Detroit Lions Wish List: A Draft The NFL Forgot

This is a tough year for the NFL, with the lockout in effect and the possibility of missing real game time exists.  In the mean time, lets act like its not happening and focus on the NFL Draft.

The last few years, the Draft has been something I looked forward to as my Super Bowl every year.  We seemed to always have very high picks and always had an idea of who we would take before March.  Luckily, the Lions actually won some football games and have the thirteenth overall pick, with multiple options to be taken.  Let's look at the Lion's option for this month's player selection ceremony. 

Biggest Needs:

OT:  I know people say Jeff Backus is underrated and the whole offensive line isn't that bad.  But Backus gave up kill shots and the Lions need to start thinking about replacing him.  There is some good depth at this position this year and may be some options in the second round.  Godser is in a make or break season this year, and although he looked better last year, he still isn't where I'd like to be on the offensive line.

OLB:  This is a huge need, with our options being a bunch of special team guys or Bobby Carpenter, who never lived up to the hype in Dallas when the Lions claimed him.  Lots of options here, but maybe not at 13.

CB: Houston looked pretty good last year, better than I expected.  He is a good one, probably a great two on other teams.  We need someone to pair with him to help out the other side.  Alphonso Smith looked good at nickel, and is still young.  I think he should stay there and make plays like last year.  I know he got destroyed a few times next year, but the potential is there.

Wishlist:  Maybe not as big of needs, but stuff I would like and feel better about:

Resign Stanton, or draft a young, developmental QB.  Stanton showed flashes of being a good solid backup, maybe even a successor to Shaun Hill is a longterm backup.  Then again it could just be a few games and he might search for a starting job somewhere.  A late round flyer would be nice for a QB to groom as a new backup, something everybody else in the league seems able to do. 

Another Running Back:  Jahvid Best should be good, maybe even special, but he can't do it alone, and Kevin Smith isn't the answer and Morris is aging.  A new tough running back, maybe even in the second  round.  It could go a long way to help the offense and balance out the team. 

Wide Receiver:  Nate Burleson is solid but needs to stay healthy and play better.  Megatron is a top five in the league talent.  Behind them, there isn't much talent.  A new WR should be brought in to help the offense and help Calvin not be triple covered every play.  The Tight Ends help the situation with their pass catching but there is still work to be done. 

Right Guard:  Get extreme, get a new right guard.  Peterman looked lost and regressed in a penalty filled, injury marred season.  A new Guard could do wonders for the run and pass protection for the potentially All-Universe offense the Lions could run. 

Players Weston Corbitt Likes:

Quarterback:
TJ Yates, UNC
Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M

Running Back:

Ryan Williams, VA Tech
Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
Shane Vereen, Cal

Wide Reciever:

Torrey Smith, Maryland
Titus Young, Boise State
Terrence Toliver, LSU

Offensive Tackle

Nate Solder, Colorado
Tyron Smith, USC
Mike Person, Montana State

Offensive Guard:
Orlando Franklin, Miami, FL

Outside Linebacker
Casey Matthews, Oregon
Von Miller, Texas A&M
Bruce Carter, UNC

Cornerback
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
Jimmy Smith, Colorado
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia


A lot of these positions could be filled by the end of the year with some good young players developing.  Then again, until at least half of these holes are filled, the Lions won't ever make a deep run into the postseason. 

NFC Draft In Review

For the NFC North in review, you can see my past blogs for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.  Here's the rest of the NFC.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Best Pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee.  Sleeper Pick: O'Brien Schofield, OLB, Wisconsin.  Nice draft here, filling what they lost in free agency almost with every pick.  Skelton is a very good project QB and could be a starter with plenty of work.  Daryl Washington will rush the passer well for them.

St. Louis Rams: Best Pick: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma.  Sleeper Pick: Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati.  The Rams got their QB and Oline help to out their first picks this year and last year.  Jerome Murphy is a good for depth, Gilyard should be a KR/PR threat and possible slot threat.  A good draft, but they need so much more at this point.

San Francisco 49ers: Best Pick: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho.  Sleeper Pick: Anthony Dixon, RB Mississippi State.  Really good draft.  Davis and Iupati will set the foundation for the Oline for a long time.  Taylor Mays is really good value but needs work.  Bowman will play well if Singletary can get to him.  Dixon will bring another good running back to the depth chart.  Very solid.

Seattle Seahawks: Best Pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State.  Sleeper Pick: EJ Wilson, DE, North Carolina.  The Seahawks did a great job, improving their secondary and getting their franchise LT.  Tate will give a spark to the offense with a new QB coming in.  Lots of good picks and good job by Pete Carroll.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: Best Pick: Charles Brown, OT, USC.  Sleeper Pick: Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami.  First Rounder Patrick Robinson should be a solid starter someday, but with so many CBs taken early he could have been a reach.  Brown needs work, Graham is a project behind Shockey.  Sean Canfield will be a career backup in the NFL.

