Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 6-30-21

Articles:

Lions to welcome fans back to 2021 Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-to-welcome-fans-back-to-2021-training-camp-presented-by-rocket-mortgage

GET TO KNOW: Tackle Penei Sewell:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/get-to-know-tackle-penei-sewell




The NFL's top 11 centers (5.  Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions:  After starting his NFL career at left guard Frank Ragnow slid inside to center for the 2019 campaign, and immediately thrived in the middle. After giving up four sacks and 22 quarterback hurries as a rookie in 2018, Ragnow allowed a pair of sacks in 2019 and went the entire 2020 season without  giving up a single one. He has clearly adjusted to life as a center, and as such has carved out a role as one of the best in the league.  Last season was especially impressive from Ragnow, as he gave up just a single quarterback hit along with just eight quarterback hurries, both of which represent career-best numbers from him. Let’s take a look at some pass protection snaps from Ragnow.  What stands out to me is the lateral movement ability, coupled with how well Ragnow counters pass rushers. As the Detroit Lions move to Jared Goff for the 2021 season, Ragnow’s ability to protect the streaky passer will be critical in the year ahead.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/the-nfls-top-11-centers/

Ranking late-round rookie RBs by impact (3. Jermar Jefferson, Lions:  Jefferson was one of the more fun finesse backs in the 2021 class. Not a supreme athlete. No particularly fast. Exceptionally methodical locating lanes and setting up blocks. On film it looked like defenders always felt they had him in their grasp, then Jefferson would make a subtle, almost slow cut that'd perfectly place a blocker in front of him to take out that would-be tackler before he could wrap up.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfl-2021-late-round-rookie-running-backs-by-chances-to-make-a-legitimate-year-1-impact/

PFF Data Study: Coverage scheme uniqueness for each team and what that means for coaching changes:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-data-study-coverage-scheme-uniqueness-for-each-team-and-what-that-means-for-coaching-changes

2022 NFL Draft:

Early 2022 NFL Draft edge defender rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-edge-rankings-class-overview

The PFF Preseason College Football All-SEC Team: Ole Miss QB Matt Corral earns first-tem nod:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-rankings-pff-preseason-all-sec-team
 
The PFF Preseason College Football All-Big Ten Team: Indiana's Michael Penix Jr. headlines the quarterback position:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-all-big-ten-team-2021
Posted by LionsFan at 5:02 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 6-29-21

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: 5 numbers that need to change:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-numbers-that-need-to-change-x1237

Lions lack of top-end talent evident in PFF's preseason top 50 players list:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/28/lions-lack-top-end-talent-evident-pff-top-50-players-list/


Should Detroit Lions Be Concerned at Backup Quarterback?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/should-lions-be-concerned-at-backup-quarterback


Dan Campbell Ranked Second-Worst Head Coach in NFL:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-ranked-second-worse-nfl-coach


NFL offseason in review: Which teams hit their goals, plus biggest remaining questions for all 32 (Detroit Lions - Offseason summed up in three words or fewer: Roster reclamation project. Detroit's roster wasn't very good at the top or bottom prior to general manager Brad Holmes and the new regime taking over. The front office did everything in its power to build a respectable roster, starting in the trenches of the NFL draft and the trade of Matthew Stafford to generate future picks while also landing a solid starting quarterback in Jared Goff. How good will they be in 2021? That remains to be seen.  Offseason goals: Detroit had a lot of work to do this offseason, but it was able to maximize the resources they had available while moving without their foot hovering over the brake pedal. Detroit stayed about as aggressive as it could, while still being rational and smart in adding key pieces such as wide receivers Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman, running back Jamaal Williams, tight end Josh Hill, defensive end Michael Brockers, linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Quinton Dunbar.  Biggest question still to be answered: Who is Detroit's No. 1 wide receiver? When you look at Detroit's roster this season, the wide receiver position is a legitimate concern with a relatively no-name corps. The team returns just one receiver who had a catch for the squad last season in Quintez Cephus, so that's going to be a big question, especially for a quarterback like Jared Goff who is looking to turnaround his career in the new setting. Who will Goff be throwing the ball to? During minicamp, Tyrell Williams and rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown were both solid, but Victor Bolden and Kalif Raymond have been pleasant surprises as well, according to a source. The competition at the position is wide open and training camp will likely determine who fulfills that role. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31695012/rating-nfl-offseasons-all-32-teams-goals-top-moves-biggest-remaining-questions#DET

PFF50: 12 players who just missed the cut (C FRANK RAGNOW, DETROIT LIONS:  Frank Ragnow is now the NFL's highest-paid center and one of a few players who have an argument to be seen as the best at the position. No center made the PFF50 heading into the 2021 season because several players have been taking turns looking like the best in the league. However, Ragnow may be the one most clearly trending in that direction.  He started his rookie season at guard and earned a solid 66.5 overall PFF grade. He took a step forward in Year 2 at center and earned a 74.9 grade before finishing 2020 with an 80.3 mark. The development curve of offensive linemen often sees them take two or three seasons to show their best play, and Ragnow has steadily improved each year. Even if this is his ceiling, he will be around the best centers each season going forward. And if he has another step to take, then he could become the undisputed best player at that spot.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff50-players-just-missed-snubs-2021-season

