Detroit Lions 2014 NFL Draft Watch List: Week 7

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback David Ash (14) throws a pass in the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions 2014 NFL Draft Watch List gives you college football players to watch each Saturday who could be on the Lions’ radar next spring.

Oklahoma vs. Texas
Noon EST– ABC

Gabe Ikard (#64), C – Oklahoma
Dominic Raiola is in his 13th season and the final year of a four-year contract. Though he’s played well to date, the Lions need to start looking for a younger replacement in the draft or free agency. One such possibility is Oklahoma center Gabe Ikard, who has started 41 games along the offensive line for the Sooners, 18 at left guard and 23 at center. Though he lacks ideal size (6’3″, 298 lbs.), Ikard was named All-Big 12 First Team in 2012 by Coaches and AP and is a highly intelligent player both on and off the field, receiving his degree in May of 2013 with a 4.0 GPA. Ikard sets up quickly off the snap and utilizes sound angles and leverage to neutralize bigger defensive linemen. He’s light on his feet, moves to the second level quickly and looks natural in space. Most importantly, Ikard showcases the competitive attitude so necessary for an offensive lineman to be successful at the next level.

Aaron Colvin (#14), CB – Oklahoma
A versatile defender, Colvin started every game at strong safety in 2011, leading the team with 84 tackles before moving to cornerback for his junior season in 2012. After 13 starts at cornerback in 2012, Colvin was awarded All-Big 12 First Team honors, finishing with 61 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions. With good size (6’0″, 187 lbs.), Colvin uses his length to make contact at the LOS, which helps to neutralize his lack of top flight play speed when asked to turn and run. He also does a good job of reading the QB’s eyes to get a jump on the route, exhibits solid ball skills and the ability to attack the football at its highest point. Perhaps his best attribute is his physicality – Colvin shows a willingness to come up quickly in run support, and is a sound tackler. Because he lacks elite fluidity and long speed to stay with vertical threats, his best fit at the next level may be at safety.

Mike Davis (#1), WR – Texas
Lions fans may not relish the thought of another wide receiver from Texas, and Mike Davis isn’t the most popular player in college football (especially among Cyclones fans) after his low hit on Iowa State safety Deon Broomfield in last Thursday’s 31-30 barn-burner. Still, with a productive 2,206 yards and ten touchdowns in 27 starts through his junior season, Davis has enjoyed a strong start to his senior season with 26 receptions, 287 yards and four touchdowns in four games. At 6’2″, 195 lbs., Davis has good bulk and height with the frame to add additional size. A ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ type of player, he is a solid number-two complementary receiver prospect. Lacking elite speed, he has enough to stretch the field on vertical routes, while possessing enough fluidity to maintain separation in and out of his breaks on short crossers and drag routes. Though he tends to body-catch the pass at times, he presents a big target and knows how to use his size to box-out defenders in the red zone.  The match-up between Davis and Colvin is one that NFL scouts will be focusing on in this year’s Red River Rivalry.