NFL Scouting Combine Part 2: Offensive Targets for the Detroit Lions
I recently wrote an article on defensive targets the Detroit Lions should pay attention to at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 28 through March 6). So, the next logical step would be to do the same thing on the offensive side of the ball.
Below you will find one player highlighted from each offensive position group the Lions should target, with additional options listed underneath. Similarly to the defensive targets I listed earlier, this includes both first-round talent and potential mid to late round gems.
Quarterback: Brad Kaaya, Miami
We found out last week that the Lions will not be retaining longtime backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky (and with good reason). However, I am not a believer in Jake Rudock’s ability to lead the team if Matthew Stafford ever went down. Sorry, Michigan fans. The Lions must add a third QB to the roster through the draft or free agency. Kaaya is the all-time leading passer in terms of yardage for a storied Miami Hurricanes program.
Kaaya was a three-year starter and is a prototypical pocket passer. He has the desired height of an NFL quarterback at 6-feet-4-inches. His footwork is steady as well. However, his accuracy is a problem. He also tends to rush throws. Analysts often bring up inconsistencies with Kaaya’s game. Bottom line in my opinion, if the Lions decide to draft him in rounds three or four, he may compete with Rudock for the backup role. Plus, Stafford’s long-term contract issue is still looming.
Other targets: Patrick Mahomes II (Texas Tech), Nathan Peterman (Pittsburgh), Davis Webb (California)
Related Story: Lions Will Likely Sign Backup Quarterback After Olovsky
Running Back: Dalvin Cook, Florida State
Cook is a game-changing player in a deep class of running backs. Detroit needs a weapon in the backfield because it consistently ranks in the bottom five of the league in rushing yards. I don’t see Cook getting passed pick 15, but if he is somehow there at No. 21, I think it is a no-brainer.
Running back is not the top priority for Detroit, but it would certainly be a luxury. Cook has impeccable feet, sharp, quick cuts and good vision. He can beat you with his speed, and has gotten better at lowering the shoulder and running downhill. With that said, he still is too quick to bounce runs outside rather than running between the tackles. He also had fumbling and off-the-field issues in college. If he can clean those up, he will be a stud in this league.
Other targets: Christian McCaffrey (Stanford), Alvin Kamara (Tennessee), Samaje Perine (Oklahoma)
Wide Receiver: Corey Davis, Western Michigan
Pretty cool that Davis, a player from a Mid American Conference school in Michigan, is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the entire draft – even if he is a Bronco (Fire up, Chips!). The Lions had inconsistent play from the wide receiver position in 2016. Golden Tate was invisible for the first part of the season, not even eclipsing 50 yards in any of the first five games. Marvin Jones was the opposite. After lighting the league on fire with 519 yards through the first five games, he only registered 411 yards in the final 11 games.
Davis would be another luxury pick, as it is not a top concern. But if he slips to No. 21, he could very well be nabbed by Detroit. Davis stands at 6-feet-3-inches and can go up and get the ball. He contributed right away as a freshman at WMU with 941 yards and six touchdowns. He then recorded at least 1,400 yards and double-digit touchdowns the next three years. But again, he did play weak competition in the MAC. His route-running improved as a senior, but he still needs to work on selling vertical routes. Drops were also a bit of a problem. His value at pick No. 21 would be off the charts, though.
Other targets: Mike Williams (Clemson), John Ross (Washington), Dede Westbrook (Oklahoma)
Tight End: Jake Butt, Michigan
Butt had the worst possible thing happen to him, as he tore his ACL in his last ever collegiate game. That was the second time he tore it in three years. Butt will be limited at the combine in terms of physical activity. However, the interview and mental portions may be just as important to scouts and GMs. Current starter Eric Ebron continues to drop balls and play inconsistently. Butt, who was a projected second-round pick before the injury, may now fall to the fourth or fifth round. It would be a huge risk for Detroit to draft him, but if he can return to full strength, the Lions can get him for a high value and low price tag.
Butt has NFL size at 6-feet-6-inches and 250 pounds. He has extremely strong hands and a tough demeanor as well. Obviously his biggest weakness and question mark right now is his health. He also lacks speed and acceleration out of his cuts. His blocking needs improvement, too. My take: if he can get back to full strength, he’ll be a reliable target and have a productive career. Is he worth the risk, though?
Other Targets: O.J. Howard (Alabama), Evan Engram (Ole Miss), Jordan Leggett (Clemson)
Tackle: Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
I’ll be upfront: this is a weak tackle class, and due to that, Ramczyk will likely be gone before No. 21. However, since the value is not there, he could slip to the Lions. The only other tackle in this draft I think is worthy of a first-round selection is Alabama’s Cam Robinson. Right tackle Riley Reiff is still unsigned. I imagine Detroit will do all it can to re-sign him, but if not, tackle becomes an immediate need. While both Robinson and Ramczyk played left tackle in college, the Lions could swing them over if necessary.
Scouts like Ramczyk’s ability to accelerate off of the snap and engage his targets. They also like his fundamentals and footwork, as well as his ability to flip his hips. There are question marks about his narrow shoulders and short arms, though. He tends to stand too upright and get beat by lengthy, athletic pass rushers as well. Will the Lions draft an offensive linemen in the first round for the third year in a row? We will see.
Other targets: Cam Robinson (Alabama), Garrett Bolles (Utah), Taylor Moton (Western Michigan)
Guard: Dan Feeney, Indiana
Similarly to the tackle position, there aren’t many projected superstars at guard, either. Feeney could go in the first round simply because of supply and demand. However, I expect no guards to go until the second round. I do believe Feeney will be the first guard to go. Larry Warford may very well test the free agent market this offseason, which would open a big need at right guard.
Feeney was recognized as first-team All-American by various media outlets in both 2015 and 2016. He’s a good pass-protector on the interior and has good arm length for a guard. He is a tough, gritty guard with good patience. Weaknesses include his pad level being too high at times, change-of-direction and knee bend and a wide punch when blocking – nothing unfixable. I think he would be a great pick in the second round.
Other targets: Forrest Lamp (Western Kentucky), Dorian Johnson (Pittsburgh), Dion Dawkins (Temple)
Center: Jon Toth, Kentucky
Travis Swanson had a big turnaround in 2016 compared to his 2015 play. But the Lions need to add depth at the position. Graham Glasgow, who already starts at left guard, is the only known backup option. Swanson missed a few games in 2016 with a concussion as well. So adding a backup center would be ideal. Toth is a player who should be hanging out in rounds five or six – where depth is found. The Lions should consider him there.
Toth was a four-year starter. He has good size and bulk for the center position. Arm strength, length and consistent play are also big draws for Toth. With that said, he is not very athletic and isn’t the quickest from snap to block. He might be better in a power-run type offense, but could be molded to play anywhere with the right coaching.
OK, Lions fans. Where should Detroit go on the offensive side of the ball at the 2017 NFL Draft? Let me know in the comments section below.
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