2021 NFL head coach rankings: Andy Reid edges Bill Belichick as No. 1, Bruce Arians, Matt LaFleur crack top 10 (31. Dan Campbell (Lions) (Season: 1st with Lions and as HC.  Career record: 5-7* (.417).  Playoff record: N/A):  We have little doubt he'll bring energy to Detroit, which sorely lacked fight under Matt Patricia. The Lions aren't counting on big wins from him in 2021, either. But he's never coordinated an offense despite years of TE work and a brief interim stint in Miami. The locker room may well cherish his NFL background and unpolished aggression, but he's still got lots to prove.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-head-coach-rankings-andy-reid-edges-bill-belichick-as-no-1-bruce-arians-matt-lafleur-crack-top-10/

2022 NFL Draft:

The PFF Preseason College Football All-America Team: Spencer Rattler, Chris Olave and Derek Stingley Jr. earn first-team spots:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-all-america-team-2021

Chris Olave, Ohio State Scouting Report:  https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2022colave.php
Posted by LionsFan at 5:05 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 28, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 6-28-21

Articles:

O'HARA: Blough sees change as opportunity to develop his game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-blough-sees-change-as-opportunity-to-develop-his-game

New Lions backup QB Tim Boyle ranks near the bottom at his position:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/27/lions-tim-boyle-backup-qb-rankings-chase-daniel/

3 Reasons Detroit Lions Should Not Trade Tyrell Crosby:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/three-reasons-to-keep-tyrell-crosby

Brad Holmes Admits Early Challenges Finding Time to Scout Players:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/holmes-admits-early-challenges-finding-time-to-scout-players

Lions GM Brad Holmes: Jared Goff Not Just a 'Bridge Option':  https://www.si.com/college/cal/news/goff-stafford-comparison

Detroit Lions mailbag: Can Trey Flowers thrive under a new scheme?:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/6/27/22552701/detroit-lions-mailbag-can-trey-flowers-thrive-new-scheme


2022 NFL Draft:

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon Scouting Report:  https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2022kthibodeaux.php
Posted by LionsFan at 5:03 AM 0 comments

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 6-27-21

Articles:


Former Lions RB Joique Bell breaks down Matt Patricia's defensive miscues:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/26/former-lions-rb-joique-bell-breaks-down-matt-patricias-defensive-miscues/




Posted by LionsFan at 5:03 AM 0 comments

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 6-26-21

Articles:

Lions offseason questions: Players who impressed:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-offseason-questions-players-who-impressed-swift-hockenson-goff



Who Has More Pressure to Succeed: Matthew Stafford or Jared Goff?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/more-pressure-to-succeed-matthew-stafford-or-jared-goff

Mike Martin: What the Lions are getting in their new director of scouting advancement:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/24/mike-martin-what-the-lions-are-getting-in-their-new-director-of-scouting-advancement/


Best value NFL draft picks for all 32 teams since 2006: Dak Prescott, Tyreek Hill, George Kittle and more (DETROIT LIONS: WR CALVIN JOHNSON, GEORGIA TECH (2ND OVERALL IN 2007): This one needs no explanation. Johnson was a transcendent talent who commanded the attention of every defense throughout his all too brief NFL career. Even with passing offenses exploding around the NFL in recent seasons, Johnson still holds the single-season receiving yards record by nearly 100 yards with 1,964, which he set back in 2012.):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-best-nfl-draft-picks-32-nfl-teams-2006

2022 NFL Draft:



VIDEO:  

James Jones' Top 5 TEs entering 2021 'NFL Total Access' (Hockenson is 5th):  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/what-lions-must-do-for-21-season-to-be-a-success-gmfb
Posted by LionsFan at 5:00 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 25, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Friday 6-25-21

Articles:

Jackson excited about Lions' offensive line heading into 2021 season:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/jackson-excited-about-lions-offensive-line-heading-into-2021-season


9 signs that Detroit sports might be starting to head in the right direction (Smart (well, at least new) Lions leadership:  It’s hard to judge new Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes before we get a glimpse of his team on the field, but it sure seems like he has a plan.  The Lions have been a disaster and an embarrassment for so long. They haven’t given the city hardly any success for a half-century in a league that’s built on parody. The fact that Detroit hasn’t stumbled into a single NFC North Division title is a disgrace.  Luckily, the front office was overhauled this offseason, and Holmes surrounded himself with smart football minds, such as Chris Spielman, Ray Agnew and John Dorsey.  Dan Campbell is unproven as a coach, but he hired Aaron Glenn as his defensive coordinator and Anthony Lynn as his offensive coordinator -- two major wins.  Holmes and Campbell have said all the right things this offseason, but that doesn’t mean much. What has fans cautiously optimistic is they have conviction behind their moves.  The draft wasn’t necessarily sexy, but the Lions added depth on both sides of the line. They extended Frank Ragnow and used the No. 7 pick to select Penei Sewell -- the top offensive lineman available.  It’s also hard not to love the return Holmes got by trading Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did he replace Stafford with a serviceable short-term quarterback in Jared Goff, he also acquired...  Two extra first-round picks:  This is the key. Holmes will have two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts to really turn his vision into reality.  The Lions should be pretty bad next year, and maybe even the year after that. At least two of those four picks are likely to be in or around the top 10.  In the meantime, Glenn will be working with the likes of Jeff Okudah and the Okwara brothers. Lynn has a strong offensive line and deep running backs group to build around.  If the Lions can find a quarterback and hit on those first-round picks, there might be something brewing for the first time since Barry Sanders retired.  I would still put my money on the Pistons or Tigers -- and heck, probably even the Red Wings -- winning a title before the Lions. But at the very least, there’s some hope for a change.):  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2021/06/24/9-signs-that-detroit-sports-might-be-starting-to-head-in-the-right-direction/