Carolina Panthers: Best Pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame.  Sleeper Pick: Armanti Edwards, QB, Appalachian State.  Clausen is amazing value here, as some people think he is better than Bradford.  Edwards brings a slash guy, he can run the wildcat, trick plays, slot receiver.  I love guys like that.  LaFell could be a very good number 2 guy.  The rest of the picks are solid.  Not a bad draft at all.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Best Pick: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma.  Sleeper Pick: Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse.  McCoy is their new Warren Sapp with a better attitude.  Brian Price was great value and if he works hard he can make a nice 1-2 punch.  Benn and Williams also need to work but could improve the offense drastically.  The rest of the picks were defensive help and a starting punter.  Not bad.

Atlanta Falcons: Best Pick: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri.  Sleeper Pick: Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama.  The Falcons found a really good OLB that will be a force in a few years.  I love Mike Johnson, who will be a backup for a few years could be a good starter.  Peters wasn't a great pick, and the rest of the draft isn't very good.  Solid, but not great.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Best Pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State.  Sleeper Pick: Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame.  Bryant is a extremely talented receiver and makes the Cowboys offense, who will throw more this season, much more potent.  Sean Lee, if healthy, could be a starter at MLB.  Owusu-Ansah is a small college guy but could be good, in the short term as a returner.

Philadelphia Eagles: Best Pick: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan.  Sleeper Pick: Mike Kafka, QB, Northwestern.  Graham brings pass rushing, but is small for a DE.  Nate Allen is a good safety, but no Brian Dawkins.  Kafka needs a ton of work but could be solid down the road.  Riley Cooper could be a slot guy, and Charles Scott is a big running back to compliment McCoy.  Good draft, although a lot has to come through.

New York Giants: Best Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida.  Sleeper Pick: Chad Jones, S, LSU.  Pierre-Paul is an athletic freak and total feast or famine pick.  Linval Joseph is a huge DT prospect.  Jones could start sooner than later.  They got their punter, Dodge, and some good depth.  A lot of this draft depends on Pierre-Paul.

Washington Redskins: Best Pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma.  Sleeper Pick: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia.  Williams over Okung was a bit of a surprise.  If he works hard, he takes care of a gaping hole for the Redskins.  Perry Riley could be a solid starter, and Terrence Austin will be solid on KR/PR and join the team as the tenth slot receiver.  Capers has tons of upside.  Not bad for a team not too far away from competing.

AFC Draft In Review Part 2

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Best Pick: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama. Sleeper Pick: Arthur Jones, Syracuse, DT.  Kindle is a first round talent but needs knee surgery and fell to the Ravens, who can redshirt him and work him into their system.  Cody fell because of his weight.  In the Ravens 3-4, he can be pretty fat and still be effective.  They got lots of talent later in the draft to help this defense get depth and youth.

Cleveland: Best Pick: Joe Haden, CB, Florida.  Sleeper: Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee.  McCoy falling to them (again and again) will be the biggest story, but the Browns made some weird picks.  I love Hardesty, Ward is too injury prone, and  the rest of the draft wasn't spectacular.  They need lots of talent, and fast.

Cincinnati Bengals: Best Pick: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida.  Sleeper: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas.  Very impressive draft.  Gresham has all the talent in the world, but has injury problems.  Dunlap has all the talent in the world but behavior problems.  Shipley can play the slot, Ghee is a solid CB, and Geno Atkins is very good but needs motivation.  Even Briscoe is solid.  Good draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Best Pick: Maurkice Pouncey, OG, Florida.  Sleeper: Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU.  Pouncey addresses a big need and not reaching for a QB helps.  Gibson is a solid pick in the 4th, Brown will be a good returner.  Dwyer is a good pick, and can split carries while playing a pro style offense.

AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars: Best Pick: Tyson Aluala, DT, California.  Sleeper: Deji Karim, RB, Southern Illinois.  Head scratcher at number 1.  The Jags signed Aaron Kampman, and drafted two pass rushing DTs early in the draft.  Karim could be a really good 3rd down back.  The Jags could make us all look bad or be embarrassed in a few years with this one.

Tennessee Titans: Best Pick: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech.  Sleeper: Myron Rolle, S, Florida State.  The Titans got Morgan, the most NFL ready DE.  Williams is a solid WR to compliment Britt. Rolle and QB Rusty Smith both have a lot of upside and questions.  Nice draft, but nothing really stands out past Round 2.

