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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 Rags retires before camp. (21 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
TartanLion
Footballguy
Arnold was hilarious there really giving it to the Packers fans. We moved up again
WR Teslaa
WR Teslaa
The Captain
Footballguy
A lot to give up for someone who likely would have been there at the end of the third. And not a position of need for the next two years after picking up Jamo’s option. Could be great but oline and dline are what drives this team
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Seems like every year now there is a project pick like this we pay up for instead of letting fall into our lap. Should have been the Arkansas DE.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
I don't know but he's a physical freak and numbers wise, he looks pretty good. But, he was not worth what we invested.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Has a big fomo. I've said it before if I'm a GM and Holmes is trying to trade up I'd bleed him
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
yep by the chart that was a big overpay
thought he’d go early Day 3
Hudsonville kid, started out at tiny Hillsdale college
Matt Harmon is super high on him, personally I thought he was a guy who tested really well at the combine but he is very unpolished as a route runner
liquid quick, 9.97 RAS
great potential but gonna be a minute before it translates to the field
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Loved the Ratledge pick
Allen Park — The Detroit Lions solved another long-term need in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up three spots to select Georgia guard Tate Ratledge.
The Lions sent their original sixth-round pick, No. 60, and the No. 130 choice in the fourth round in exchange for the 57th pick to select Ratledge, along with a seventh-round pick, No. 230 overall.
A four-year starter, Ratledge exclusively played right guard for the Bulldogs. For his college career, he allowed just 18 pressures and 2.0 sacks. He earned first-team All-American honors in 2024 and first-team All-SEC each of the past two seasons.
Ratledge has battled durability issues, missing 20 games during his four seasons at Georgia due to various ailments, including Lisfranc, shoulder, and ankle injuries.
Ratlege, second-year guard Christian Mahogany and veteran Graham Glasgow are expected to compete for the team’s two starting jobs in 2025.
Primarily playing in the slot for the Razorbacks, the 6-foot-4, 214-pound TeSlaa posted 62 receptions for 896 and five touchdowns across two seasons.
Allen Park — The Lions stayed patient in the first round, standing pat at No. 28 before selecting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. On Friday, the team traded up twice, first climbing three spots in the second round to secure guard Tate Ratlege before making a 32-spot jump in the third round to land Arkansas receiver and Michigan native Isaac TeSlaa.
Born in the Grand Rapids suburb of Hudsonville, TeSlaa attended Unity Christian High School before following in his father Mark’s footsteps to Hillsdale College. After thriving for the Chargers, Isaac was able to transfer to Arkansas.
Primarily playing in the slot for the Razorbacks, the 6-foot-4, 214-pound TeSlaa posted 62 receptions for 896 and five touchdowns across two seasons.
Considered a still-developing talent with untapped potential, TeSlaa will add size, athleticism, and reliable hands to Detroit’s receiving corps, as well as the ability to contribute to multiple special teams groups. Posting elite measurables in every drill during the pre-draft process, he has tremendous upside.
The Lions paid a steep price to land TeSlaa. To acquire the No. 70 pick from the Jaguars to make the pick, they sent Jacksonville three Day 2 choices, the No. 102 pick this year, as well as their two third-rounders in 2026.
Detroit also got back two sixth-rounders in the swap, the No. 182 in this year’s draft and a 2026 selection.
Detroit Lions trade up 3 spots in second round, select Georgia guard Tate Ratledge
Allen Park — The Detroit Lions solved another long-term need in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up three spots to select Georgia guard Tate Ratledge.
The Lions sent their original sixth-round pick, No. 60, and the No. 130 choice in the fourth round in exchange for the 57th pick to select Ratledge, along with a seventh-round pick, No. 230 overall.
A four-year starter, Ratledge exclusively played right guard for the Bulldogs. For his college career, he allowed just 18 pressures and 2.0 sacks. He earned first-team All-American honors in 2024 and first-team All-SEC each of the past two seasons.
Ratledge has battled durability issues, missing 20 games during his four seasons at Georgia due to various ailments, including Lisfranc, shoulder, and ankle injuries.