Ranking the NFL's top 2021 duos: Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams help Packers edge Chiefs atop list of 32 teams (30. Lions (OT Taylor Decker, C Frank Ragnow): Nothing wrong with these guys. You could do a heck of a lot worse if you're building an offensive line, and the trenches are more important than most realize. But the plethora of playmakers ahead of them on this list prove how devoid of skill talent Detroit really is. If you want to argue for T.J. Hockenson here, that's fine, but it doesn't move the needle.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-the-nfls-top-2021-duos-aaron-rodgers-davante-adams-help-packers-edge-chiefs-atop-list-of-32-teams/

2022 NFL Draft:

Early 2022 NFL Draft offensive line rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-position-rankings-offensive-linemen


Video:


Posted by LionsFan at 4:59 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 6-24-21

Articles:

NFC NORTH: Top storylines for all four teams:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfc-north-top-storylines-for-all-four-teams-goff-rodgers-fields



Brad Holmes and Troy Weaver Will Revitalize Dormant Franchises:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/troy-weaver-brad-holmes-will-revitalize-dormant-teams

Detroit Lions TJ Hockenson Ranked Top 5 Tight End NFL Network:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/tj-hockenson-ranked-as-fifth-best-nfl-tight-end



17 NFL teams could be headed for QB changes next year (Questions abound (17) -Detroit Lions: If Jared Goff wants to prove he's more than a stopgap, he needs to excel pretty quickly given his new team received two first-round picks while taking on his ill-fated contract – one the Lions could certainly consider moving on from next year ... especially if they're drafting as early as it seems they're likely to be.):  https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2021/06/23/nfl-2022-season-17-teams-qb-change/7707116002/

2022 NFL Draft:

Early 2022 NFL Draft running back rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-position-rankings-running-backs


Scouting Sam Howell: North Carolina QB similar to Baker Mayfield:  https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-sam-howell-north-carolina-qb-similar-to-baker-mayfield

Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 6-23-21


Articles:



GM Brad Holmes makes it clear Jared Goff is who he wants at QB for the Lions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/22/lions-brad-holmes-jared-goff-starting-qb-vote-of-confidence/

Breshad Perriman gets the NFL version of 'Last Chance U' with the Lions:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/22/lions-breshad-perriman-last-chance-nfl-free-agent/

Chris Simms: Jared Goff 'Not Very Good' Within Pocket:   https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jared-goff-critiqued-by-chris-simms


All-Under-25 Team: Jets among seven teams with 2 reps (TE TJ Hockenson:  Our options at tight end were fairly thin, so why not go with a 2020 Pro Bowler? Hockenson enjoyed a relative breakout in 2020, finishing third in receiving yards among tight ends behind established stars Travis Kelce and Darren Waller. Lions tight ends coach Ben Johnson thinks it's just the beginning for the 2019 draft's eighth overall pick, recently telling reporters "there's plenty of meat still on the bone" with Hockenson, and adding that "the sky's the limit for this kid." What is, in fact, the limit for Hockenson? We'll leave that to the future, but for now, he's the best tight end under 25, and it might not be long before he's considered one of the premier players at the position, regardless of age.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-all-under-25-team-lamar-jackson-leads-nfl-s-rising-stars

2022 NFL Draft:


Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 6-22-21

Articles:

O'HARA: What Holmes accomplished in first offseason as Lions' GM:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-what-holmes-accomplished-in-first-offseason-as-lions-gm

Derrick Barnes: What scouting reports said before the draft about the Lions LB:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/derrick-barnes-what-scouting-reports-said-before-the-draft-about-the-lions-lb/

Pros and Cons of Lions Signing Wide Receiver Kenny Stills:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/pros-cons-detroit-lions-signing-kenny-stills



