Don't forget Branch who also is an excellent tackler. I hope Martin makes the team and contributes as I rotational guy this year. But I kind of think if Levi is healthy, Martin is a practice squad guy. That is a fairly big but though. Martin is a huge anchor.
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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 Draft, FAs, trades? (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
Don't forget Branch who also is an excellent tackler. I hope Martin makes the team and contributes as I rotational guy this year. But I kind of think if Levi is healthy, Martin is a practice squad guy. That is a fairly big but though. Martin is a huge anchor.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Don’t think that the Lions drafted Martin in the third round to be on the practice squad. They also gave up 3 draft choices to get him.
Branch tackling prowess does help
The picks were like a 4th, 5th and 7th, which unless your name is Brad Holmes are pretty worthless. A late third is a fringe pick. I like Martin, but it will take some good fortune for him to be on the 53-man roster starting off. He is almost guaranteed at least a practice squad spot who will be activated at times. There will be a lot of good guys who will not make the active roster.
Moonlight
Footballguy
You’re right with the recent changes in practice squad protections it could work that way.
My thinking was rooted in how the practice squad used to operate.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
well did you see the Iowa offense last year? you'd have been desperate to try anything, too.
at home, they barely were able to eke out a 7-3 win over South Dakota State. now I know the Jackrabbits were national champs but come on.
BTW, a Jack Campbell safety broke a 3-3 halftime tie. Hawkeyes clinched it with another defensive safety in the final quarter lol.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Yeah if Martin doesn’t make the team that’s a huge whiff.
Nevermind, see you meant PS as well. I thought it was implying he could be released.
I would wager that is the only game in NCAA history where the winning team scored most of their point via safety. The closet thing in NFL history has to be the 5-0 beat down of the Lions by the Cowboys.
....I guess there were 2-0 games a long long time ago, but nothing recent. Michigan also beat Purdue 5-0 in 1995.
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Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Only Iowa could be involved in a 7-3 game where there was no touchdown scored.
I was at that game. Started out in the low 40s and rainy, then after kickoff dropped under 30, with pretty good winds throughout. Zero passing all day, and pretty much just kept running the ball into the line over and over.
Most miserable 3 hours I've ever spent in my life.
Moonlight
Footballguy
I don’t want to believe this as they come across as straight shootersThere is a story out there that when Holmes called Green Bay up to swap picks, he told them they were planning on taking Hooker....then Holmes sniped Brian Branch from them.....
That makes an A+ move and turns it into an A+++++++ MOVE!
Do you have a source for the story?
Moonlight
Footballguy
Was this the type of home field advantage Lions gave up when they built Ford Field Lol
I think most fans though maybe I should just speak for myself would prefer attending games indoors and avoid bad weather.
I much prefer the dome experience, personally
The more I learn about the players, the more I like them. Brian Branch is all-pro material. It is hard to call someone at 45 the steal of the draft, but he coukd produce at top 10 level. Super smart player who plays with incredible instincts, smelling out plays and jumping routes. Not only a tackling machine but a great ball hawk. He will be the leader in the secondary year 2, much like Campbell will take over the leadership in the LB group, probably year 1.
We kind of reached in round one for players we really loved, but in rounds two and three we got great bargains. IMHO, the end result was near-perfect despite not starting off in what the conventional wisdom says was correct. Not one other team came away with 5 players who were widely considered top 50 players in the draft....and all of them filled glaring needs. Counting down to opening day....
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Now to the important details, what number they will be getting.
0 - Marvin Jones
1 - Cam Sutton
2 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson
4 - Moseley
5 - Monty
12 - Hooker
26 - Gibbs
32 - Branch
46 - Campbell
60 - Glasgow
75 - Sorsdal
80 - A. Green
87 - LaPorta
98 - B. Martin
0 - Marvin Jones
1 - Cam Sutton
2 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson
4 - Moseley
5 - Monty
12 - Hooker
26 - Gibbs
32 - Branch
46 - Campbell
60 - Glasgow
75 - Sorsdal
80 - A. Green
87 - LaPorta
98 - B. Martin
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Jamo really wanted that 1 jersey. Tweeted about it the minute Okudah was traded.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Not suspended veteran’s privilege.
After he lost he guaranteed money, he probably did not want to have to buy out the unsold jerseys, which potentionally could be hundreds of thousands. I want Jamo in 1.