Indianapolis Colts: Best Pick: Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU.  Sleeper: Kevin Thomas, CB, USC.  Hughes will be a really good pass rusher and could be moved to DE.  Angerer will be a very good MLB and will start in a few years.  Thomas is a talented sleeper and CB.  Pretty solid draft, covering some needs.

Houston Texans:  Best Pick: Ben Tate, RB, Auburn.  Sleeper: Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona.  Tate automatically makes the Texans incredible offense better.  Slaton can go to a more appropriate role.  Earl Mitchell improves the run defense.  Trindon Holliday will improve the run game if he can prove durable.

AFC Draft In Review Part 1

Today I will take a look at the AFC East and West draft in review.  The AFC North and South will be on Thursday, and The rest of the NFC soon.

AFC East:

Buffalo Bills: Best Pick: CJ Spiller, RB Clemson.  Sleeper: Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas St. This was a solid draft, helping them transition to the 3-4 defense.  Spiller was a best available pick, and I am surprised they passed on Clausen.  Their QB situation is awful.  This is a multi-year rebuild.

Miami Dolphins: Best Pick: Koa Misi, OLB, Utah.  Sleeper: Nolan Carroll, CB, Maryland.  This draft was not flashy at all, but filled needs and provided depth.  The Marshall trade counts as the offensive side draft.  Passing on a RB could hurt.

New England Patriots: Best Pick: Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona. Sleeper: Taylor Price, WR, Ohio.  The Pats obviously value TEs and filled a few spots they needed.  Lots of depth here, they stockpiled talent again.  Taking mostly 2nd rounders will catch up to them.

New York Jets: Best Pick: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. Sleeper: Joe McKnight, RB, USC.  Another draft with not a lot of picks, the Jets addressed a need at OG.  They took a project with Ducasse and cut their starter Faneca.  Wilson at CB is taking a player at an extreme team strength.  Solid draft, but confusing.

AFC West:

Kansas City Chiefs: Best Pick: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee.  Sleeper: Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois.  A very solid draft.  Berry is going to be great, McCluster is a versatile weapon, Arenas will at least be a good KR/PR.  They have a lot of needs but this will lay a solid foundation to build upon.

Oakland Raiders: Best Pick: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama.  Sleeper: Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson.  This was one of my favorite drafts this year.  McClain is solid and will contribute right away.  They improved their OL and DLs.  A few projects here and there will pay off with good coaching.  They didn't reach or make any stupid picks.  The Raiders will be a dark horse next year, and could be returning to respectability.

Denver Broncos: Best Pick: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech Sleeper: Zane Beadles, OG, Utah. Another confusing draft with Tebow going very high.  I like the WRs and OL help, but where do all these guys fit?  This is part 2 of 3 in the McDaniels project.

San Diego Chargers: Best Pick: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State. Sleeper: Donald Butler, LB, Washington.  A good draft up top, but later on tailed off.  Crompton could be solid in a few years.  Mathews filled a huge hole.  Soon, the Chargers will see this depth pay off more when some starters leave.

Green Bay Packers Draft In Review

The Packers started off the draft great with Brian Bulaga.  Resisting some of the other top flight talent was pretty tough, but Ted Thompson has done it before to fill a need (BJ Raji over Michael Crabtree last year).  Later on they took some good picks with upside, largely ignoring injury problems.  Solid draft that should help a team on the rise fill more holes.  Draft Grade: B.

First Round, 23rd Overall, Brian Bulaga OT, Iowa:  Big tackle that comes from a system that produces a lot of lineman.  Smart and tough, and like everyone covering the draft said, he looks like a Packer.  Fills a big need, but will be asked to play LT with T.J. Lang handling RT.  There will be a learning curve.  Will have some time to learn with Tauscher coming back.   Good pick, but needs to get better at LT.  Grade: A-

Second Round, 56th Overall, Michael Neal DT, Purdue:  A big reach by the Packers, but maybe they see something because I don't really.  Injury prone, Neal played DT in college but will probably play DE in the Packer's 3-4.  Good pass rusher, and has some speed.  Not terrible, but not great.  Still some talent on the board that could have helped the OL or CB, what GB really needs.  Grade: C-

Third Round, 71st Overall, Morgan Burnett S, Georgia Tech:  Sold pick here. I really like it.  Getting good value in the third for this player.  Gives them depth at safety and could be a starter someday.  Needs some polishing but will be a good player.  Grade: B

Fifth Round, 154th Overall, Andrew Quarless TE, Penn State:  I love all the Big Ten picks in this draft.  Quarless is a good upside player that could be a solid backup behind Finley.  Athletic and physical, a real Nittany Lion, he could be a really good pick for them.  Will fight for playing time.  Grade: B


