt-campbell-an-8-year-685-million-contract.html

How new Lions QB coach Mark Brunell thinks his vast playing experience can help Jared Goff:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/how-new-lions-qb-coach-mark-brunell-thinks-his-vast-playing-experience-can-help-jared-goff.html

Lions’ offensive line coach first saw top pick Penei Sewell in high school:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/the-lions-offensive-line-coach-first-saw-penei-sewell-in-high-school.html

First-round pick Penei Sewell reportedly agrees to rookie deal with Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/first-round-pick-penei-sewell-reportedly-agrees-to-rookie-deal-with-detroit-lions.html

First-round pick Penei Sewell reportedly agrees to rookie deal with Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/first-round-pick-penei-sewell-reportedly-agrees-to-rookie-deal-with-detroit-lions.html

O'HARA: Barnes draws his inspiration from linebacker legends:   https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-barnes-draws-his-inspiration-from-linebacker-legends






3 Burning Questions for Detroit Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-three-burning-questions

PFF Ranks Jared Goff as Bottom-Tier NFL Quarterback:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jared-goff-ranked-bottom-tier-quarterback-pff

4 burning questions for the NFC North (Lions: Can Jared Goff survive the rebuild?  Like the Bears, the Lions acquired a potential long-term QB this offseason. Unlike the Bears, however, they gained assets by doing so, in part because Goff is considered more of a reclamation project than legitimate investment entering 2021. The ex-Rams standout is just 26 and has ties to Lions brass, so he's guaranteed a shot at surprising detractors and making Detroit's transition from Matthew Stafford less painful. But the reality is he's all but on borrowed time as the throw-in of a deal headlined by two future first-round picks -- trade chips that could ultimately be used to secure his replacement.  Detroit should be scrappy this year, having added to the trenches and inherited some true grit from new coach Dan Campbell. And yet Goff will undoubtedly be under more pressure to lift up his teammates than he ever was in Los Angeles. The Lions' O-line is probably a tad underrated, but throwing to Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman is a lot different than throwing to Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods with Sean McVay in your headset. If he's just OK, and the Lions stumble their way into another top-10 pick as expected, Detroit can get out of his contract in 2022 and gain salary cap space. So the clock is ticking.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-north-burning-questions-will-aaron-rodgers-be-back-when-will-justin-fields-debut-four-key-storylines/

Biggest remaining offseason priority for each NFC team (Top priority: Add helping hands for Jared Goff.  I've gone from lambasting Goff's play with the Rams a season ago -- and his rather milquetoast persona -- to quietly rooting for the dude to succeed in Detroit. The ejector-seated signal-caller is scheduled to face Aaron Donald and company in Week 7. He'll either play hero or quickly be figured out by his ex-teammates, but it's tough to love Goff's chances on paper. His starting targets pre-draft were Breshad Perriman, Tyrell Williams and Quintez Cephus. Fourth-round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown is a lock for heavy snaps, but the group is missing a proven alpha. The Lions have been open about their rebuilding status -- and general manager Brad Holmes knows what he's doing -- but Goff throwing to ghosts suggests a ponderous season ahead.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/biggest-remaining-offseason-priority-for-each-nfc-team-can-seahawks-keep-russell

Tight End Rankings: The 32 best TEs entering the 2021 NFL season (7. T.J. HOCKENSON, DETROIT LIONS:  Tight end is a position where it often takes players a year or two to acclimate to life in the NFL. We saw Hockenson start to do just that in 2020, raising his PFF grade from 60.5 as a rookie to 75.4 this past season.  The former top-10 pick recorded both receiving and run-blocking grades of at least 70.0 in 2020. He’s not ever going to offer the kind of tantalizing receiving ability that made Pitts the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history, but he does offer a solid all-around game that can make him a top-10 tight end in the league year in and year out.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-tight-end-rankings-2021-nfl-season

Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 5-19-21

Articles:

Rookies Onwuzurike and McNeill forming athletic DT duo for Lions:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/rookies-onwuzurike-mcneill-forming-athletic-dt-duo-for-lions


Lions are underdogs in every game this year. Here are their best chances to win.:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/vegas-picking-against-lions-in-every-game-this-season


