Detroit Lions Draft Profiles: Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas

The SideLion Report’s Detroit Lions Draft Profiles series gives an in-depth scouting analysis of college football players who could be on the Detroit Lions’ radar in the 2015 NFL Draft. 

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With the departure of George Johnson to the Bucs, the Lions will be looking to add depth at the defensive end position through the draft or free agency.  It’s likely the coaching staff will task second year prospect Larry Webster with replacing Johnson on the right side and seek out some competition for disappointing backup left end Devin Taylor.  One such player could be Trey Flowers from Arkansas.

After evaluating three games (Texas Tech, Missouri, Texas), I gave Flowers a 6.5 grade (mid third round).  Here’s an excerpt from his scouting report:

Trey Flowers, DE – Arkansas

Height: 6021   Weight: 266   40 Time: 4.93

NFL Comparison: Daryl Tapp, Detroit Lions

Strong Points:

Adequate height, long arms and good musculature.  Times the snap well and is a natural bender who consistently plays with good pad level.  Powerful lower half – able to generate movement when bull rushing.  Strong run defender – can stack at the point, hold and seal the edge.  Keys and diagnoses quickly – knows when to pull out of his hard rush and flatten inside.  Does a good job of getting arms up in passing lanes.  Excellent motor – fights hard from snap to whistle.  Smart, durable and tough with high football character.  Team captain.

Weak Points:

Average burst off the ball.  Lacks quick-twitch explosiveness needed to consistently beat tackles off the edge as a pass-rusher.  Exhibits some tightness when re-directing.  Limited pass rush repertoire and needs to develop counter move.  Average speed limits his range and ability to track down ball carriers in backside pursuit. 

Summary:

A three-year starter for the Razorbacks, Flowers was named Second Team All-SEC in both 2014 and 2013, and finished his senior year as the team leader in tackles for loss and sacks.  While he lacks the burst and bend needed to routinely beat NFL offensive tackles with speed off the edge, Flowers is a stout run defender.  When it comes to intangibles, Flowers checks all the boxes: he’s smart, durable and has leadership traits.  Base end in a 40 front who contributes early as a role player and has the potential to develop into a starter down the line.

Highlight Film:

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