Lions Blog

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 1-20-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Lions CB Darius Slay wants to become a "hit stick" tackler like in Madden:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21852/lions-cb-darius-slay-wants-to-become-a-hit-stick-tackler-like-in-madden

Local Media:

NOTEBOOK: Austin, Cooter expected back for 2016:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Austin-Cooter-expected-back-for-2016/73afd458-057b-4fb7-8d70-c6e251bc2212

Zenner confident he'll be ready for 2016 season:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Zenner-confident-hell-be-ready-for-2016-season/3647fcc8-e437-4a5b-a2aa-d3652c42e22e

2015 Position Breakdown: Defensive line:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/2015-Position-Breakdown-Defensive-line/da1492a1-ce5d-43e6-882f-746ea98e7310

Lions' top 10 free agents for 2016:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/19/detroit-lions-free-agents/78999914/

Ex-Lions assistant Washburn and dad headed to Dolphins:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/19/miami-dolphins-assistant-coaches/79001656/

Detroit Lions 2015 snap counts: Devin Taylor sees big jump, Calvin Johnson plays most since 2012:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/detroit_lions_2015_snap_counts.html

MLive's Detroit Lions awards: Matthew Stafford easy choice for offensive MVP:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/mlives_detroit_lions_awards_ma.html

Report: Detroit Lions could lose key offensive assistant to San Francisco 49ers:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/report_detroit_lions_could_los.html

Lions notes: Darius Slay switches agents:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/19/10789128/lions-notes-darius-slay-agent-mock-draft-ashawn-robinson-ndamukong-suh

2016 Draft:

Which prospects make top-five cut at each position?:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000625150/article/top-five-2016-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position

Mayock's Day 2 observations:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000625525/article/eastwest-shrine-game-day-2-observations

What we learned on Day 2:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000624897/article/michigan-lb-harbaugh-slid-on-hotel-floor-in-khakis-for-qb-demo

What we learned Monday at East-West Shrine Game practice:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000624845/article/what-we-learned-monday-at-eastwest-shrine-game-practice

Shrine Game: Fahn Cooper impresses during Tuesday's East practice:   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25454655/shrine-game-fahn-cooper-impresses-during-tuesdays-east-practice

2016 Shrine Game: Mixed results from West team's quarterbacks:   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25455012/shrine-game-mixed-results-from-west-teams-quarterbacks

2016 East-West Shrine Game East Practice Report:   http://walterfootball.com/eastwest2016practice3.php

2016 East-West Shrine Game West Practice Report:   http://walterfootball.com/eastwest2016practice4.php

Draft Notes from Shrine Practice: Day 1:   http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=11203

Shrine Game: Practice Winners From The First Two Days:   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2756/Shrine-Game-Practice-Winners-From-The-First-Two-Days

10 intriguing Shrine prospects:   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000623096/article/top-10-most-intriguing-eastwest-shrine-game-prospects

Shrine Week Preview: 5 Players to Watch:   http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=11186

10 Players to Watch At Shrine Game Practices:   http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2754/10-Players-to-Watch-At-Shrine-Game-Practices

East Roster Preview:   http://optimumscouting.com/uncategorized/2016-shrine-game-preview-east-roster-led-by-three-of-the-nfl-drafts-top-small-schoolers.html

Monday, January 18, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 1-19-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Key things to know about Lions director of player personnel Kyle O'Brien:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21805/learn-about-new-lions-director-of-player-personnel-kyle-obrien

Report: Lions to keep Jim Bob Cooter as permanent OC:   http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/detroit-lions-jim-bob-cooter-offensive-coordinator-permanent-return-011816

Top 3 coaches from shrinking 2014 hiring class have identical résumés:   http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/minnesota-vikings-detroit-lions-houston-texans-mike-zimmer-bill-caldwell-bill-obrien-011816

Local Media:

2015 Position Breakdown: Running Back:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/2015-Position-Breakdown-Running-back/6b96484d-97b2-4df4-8cb6-48fb09720733

With snaps down, future unclear for Lions' Tulloch:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/18/detroit-lions-stephen-tulloch-future/78966888/

Quinn has Patriots as blueprint for scouting success:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/18/quinn-patriots-blueprint-scouting-success/78976770/

Report: Eagles to name Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/18/ap-source-jags-interviewing-schwartz-dc-job/78969314/

Report: Darius Slay switches agents in push for long-term deal:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/report_darius_slay_switches_ag.html

Reviewing our predictions for the Detroit Lions' 2015 season:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/detroit_lions_predictions_revi.html

Jack Conklin to the Lions? Mel Kiper says Michigan State All-American a fit:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/mel_kiler_michigan_state_all-a.html

Detroit Lions notes: Jim Bob Cooter’s interim tag removed:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20160118/detroit-lions-notes-jim-bob-cooters-interim-tag-removed