Fifth Round, 169th Overall, Marshall Newhouse OG, TCU:  Comes from a good offense and school, but lacks some skills that will keep him from starting in the NFL.  Good depth guy for the Pack.  They must really love Matt Flynn because some good QBs were here for them to take.  Grade: C

Sixth Round, 193rd Overall, James Starks RB, Buffalo:  Big and fast.  I got to see this guy play in person and I was impressed.  Injury prone, otherwise he would have went earlier.  If he can stay healthy he will be a very solid addition to the Packers backfield behind Ryan Grant.Grade: C+


Seventh Round, 230th Overall, C.J. Wilson DE, East Carolina: Will fill gaps in the 3-4 defense.  May get in some playing time as a rotation guy.  Smaller school guy who needs some work in the NFL.  Solid depth guy.  Grade: C+

Minnesota Vikings Draft In Review

The Vikings had a below average draft with their biggest pick being Stanford Running Back Toby Gerhart.  Not getting a Quarterback could be their biggest downfall, as Favre and his ankle injury could have him seriously consider hanging up his cleats.  Many of the picks are projects and could be good in a few years.  Most everyone will be depth on this talented team.  Overall Grade: C+


Second Round, 34th Pick, CB Chris Cook, Virginia:  Obviously reaching to fill a need.  The Viking's corners are banged up and the need depth at this position.  Has good ball skills, but can he cover?  All the elite corners were off the board by the time this pick was made. Will have time to learn to play in the NFL.  Grade: C


Second Round, 51st Pick, RB Toby Gerhart, Stanford:  Is more of a downhill runner than Peterson, but does not bring the receiving or pass blocking Chester Taylor did.  He does combine to make the toughest running team in the NFL.  Doesn't have a lot of explosiveness, but is faster than you would think.  Not a bad pick here, solidifies their identity.  Grade: B

Fourth Round, 100th Pick, DE Everson Griffen, USC: Very good player, when he wants to be.  Inconsistent underachiever.  If he was more consistent he would get a 1st or 2nd round grade.  Has all the physical tools and talent to be very good.  He won't start, and maybe Jared Allen and Company can get him into shape and get his motor going.  Could be boom or bust.  Grade: C+

Fifth Round, 161st Pick, OG Chris DeGeare, Wake Forest:  Has weight problems, needs work.  Is a project, but could be a starter someday.  Good Run blocker.  Not bad in the Fifth round, but I liked more prospects here.  Grade: C

Fifth Round, 167th Pick, ILB Nathan Triplett, Minnesota:  Good Big Ten run stopping Linebacker.  Good senior season for a less than average Golden Gopher team.  Adds depth to uncertain LB situation.  Can not play on passing downs yet.  Grade: C


Sixth Round, 199th Pick, QB/WR Joe Webb, UAB: Played QB in college, but will switch to WR in the NFL.  Will need a long time to learn such a different position.  Could he play at the Wildcat?  No team has run that offense in the NFC North with any consistency.  Definitely a project.  Grade: C+

Seventh Round, 214th Pick, TE Mickey Schuler, Penn State: Big TE in the mold of Pre-Antonio Gates TE era.  Can be a receiving threat near the goal line.  Needs to block well to make this team.  Grade: C


Seventh Round, 237th Pick, ILB Ryan D'Imperio, Rutgers:  Tough hard working player.  Could make the special teams.  If he blows a guy up on coverage he has the makings of fan favorite.  Grade: C+

Chicago Bears Draft In Review

The Bears lacked a lot of picks in this year's draft due to the Jay Cutler trade.  That's too bad for them because they could use some of the lineman and other prospects that was featured in the draft.  That is why they were so aggressive in free agency this season.  I was surprised that Greg Olsen wasn't moved beforehand.

Third Round, 75th Overall, Major Wright, Florida:  Nice pick, gives the secondary some athleticism and coverage skills.  Played for a winner and a big time program.  Should get playing time right away.  Nice third round pick.  Grade: B

Fourth Round, 109th Overall, Corey Wootton, Northwestern: Local kid, really good pick.  Has a lot of talent but was coming back from an injury all year last year.  He is going to be more like he was his junior year when he was healthy.  Will need some time to recover and strengthen still, but could be a really solid pro.  Grade: B+


Fifth Round, 141st Overall, Joshua Moore, Kansas State: Doesn't have great speed, but could be a solid Cover-2 corner.  Not a great tackler, but could be groomed into a Nickel corner guy.  Lot of people still on the board I don't really like this pick.  Grade: C-


