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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 7 - Pick 255 - Mr. Irrelevant - Detroit Lions - Tim Toone

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.  

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 7, Pick 240 - 254

240.)  Indianapolis Colts
Kavell Conner, LB, Clemson
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 242

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Perfect Colts' linebacker:  quick and compact, flies to the football.  Will probably be brought in to play special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Undersized, active, run-and-hit linebacker best suited for the weak side in a one-gap defense, though he might bring the most value as an energetic special-teams player.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

241.)  Tennessee Titans

David Howard, DT, Brown

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 293

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An intriguing 3-4 defensive end conversion prospect, Howard has excellent measurables.  He uses his hands well and plays with intensity.  He's the first Ivy League defensive lineman to be drafted since 1998.

242.)  Pittsburgh Steelers

Doug Worthington, DT, Ohio State

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 292

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Steelers will convert him to defensive tackle in their 3-4 front.  Could make the roster as a rotational player.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Size prospect who might warrant some interest as a developmental five-technique or inside run defender. Could compete for a job in a rotation and has the makeup that will make him more difficult to cut.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

243.)  Philadelphia Eagles

Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia

Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 304

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A good space-eating defensive tackle, he joins a deep Eagles' defensive line.  Owens will be brought in to see if he can play up to his potential but may have a difficult time making the team.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Tested very well at the Combine, but it did not translate to the field as a senior. Was coming off injury and showed better late in the season. Has lined up as both nose tackle and three technique in a “40” front, but lacks the hip flexion, burst and bend desired to rush the passer and would be best suited occupying blocks. Does not play to his workout numbers and figures to be overdrafted.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

244.)  Philadelphia Eagles

Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 192

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Coleman is a classic late round special teams ace.  He has a great chance of sticking on the roster because he could contribute at safety and play full-time on special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Undersized, self-motivated, try-hard overachiever who lacks the strength, athletic ability and range ideally desired at the next level. Will have to stand out on special teams to stick. Jim Leonhard’s ability to earn a starting job in the pros could help his draft cause, but could always be challenged to hold a job.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

245.)  Seattle Seahawks

Jameson Konz, WR, Kent State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 227

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An athletic 'tweener tight end who needs to step up his game at the next level, Konz could cause match up problems if he learns the pro-passing game.

246.)  Indianapolis Colts 

Ray Fisher, DB, Indiana

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 185

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  You can never count out a late round Colts' pick as they find ways to get their draft picks and free agents to contribute to their team.  Fisher is the perfect example of the type of smart, disciplined prospect that the Colts' value.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   More-quick-than-fast converted receiver who showed good football aptitude by adjusting to a position change as a senior. Kick-off-return ability will be his meal ticket and could eventually help in dime package.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

247.)  New England Patriots

Brandon Deaderick, DE, Alabama

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 314

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Patriots are looking to replace the loss of Richard Seymour and could be looking to fill the void by committee.  Deaderick is another example of a 4-3 defensive tackle with a possible future as a 3-4 defensive end.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Did the dirty work on a talented defense, showing the type of size, functional strength and versatility to attract interest from teams running 4-3 or 3-4 alignments. Likely will command the most interest from a “30” front as a five-technique and fits best inside on the nose for a “40” front.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

248.)  New England Patriots

Kade Weston, DT, Georgia

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 317

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Obviously Deaderick will have competition in rookie camp:  Weston is the same type of conversion player who's worth a late round flier.  Weston never played up to his potential at Georgia.  But the Patriots will give him a look and see if defensive end suits him better.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A teaser who did not distinguish himself until the latter portion of his senior season, but has an NFL body, shows flashes and has a chance to be a better pro than college player if the light comes on. Has size to line up at nose tackle in a one-gap scheme and the length and base strength desired in a “30” front. Development could be aided by the presence of a strong veteran who could take him under his wing.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

249.)  Carolina Panthers

Robert McClain, DB, Connecticut

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 194

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: McClain is a solid but not spectacular player who's impact should be in special teams.  He has the opportunity to develop into a contributing corner and may have to start out on the practice squad.  


