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Detroit Lions draft: Bob Quinn’s O-line profile, best values

By Michael Kirkland

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 08: David Blough #10 of the Detroit Lions calls a play on the line against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 08: David Blough #10 of the Detroit Lions calls a play on the line against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Offensive Lineman Alex Taylor #77 from South Carolina State
Offensive Lineman Alex Taylor #77 from South Carolina State (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Quinn Candidates, Part 2

Alex Taylor, OT, South Carolina St.

Alex Taylor is another smaller conference prospect but he too is everything that the Detroit Lions and Bob Quinn are looking for in a bargain offensive lineman. The former Bulldogs tackle could provide depth along the outside due to his considerable talents. He is 6-foot-8, 308-pounds, has 36 1/8-inch arms, ran a 4.79-second short shuttle, and a 5.09-second 40-yard dash.

All of which is an impressive blend of physical characteristics. Taylor has dabbled as a basketball player in college but played 26 games of football between his short career at Appalachian State and South Carolina State, according to the NFL website.

While he possesses more than adequate movement skills, his ability to use power and punch are affected by his need to get stronger and more stout, especially in his lower half for dealing with NFL defensive linemen.

His lesser competition didn’t help in that regard and he needs to learn to be a technician and do more than box out opponents. If he improves his strength and improves his power to go along with his natural athleticism, he could be a starter in a short time.

On the plus side, Taylor was another Senior Bowl participant that head coach Matt Patricia got to scout in Mobile, giving him some inside scoop. Projected to go later, in the fifth-round near the Detroit Lions pick No. 167, Taylor offers a great frame for the Lions to work with.

Logan Stenberg, OG, Kentucky

Logan Stenberg is a former Kentucky Wildcat and before you look, no he wasn’t on the list above. So, why did we include him in the good draft candidates section? There just aren’t many ideal candidates in this draft class, so we are forced to see who comes close while still giving us the most for the least in draft capital.

Stenberg does that because he’s started 39 consecutive games at left guard in the SEC conference, according to the Kentucky athletic website, along with giving the Detroit Lions a lot of what they are looking for athletically. The 6-foot-6, 317-pound guard is lacking in individual arm length at 32 1/2-inches but has the total wingspan of a Quinn draftee, at 80-inches; only 78 7/8-inches are required there.

The knock on many interior line prospects, including Stenberg, is his lateral agility and general foot speed. Fortunately, Quinn benchmarks compare favorably for Stenberg who ran a 4.83-second short shuttle, a 5.3-second 40-yard dash, and an 8.0-second 3-cone drill, all easily acceptable for a guard. Some feel he is heavy-footed and tight in his hips making his ceiling low, athletically in the NFL.

Next. The Lions best draft picks by round since 2009. dark

His experience, coupled with a fourth to fifth-round grade put him in the conversation of prospects that Quinn has to consider to address the depth and future of the line. Stenberg could fall to pick 167, as well, giving the Lions good competition at left guard, a particular area of need.

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