Ratlege, second-year guard Christian Mahogany and veteran Graham Glasgow are expected to compete for the team’s two starting jobs in 2025.
Lions trade three Day 2 picks to move up 32 spots in third round for WR Isaac TeSlaa
Primarily playing in the slot for the Razorbacks, the 6-foot-4, 214-pound TeSlaa posted 62 receptions for 896 and five touchdowns across two seasons.
Allen Park — The Lions stayed patient in the first round, standing pat at No. 28 before selecting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. On Friday, the team traded up twice, first climbing three spots in the second round to secure guard Tate Ratlege before making a 32-spot jump in the third round to land Arkansas receiver and Michigan native Isaac TeSlaa.
Born in the Grand Rapids suburb of Hudsonville, TeSlaa attended Unity Christian High School before following in his father Mark’s footsteps to Hillsdale College. After thriving for the Chargers, Isaac was able to transfer to Arkansas.
Primarily playing in the slot for the Razorbacks, the 6-foot-4, 214-pound TeSlaa posted 62 receptions for 896 and five touchdowns across two seasons.
Considered a still-developing talent with untapped potential, TeSlaa will add size, athleticism, and reliable hands to Detroit’s receiving corps, as well as the ability to contribute to multiple special teams groups. Posting elite measurables in every drill during the pre-draft process, he has tremendous upside.
The Lions paid a steep price to land TeSlaa. To acquire the No. 70 pick from the Jaguars to make the pick, they sent Jacksonville three Day 2 choices, the No. 102 pick this year, as well as their two third-rounders in 2026.
Detroit also got back two sixth-rounders in the swap, the No. 182 in this year’s draft and a 2026 selection.
Moonlight
Footballguy
He was a good get
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I mea…. how many projects can you carry on a roster?
2024 OFF/DEF snap counts of draft pick projects:
- OL Manu 0
- OL Sorsdal 0
- NT Martin 25
- RB Vaki 26
- QB Hooker 33
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
gonna go work on my chess.com elo rating, cya tomorrow
Moonlight
Footballguy
Paying premium prices for projects is questionable strategy. I'd feel better if we were seeing a payoff. You should be seeing something good by the end of the second. Year.
Hooker and Martin appear headed in the wrong direction.
The others need either opportunity or more time to know.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Expensive choice imo in terms of cost for the WR.
Position wise though I believe only St. Brown and Jamo are signed beyond this year.
www.prideofdetroit.com
This guy claims it's of relatively even value, go argue with him if you don't like the math.
Position wise though I believe only St. Brown and Jamo are signed beyond this year.
Lions massive trade up for Isaac TeSlaa was actually near-even value
The Detroit Lions actually got much better value than you may think for their big trade up for Isaac TeSlaa.
www.prideofdetroit.com
This guy claims it's of relatively even value, go argue with him if you don't like the math.
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Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Puzzling as he was Projected to be 5th-6th round. Thought the UG guard would have dropped to third.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Expensive choice imo in terms of cost for the WR.
Position wise though I believe only St. Brown and Jamo are signed beyond this year.
Lions massive trade up for Isaac TeSlaa was actually near-even value
The Detroit Lions actually got much better value than you may think for their big trade up for Isaac TeSlaa.
This guy claims it's of relatively even value, go argue with him if you don't like the math.
The trade value charts can be unreliable. It depends on what player/players are drafted in those slots and if they pan out or not.
Trading up for Broderick Martin might have charted out as somewhat even but Martin has been a bust so far. If what's his face from Arkansas contributes it is an even trade.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
True, it's hard to assign value until you know what you actually have. With Patrick and Kalif on their last year he could be a starter in 2026. Jamo is signed through 2026.Expensive choice imo in terms of cost for the WR.
Position wise though I believe only St. Brown and Jamo are signed beyond this year.
Lions massive trade up for Isaac TeSlaa was actually near-even value
The Detroit Lions actually got much better value than you may think for their big trade up for Isaac TeSlaa.
This guy claims it's of relatively even value, go argue with him if you don't like the math.
The trade value charts can be unreliable. It depends on what player/players are drafted in those slots and if they pan out or not.
