Draft Review: Detroit Lions
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The Lions finished dead last in rushing (83.4 yards per game), and ninth in passing (263.3), and 20th overall offense (346.7). The issue mostly came from the lack of blocking and offense schematics being installed by Joe Lombardi. The offense did turn around in the second half of the season when Jim Bob Cooter replaced Lombardi, and as the schedule got easier while Matt Stafford became better. Detroit also struggled on the defensive side of the ball as they finished 18th allowing an average of 349.6 yards a game. They addressed that situation with their second round pick. I believe the Detroit Lions had a very solid draft and filled the necessary holes on both the defense and offensive lines.
Round 1, Pick 16 – Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Taylor Decker will enter the season as a starter for the Lions, and be a big help improving the running game and upgrade Detroit’s offensive line. He is a road grader, and can play left tackle which could happen next season if Riley Reiff does not re-sign. Decker battled double-teams with efficiency. Against edge rushers Decker has shown that he can get the depth needed to make the block.
Round 2, Pick 46 – A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
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A’Shawn Robinson is going to be a force in the middle for the Lions. He is massive at 6’4” and 307 pounds. He will either start next to Haloti Ngata or play along side him, giving Detroit a cheaper look of the Ndamukong Suh/Nick Fairley tandem a few years ago. He has the size and strength to push offensive linemen backward and can shed blockers to get after the ball carrier. Robinson can anchor two-gap, and fights to stay with the play. The biggest issue for him will be getting after the passer. He didn’t put up the stats to show he is of quality in that area. He has difficulties shooting through gaps and blowing past the offensive line. At this point, Robinson is just a two-down defensive lineman, which is why he fell into the middle of the second round. He does have the skills to become a pass rusher, but will need coaching.
Round 3, Pick 73 – Graham Glasgow, C/OG, Michigan
Graham Glasgow, like Decker is a road grader. He is tall for the center position but can move well and has solid bend which will generate momentum at the point of attack. Glasgow can make the difficult blocks and get into the second tier of the defense. He has a quick snap-block routine with solid awareness. He will need to use his hands better and learn how to blow back defenders instead just walling them off, so that he doesn’t lunge forward and get off balance. Glasgow was placed on 12 months’ probation for impaired driving, then suspended for the spring camp for violating that probation.
Round 4, Pick 111 – Miles Killebrew, SS, Southern Utah
With both James Ihedigbo and Isa Abdul-Quddus gone, the Lions needed someone to fill that void. They did so when selecting Mile Killebrew 11th overall. He is someone that can play in-the-box and will deliver a big hit. Killebrew is solid against the run as he made 243 tackles in his two seasons at Southern Utah and 132 came in 2015. He is the type of safety/linebacker who hunts the ball down to deliver a clean shot to the ball carrier. He has no fear when it comes to throwing his body around to make the tackles, and has good awareness and closing speed. Killebrew will struggle to put on the brakes which lead to miss tackles or over pursuing the ball carrier. He should have tallied more tackles, but his technique needs to be worked on and will need to develop more strength so he does not have to rely on help to bring a runner down. He will battle Rafael Bush and Tavon Wilson for a starting role.
Round 5, Pick 151 – Joe Dahl, OT, Washington State
As Glasgow and Decker have talent as run blockers, Joe Dahl has it as a pass protector. He first started his play at guard when he began his college career as a Cougar, but was moved over to left tackle his last two seasons. Dahl is a compactly built athlete with short arms, so playing tackle at the NFL level may not be in the cards as a starter. He could rotate there, but with his short arms he is designed to be a guard. Dahl has good knee bend and has good balance. He will shuffle his feet to keep defenders in front of him, can handle the bull-rush and exceptionally quick off the snap, but lacks technique off the ball.
Round 6, Pick 191 – Antwione Williams, OLB, Georgia Southern
At 6’3” and 240 pounds he is a man-child for the linebacker position. He understands and can read the offense. Williams will fill the lanes to make the tackle, and has long arms to wrap the ball carrier. He will deliver the pain when making the hit on the runner, and forced four fumbles last season. Even though he has excellent size for his position, he struggles to use it well. He hesitates to get to the play, and needs to learn to keep his pads level. He can develop those skills, but until he does, he will be a backup for the Lions.
Round 6, Pick 191 – Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan
Jake Rudock transferred to Michigan after being a starter at Iowa for two seasons. He is experienced in the pro-style system and was a winner as a signal caller (24-14). He learned to upgrade his skills under Jim Harbaugh, and has learned how to use the play action at a successful rate. Rudock finished the 2015 season with career highs in touchdowns and yards thrown (20, 3,017). He has good accuracy but needs to place the ball better, but that will come with better mechanics. Rudock is a rhythm passer as he passed for 12 touchdowns in the last four games. He holds the ball close to his body and has balance with his throws. He has a weak arm and needs to lead receivers away from the defenders on a more consistent basis. Jake Rudock will be Matt Stafford’s primary backup and can take the time to develop his deficiencies in the passing game. If not, he may be no more than a clipboard carrier for his NFL career.
Round 6, Pick 202 – Anthony Zettel, DE, Penn State
Played both end and inside as a tackle after putting on some weight. He lacks the overall body measurements (6’4”, 273 pounds) to play inside at the NFL level, but can play both even and odd fronts and can penetrate the line of scrimmage. Zettel has great anticipation and quickness off the snap. He has excellent hand placement and is strong to move blockers around, and has a nice spin move to get to the quarterback. His motor is made up of the Energizer Bunny. He finished his career at Penn State with 47 tackles and four sacks in 2015, after registering eight sacks in 2014. Zettel will be too aggressive at the point of attack and over pursue the ball carrier. His short arms may be a problem at the defensive end position, but he will be a situational pass rusher in Detroit.
Round 6, Pick 210 – Jimmy Landess, LS, Baylor
Jimmy Landess was one of the better long snappers in the country last season, but, unless your group scores points for long snapping accuracy, he is relatively useless in the fantasy domain.
Round 7, Pick 236 – Dwayne Washington, RB, Washington
Dwayne Washington has size (6’1” 226 pounds) and speed to match. He has some wiggle, but will need to develop that technique in the pros. He has great hands and can take the ball the distance once he makes the completion. He gives linebackers trouble as he can move around and exploit matchups. He has long strides and runs upright too often. Needs to make quicker decisions and keep the ball off the ground as he fumbled ten times in 227 carries. He ended up losing his starting job and also struggled with injuries. His big play ability will probably keep him on the team, but may be hard to find the field on a consistent basis with Ameer Abdullah healthy.
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