Press Conference Roundup: One notable quote from each NFL team's OTA and mandatory minicamp media sessions (DETROIT LIONS:  NOTABLE OTA QUOTE — HC Dan Campbell: “We did not want to put an emphasis on size. I would rather have someone who was 220 and could freaking fly at inside linebacker — that just fits what we’re doing. … We asked [Jahlani Tavai] to shed some weight, and he did that and he is moving better. Now, what does that turn into? I don’t know. But he’s putting the work in.”  ANALYSIS: Linebacker Jahlani Tavai endured a rough 2020 campaign at his listed 250 pounds. Only once did he post a game grade above 70.0, seemingly going invisible at times. Tavai recorded a mere 13 stops on 265 run-defense snaps, making him one of three linebackers with 250-plus such snaps and fewer than 15 stops in 2020. It all culminated in a 32.1 overall grade that ranked 96th out of 99 qualifying linebackers, and Detroit’s coaching staff took note.  NFL's make-or-break players (and coaches) who could determine their team's fate this season (Lions: Jeff Okudah - Does he emerge as a top corner in Year 2 and face of a defense that is -- yet again! -- in transition? He was part of the divide between former GM Bob Quinn and former coach Matt Patricia and, on a roster with little talent, Detroit's rebuild needs to have at least a few holdovers from the past.  NOTABLE MINICAMP QUOTE — LB Jamie Collins Sr.: “I’ve had a little success getting to the quarterback, so [defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn] is using me in that way. I can do it. Getting to the quarterback, that’s a big deal. He’s putting me in position to do that, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”  ANALYSIS: After earning a 75.0-plus pass-rushing grade in each of his first three NFL seasons, Collins has done so just once in his past five. That's not to say he can't do it, as he did notch eight sacks among 33 total pressures in 2019, but pass-rushing has been a declining facet of his game.  Collins split time between inside linebacker and outside linebacker in that fruitful 2019 campaign, but he almost only lined up on the inside last year. It remains to be seen where Glenn will play the veteran.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfls-make-or-break-players-and-coaches-who-could-determine-their-teams-fate-this-season/

Using Pro-Adjusted Wins Above Average to examine positional value in the NFL Draft:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-using-pro-adjusted-wins-above-average-to-examine-positional-value-in-the-nfl-draft

Ranking NFL backup QBs: Lance tops list (29. Tim Boyle (Lions):  Aaron Rodgers' anonymous understudy from 2018-2020, Boyle showed enough to survive the transition to Matt LaFleur's regime, not to mention beat out Jordan Love. But nothing else suggests he's ready to win games if Jared Goff goes down in Detroit.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-2021-nfl-backup-quarterbacks-49ers-trey-lance-headlines-list-of-32-teddy-bridgewater-in-top-five/

2022 NFL Draft:

Posted by LionsFan at 4:59 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 21, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 6-21-21

Articles:

Hockenson continues to impress as he builds rapport with Goff:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/hockenson-continues-to-impress-as-he-builds-rapport-with-goff

Roundtable: Who is One Lions Player You'd Play a Round of Golf With?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/roundtable-one-lions-player-youd-like-to-golf-with



Detroit Lions mailbag: Will a roster full of chip-on-the-shoulder mentality work?:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/6/20/22542357/detroit-lions-mailbag-chip-on-shoulder-mentality-roster-building-brad-holmes

NFL Head Coach Rankings 2021: Who is the best in the league? (30. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions:  Dan Campbell has a long road ahead of him. The Lions’ roster doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence, and the general history of the franchise doesn’t either. The rookie head coach certainly has a knack for theatrics, whether it be wearing helmets in press conferences or talking about biting off kneecaps.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-head-coach-rankings/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:02 AM 0 comments

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 6-20-21

Articles:

Holmes thinks DC Aaron Glenn can have a big impact on Lions' defense: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/holmes-thinks-dc-aaron-glenn-can-have-a-big-impact-on-lions-defense






Ranking NFL's seven new head coaches in 2021 by ownership, front office, roster and recent history (4. Dan Campbell, Lions:  He and the rookie GM got a long-term deal, and another member of the Ford family is now in charge which probably buys them three years unless things go off a cliff. Ownership seems to understand that it is actually in a rebuild, which to me makes it a notch up from a few of these other gigs, where teams are pretending to be something they are not. It's going to be a long climb out of the mess of the former regime – there were constant issues between the staff and the locker room, and the roster is bleak. Oh, and the nebulous roles of guys like Rod Wood would make me very nervous, and Chris Spielman has no real experience as a team president. Yeah, most of these franchises have been a horror show for good reason, and we're grading on a curve here, but I guess I'll slot this here.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfls-seven-new-head-coaches-in-2021-by-ownership-front-office-roster-and-recent-history/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:04 AM 0 comments

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 6-19-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions sign WR Chad Hansen, who played with Jared Goff at Cal:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/detroit-lions-sign-wr-chad-hansen-who-played-with-jared-goff-at-cal.html






Posted by LionsFan at 4:48 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 18, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Friday 6-18-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions sign second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/detroit-lions-sign-second-round-pick-levi-onwuzurike.html

LB Derrick Barnes, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown latest rookies to ink deals with Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/lb-derrick-barnes-wr-amon-ra-st-brown-latest-rookies-to-ink-deals-with-detroit-lions.html

Holmes has confidence in Goff as QB embarks on fresh start in Detroit:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/holmes-has-confidence-in-goff-as-qb-embarks-on-fresh-start-in-detroit


Top 16 remaining NFL free agents who could help the Lions in 2021:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/gallery/top-16-remaining-nfl-free-agents-help-detroit-lions-in-2021/

Detroit Lions NFL Roster News Three Rookie Sign Rookie Contracts:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/three-detroit-lions-rookies-sign-nfl-contracts