Sixth Round, 181st Overall, Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan University:  Doesn't fit into Martz's system because of his arm strength.  I really thought he was a higher pick, so this is a good find.  Can run the wildcat, if the Bears choose to run it.  Will need some time, but will be a popular backup and solid player. Grade: B

Seventh Round, 218th Overall, J'marcus Webb, West Texas A&M: Total project, but has size.  Good seventh round pick.  The Bears may play him earlier because they need offensive line help.  Not bad at all.  Grade: C+

Like the Lions, the Bears didn't have a lot of picks.  They took some really good value and I love the Wootton pick.  They mostly took depth players who could contribute in a year or two.  Not a bad draft, but not exciting.  Grade: B-

Detroit Lions Draft In Review

I'll review every draft in the NFC North and a do a write up on the other 28 teams.  I'll start with my pride and joy Detroit Lions.


First Round, 2nd Overall, Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska:  A once in 15 years talent, can rush the passer and disrupt the running game as good as anyone in the league.  Will need time to learn the pro game and gain a little weight like any rookie, but the learning curve for someone so talented should be smaller.  Great character and work ethic.  Improved a lot at college.  Best player in the draft.  Great pick.  Grade: A+


First Round, 30th Overall, Jahvid Best, California: Filthy nasty speed.  4.35 40 yard dash.  Durability is a problem, but work ethic and character are not.  Added a lot of weight in college, might have to do more.  Can split out, run outside the tackles and return kick.  A great compliment to a power back.  Very smart player.  Grade: B


Third Round, 66th Overall, Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa: Big physical corner the current regime loves.  Doesn't have very good speed, and can improve his ball skills, but still a very good pick.  Will get a chance to start, and probably will somewhere in the season.  Fills a need with a nice player. Grade: B

Fourth Round, 128th Overall, Jason Fox, OT, Miami:  Has a ton of upside.  Had minor knee surgery to end his senior season, and is still rehabbing.  Won't miss training camp.  Has to add weight and work on the finer points of playing on the OL.  Can play LT, RT, or OG.  Needs some time and seasoning, but could be a nice starter in the NFL.  Grade: B

Seventh Round, 213th Overall, Willie Young, DE, North Carolina State: Streaky, needs to add weight to play DE.  Nice height, but needs a lot of work, like Fox.  A year or two away from having an impact.  Can be a solid rotational guy until then.  Struggled some in college.  Thought to be a 3-4 OLB.  Solid choice in the 7th round. Grade: C+

Seventh Round, 255th Overall, Tim Toone, WR, Weber State: Mr. Irrelevant.  Really wanted Blair White here, a good possession guy with at least a draft rating.  Brett Swenson would have been nice here too.  All I can find is he is 5'10'', 165 lbs and has 4.5 40 yard dash speed.  He is a play maker for a small school.  From the sound of that, he has a shot at slot receiver/return specialist.  Kiper and McShay had him rated a priority free agent.  Could fill a need, if he makes the team.  Grade: C

The Lions made some really nice picks, but traded away a lot before the draft, which I felt mixed feelings about.  In such a deep draft, it would have been nice to keep some picks, but we got good return on them.  We did move up in the draft, giving up a 7th rounder, and swapping two picks, 30th and 34th and 100th and 128th.  I like the first three picks a lot, and they should all make big contributions early.  Fox has a lot of upside, but needs a lot of work, so does Young.  Toone was a strange pick with some other good options on the board.  Soon we will see the undrafted free agents come in.  Overall, a very good draft. Grade: B+

Day 1: Winners And Losers

The obvious winner in all of this is the NFL and ESPN/NFL Network by the draft moving to the current format.  I have more time to enjoy and digest more of the draft than ever before.  Its far superior to the marathon two day by the end of the time I'm exhausted approach.

Winners:

Seattle Seahawks:  Okung and Thomas were great building block picks.  Pete Carroll didn't disappoint in his first draft.  He didn't reach to get anybody and resisted Spiller.   Way to start a new era.

San Francisco: Building the team you want is huge.  Any offensive line problems should go away soon.  Singletary is building his team.

Tim Tebow:  Can't believe he went so early.  Nice story, but is it smart to draft someone so high that you don't know where he is going to play.  But good for him.

Al Davis:  Made a smart pick with the MLB Rolando McClain.  He has Raider swagger and fills a need.  Everybody was waiting for him to take Spiller or Clausen and Davis made the smart pick.

Losers: 

ESPN:  ESPN was late on cuts and returning to action.  They ruined suspense by showing the players celebrate with their families before Roger Goodell came up to the podium.  The move to prime time was great, and ESPN dropped the ball.  I wish I had NFL Network in my apartment.

Mel Kiper Jr.: is as qualified as you and me.  He has no college degree, was never a scout, player, coach, general manager,  or anything I don't have.  His picks looked awful last night and his players usually sucks.  I really don't like him, I'll be honest.  I agree with him sometimes, but hes still bad.

