Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Watch List: December 29 Bowl Viewing Guide
The Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Watch List gives you college football players to watch each week who could be on the Detroit Lions’ radar next spring, with a particular focus on positions of need. Monday, December 29th brings college football fans three bowls to watch.
Liberty Bowl: Texas A&M vs. West Virginia – 2:00 p.m. (EST) – ESPN
Russel Athletic Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Clemson (#17) – 5:30 p.m. (EST) – ESPN
Texas Bowl: Arkansas vs. Texas – 9:00 p.m. (EST) – ESPN
We have previously highlighted:
Karl Joseph (#8), FS and Quinton Spain (#67), OL of West Virginia
Charles Tapper (#91), DE and Eric Striker (#19), LB of Oklahoma
Grady Jarrett (#50), DT and Vic Beasley (#3), DE of Clemson
Trey Flowers (#86), DE of Arkansas
Some additional players to watch are:
Cedric Ogbuehi (#70), OT – Texas A&M
Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Cedric Ogbuehi (70) prepares to block Duke Blue Devils defensive end Justin Foxx (92) in the first quarter of the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions will be looking to improve the talent level on their offensive line and Ogbuehi’s athleticism and versatility would be a welcome addition. Ogbuehi became the Aggies’ third different left tackle to be named first-team All-America by Walter Camp in the past three seasons, joining Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews.
A starter at guard his sophomore season, right tackle his junior season and left tackle his senior year, Ogbuehi has proven he can excel at every position along the offensive line. An excellent pass protector, Ogbuehi has the quick feet, fluidity and balance to slide and mirror speed rushers off the edge.
He also showcases excellent mobility as a second-level run blocker, though he will need to improve his lower-body strength to more effectively create movement versus the head-up defender in short yardage situations. A prospect with a lot of upside, the Lions may have to trade up to nab Ogbuehi on draft day.
Malcom Brown (#90), DT – Texas
Sep 13, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) sacks UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17)during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
In his second season as a starter, junior defensive tackle Malcom Brown has emerged as one of the top defensive tackles in the nation. Brown’s productive 2014 campaign (62 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and six and half sacks) earned him consensus first team All-American honors and likely will result in him leaving school early to enter the 2015 draft.
At 6-2, 320 lbs., Brown is a stout run defender who can anchor at the point of attack, slip blocks on contact and effectively clog the middle. While he lacks the first-step quickness of the premier pass-rushing defensive tackles in the game, Brown’s surprising agility and solid motor allow him to be disruptive against the pass as well.
Brown’s experience playing NT, DT and DE in 4-3 front, as well as NT and DE in a 3-4 make him a versatile prospect who can be productive in all facets of the game. Given the Lions’ uncertainty at the position, scouts will be watching #90 closely in the Texas Bowl.