Lions GM's Happiness with Goff Rivals McVay's Happiness with Stafford:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/holmes-as-happy-goff-is-a-lion-as-mcvay-is-with-stafford



Ranking NFL's top 10 tight ends for 2021: Travis Kelce and George Kittle lead the way (5. TJ Hockenson:  Hockenson is not a household name just yet, but that could change very soon. The Detroit Lions weren't fun to watch in 2020, but in his first full season, Hockenson caught 67 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns. He ranked fourth among all tight ends in receptions, third in yards and tied for ninth in touchdowns. Hockenson was dangerous working the middle of the field and effective in the red zone. Additionally, he's a solid run blocker.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfls-top-10-tight-ends-for-2021-travis-kelce-and-george-kittle-lead-the-way/

2022 NFL Draft:

Early 2022 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings

2022 QB Class: Is Sam Howell, Spencer Rattler, or Kedon Slovis the top quarterback prospect?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-qb-class-is-sam-howell-spencer-rattler-or-kedon-slovis-the-top-quarterback-prospect/



VIDEO:

What Lions must do for '21 season to be a success:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/what-lions-must-do-for-21-season-to-be-a-success-gmfb


Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 6-17-21

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: How Lions' strength at OL could help Goff, offense:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-how-lions-strength-at-ol-could-help-goff-offense-sewell-ragnow

Unvaccinated players will face slew of restrictions to open 2021, including being barred from team flights:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/unvaccinated-players-will-face-slew-of-restrictions-to-open-2021-including-being-barred-from-team-flights.html

Owner Sheila Ford Hamp spoke up for a wide receiver in the draft:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/16/lions-owner-sheila-ford-hamp-brad-holmes-detroit-draft-room/



Ndamukong Suh: 'Take Out the Spice, Things Get Bland':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/ndamukong-suh-responds-to-lions-fan-on-twitter

Will Lions' Wide Receivers Aid Jared Goff in 2021?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/will-detroit-lions-wide-receivers-aid-jared-goff



The Lions Don't Have a Prayer of Winning if Goff Gets Injured:  https://thegame730am.com/lions-have-bad-backup-quarterbacks/

State of the 2021 Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell era begins with promise after transformative offseason:  https://www.nfl.com/news/state-of-the-2021-detroit-lions-dan-campbell-era-begins-with-promise-after-trans

Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers lead the way in PFF's 2021 analytical quarterback rankings (Goff 24th, Stafford 18th):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2021-quarterback-rankings-analytical

Best and worst NFL contracts for every NFC team: Jimmy Garoppolo, Tom Brady, Davante Adams and more (DETROIT LIONS - Best: T Taylor Decker — Four years, $59.65 million ($11.15 million in remaining guarantees):  The Lions selected left tackle Taylor Decker with the No. 16 overall pick of the 2016 Draft, three picks after Laremy Tunsil was taken by the Miami Dolphins and 10 picks after Ronnie Stanley was taken by the Baltimore Ravens.  Here is how the three stack up from their rookie seasons in 2016 through the 2019 season before signing their respective extensions.  Is it pretty much a consensus opinion that Stanley and Tunsil are more talented players? Sure. Are they $5 million-plus dollars per year better than Taylor Decker? Absolutely not.  Contracts are not as simple as that by any means, but the point remains.  Worst: OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai — Five years, $45 million ($9 million in remaining guarantees):  In the same season the Lions beat the Ravens to the table on Decker’s extension, they also jumped the gun on Vaitai.  The veteran tackle was coming off his best season as a pro, having earned a 72.8 grade with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019. He had logged roughly 400 snaps as the starting right tackle to close out the season following an injury to Lane Johnson. Detroit paid him like they projected him to be a top right tackle going forward (his $9 million per year average is still top-10 at the position).   Nevertheless, he belongs at right guard, where he’ll return following the draft selection of Penei Sewell. But that would make him tied for the fifth-highest-paid right guard in football on a multi-year deal, which is still above his on-field value. If Vaitai can play up to the level of his contract with the aforementioned Decker at left tackle, center Frank Ragnow now deservedly the highest-paid player at his position and two promising young players in Sewell and LG Jonah Jackson, the Lions may have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL the next few years.  Jared Goff and his $30.5 million in remaining guarantees could have easily been the winner here, as well, but considering Goff was traded effectively as a salary-dump move, this reality was understood by all parties involved.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-worst-contract-32-nfc-teams-2021

2022 NFL Draft:  

Early 2022 NFL Draft quarterback rankings and class overview:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2022-quarterback-rankings-class-overview

Video:

Williams energy and attitude fitting right in with Lions:  https://www.wxyz.com/sports/williams-energy-and-attitude-fitting-right-in-with-lions
Posted by LionsFan at 5:05 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 6-16-21

Articles:

Fells excited to work with "extremely athletic and talented" Hockenson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/fells-excited-to-work-with-extremely-athletic-and-talented-hockenson

Lions DE Michael Brockers: 'I gotta get' a sack on Rams QB Matthew Stafford:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/15/lions-de-michael-brockers-i-gotta-get-a-sack-on-rams-qb-matthew-stafford/


Pros and Cons of Lions Trading for All-Pro CB Xavien Howard:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/pros-cons-of-lions-trading-for-xavien-howard