Denver Broncos:  After trading and moving down for extra picks, they take some of those picks to move up and get.....Tim Tebow?  Right now he is developmental player, possibly Wildcat QB.  Demaryius Thomas was a nice character pick, but is an Option WR and a big question mark.

Jimmy Clausen: He has fallen so far that the money is just gone.  Tebow went first, and McCoy could go before him too.  I still think someone will get a bargain, but he is Aaron Rodgers/Brady Quinn/Chad Henne/Brian Brohm all over again.

Weston Corbitt's Big Board

First, a little while ago, I entered a writing contest on the excellent sports blog The Lions In Winter which covers the Lions exceptionally.  I didn't win, but you can find the post here and read about my proudest moment of being a Lions fan.  The writer, Ty, is an awesome guy who was nice enough to link STWWC during the post.  Check out my article and the blog, you won't regret it.

I love the draft, but I don't want to bore you with another mock draft.  Look how different they are now since all the trades.  More trades will follow before next Thursday.  I like the new format, (First round Thursday at 7:30 pm, Second and Third round Friday at 6:30 pm, and rounds Four through Seven starting at noon on Saturday) because it splits up and gives the most important round the most coverage, then splits up rounds on matter of importance and cuts daily watching time down. 

For my Big Board, I rank the top 10 players and give a little write up on each.  We have less than a week until the draft, so its getting close to showtime.

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska:  He is disruptive, getting into the backfield often.  He gets more sacks than most DTs could dream off.  He out lifted Gerald McCoy and had a great combine, running a sub 5 forty yard dash.  Hes big and powerful.  Comes with a lot of hype, but could be amazing.

2. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: Best deep ball in the draft, and the positives are obvious.  He played in a pro system, for a pro coach, taking snaps under center and has the timing.  Remember when he came in as a freshman?  He got destroyed.  He bulked up and studied and threw for 3,762 yards last year (ridiculous in College Football for a team who isn't Texas Tech or Hawai'i) and a 28:4 TD to INT ratio.

3. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: Super accurate, worked out really well, gained weight and worked hard.  Brittle in his last year of college.  I'm not convinced he has the arm strength to make all the throws.  On top of that, he played in a spread offense.  Still has the size and comes from a major program.  Has played in huge games.  Just behind Clausen for me. 

4. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma:  A banner year for DTs and the Sooners.  McCoy would be first overall in most years.  More of a pass rusher than Suh, has the size and speed you want in a DT.  Didn't lift as well as I would have wanted.  Is that because he isn't driven enough or because he isn't strong like we think.  Played for a better defense than Suh.  Didn't have a "wow" game.

5. Russel Okung, LT, Oklahoma State: Played in a spread offense, but has great pass blocking skills.  Has the size and strength to play at LT in the NFL.  I would put him inside then/or have him play RT, to learn to run block.  Had a good combine, and no behavior problems.  Should be the first OT taken.

6. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: Would be higher, but he has some "behavioral problems." By that, he worked out with Deion Sanders and was mentored by the former All-Pro.  He is flying off most teams boards, but he is too talented for me to not to include.  He has the size and speed to be the number one wideout for most teams.  Someone will get great value for him.

7. Eric Berry, S/CB, Tennessee:  Great player who played in an NFL system his last year.  Has the skill to play Safety or Corner Back.  Hes a little lower on my board because I don't know what he will end up playing in the NFL.  Smart and tough, great guy and could go Top on Thursday.  I would put him at Safety and let him ball hawk.

8. Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Best cover corner in the draft, and has everything you want.  Ran a better forty after being hurt in the combine.  Played in the SEC so you know hes fast.  Could shut down a side of the field.  Played on a very good defense.

9. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson:  Has great size and speed, can be a receiving and returning threat as well.  That versatility will be excellent in today's running back by committee approach.  Can bring a home run threat to any team and could play WR too.  Hes a Reggie Bush type player but without the price tag.  He could go anywhere, because you can never have enough RBs.

10. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama: Great leader, tough and played great down the stretch in the BCS Championship game and the BCS Playoff game (SEC Title game).  Played in a pro defense, and played on a great defense.  Is a complete LB that can play in the middle in the NFL.  He has a lot of leadership and swagger.  Needs to play in a 4-3 though.  It would best show his talents.

There is my Top Ten.  I don't have a lot of OTs because I don't think they (Brian Bulaga, Trent Williams, Anthony Davis) really don't separate from the pack.  I do like Jimmy Clausen more, although Bradford will go first.  Hope you enjoy.