I highly doubt that took place. Holmes talked last year after the trades with Minnesota how important relationships with other teams GM's were. I just cannot believe he would have done that, seems really out of character. As much of his character as I can understand as a fan at least.There is a story out there that when Holmes called Green Bay up to swap picks, he told them they were planning on taking Hooker....then Holmes sniped Brian Branch from them.....
That makes an A+ move and turns it into an A+++++++ MOVE!
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Moonlight
Footballguy
He also mentioned this factor coming into play regarding the trade down from 6 to 12 with Arizona.I highly doubt that took place. Holmes talked last year after the trades with Minnesota how important relationships with other teams GM's was. I just cannot believe he would have done that, seems really out of character. As much of his character as I can understand as a fan at least.There is a story out there that when Holmes called Green Bay up to swap picks, he told them they were planning on taking Hooker....then Holmes sniped Brian Branch from them.....
That makes an A+ move and turns it into an A+++++++ MOVE!
msudaisy26
Footballguy
Heard from another poster on this board that he settle for the number +5.5.
Next Gen NFL stats says Lions had the best haul.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
@davebirkett
·1h
The Lions have a new TE on their roster, Patrick Murtagh from Australia. He is part of the NFL’s International Pathways Program, which means the team can get a practice squad exemption to carry him as an extra PS player through the season if it wants. 8 total IPP players this yr.
22 y.o, 6'5" 220, has been playing Australian Rules Football with the developmental team Gold Coast Suns. Invited to the International Combine in London last October. I haven't been able to find any testing results from that but he was one of 10 players (out of ~45) invited to start training in the U.S. beginning in January. Former track started who competed in Triple Jump, High Jump and Decathlon.
8 IPP players were added to NLF rosters today, one each to the eight teams in the NFC North and the AFC West. Previously the IPP awarded 4 players (all in the same division) each year since 2017.
·1h
The Lions have a new TE on their roster, Patrick Murtagh from Australia. He is part of the NFL’s International Pathways Program, which means the team can get a practice squad exemption to carry him as an extra PS player through the season if it wants. 8 total IPP players this yr.
22 y.o, 6'5" 220, has been playing Australian Rules Football with the developmental team Gold Coast Suns. Invited to the International Combine in London last October. I haven't been able to find any testing results from that but he was one of 10 players (out of ~45) invited to start training in the U.S. beginning in January. Former track started who competed in Triple Jump, High Jump and Decathlon.
8 IPP players were added to NLF rosters today, one each to the eight teams in the NFC North and the AFC West. Previously the IPP awarded 4 players (all in the same division) each year since 2017.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Really don`t understand why they traded up for a guy who was projected as a 6-7th round or more likely undrafted. Was doing some research on him and nobody had him any higher on talent.
I guess they had one thing in mind, just put a fireplug in the middle and hope he clogs things up.
They were happy to get him, Holmes picked up Sheila and put her into an airplane spin after the pick!
The Lions saw the size Brodric Martin and his athleticism and knew he was a perfect fit. He might had been off the draft boards of almost everyone, but it just takes one team to see what you do and get sniped. Those third day picks were not that valuable to them. They would have just used them for guys they could have still picked up as UDFA. This was the one guy they did not want to risk losing with a skillset they desperately lacked.
BTW, out DL room is a lot better and deeper than people give it credit. The one weakness is having that anchor in the interior. Martin is insurance for Levi.
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Brodric Martin RAS 2.14
His film doesn't look great, he doesn't understand leverage. Way too upright. Doesn't really have the functional strength to overcome the technical deficiencies. Grades wise he's a better pass rusher than a 2-gap run stuffer, despite his size, but he doesn't have plan other than collapse the pocket.
It was a strange pick, using that much draft capital for someone who is essentially a teach project Y1.
His film doesn't look great, he doesn't understand leverage. Way too upright. Doesn't really have the functional strength to overcome the technical deficiencies. Grades wise he's a better pass rusher than a 2-gap run stuffer, despite his size, but he doesn't have plan other than collapse the pocket.
It was a strange pick, using that much draft capital for someone who is essentially a teach project Y1.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
On film looks very slow, and he just tries to stand up and overpower the o-line without any technique. NFL lineman are smart and will use that leverage against him.
If they can improve his quickness and lateral movement he would be difficult to handle, but that is a big if.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
He doesn't anchor well at all. In the highlight reels the Lions put out on social media, a couple of the run stops he's lunging to the side making off balance arm tackles. On one sack he starts out read and react, the C slides to double the end, and he has a clear path to the QB. He has to knock aside a sub-200 HB on the way there. Those are not plays that translate to Sundays.