Dan Campbell Learns Early Lesson: Leaving Voicemails Does Not Work:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-learns-early-lesson-on-communication



Defensive scheme analysis for all 32 NFL teams (DETROIT LIONS (2020 Defensive Pass Efficiency Rank: 32.  2020 Defensive Rush Efficiency Rank: 26.  2020 Base Coverage: Cover 1.  2020 Third-Down Mentality: Cover 1 with a hole player):  The Lions will finally move away from the super-heavy man-coverage system that has had them line up man to man on 43% of their snaps since 2019, the highest rate in the league over that span.  In his first stint as a DC, new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will come at offenses from the other side of the spectrum. Glenn will certainly play man coverage, but working under Dennis Allen in New Orleans, he ran multiple coverages with a lot of two-high pre-snap looks. And if he’s anything like Allen, he will blitz like crazy on third down.  The change should be welcome in Detroit. Even though they played Cover 1 at a high rate, they were awful at it, finishing 31st in the league over the last two seasons in defensive pass efficiency at 0.290 EPA allowed per play.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-defensive-scheme-analysis-32-nfl-teams-2021

2022 NFL Draft:

College Football Busts: 11 prospects who could disappoint in 2021 (Shough, Williams, Ingram, Jones, Ross, Hooker, Strachan, Kendrick, Robinson, Clifford, Brooks):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-busts-11-prospects-who-could-disappoint-in-2021/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 6-15-21

Articles:

O'HARA: What we learned from Lions minicamp:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-what-we-learned-from-lions-minicamp-flowers-marlowe-swift

2021 Preview: Lions' Starting Off-Ball Linebackers:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2021-starting-off-ball-linebackers

Sheila Ford Hamp Questioned Brad Holmes about Need for Wide Receiver:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/sheila-ford-hamp-questioned-need-for-wide-receiver

Magic Johnson Called Wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown after Lions Drafted Him:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/magic-johnson-called-amonra-st-brown-after-nfl-draft


Offensive scheme analysis for all 32 NFL teams ahead of the 2021 NFL season (DETROIT LIONS (2020 Pass Efficiency Rank: 16.  2020 Rush Efficiency Rank: 25):  The Lions were generally one of more pass-heavy teams during the Matthew Stafford era, but don’t expect that to continue in the Jared Goff-Dan Campbell-Anthony Lynn era.  Lynn’s Chargers teams threw the ball a lot, but that was with quarterback Philip Rivers. In Lynn's one year coordinating the Bills' offense in 2016, the unit ranked almost dead last in pass rate. The combination of Dan Campbell, who may surprise, and a quarterback who has had success in a run-first offense means that the Lions should try to emulate whatever Sean McVay did in Los Angeles.  That 2016 Bills team was a heavy pulling team, as it finished in the top 10 in both counter and power usage. That was a long time ago in the football world, though, so getting into the heavy outside zone scheme might keep Goff ticking.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-offensive-scheme-analysis-32-nfl-teams-2021

Press Conference Roundup: One notable quote from each NFL team's OTA media sessions (DETROIT LIONS NOTABLE QUOTE — HC Dan Campbell: “We did not want to put an emphasis on size. I would rather have someone who was 220 and could freaking fly at inside linebacker — that just fits what we’re doing. … We asked [Jahlani Tavai] to shed some weight, and he did that and he is moving better. Now, what does that turn into? I don’t know. But he’s putting the work in.”  ANALYSIS: Linebacker Jahlani Tavai endured a rough 2020 campaign at his listed 250 pounds. Only once did he post a game grade above 70.0, seemingly going invisible at times. Tavai recorded a mere 13 stops on 265 run-defense snaps, making him one of three linebackers with 250-plus such snaps and fewer than 15 stops in 2020. It all culminated in a 32.1 overall grade that ranked 96th out of 99 qualifying linebackers, and Detroit’s coaching staff took note.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-offseason-nfl-press-conference-quotes-live-tracker

PFF Data Study: Introducing PFF WAR-Adjusted Injuries Lost:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-data-study-war-adjusted-injuries-lost

2022 NFL Draft:


VIDEO: 

Posted by LionsFan at 5:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 14, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Monday 6-14-21

Articles:

Lions' new split-safety scheme drew Marlowe to Detroit:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-new-split-safety-scheme-drew-marlowe-to-detroit

Why Lions EDGE Romeo Okwara is a great breakout candidate for 2021:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/13/lions-edge-romeo-okwara-breakout-candidate-for-2021/

Lions coach Dan Campbell on his job: 'I don't take it lightly':  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/13/lions-coach-dan-campbell-dont-take-job-lightly-grand-prix/

Are Things Really Different for the Detroit Lions?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/are-the-detroit-lions-really-different

Roundtable: Why Dan Campbell Is More Than Just a Soundbite:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-dan-campbell-is-more-than-just-soundbite

Tyrell Crosby Appreciates Fan Support Amid Trade Rumors:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/tyrell-crosby-appreciates-fan-support-amid-trade-rumors

Detroit Lions mailbag: What are the best camp battles on the horizon?:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/6/13/22531884/detroit-lions-mailbag-best-training-camp-battles-ahead