Detroit Lions Draft Review: Part 4

The middle to late rounds in the draft for the Lions was pretty good, getting depth and possible special teams starters. Zach Follett out of Cal looks like a monster on the special teams. He was a tackle for loss specialist for Cal and has the size to be a solid depth guy. I was really high on him during the second day of the draft, and with good coaching and drive, he could be a decent starter for the Lions. Aaron Brown out of TCU was a strange pick. Aaron Brown is another running back, another kick returner and a possible third down back in the sixth round. I thought Morris or Williams could return kicks and that we addressed the running back situation in free agency. I guess he was the best player available at that point. Overall, a good draft, not great right now but the potential to be in a few years. Remember Lions fans, we can’t do this all in one draft. So not taking a middle linebacker, offensive line or much defense is not a big deal yet. Give it time, and I think Schwartz and Mayhew can pull this off.

Detroit Lions Draft Review: Part 3

The Lions have two solid young safeties that are solid when healthy. Daniel Bullocks and Gerald Alexander have battled injuries during their brief careers. The top rated safety in this year’s draft was Louis Delmas of Western Michigan University and the Lions could not resist taking him with the 33rd pick. He is a confident hard hitting ball hawk, who had 110 tackles for the Brown and Gold last season. He upgrades a defense instantly and has to cause havoc in the secondary. Deandre Levy of Wisconsin and Derrick Williams of Penn State round out the third round for the Lions. Levy will get an opportunity to play middle linebacker after playing outside linebacker during college. Williams will play slot receiver and kick/punt returner for the Lions, both drastic needs from last year. Since Eddie Drummond left Detroit for Kansas City, the Lions have lacked any spark returning the ball, opting to resign Aveion Cason every year. Rounds two and three gave the Lions depth and filled in needs and did not reach for names or positions as Millen did every year.

Detroit Lions Draft Review: Part 2

At first I did not like the Brandon Pettigrew pick. I know how a tight end is important to an offense. Look what Jason Witten, Greg Olsen, John Carlson and Owen Daniels do for their teams. They help block for the running and passing game and are valuable to convert on third down. The Lions have not had a good TE since David Sloan left for the Saints. Pettigrew can add another weapon on the offense and solidify the running, passing and blocking game. I personally wanted a MLB or OL to help two of our needs. But, I see the difference in Millen and Mayhew there in that pick. Millen would have reached for a name or a position no matter what (like he did with Godser Cherilus and Jordan Dizon with the first two picks last year) and would not consider taking best talent available. It filled a need (although not a huge one) and will help Stafford in the long run with another weapon, but unlike a wide receiver, Pettigrew can get tough, physical, NFC North style yardage.

Detroit Lions Draft Review: Part 1

STWWC Draft Grade: B

Best Pick: Brandon Pettigrew

Possible Steal: Sammie Lee Hill

First I will start by saying I am fine with the Lions taking Matt Stafford with the first pick. It helps a lot to have a franchise QB to lead a team. If we took the QB next year (Sam Bradford of Oklahoma or Colt McCoy of Texas would be possible choices) he would have to ride the bench as Stafford appears to be this year. This would delay overall development of the team by another year. Stafford has the big NFL arm you are looking for. I know his accuracy is in question, but so was Jay Cutler’s a few years back. Aaron Curry would have been nice, but he would probably be switching positions to play middle linebacker. Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson are good Outside Linebackers, and the possible addition of Larry Foote could give the Lions a far improved LB core. I think the Lions biggest need is on the defensive line. Sammie Lee Hill could change that. He is a big physical presence from a small college who needs good coaching to unlock his potential. Luckily, we have Grady Jackson and Chuck Darby to hold the line down now.

Hopefully My Last Post About How Awesome Aaron Curry Is

Final argument why the Lions need to take Aaron Curry with the first overall pick in this Saturday's NFL Draft.

• He is a class act. A lot is being made about the character issues in the NFL nowadays from T.O. to Chad Ocho Cinco to Vernon Davis. Percy Harvin and Brandon Tate tested positive for marijuana at the combine and will see a higher draft slot and all that money slip away. Aaron Curry said he would take less money than last year's first overall pick Jake Long. He is bringing a leukemia patient to the draft weekend. He is going to use his new contract to buy his mother, who worked so hard in a crime infested area to get him the best chance at success, a new house. I know the NFL isn't a nice guy league, but it means something.
• He would have an instant impact on the team. The Lions would have him, Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims at linebacker. We would have solid depth at linebacker and could groom Curry to play Middle Linebacker if we saw fit. With the Lions defense being so awful last year, we could have an immediate upgrade while Culpepper starts next year, and either we use our high draft pick for a QB next year (in a rich talent pool of QBs) or see if maybe Drew Stanton could be a starter in this league.
• We don't need Stafford. We need defense. Martin Mayhew said he would only make a pick if he and Jim Schwartz were in agreement. Hopefully our new draft staff of Mayhew, Schwartz and James "Schack" Harris (formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars) can make the right pick.
  