We'll see. Guys get stronger and keep developing. But he's already had 3 years at FCS - redshirt as an 18 y.o., gained another year bc of the special Covid rules - then 2 years at a Group of 5 C-USA school. He was a decent player at lower levels of competition, usually guys at that level who get drafted are dominant (like Karl Brooks at Bowling Green - went 83 picks later to GB.) Turns 24 during OTAs, how much upside is there?
Honestly it was a baffling pick. Could have had someone two years younger, like Siaki Ika (335 lb NT 2 picks later to Browns) or Adetomiwa Adebawore (5-tech projected to slide to 3-tech,14 picks later to the Colts), both of whom were rated 2nd round picks pre-draft. Hope it works out.
From Brad's presser after Day 2 it seems like his Top 30 Visit sold them bc they loved his personality and football IQ. I'll defer to the experts, they have all the information.
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I highly doubt that took place. Holmes talked last year after the trades with Minnesota how important relationships with other teams GM's were. I just cannot believe he would have done that, seems really out of character. As much of his character as I can understand as a fan at least.There is a story out there that when Holmes called Green Bay up to swap picks, he told them they were planning on taking Hooker....then Holmes sniped Brian Branch from them.....
That makes an A+ move and turns it into an A+++++++ MOVE!
That would def go against protocol. But the Jags Trent Baalke had a funny conversation with Billy Beane of the Bills during a Round 1 trade, talking around the subject.
"What are you thinking....offense or defense?"
Offense.
"Big or small?"
Medium.
"OK, let's do this."
Bills took TE Dalton Kincaid at 25. The Jags, who first traded back one spot with the Giants, got the guy they wanted at 27, OT Anton Harrison. Doubt they were worried about the Cowboys at 26 taking an OL.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
I saw one of the Lions reporters say that Lance Zierlein had him near a top 100 player. Lance projected him for round 7 I think but his prospect score made him around player 100.
I think the Lions executed an absolutely perfect contrarian draft. They beat everyone to the punch at getting premier RB, LB and TE and still got the best DB and QB they could have if they drafted round one. A different ordering going with the hurd mentality would have lead to far inferior results where multiple positions would have been sacrificed. Instead they hit on 5 positions with guys on the top of their draft board. And IMHO, the Lions were not looking for Edges as their room is already stacked and the DT did not fit except for Carter which they did not want to touch. In reality by going against the grain they actually maximized their draft capital in a way which perfectly filled out their roster.
TwinTurbo
Footballguy
Yes and they targeted players that were highly productive in college and have a high ceiling. Also I'm so glad they passed on Carter and traded down for Gibbs.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Carter got 4 years of 21 million in fully guaranteed money. That should light a fire under him.
TwinTurbo
Footballguy
Nobody wants to babysit a grown man so hopefully it does motivate him.
Can't believe there is not more buzz around the Lions signing Austrailian Rules Football stud Patrick Murtagh! 6-5, 220 LB track stud who has pretty good hands and is projected as a TE.
It is kind of interesting because it is part of an international program which encourages NFL teams to sign more international players. He does not count towards the 90-man limit and also adds an additional spot to the practice squad.
Talk about a fantasy sleeper.
It is kind of interesting because it is part of an international program which encourages NFL teams to sign more international players. He does not count towards the 90-man limit and also adds an additional spot to the practice squad.
Talk about a fantasy sleeper.
TwinTurbo
Footballguy
He is an intriguing prospect. But a 6'5" 220lb move TE is about 30lbs too light. That's just a big WR. Can he block?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Has literally never played a single snap of American football. At any level.
*****************
The better known member of the Flying Zylstra brothers, Shane, has supposedly lost 25 pounds, dropping form 240 to 215. Eyeing a move from TE to WR.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
It's a fun idea, but I am still more excited/worried to see how drafting a 199 pound RB at pick 12 works out. I also saw something about off ball LB that made me a little sick but I am die hard for this team so I am looking at the positives. If Patrick Murtaugh plays a single meaningful snap for the Lions, I will be pleasantly surprised.
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Mister CIA
Footballguy
The Vikings had a guy like this several years ago, a Euro.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Gibbs and Campbell arrival
Barry, Calvin and Spielman rode out to the airport to welcome them to the D
Barry, Calvin and Spielman rode out to the airport to welcome them to the D
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Lions are making them feel welcomed, that's for sure. Makes sense to me.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Moritz Böhringer
The Eagles starting left tackle came out of the IPP. Jordan Mailata was a rugby player who had never played a single down of football when the Eagles used a 7th round pick on him in 2018. 6'8", 365, ran a 5.12 at a special International combine with a 4.67 short shuttle. Actually made the 53-man. Three years later he signed a 4 year, $64M extension. Made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in 2022.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Everything this team does is so much better than the last regime.
