Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian

Edmond Gates

Watch his combine workout here

NFL.com combine profile overview:

Gates is a developmental prospect with big-play ability who has some makeup concerns but could become a valuable backup receiver and returner with time and more coaching. However, he’s currently very unrefined as a route-runner, lacks some bulk (but is tough), and needs to improve his overall football IQ. At this time, can turn a short pass into an explosive play, but route-running deficiencies and his ability to track the deep ball limit his ability as a vertical threat. Needs to get stronger to beat press coverage and become a better blocker. Gates could sneak into the end of Day 2.

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Wide Receiver Jeremy Kerley

We conclude our look the players featured in the  five round mock draft for the Detroit Lions from NFL Mocks with the player they pegged as the Lions fifth round selection, TCU wide receiver Jeremy Kerley.

Here is what NFL Mocks had to say about the pick:

Kerley is a good WR who could be an excellent slot WR and return man and maybe even eventually develop into a good #2 though he lacks great strength. I was looking at possible Offensive tackles here maybe a Lee Ziemba, a punishing running back Roy Helu, or a CB/S/Special teams player like Marcus Gilchrist.

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In the 2008 season he surely proved himself.

He caught 78 passes for 1,331 yards, and was tied for first with 12 NFL grabs.

These stats led to a season of being an elite receiver in the National Football League, he will only wish to go up.

Is it possible for him to improve on this season? Sure it is possible. Johnson did achieve these numbers with a team that went win less, had woes on the offensive line, and couldn’t stop anyone on defense.

In the off season, the Lions changed the coaching staff, hopefully bringing a new fire to the clubhouse. Besides drafting Matthew Stafford, they also selected Brandon Pettigrew, the tight end from Oklahoma St.

Pettigrew could potentially be a deep threat down the field and relieve pressure off Johnson. However, he is also going to be used as a pass-blocker as well a good portion of the games, and will give Culpepper more time to find Calvin down the field.

Full Article by Matt Miselis is HERE on BleacherReport.com

Matt makes a good point. Pettigrew really frees up the Lions in the way of short yardage passes. I hated that my team is tight end shopping in the first round, but now what is done is done and let’s hope Pettigrew can get something done here in the D.

Linehan will undoubtedly use Pettigrew to generate long yardage gains via Calvin Johnson. Kevin Smith gets his legs churning, all of a sudden we’re a threat on the ground, you best double cover Calvin to stop a huge gain and Cullpepper/Stafford dumps it off to Pettigrew for an easy 8 yards. Your CB misses one step on our man Calvin?

*Boom*

The bomb goes off.

Stafford can hit the long ball. We’ve seen him do it. He’s accurate. It’s going to come down to protection. That is my fear. If the line collapses and he’s on his feet to avoid the sack, the best you can hope for is no turnover when he’s throwing it off the wrong foot.

I’m just hoping we can remain competitive in these games. Stats get padded by junk yardage in the late minutes of an unwinnable game.