Trading up for Broderick Martin might have charted out as somewhat even but Martin has been a bust so far. If what's his face from Arkansas contributes it is an even trade.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Thumbs up for me on the first and second round picks though, 2 solid guys at positions of need.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Daniel Jeremiah had him at #62 on his Top 150. PFF had him at #68 on their Big Board - Top 350. Bit like the first round selection, little early but not egregiously so. Solid B+ picks with upside.
TeSlaa is total projection so just seems like an odd guy to choose to give up three picks for with what was still on the board:
- 72 ED Landon Jackson, Arkansas (6'6" 264)
- 76 CB Shavon Revel Jr, East Carolina (6'2" 194 4.40)
ideal size/length/speed, could take a year developing his press man and push Reed inside when Robertson's deal expires - elite value pick - 78 ED Jordan Burch, Oregon (6'4" 279)
- 82 S Kevin Winston Jr, Penn State (6'2" 215 4.45)
would have been a late 1st/early 2nd if he wasn't hurt most of 2024 - 87 WR Savion Williams TCU (6'4" 222 4.48)
- 96 S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (6'0" 203 4.56)
insane Falcons got him at the back of the 3rd - 101 ED Sai'vion Jones, LSU (6'5" 280)
- WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (6'2" 206 4.44)
prototype X and excellent blocker- shocked he is still around - WR Tory Horton, Colorado State 6'2 1/2" 196 4.41)
- T/G Marcus Mbow, Purdue
- swing T/G Miles Frazier, LSU
- ED Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- LB Chris Paul Jr, Mississippi
Seems like most of the time I doubt Brad Holmes it ends up being a bad take. They definitely have an evaluation process that is out of step with consensus. So far it has worked out for them the vast majority of the time.
Another year, no help for Hutch.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
We don't have jack for draft capital (this year or next) but yippee! we got 5 picks between 182 and 244. My mock for Day 3.
- 28 DT Tyleik Williams Ohio State
- 57 RG Tate Ratledge Georgia
- 70 WR Isaac TeSlaa Arkansas
- 6th Rnd 182 S Malachi Moore Alabama
- 6th Rnd 196 G Tyler Cooper Minnesota
- 7th Rnd 228 TE Jalin Conyers Texas Tech
- 7th Rnd 230 LB Jay Higgins Iowa
- 7th Rnd 244 ED Fadil Diggs Syracuse
Moonlight
Footballguy
Norris & Winks had a tape review of Teslaa. Said he had zero or 1 catch in his last 6 games.
Played from the slot. Inexperienced route runner. Great athletic traits. Great hands. Should be a great special teams player. Production is not there. Not sure if can handle press.
So with St.Brown playing the slot where does he line up? If outside it means further transition. Appears they would like him to be Jamo's replacement. But they need somebody who can play now in case of a WR injury. As an added bonus he is already 23.
Hopefully they can develop him. But man for the price we paid he should be further along.
Played from the slot. Inexperienced route runner. Great athletic traits. Great hands. Should be a great special teams player. Production is not there. Not sure if can handle press.
So with St.Brown playing the slot where does he line up? If outside it means further transition. Appears they would like him to be Jamo's replacement. But they need somebody who can play now in case of a WR injury. As an added bonus he is already 23.
Hopefully they can develop him. But man for the price we paid he should be further along.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
17 prospects who could fit the Detroit Lions on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft
Allen Park — When the draft started, the Detroit Lions were scheduled to have four picks on Day 3. Now, they have five, but none until midway through the sixth round.
That’s five lottery tickets, but general manager Brad Holmes has cashed in on late-round scratch-offs in the past, most notably landing linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez in 2022 and guard Christian Mahogany last year. So there’s still some lingering intrigue heading into the home stretch.
The Lions hold picks 182 and 196 in the sixth round and 228, 230 and 244 in the seventh. Predicting which players might still be on the board 80 picks into Saturday afternoon is a challenge. However, for entertainment purposes, I’m going to try.
Here is a sampling of prospects who could be fits for the Lions on the 2025 draft’s third and final day.