I was being a bit facetious, but it is a fun story if he does turn into something and it shows the lions leave no leaf unturned.
rockaction
Footballguy
Don't look into to it too much, you'll get sicker.
Lions spent two high-value picks on two low-value positions. I get that you should zig while others zag, but this doesn't bode well for their continued improvement. They acted like they just nearly lost the Super Bowl and only needed pieces at those positions, when in fact they're still building and needed the highest value picks they could get.
And I'm somebody who really sympathizes with Detroit and thought Holmes was in the Roseman mold as GM. Right now, he's not. We shall see if that is beneficial or not.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Detroit is establishing its own identity. They don’t want to be the Patriots and they don’t want to be the Eagles. Those franchises have been successful. One much more than the other.
But trying to duplicate the methods of other organizations I think leads to failure. Lions know this from experience.
The Lions have developed their own way of identifying players that fit their culture best. They make it their priority to obtain those players. Whether this works in the long run we will see. But so far I’m not complaining.
And if their methods work some teams will then try to duplicate the Lions.
It’s not that the current Lions haven’t been influenced by other organizations. New Orleans/Sean Payton comes to mind.
They don’t play or draft scared and if they fail, it will be on their own terms.
But trying to duplicate the methods of other organizations I think leads to failure. Lions know this from experience.
The Lions have developed their own way of identifying players that fit their culture best. They make it their priority to obtain those players. Whether this works in the long run we will see. But so far I’m not complaining.
And if their methods work some teams will then try to duplicate the Lions.
It’s not that the current Lions haven’t been influenced by other organizations. New Orleans/Sean Payton comes to mind.
They don’t play or draft scared and if they fail, it will be on their own terms.
I would take 4 low-value picks who are starting and making major contributions over 4 high-value picks who would be riding the pine everytime. These picks were all high character, high football IQ, high motor, and highly athletic picks who will be filling roles the Lions had dire needs for. I really don't think people understand what Holmes and Campbell are building here. The Lions easily pulled off a top 5 draft for the third year in a row. Holmes is an elite GM who plays to a beat of a different drummer. Holmes took the worst roster in the NFL and turned it into one of the best in three years.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
PFF NFL Show: Draft Grades for the AFC North & the NFC North
(video starts at the Lions segment, about 18 minutes long)
"The Lions draft requires some nuance."
Excellent balanced discussion of the Lions 2023 Draft from Sam Monson & Steve Palazzolo. Mostly focused on the first 5 picks (they did note the Starling Thomas V UDFA signing was outstanding.)
(video starts at the Lions segment, about 18 minutes long)
"The Lions draft requires some nuance."
Excellent balanced discussion of the Lions 2023 Draft from Sam Monson & Steve Palazzolo. Mostly focused on the first 5 picks (they did note the Starling Thomas V UDFA signing was outstanding.)
One thing interesting about Goff is he has always been at his best in play action. The Lions run 31 percent of their plays off of play action. In those, Goff has an NFL leading passer rating of 124.6 followed by some guy named Patrick MaHomes with 123.
So what did the Lions do? They upgraded the run game by a large amount including both being not only better runners, but better recievers. They added a much better TE option. As good as Hock was, he was not a good RAC guy and he was did not possess that all-in football attitude which IMHO lead to him and Goff not being on the same page and eventually to some INTs. LaPorta is a great YAC guy with great speed and also possesses that 110 percent all-in football IQ guy. And eventually we will have Jamo who is far better than Chark.
In 2018, Goff lead what is now the 13th best offense of all-time. IMHO the 2023 Lions are setting up to exceed that. This team has the makings of getting to the greatest show on turf level. Of course these are all low-value guys, so this is not important.
So what did the Lions do? They upgraded the run game by a large amount including both being not only better runners, but better recievers. They added a much better TE option. As good as Hock was, he was not a good RAC guy and he was did not possess that all-in football attitude which IMHO lead to him and Goff not being on the same page and eventually to some INTs. LaPorta is a great YAC guy with great speed and also possesses that 110 percent all-in football IQ guy. And eventually we will have Jamo who is far better than Chark.
In 2018, Goff lead what is now the 13th best offense of all-time. IMHO the 2023 Lions are setting up to exceed that. This team has the makings of getting to the greatest show on turf level. Of course these are all low-value guys, so this is not important.