Alim McNeill: What scouting reports said before the draft about the Lions DT:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/18/alim-mcneill-lions-draft-scouting-report/

Jeff Okudah named most underrated Lions player by Pro Football Focus:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/18/jeff-okudah-lions-pff-underrated-player/

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Using Draft Snub as Motivation in the NFL:   https://www.si.com/college/usc/football/amon-ra-st-brown-is-ready-to-take-someones-job


Why Ifeatu Melifonwu Can Have Success Earlier Than Jeff Okudah:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/melifonwu-can-have-earlier-success-than-jeff-okudah


What Detroit Lions Are Getting in Safety Alijah Holder:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/alijah-holder-detroit-lions-scouting-report



PFF Quarterback Rankings: All 32 starters ahead of the 2021 NFL season (26. JARED GOFF, DETROIT LIONS:  A fresh start does players wonders, especially at the quarterback position. It also doesn’t hurt when you get a vote of confidence and your team takes Penei Sewell to protect you over some highly sought-after first-round quarterbacks. The Rams were third in the league in play-action pass attempts and tied for fifth in screen pass attempts. It will be imperative that the Lions help their QB and design an offense around what he’s comfortable with. Goff has a top-five passing grade when he has a clean pocket, is in rhythm and targets intermediate throws 10-19 yards downfield. He struggled when targeting 20-plus yard throws in the same scenario, earning the 29th-ranked passing grade out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks.  Getting the ball downfield in 2020 was a struggle, whether it was missed throws or negatively graded throws. This is probably why Goff led the league in passing yards on completions of 5 yards or less a season ago. The Lions seem to be building around Goff, and this is exactly what he needs to get his confidence back up so he can play at a high level again.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-quarterback-rankings-all-32-starters-ahead-of-the-2021-nfl-season

2021 NFL Draft: Why the Slide? (Amon-Ra St Brown:  St. Brown spent the last two season as one of the most dangerous receivers in the Pac-12 and a valuable weapon for USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. In 2019, St. Brown notched 77 receptions for 1,042 yards and six touchdowns while also contributing on special teams. He then caught 41 passes for 478 yards and seven touchdowns across USC's six-game 2020 season. St. Brown entered the 2021 NFL Draft, and there were many projections of him being a second- or third-round pick. Surprisingly, St. Brown slid to Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft.  Team sources said there wasn't a real reason for St. Brown to fall out of Day 2; rather he just slipped through the cracks. The wide receiver position was very deep in the 2021 NFL Draft, so a number of players with second-day potential ended up falling to Day 3. St. Brown was simply one of those players.  The Detroit Lions ended St. Brown's slide early in the fourth round, and they were a great landing spot for him. Detroit needs some long-term receivers to emerge, and St. Brown should contribute immediately for the Lions. He should at very least be the fourth receiver and might be an instant starter as the third receiver to go with Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. St. Brown and Quintez Cephus could compete for the third receiver job, but either or both could end up starting over Williams or Perriman at some point during the 2021 season. The Lions will definitely add more receivers in the years to come, but St. Brown was fortunate to land in a great landing spot where he could seize a starting job and set himself up to have a good NFL career.):  https://walterfootball.com/ws2021astbrown.php


2022 NFL Draft:

Top defensive tackles in the 2022 NFL Draft include DeMarvin Leal, Jordan Davis:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-draft-top-defensive-tackles-demarvin-leal-jordan-davis/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 5-18-21

Articles:


Lions rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown finds motivation in the 16 WRs picked before him in the draft:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-rookie-amon-ra-st-brown-finds-motivation-in-the-16-wrs-picked-before-him-in-the-draft.html








Dan Campbell explains how the Lions ran through rookie minicamp sessions without a quarterback:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/17/lions-rookie-minicamp-dan-campbell-explains-no-qb-at-camp-detroit-coaching-staff/

Grading Dan Campbell's Appearance on "Pardon My Take":  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-pardon-my-take-podcast-appearance

Roundtable: What Needs to Happen for the Lions to Go Over Six Wins:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/roundtable-can-lions-go-over-six-wins

Dan Campbell: Lions' Coaches Already 'Trash Talking':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/campbell-says-lions-coaches-already-trash-talking

