Detroit Lions 2010 Draft Review

The Lions made trades for DT Corey Williams, CB Chris Houston, and OG Rob Sims with late round picks. Ndamukong Suh , Jahvid Best, and Amari Spievey are all expected to make big contributions next season. Anytime you can come away from a draft with six players who should make an immediate impact, it's a great draft. It could take Suh time to develop into a dominate pass rusher, but he should be an immediate upgrade in the run stopping department. Best is a great triple threat as a runner, receiver, and returning threat. Spievey is a corner who comes from a program that teaches NFL level schemes. Fox, Young, and Toone are prospects with tremendous character and work ethic, and if they can find a role, they should be able to make this team. Detroit is definitely a team on the rise.

Round 1, Pick 2
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Ht: 6’ 3 7/8” Wt: 307

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  When you finish last in total defense and defensive scoring, picking the best player possible becomes necessary.  Many feel that Suh is the best player in this draft and with the Lions' off season additions to the defensive line, Suh could help change the defensive line to one of the Lions' strengths.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Played square to the line of scrimmage and did not attack his reads in Bo Pelini’s defense, limiting his ability to get off the ball. Will never be a dominant inside rusher given his inability to unlock and use the power in his hips. Is extremely strong, athletic and versatile and showed the ability to dominate college football. Versatile and well-suited to thrive in any type of front. Has perennial Pro Bowl potential.

NFL projection: Top-five pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Suh is a player that we felt was the #1 overall prospect entering the 2009 season and has moved himself back into that spot after starting off slowly with some inconsistent production the first few games of 2009.  Suh whose first name translates to “House of Spears” is often a wreaking ball who causes major problems for the opposing offenses between the tackles.  When you look at the DT’s taken in the 1^st round in the past 3 or 4 drafts, Suh is a step above those players and has the tools to be a highly productive starting DT in the FNL.  Not only is Suh a top athlete with excellent instincts and all around tools, but he was highly productive at Nebraska – In the games I evaluated he was involved in 1 play out of every 6.5 snaps which is outstanding for a DT.  Overall, while I believe Suh is best suited to playing DT in a 43 defense scheme, I have no doubt that he could also be highly productive as a DE in a 34 scheme.  Suh is a very similar player to Richard Seymour in terms of versatility, athleticism, size, and strength and should be that type of dominant DL in the NFL.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Scouts appreciate Suh’s bullish strength and height.  But his agility – at 300-plus pounds – separates him from other players.  Every team would find a way to use his talent.  A team using a 3-4 base defense could play him at defensive end, while 4-3 teams could see Suh starring at the 3-technique or on the nose.  Without picking nits, it is difficult to find faults in his game.  Suh is expected to be one of the first two players drafted in April.


Round 1, Pick 30 
Jahvid Best, RB, California



Ht: 5’10 ½” Wt: 199

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  With all of the top corners selected, the Lions decided to move up and pick the last game changing running back.  Best has had his problems with injury but he also is a DeSean Jackson type player out of the backfield.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A very quick, shifty, multi-purpose back with big-play capability, Best is capable of splitting wide and mismatching linebackers and safeties and would be an exceptional complement to a bigger, power back. Needs to get stronger and improve as a blocker but should contribute immediately as a dynamic, change- of-pace back and kickoff returner. Durability and pass-protection limitations could keep him out of the first round.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Best is an underclassmen who came out early for the 2010 NFL Draft and it makes a lot of sense considering his slight frame and the concussion he suffered.  He has the elite athleticism, run instincts/vision and big play, explosiveness/speed to consistently make big plays when he gets some space.  Overall, Best’s lack of size will likely always limit him, as it has Reggie Bush, but if Best is used correctly he could turn out to be a very valuable and productive offensive weapon who makes big plays carrying the ball, catching passes and as a returner.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  When healthy, Best is as dynamic a playmaker as there is in this draft.  Blessed with moves typically only seen on video games, he racked up 4,045 all-purpose yards in only 18 career starts (31 games) and is a big-play threat as a runner, receiver and kick returner.  However, he needs to prove he’s fully recovered from a string of injuries – most notably the 2009 season-ending concussion – to be selected in the top 50.

Round 3, Pick 66 - Detroit Lions - Amari Spievey
Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa



Ht: 5’ 10 7/8” Wt: 195

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cornerback was a huge need for the Lions, and though many of the top corners had already been selected, Spievey was worthy of the selection.  Though he doesn't have top end speed, he could develop into a excellent nickel corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Good-sized zone corner who worked out well at the Combine. Lacks ideal speed and twitch, which could relegate him to a predominantly zone defense but could project to free safety.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Spievey’s best assets are his size and aggressive play.  He has 124 total tackles in his final two seasons with the Hawkeyes, showing his willingness to support the run.  He lacks elite straight-line speed and quickness and needs a team that embraces his physical style to succeed at the next level.

128.)  Detroit Lions
Jason Fox, OT, Miami
Ht: 6' 7" Wt: 303

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Fox is coming off a knee injury which dropped his draft stock.  He may not be athletic enough to play left tackle in the pros, as he did in college, but he has enough skill to possibly convert to left guard or guard or tackle on the right side. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Underdeveloped tight end who will never be a bulldozer but has enough size, athletic ability and versatility to fit squarely into a zone scheme, likely on the right side. Has starter potential and could be a solid positional blocker.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick..

213.)  Detroit Lions
Willie Young, DE, North Carolina State

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 251

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Lions take a flier on an outside pass rusher with potential.  Young's ability to stay healthy definitely affected his draft status, but he could have an opportunity to make an impact on the Lions' defensive passing downs.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Athletic, one-dimensional, over-aged pass rusher with length and hand quickness to draw interest. Toughness and durability questions and overall inconsistency detract from his value. He could stand up as an outside linebacker in a “30” front or line up with his hand on the ground in passing situations for a 4-3 defense.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

255.)  MR. IRRELEVANT

Detroit Lions

Tim Toone, WR, Weber State

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 185

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Toone is an overaged, undersized receiver who's specialty is as a returner.  He also is a tough slot receiver and could contribute if his body can hold up to the violent NFL hits.  Due to his special teams ability he could win a roster spot with the Lions much like linebacker Zak Follet did last year as a 7th round pick for the Lions.  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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