Detroit Lions New Logo Unveiled, First Overall Pick Still Undecided?

• The Detroit Lions unveiled their new logo and uniform today less than a week before the NFL Draft. It is nice to see a meaner, more modern version of Bubbles, and to see the uniforms not get too radically changed. I would like the Lions to get rid of the black on their uniform, because everybody does it now.
• Daunte Culpepper is in such good shape and looking so impressive that the Lions might consider taking Jason Smith or Aaron Curry with the top pick. I would love this decision, build with Lineman or Defense than Matt Stafford, who doesn't look like a surefire top pick anyway. It could really help the Lions rebuild if they go elsewhere than QB with the first pick. We just have to hope Mayhew and Schwartz are smart enough.
  

Thoughts From My Desk April 19th Edition

• One of my favorite Lions blogs Pride Of Detroit made a great find with an article summing up how I feel about Mel Kiper Jr. and how "great" he is.
• The Cubs won in come from behind fashion against the Cardinals 7-5 in extra innings. Its great to see Aramis Ramirez get off to a great start and hit a clutch homer. Once again the Cubs are on Sunday Night baseball tonight against the Red Birds, and were Fox's game of the week on Saturday.
• The Tigers are really putting it together I think. Edwin Jackson pitched a gem and Rodney nailed down another save. The hitting will be there but if the bullpen can solidify and the starters can play to their potential, the Tigers could be contenders in the AL Central.
  

Quick Hits April 10th Edition

• The Cubs open Wrigley Field Monday afternoon against the Rockies. First the play the Brewers in Milwaukee this weekend at Wrigley North. The Sunday match up will be Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN.
• The Red Wings play a home and home series against the Blackhawks to close out the regular season. The Sunday game is the Game of the Week. It is a good way for the Wings to close out the season. They play a good team (possible playoff preview) don't travel much and can play their lineup accordingly. I wonder who will get the starts in net this weekend?
• The NFL draft is two weeks from tomorrow. Anybody else have a countdown going?
• Geovany Soto could be on the DL for the Cubs. They are seeing if a few days off could do him better. This could really slow down the Cubs in the beginning of the year for offense and defense. Koyie Hill should fill in for now. He has been bouncing around the big leagues for a few years, and beat out Paul Bako this Spring. He is good defensively but could hurt the offense. It will be the Cubs first challenge this year. Let's see how they respond.
  

Thoughts from my desk.

1. One of the many sad moments of being a Detroit Lions fan as I am is the draft is one of the most anticipated times of the year for my beloved franchise. I look over the draft board and realize how we screwed up by going 0-16 in a year with no clear number 1. I will announce formally to my loyal readers my choice for number 1 selection is Aaron Curry linebacker, Wake Forest. Matt Stafford would not be a bad choice, but so many other good quarterbacks on the board next year, we should see what happens with Culpepper, or sign another retired quarterback halfway through another miserable year. Let us all pray to Jim "The Saviour" Schwartz.
2. Do not remove fighting from hockey. Period. That would be one of the worst moves in sports in a long time. Ask a random person walking down the street and ask them if they would like hockey more if fighting was removed. If they say yes they are most likely a U of M grad or someone who is saying it to look humane in today's world. The alternative of any star getting pummeled and beaten up is too scary.
3. Michigan sucks slightly less at basketball. Manny Harris, who is a rare example of a U of M athlete who is a Kinesiology major (oh wait) leads the way for Corn and Blue. I heard a sports announcer (most likely Brent Musberger) said he is a candidate for Big Ten player of the year. That was a bigger joke then giving Rosie O'Donnell another show (yeah she had one a few weeks ago or something, if you didn't know its ok). Michigan should make the tournament and lose in the first round, hopefully getting T'd up for calling one more extra time out.
4. The World Baseball Classic finishes its first round tonight with Mexico vs Cuba. The second round starts Saturday. I have personally loved this tournament, with classic upsets and upstart teams knocking off top talent. I hope to see this continue into the next round and make predictions in the next post.
5. Wings vs Calgary tonight at 7. Lets hope to get some goaltending and stop Olli and Leopold and the new look Flames.
6. Tomorrow Michigan State takes on Minnesota in the Big Ten Tourney. Should be a win for an underrated team in an underrated conference. Western has already been eliminated in the MAC tourney to end a disappointing season.
7. Western take on U of M in hockey in the second round of CCHA playoffs this weekend starting Friday night.