Top 25 running backs heading into the 2021 NFL season (19. D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions:  Like many of the rookie running backs last year, the second half of the season was much kinder to Swift than the early portion. Yet, even from the start, Swift flashed. He has immense potential in the receiving game but might not ever forecast as a heavy-workload runner.):   https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-25-running-backs-2021-nfl-season/

$.05 After Rookie Minicamps ($.05--I cover the Detroit Lions as the managing editor of USA TODAY’s Lions Wire, a job that, quite frankly, has not been a lot of fun in recent times. Beyond the team just not being very good, the Matt Patricia era viewed fun as something that got in the way. They were a dour, lifeless group by the exacting demands of their former head coach.  Any players with more spice to their personality than table salt were sent packing. Good players and fun personalities like Quandre Diggs, Golden Tate, Darius Slay, Damon Harrison, Devon Kennard, all made football too enjoyable for Patricia’s liking. The soul-sucking was complete at the end of the pandemic season of 2020.  This weekend was the Lions rookie minicamp, the first real chance to see new head coach Dan Campbell and his staff chock-full of former NFL players in action with the players. And the energy was absolutely palpable. Even over Zoom--press conferences are still conducted remotely--the joyful spirit poured from Campbell and the players. Players smiled and talked about one another. They answered questions with candid, honest answers that weren’t stifled in an effort to not say anything that might rub the authoritarian Patricia the wrong way. Rookies Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike and Jermar Jefferson all made light of Campbell and his staff’s hands-on, balls-to-the-wall approach. They loved it. Patricia’s false tough-guy coaching persona never gave any player that sort of reaction.  In talking with some folks who have been in the building with both Patricia and Campbell, the change is beyond night and day. There was a dark shroud enveloping the Patricia Lions, a strong negative aura that permeated everything about the team. I don’t know if Campbell will be a good coach, and I don’t expect his first Lions team to win many games. Detroit has one of the least talented rosters in the league, notably at WR and safety. But they’re going to be fun, energetic and competitive to a man under Campbell. That’s already a huge win for Lions fans, a necessary purging of negativity that could not have happened soon enough.):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3356/$05-After-Rookie-Minicamps

Projecting starting lineups for all 32 NFL teams following the 2021 NFL Draft:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-projecting-starting-lineups-for-all-32-nfl-teams-following-the-2021-nfl-draft#DET
Posted by LionsFan at 5:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Evening Lions Links for Sunday 5-16-21

Articles:

TIM AND MIKE: Rookie minicamp observations:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-rookie-minicamp-observations-stbrown-onwuzurike-mcneill

Pair of Lions rookie defensive tackles already thinking big things after first weekend together:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/pair-of-lions-rookie-defensive-tackles-already-thinking-big-things-after-first-weekend-together.html

Dan Campbell explains why Detroit Lions went through rookie minicamp without a quarterback:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/dan-campbell-explains-why-detroit-lions-went-through-rookie-minicamp-without-a-quarterback.html

Detroit Lions to keep training camp in Allen Park, won’t partake in joint practices this year:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/detroit-lions-to-keep-training-camp-in-allen-park-wont-partake-in-joint-practices-this-year.html

Lions’ Dan Campbell not concerned with Penei Sewell’s absence from rookie minicamp:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-dan-campbell-not-concerned-with-penei-sewells-absence-from-rookie-minicamp.html




Amon-Ra St. Brown: What scouting reports said before the draft about the Lions wide receiver:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/16/lions-amon-ra-st-brown-scouting-reports-pre-draft/

Lions have one of the NFL's older rosters despite recent roster upheaval:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/16/lions-average-age-roster-ranking-veteran-overhaul/


How Did Detroit Lions Conduct Rookie Minicamp Without a Quarterback?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/who-was-the-quarterback-at-detroit-lions-minicamp

Why Lions' Quarterbacks Can 'Trust' Amon-Ra St. Brown:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-quarterbacks-can-trust-st-brown



Only 3 head coaches were less aggressive on 4th down than Matt Patricia in 2020:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/5/16/22435414/detroit-lions-aggressiveness-index-2020-matt-patricia-4th-worst

Video:







Posted by LionsFan at 7:21 PM 0 comments
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