Detroit Lions 2014 NFL Draft Watch List: Week 2

Sep 22, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Michigan Wolverines line up at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Florida at Miami
Noon – ESPN

Loucheiz Purifoy (#15), CB – Florida
In the NFL of today you can never have enough good cornerbacks and Purifoy has the potential to be special. At 6-0, 185, he has the size to matchup vs. big receivers, but what sets him apart is his knack for making big plays. An explosive athlete, Purifoy has forced four fumbles, blocked two kicks and even spent time on the offensive side of the ball. If he continues to refine his technique this season, he could be a big time playmaker at the next level.

Seantrel Henderson (#77), OT – Miami
An absolute mountain of a man (6-8, 345), Henderson possesses rare measurebles but has yet to play up to his five-star hype. After missing time throughout his college career due to injuries and suspensions, Henderson appeared to finally find his groove last season, settling in to anchor the right side for the final seven games. Though he may be limited to RT or OG at the next level, players with his size and movement skills always bear watching.

Notre Dame at Michigan
8:00 p.m. – ESPN

Taylor Lewan (#77), OT – Michigan
Most Lions fans are familiar with Lewan, who has appeared in 38 games at left tackle for the Wolverines. At 6-7, 310, Lewan demonstrates quick enough feet and balance to slide out and maintain the edge, though he needs to continue to improve his ability to redirect vs. counter moves. A team captain, Lewan possesses the requisite competitiveness factor that is critical for OL to succeed at the next level. If he continues to improve his hand usage, he’ll easily find himself in the top half of the first round.

Louis Nix (#1), NG; Stephon Tuitt (#7), DE – Notre Dame
Time will tell whether the Lions have an abundance of riches along the defense line or still need help at the position. Regardless, Tuitt and Nix are too good not to highlight in tonight’s matchup and bear watching. The 340 pound Nix is probably a better fit to man the nose in a 3-4 scheme similar to that as run by the Irish. What’ll be key to watch for Nix is whether or not he has the ability to stack and shed vs. the double team to stop the Wolverine running attack. Tuitt was an absolute force as a sophomore, tallying 47 tackles, including 13 for loss, a team-high 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup and one blocked kick. At 6-6, 303 pounds, Tuitt fits the profile of a 3-4 DE, but probably has the versatility to work inside or out in a 43 front as well. The U of M O-line/Notre Dame D-line battle in tonight’s prime time game provides an excellent chance for scouts to see NFL-caliber talent going head to head.