SideLion Report » 2011 » April » 08

Selecting Tyron Smith Makes a Lot of Sense

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:00:39 +0000

With the 13^th selection in the 2011 NFL Draft the Detroit Lions will address a need with a very good player. Tyron Smith is an offensive tackle who can play both sides but played right tackle at USC. It is notable that he played on the right side when looking at the offensive line situation for the Lions.

Tyron Smith came into the combine as a younger tackle prospect. Several experts call Smith the No. 1 tackle prospect in the entire draft and that represents value at pick 13. You want to start the run at a certain position, not finish it. Those same experts say that Smith has the most upside of any tackle in this draft class. If the Lions do select Smith it will tell us a few things.

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Why Matthew Stafford Is Actually Ahead of the Curve

Zac Snyder — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:00:41 +0000

Detroit fans know a little something about overreacting. Anyone that has followed fan reactions to the Tigers’ first six games can tell you that. Combine this fan trait with the extra scrutiny that has been historically placed on Lions quarterbacks and it is no wonder that some fans are worried that Matthew Stafford is behind the learning curve, perhaps even irreparably.

Is it true? I’m quite certain it is not and that is a good thing for teams looking for a quarterback this April.

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Detroit Lions Draft Prospects: Torrey Smith

Zac Snyder — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:00:33 +0000

Wide receiver is one of the many positions that the Lions could use some additional depth but doesn’t qualify as a primary need heading into the draft. This draft figures to feature some good prospects outside of the first round. Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith qualifies as such and the Lions showed some interest by bringing him in for a visit on March 18.

Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 204 lbs.
Arm Length: 32 5/8 in.
Hand Size: 8 5/8 in.
40 Yard Dash: 4.43 sec
Bench Press: 19 Reps
Vertical Jump: 41.0″
Broad Jump: 126.0″
3 Cone Drill: 6.72 sec
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.13 sec
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.33 sec
Watch his combine workout here

NFL.com combine overview:

Smith has big-play speed and enough size to develop into a starting NFL receiver who can stretch a defense. Shows great burst off the line and the top-end speed to consistently get behind the secondary but is susceptible to press coverage and is still improving his ability to make over-the-shoulder grabs and come down with jump balls. Not a refined underneath route-runner. Loses speed in transition and doesn’t have a real natural feel for finding creases in zones. Has leadership qualities, is a hard-worker, and is a physical run blocker. Smith’s speed, upside and mentality make him an early second round prospect.

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