Notes: Jim Schwartz lands DC interview with Jags:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/18/10785604/lions-notes-jim-schwartz-lands-defensive-coordinator-interview-jaguars

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Monday 1-18-16

Lions Articles:

Local Media:

CB Rashean Mathis' football future is uncertain:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/CB-Rashean-Mathis-football-future-is-uncertain/a2b00af2-4f51-4d51-8ca8-9a1439014f03

Lions, with holes aplenty, could be major player in FA:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/17/detroit-lions-free-agency/78950762/

With final coaching vacancy filled, DC Teryl Austin will be back with Detroit Lions in 2016:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/with_final_coaching_vacancy_fi.html

Pat Caputo - Strength of NFC North will be challenging for Detroit Lions:   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20160117/pat-caputo-strength-of-nfc-north-will-be-challenging-for-detroit-lions

Herman Moore believes Calvin Johnson will retire:   http://www.wxyz.com/sports/football/lions/former-lions-receiver-herman-moore-believes-calvin-johnson-will-retire

Notes: More on Bob Quinn, Rashean Mathis' future:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/17/10782388/lions-notes-more-info-on-bob-quinn-rashean-mathis-future-more

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 1-17-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Lions Mailbag: What happens with receiver Calvin Johnson?:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21790/lions-mailbag-what-happens-with-receiver-calvin-johnson

Lions players had seen Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary before:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21796/lions-players-had-seen-that-from-aaron-rodgers-before

Local Media:

Quinn hopes to imitate Panthers in keeping coach:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/16/quinn-caldwell-keeping-coach-nfl/78900152/

Expect Quinn to bring Pats’ detailed draft process:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/16/expect-quinn-bring-pats-detailed-draft-process/78907056/

New Lions GM graduated from ‘Ivy League of scouting’:   http://www.freep.com/longform/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/17/detroit-lions-bob-quinn/78923258/

Green: Quinn's hiring brings hope, but so did Millen's:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/16/green-quinns-hiring-brings-hope-but-so-did-millens/78899478/

Niyo: Lions' roster remains Quinn's biggest challenge:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2016/01/15/niyo-keeping-caldwell-makes-sense-now/78842874/

Quinn convinced Caldwell is 'right man' to lead Lions:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/15/jim-caldwell-detroit-lions/78839982/

Analysis: How Jim Caldwell's return might affect Calvin Johnson's future:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/analysis_how_might_jim_caldwel.html

Friday, January 15, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Saturday 1-16-16

2016 NFL Mock Drafts 3

Right now there are only a few that I could find that have been updated since the season ended. I will add more as they become available. If you find any that you want me to include please post a comment in the comment section.

Walter football's Charlie's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor: The Lions grab a nose tackle to cause disruption next to Ziggy Ansah. Billings has more talent and upside than any offensive lineman available. Billings totaled 39 tackles with 14 for a loss, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2015. The numbers don't tell the whole story as he is extremely powerful with some serious quickness. Billings can be overwhelming in the ground game and contribute to the pass rush. He causes a lot of disruption at the point of attack by using his power and explosion to fire into the backfield. Billings totaled 37 tackles with 11.5 for a loss and two sacks in 2014. The 6-foot-2, 310-pounder is also known as a weight-room champion. 46. CB William Jackson:

The Lions grab a cornerback to replace Rashean Mathis. Jackson recorded 43 tackles, five interceptions and 23 passes broken up in 2015. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder has excellent height and length, but also has a tall, lanky frame that he needs to fill out for the NFL. Over the past two seasons, Jackson was a steady defender for Houston. He recorded two interceptions, 37 tackles and 10 passes broken up in 2014. The previous year, he had one pick, 35 tackles and seven passes batted.) (1-15-16): http://walterfootball.com/draft2016charlie.php

Draft Tek Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - DE Shaq Lawson: One of the key decisions new GM Rob Quinn has to make is whether to bring back free agent DE Jason Jones. Regardless of the outcome, he'll want to upgrade the edge rush. Augmenting All Pro Ziggy Ansah will be a high draft day priority. Shaq Lawson is a nice value in this spot. 46. Detroit Lions - OT Jason Spriggs: Spriggs, an Outland Trophy Semifinalist, is a poised technician in pass protection, and is a powerful run blocker. In most other draft years, he'd be a Round 1 lock. But fortunately this draft class of OTs is extremely deep, and talented. 108. CB Maurice Canady, 139. SS Elijah Shumate, 156. OLB Deion Jones, 174. TE Austin Hooper, 189.QB Cody Kessler and 204. DT Quinton Jefferson) (1-14-16):   http://www.drafttek.com/2016-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp

Walter football Walt's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State: There's no question that upgrading the offensive line has to be a priority for Detroit this upcoming offseason, and the front office can start by finding an upgrade across from Riley Reiff. 46. Detroit Lions: Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame: An upgrade for the defensive interior is obviously needed, as the Lions failed to replace Ndamukong Suh last offseason. 108. Detroit Lions: Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA: There's talk that Calvin Johnson could be leaving Detroit this offseason or possibly retiring. Regardless, the Lions need some young blood at wide receiver.) (1-14-16):   http://walterfootball.com/draft2016.php

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

CBS' Rob Rang's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche shares a lot in common with former Lions star Ndamukong Suh; the most important being remarkable athleticism on a naturally powerful 6-4, 295-pound frame. After electing not to re-sign Suh a year ago, the Lions may be hesitant to gamble on a player with Nkemdiche's red-flags but pairing him with Ziggy Ansah would be tempting.) (1-10-16): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/rob-rang

CBS' Dane Brugler's Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions:  Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State: With a new front office, the Lions will be a wild card in the first round, especially if Detroit makes a splash with one of the high-priced contracts (Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, etc.) on the current roster. Decker is a plug-and-play option on the offensive line, which would address the Lions' issues at right tackle.) (1-10-16): http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/expert/dane-brugler

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

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

Rotoworld's Josh Norris' Mock Draft (16. Detroit Lions - Clemson edge player Shaq Lawson - Joey Bosa is the clear top edge rusher. The Lawson’s (Shaq and Carl) and Noah Spence make up the next three on the list. Ziggy Ansah is an outstanding player, but more rotation up front is never a bad thing. An interior player could also be possible with Haloti Ngata off contract.) (1-4-16): http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/59423/344/nfl-mock-draft-version-10?pg=2

First Round Picks:

2 - DT A'Shawn Robinson
1 - DT Jarran Reed
1 - DT Robert Nkemdiche
1 - DT Andrew Billings
1 - DE Shaq Lawson
1 - CB Tre'Davious White

1 - OT Taylor Decker
1 - OT Jack Conklin

Round 2:

1 - DT Sheldon Day
1 - CB William Jackson
1 - OT Jason Spriggs

Round 4:

1 - WR Rashard Higgins
1 - CB Maurice Canady

Round 5:

139. 1- SS Elijah Shumate
154. 1 - OLB Deion Jones

Round 6:

174. 1 - TE Austin Hooper
189. 1 - QB Cody Kessler

Round 7:

1 - DT Quinton Jefferson

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Morning Lions Links for Friday 1-15-16

Lions Articles:

National Media:

Detroit Lions trademark phrases 'Defend the Den,' 'One Detroit One Pride':   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21755/detroit-lions-trademark-phrases-defend-the-den-one-detroit-one-pride

Lions defensive boss Teryl Austin remains head-coaching candidate:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21728/lions-dc-teryl-austin-remains-a-head-coaching-candidate-as-jobs-get-filled

Former Lions GM Martin Mayhew gaining interest from other teams:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/21741/former-lions-gm-martin-mayhew-gaining-interest-from-other-teams

Local Media:

Quinn knows what it takes to be a good scout:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Quinn-knows-what-it-takes-to-be-a-good-scout/07aabaa1-78f2-4923-a1d5-10be544b7332

Detroit made football fun again for Lance Moore:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Detroit-made-football-fun-again-for-Lance-Moore/edb208d0-924d-4bb5-9c23-682b9281a9b0

If Lions want McDaniels, they might have competition:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/14/josh-mcdaniels-head-coach/78790320/

Stafford: Calvin Johnson retirement talk is 'serious':   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/14/detroit-lions-calvin-johnson-retire/78782044/

Lions a Top 10 NFL team since 2012? Don't laugh:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/14/detroit-lions-rankings/78803816/

Relentlessness, passion behind Quinn’s rise to Lions GM:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/01/14/relentlessness-passion-behind-quinns-rise-lions-gm/78818842/

Report: Lions GM Bob Quinn has met with Jim Caldwell at least 4 times, still no decision:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/report_lions_gm_bob_quinn_has.html

Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford shares thoughts on Calvin Johnson, Bob Quinn and Jim Caldwell:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/detroit_lions_matthew_stafford_70.html

A look at some notable statistics from the Detroit Lions' 2015 season:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/a_look_at_the_statistics_from.html

If Calvin Johnson retires, ESPN analyst highlights some WRs Detroit Lions could target in draft:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/if_calvin_johnson_retires_espn.html

Detroit Lions address defensive line in Mel Kiper's initial 2016 mock draft:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/detroit_lions_address_defensiv.html

Report: Ex-Lions GM Martin Mayhew to interview with Cleveland Browns:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2016/01/report_ex-lions_gm_martin_mayh.html

Notes: Former Lions coaches receiving job offers:   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/1/14/10766908/lions-notes-jim-schwartz-joe-lombardi-titans-saints-coaching-rumors

Video:

Local Media:

Season Review: Defense:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Season-Review-Defense/c9e3ef74-8ab2-4d63-a425-37accdafd2e1