GM Jr's scouting report:  McClain is a first-year starter at CB to the boundary for the Huskies in 2009.  He also plays some NKL CB & returns punts for them this season.  He has a short, strong build with good arm length, upper/lower body thickness  & definition, & limited growth potential to develop for the position at the NFL level. He is a very tough, physical, & competitive player in all phases of both defense and on special teams.  He is an aggressive run support player & tackler near the LOS.  He can also pressure the QB & fill quickly against the run as a blitzer.  He is a quicker-than-fast overall athlete for the position.  He has quick feet in his pedal, but is a really short-stepper in his play.  He has decent hips in transition from his pedal, but lacks that top burst to close of elite prospects for the position.  He is often in very good m/m coverage position, but simply cannot make a play on the ball due to his lack of size and better than average speed.  He is an obvious liability on vertical plays downfield and in the red zone.  He is quick reactor as an underneath zone defender.  He will jump throws based on his route-recognition skills & ability read the QB's eyes quickly.  He has very good ball reactions & production when playing the ball in front of him.  Overall, he is a limited pro prospect due to his lack of heigh, which will never change  However, his is instinctive, physical, & aggressive enough to be an effective role player at the NFL level.  He has the ability to compete to be the NKL CB, PR man, and core member of the special teams for a team in his rookie season.  However, he lacks the physical and athletic upside to ever be a productive starter.  he reminds me most of former Eagle DeJuan Tribble, who was a 6th round pick by the Charger back in 2008.

250.)  New England Patriots

Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 214

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Robinson is a prospect with upside and has some starting potential, much like another New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady.  He will need time to develop and perhaps could make New England's practice squad.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Robinson showed a stronger arm at the Senior Bowl than scouts had given him credit for.  He doesn’t have the elite accuracy downfield to warrant a selection in the top 50, but boasts enough to go along with reasonable arm strength and good mobility to warrant consideration in the middle rounds. 

251.)  Oakland Raiders 
Stevie Brown, DB, Michigan
Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 212

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Brown played out of position last season at Michigan which limited his ability to show his true coverage skills.  The Raiders pulled the trigger and could get the steal of the draft.  

252.)  Miami Dolphins

Austin Spitler, LB, Ohio State

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 243

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Spitler is a special teams' standout and can play inside or outside linebacker.  This versatility could help him earn a spot on the Dolphin's roster.

253.)  Tampa Bay Bucs

Erik Lorig, DE, Stanford

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 281

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Lorig is a over-achiever that could make the team and be used as a rotational player.  The Buccaneers depend on their front four to create pressure and - through sheer will - Lorig can create pressure at times.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   All-out, energetic base end who leaves everything on the field and has enough disruptive ability to hold down a roster spot and bring value in the locker room with his intangibles. Might have some value kicking inside as a nickel rusher.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

254.)  St. Louis Rams

Josh Hull, LB, Penn State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 237

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Hull is a better athlete than most 7th round picks.  Hull will be an excellent special teams player and has a "do anything attitude".  Hull will make an NFL team this fall.

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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 7, Pick 213 - 217

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.

214.)  Minnesota Vikings

Mickey Shuler, TE, Penn State

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 251

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An undersized, blocking tight end, Shuler could come in and contribute on running downs and special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Tough, try-hard, high-effort over-achiever with a chance to compete in a camp.

NFL projection: Free agent.

215.)  Oakland Raiders

Jeremy Ware, DB, Michigan State

 Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 181

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Character concerns are what kept Ware from being drafted earlier, but he is a good man-receiver and has the strength to play the bump and run.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Ware is a first-year starter at field CB for the Spartans in 2009. He has a good size frame with very good arm length & some definite growth potential to develop for the position at the next level. He is just an average overall athlete with marginal recovery speed downfield as a m/m coverage player. He is most effective in press m/m coverage underneath, where he can use his strength to jam/re-direct the receiver. He has tight hips in his pedal & in his transition in space. He often puts himself in good coverage position, but lacks the burst to close quickness to make many plays on the ball. He really struggles to find the ball over his shoulder downfield. He is consistently beaten by double-moves due to his stiff hips & lack of recovery. He is an aggressive & physical player in run support on the perimeter. He prefers to knife tackle low. Overall, he has great size with limited athletic upside to ever develop into a good m/m coverage player at the NFL level. His best chance is to be signed by a team that employs a cover-2 defensive scheme. He lacks enough ability to every become a starter or a quality back-up in the NFL.

216.)  Buffalo Bills

Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa

Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 323

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Another try-hard prospect, Calloway will probably have to move to guard because of his lack of speed and power.  Could latch on to the team because of the lack of offensive line depth.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A three-year starter in a quality program, Calloway is an underpowered right tackle short on athletic ability but fundamentally sound and football-smart, which should enable him to assimilate into the pro game readily. Could develop into a serviceable starter in a scheme that provides chip help and would be best paired with a good-tempered positional coach.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

217.)  Tampa Bay Bucs

Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State

Ht: 6' 1" Wt:  240

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Watson is a good example of what you would want in a Tampa-2 linebacker but lacks the playmaking ability necessary to excel in that defense.  Watson could make his way onto the roster as a special teams player and reserve.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Lean, sculpted, explosive workout all-star with tempting athletic ability, fluid movement skills and very good speed. Lack of toughness and instinct deficiency could be restricting, but measurables and pass-rush ability could pull him off draft boards sooner than he grades out on tape.

NFL projection: Mid-to-late draftable pick. 

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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.