Posted by LionsFan at 5:09 AM 0 comments

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 6-13-21

Articles:

TWENTYMAN: 5 players who impressed at minicamp practices:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-players-who-impressed-at-minicamp-practices-hockenson-swift-bolden

Lions punter Jack Fox taking more situational approach, looking to improve holding in Year 2:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/lions-punter-jack-fox-taking-more-situational-approach-looking-to-improve-holding-in-year-2.html



3 Keys to Success for Romeo Okwara in 2021:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-3-keys-to-success-romeo-okwara

Blough: Mark Brunell's Playing Experience Will 'Pay Dividends':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-blough-mark-brunell-will-pay-dividends




Potential 2021 breakout star for each NFC team (Lions: D'Andre Swift, RB - Swift was a dynamo for a Georgia team that boasted a complement of dominant halfbacks, but he struggled to blow the roof off of Detroit in his rookie season. Staying available going forward will determine just how good he will be, but the potential is there in spades. Swift logged only four starts in Year 1 -- a load shared with Adrian Peterson -- but averaged 4.6 yards per carry en route to 521 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. That's not the only part of his game Jared Goff will enjoy though, because Swift is also a home run threat as a receiver out of the backfield, and finished last season with 878 total yards from scrimmage with 10 touchdowns. The RB room in Detroit is loaded with bodies and the team isn't yet out on possibly adding another Georgia talent in Todd Gurley, but it's Swift's show, for all intents and purposes.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/potential-2021-breakout-player-for-each-nfc-team-randy-gregory-headlines-list-of-under-the-radar-talent/

Two-year rewind: Sean McVay says it’s “insane” to think Jared Goff is going anywhere:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/06/12/two-year-rewind-sean-mcvay-says-its-insane-to-think-jared-goff-is-going-anywhere/

2022 NFL Draft:


Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 5:05 AM 0 comments

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 6-12-21

Articles:



Detroit Lions Tyrell Williams Scouting Report:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-tyrell-williams-scouting-report


Former Wisconsin WR Quintez Cephus 'has really come on' for the Detroit Lions:  https://badgerswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/11/former-wisconsin-wr-quintez-cephus-has-really-come-on-for-the-detroit-lions/


2022 NFL Draft:

2022 NFL draft: 12 QB-prospect matchups we can't wait for this season:  https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-there-are-some-terrific-qb-prospect-matchups-this-season-160032914.html

Video:

WATCH - Woody Woodriffe with a report on the Lions as they wrap up mini camp:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/943104

Posted by LionsFan at 5:02 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 11, 2021

Morning Lions Links for Friday 6-11-21

Articles:

O'HARA: Bolden making a positive impression in minicamp:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-bolden-making-a-positive-impression-in-minicamp


Mark Brunell’s vast depth of knowledge resonates with Detroit Lions quarterbacks:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/mark-brunells-vast-depth-of-knowledge-resonating-with-detroit-lions-quarterbacks.html

Lions’ Jonah Jackson: I think we can be the best offensive line in the league:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/lions-jonah-jackson-i-think-we-can-be-the-best-offensive-line-in-the-league.html

Lions’ Darren Fells savors chance to mentor T.J. Hockenson on the field and with his dance moves:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/lions-darren-fells-savors-chance-to-mentor-tj-hockenson-on-the-field-and-with-his-dance-moves.html


Detroit Lions not sweating Todd Gurley’s visit to Baltimore:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/detroit-lions-not-sweating-todd-gurleys-visit-to-baltimore.html






Thinking 'Outside the Box' Can Help Propel Detroit Lions Franchise:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/how-outside-the-box-thinking-can-help-detroit-lions


Dan Campbell Says Team is 'Ahead of Schedule':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-ahead-of-sche

Detroit vs. Everybody: Colin Cowherd Unites Detroit Lions Fans:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/fans-unite-to-support-detroit-lions-after-cowherd-criticism


Ranking all 8 QB starters drafted No. 1 (8. Jared Goff:  It wasn't long ago when Goff was just one quarter away from claiming a Super Bowl victory. One has to wonder how things could be different if the New England Patriots didn't score 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to down Goff and the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Fast forward to today, and the Rams have dumped Goff for Matthew Stafford. Sean McVay and L.A. were indeed looking to upgrade from Goff this offseason, and they paid the price. They gave up a first-round pick for Stafford, and another first-round pick for Detroit to take on Goff's contract.  Goff gets a chance for a new start with the Lions, but it's not exactly a favorable situation. Detroit is entering a rebuild with a new head coach and the Lions also lost their top two pass-catchers in free agency. The Lions haven't had a winning season since 2017, and they downgraded at many positions. I think Goff is a legitimate starting quarterback, but I'm not sure he can turn this franchise around by himself in 2021.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-2021-outlook-for-all-8-likely-nfl-starting-qbs-drafted-no-1-overall-matthew-stafford-leads-the-way/

