Summer Sleeper: Detroit Lions

Jacob Feldman

sleeperseriesWith less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

Patrick Edwards, WR DET

Age: 24 (10/25/88)

usatsi_6244328_155034386_lowresThe Lions offense runs through Calvin Johnson. We all know that. He is one of the best talents not just in the league right now but of all time at his position. The nickname of Megatron is very fitting as he is definitely the destroyer of defenses. Those of you a certain age know the real Megatron always had Starscream tagging along and trying to help him out. So far, the Lions are lacking a Starscream.

Titus Young was supposed to be the guy. He had the talent and skill, but he just couldn’t get his head on straight and worked his way off the team. Nate Burleson might be the guy for this year, but he’s already into his 30s and isn’t the long term answer – that leaves Ryan Broyles to be that guy long term, but he’s had two ACL injuries in the last two years. Plus, this wouldn’t be much of a sleeper article if I told you to keep Broyles on your radar!  Instead, I’m going to dig a little deeper.

Unless you’re a big college football fan, you probably haven’t heard of Patrick Edwards. He played for the University of Houston and graduated in 2012. He went undrafted from the Cougars in the 2012 draft, largely due to his size – he is only 5’9” and 174 pounds. That size didn’t slow him down in college as he ended up posting 70+ receptions and over 1,000 yards all three seasons as a starter. In fact, he posted an amazing 89/1,752/20 stat line as a senior. Several cite Houston’s spread offense and lack of competition as the reason for this. Look at those numbers again, though, and keep in mind just how good they are. He was second in the entire NCAA division I in yards, tops in touchdowns, and first in yards per catch for receivers over 50 catches. That doesn’t happen by accident. He has talent.

You’re probably wondering if he was so productive, why did he go undrafted in 2012? I mentioned earlier his size was a bit of an issue. He struggles to beat press coverage and is easily redirected on his routes if he gets bumped. He also struggles to win battles for position and often goes down at first contact when he has the ball in his hands. Worst of all, there might be an issue hanging on to the ball during practice as stronger NFL defenders are able to rip the ball out of his hands. He needs to bulk up and add some strength if he wants to be able to effectively showcase his talents at the next level.

Obviously there are some good things about Edwards as well. When it comes to physical abilities, Edwards’ most exceptional is his acceleration and burst. He has the ability to go from a dead stop to full speed faster than just about anyone else. For someone of his size, that skill is paramount and allows him to get separation on defenders that often bigger than he is. He also runs nice routes, which helps give him that separation.

He unfortunately had some bad luck with injuries in 2012 as well. He was about to get his chance last year due to various issues with Burleson, Broyles and Young when he went down with an injury as well – luckily it wasn’t anything with long term concerns. He ended up tearing some of his quadriceps muscles and missed the rest of the season, missing his first chance to show what he can do.

He is back to full strength now and 2013 could be his chance to shine. He showed some nice talent and received nice reviews from both his coaches and teammates about his performance in OTAs. Several of the local writers have him as the fourth receiver on the team behind Megatron, Burleson and Broyles. Of course that is assuming Broyles and Burleson are both back and healthy by the time training camp rolls around, which there are certainly questions about.

There are several other options currently on the roster who could have a chance to step up as a long term option including Kris Durham, former Jaguar Mike Thomas and 2013 sixth round pick Corey Fuller. Durham has nice size, but struggled in limited action last season and might not receive a roster spot. Thomas also struggled in limited action last season and prior to that couldn’t make it on the terrible Jaguars (though his million dollar guarantee for this season does almost lock him in for a roster spot). Fuller has a bit of an uphill battle for a roster spot given Thomas is probably locked in as the fifth receiver due to his contract. Unless the Lions keep six receivers on the active roster, Fuller is probably destined for the practice squad.

With defenses focusing extreme amounts of time and effort on stopping Megatron, anyone with some talent lining up on the field opposite him is in a great situation. After all, Matthew Stafford threw the ball over 700 times last season. There are an awful lot of footballs flying around for someone like Edwards to pull in if he is given a chance on the field. Keep your eye on him in training camp.

jacob feldman