One burning question for every NFC team ahead of the 2021 NFL season (Detroit Lions: Can this look like a respectable football team in the first year of a rebuild?  Dan Campbell’s kneecap-disrespecting Lions team is rebuilding for the long haul, but will they have enough pieces to put together a respectable team this year? Maybe. Their offensive line should be decent with Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell, while D’Andre Swift is one of the best young running backs in the league. However, Jared Goff and this group of wide receivers will severely limit the ceiling of this offense. That’s the biggest question for this team because it’s the only question that matters until like 2023.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/one-burning-question-for-every-nfc-team-ahead-of-the-2021-nfl-season

The worst NFL quarterbacks for every type of throw (With pre-snap motion: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Pre-snap motion is supposed to help quarterbacks. It can help a quarterback determine whether man or zone coverage is coming. It can put defenses in bad matchup situations. It can isolate defenders who are not quite up to covering the guys they’re about to cover. And Sean McVay has one of the more interesting set of pre-snap concepts — everything from jet motions to motion to trips and bunch. So why is it, you may ask, that Jared Goff, McVay’s former quarterback, managed to complete 152 of 237 passes for 1,559 yards, 669 air yards, eight touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.1? Well, you have to see how the defense adjusts to that motion, so it could be said that for some quarterbacks, pre-snap movement can be just as confusing for them as it is for those defenses.  Matthew Stafford, who now replaces Goff, completed 147 of 226 passes with pre-snap motion for 1,734 yards, 852 air yards, 13 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 98.2, so look for a slight uptick in efficiency there — and just about everywhere else.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/worst-nfl-quarterbacks-carson-wentz-sam-darnold-drew-lock/

2022 NFL Draft:

Posted by LionsFan at 5:01 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Lions Mini-Camp Thursday 6-10-21

Articles:

Detroit Lions

Lions’ Jeff Okudah fine after knocking heads with teammate in minicamp:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/lions-jeff-okudah-fine-after-knocking-heads-with-teammate-in-minicamp.html




Video:


Posted by LionsFan at 6:51 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 6-10-21

Articles:

Flowers adjusting to playing in space as an outside linebacker:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/flowers-adjusting-to-playing-in-space-as-an-outside-linebacker

Lions’ Austin Bryant, Jalen Reeves-Maybin battling minor injuries at minicamp:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/lions-austin-bryant-jalen-reeves-maybin-battling-minor-injuries-at-minicamp.html

New Lions QB Tim Boyle shares why he signed in Detroit, lessons from Aaron Rodgers:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/06/new-lions-qb-tim-boyle-shares-why-he-signed-in-detroit-lessons-from-aaron-rodgers.html




Jared Goff having fun building rapport with his Lions receivers:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/09/lions-jared-goff-wide-receivers-rapport-minicamp/

Why WR Quintez Cephus Must Emerge in Detroit Lions' Offense:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/quintez-cephus-impressed-day-one-of-minicamp



High-energy Detroit Lions coaches bringing extra level of competitiveness to practice:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/6/9/22525998/high-energy-detroit-lions-coaches-bringing-extra-competitiveness-practice


Lions GM Notes Jared Goff Bounced Back From Tough Times at Cal:  https://www.si.com/college/cal/news/detroit-lions-goff

Gil Brandt: 8 biggest roster concerns across the NFL (3. Lions - WR:  The Lions made progress on their rebuild in the draft (namely on defense), but it would have been unrealistic to expect the new leadership in Detroit to effectively patch all of the team's roster holes in one offseason. And wide receiver looks especially unsettled following the departures of Kenny Golladay (to the Giants) and Marvin Jones (to the Jaguars) in free agency. Detroit's two biggest acquisitions at the spot come loaded with question marks: Breshad Perriman logged double-digit starts last season for the first time in his six-year career, and he's topped 35 catches and 500 receiving yards only once, while Tyrell Williams missed all of 2020 with a torn labrum and hasn't cracked 1,000 yards since 2016.  Detroit eschewed taking a receiver in Round 1 of this year's draft, instead jumping at the chance to grab tackle Penei Sewell seventh overall. Fourth-round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown will be in the mix, along with Kalif Raymond (who produced 18 catches over the past two seasons combined) and 2020 fifth-rounder Quintez Cephus. But between this group and a shaky running game, the task facing Jared Goff -- proving he can be a bona fide franchise QB after being traded from the more talented Rams to the Motor City -- looks tough.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-season-eight-biggest-remaining-roster-concerns

Ranking all 32 NFL secondaries ahead of the 2021 season (30. DETROIT LIONS:  If Detroit’s secondary is to pan out as anything other than one of the worst units in the NFL, it will need bounce-back seasons from several players.  Jeffrey Okudah is at the forefront of that after leading all cornerbacks in yards allowed per coverage snap as a rookie (2.3). Okudah surrendered just 0.8 yards per coverage snap in his Ohio State career by comparison. The list extends to free agent acquisition Quinton Dunbar, whose overall grade fell nearly 40 points from 2019 to 2020. Tracy Walker is another player who has proven capable of much better play than the 51.0 PFF grade next to his name in 2020. It’s just a matter of how those players look in Aaron Glenn’s new defense.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-32-nfl-secondaries-entering-2021-season

VIDEO:


WATCH - Woody Woodriffe reports on day 2 of Lions mini camp:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/942595
Posted by LionsFan at 5:10 AM 0 comments
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