More receiving depth
Dont'e Thornton, TennesseeWith Isaac TeSlaa, the Lions already landed one receiver with unbelievable physical gifts. Why not another? Thornton is 6-foot-5, 205 pounds. He has blazing speed and explosive leaping ability. He didn't catch a lot of passes, topping out at 26 receptions last season, but he averaged a staggering 26.5 yards per grab.
Nick Nash, San Jose State
Nash also brings good size to the table at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds, but he isn't the caliber of athlete as TeSlaa or Thornton. Still, the converted quarterback's production is eye-catching. Nash racked up 104 catches for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024. His football character is probably higher than his upside, but Detroit tends to gravitate toward players with his high level of competitiveness.
Blocking tight end competition
CJ Dippre, AlabamaThe 6-foot-5, 256-pounder is tough as nails and a surprisingly good athlete, who thrust up the bench press bar 32 times to pair with an impressive 40-yard dash and measurable in the leaping drills. He had modest contributions in the passing game, averaging a little more than 20 receptions over the past three seasons. However, he’s a competitive blocker who can contribute on special teams.
Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
Primarily aligned attached to the offensive tackle, the 6-foot-5, 253-pounder caught a personal-best 16 passes after transferring in from Yale. But as a run blocker and pass protector, he’s damn effective, which should also show up on kickoff and punt return.
More water for the offensive line’s garden
Nash Jones, Texas StateDetroit found a potential long-term starter at guard. However, the team could still use some interior depth, as multiple contracts are set to expire after the 2025 season. Jones has a sturdy frame for the interior at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, with plus strength and athleticism, highlighted by his explosiveness. He has some experience playing tackle but is likely destined for the inside at the next level.
Joshua Gray, Oregon State
Gray was a short-armed tackle who returned to college and asked the coaching staff to be moved to guard in hopes of making it to the NFL. The 6-foot-5, 299-pounder logged 56 starts during his college career and is quick and light on his feet, possessing the potential to play center in the NFL.
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
A transfer from San Diego State, Crenshaw Dickenson has seen extensive playing time at both the right and left tackle. He has a good build for the position at 6-foot-7 with 34-inch arms. His athletic profile leaves plenty to be desired, but there’s developmental potential in the frame.
A developmental, rotational edge
Elijah Roberts, SMUOf all the players on this list, Roberts feels among the least likely to make it to the sixth round. A large-framed end, he measured in at 6-foot-4 and a hefty 285 pounds. That mass limits his athleticism. Instead, he plays with violence and power, consistently finding ways to affect the pocket with those strengths. He racked up 131 pressures and 17.5 sacks across the past two seasons.
Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Diggs transferred to Syracuse after four years of modest production at Texas A&M. In one season with the Orange, he delivered a career-best 7.5 sacks and 42 pressures. A two-time captain, he plays with physicality and offers an athletic upside tied to his burst at the snap.
Que Robinson, Alabama
One of Detroit’s 30 visits leading up to the draft, Robinson is a long and lanky edge rusher who logged fewer than 400 defensive snaps during his three seasons at Alabama. Detroit could see untapped potential and special teams ability after he spent a good chunk of his time with those units in 2024.
A longer-term LB with upside on special teams
Jackson Woodard, UNLVA productive tackle machine, Woodard blew past 100 stops each of the past two seasons. The two-time captain was a former walk-on who found multiple ways to impact the game, including four interceptions in 2024. He’ll give maximum effort, whatever the role, and could eventually carve out playing time in defensive subpackages.
Ruben Hyppolite, Maryland
Another 30 visit for the Lions, Hyppolite has great speed and agility as a stack linebacker. That athleticism will certainly play on special teams.
Rounding out the cornerback room
Cobee Bryant, KansasA rail-thin cornerback prospect, Bryant plays with far more competitive fire as a run defender and tackler than you would anticipate, given his frame. In coverage, he has a knack for finding the ball, racking up 13 interceptions during his college career.
Tommi Hill, Nebraska
Hill is a big, tough cornerback who fought through injuries during his final season, which prohibited him from participating in pre-draft athletic testing. His competitiveness and physicality in man coverage would mesh well with Detroit’s scheme. He has some demonstrated ball skills, as well, scoring four interceptions when healthier in 2023.
Still hunting for a third safety
Malachi Moore, AlabamaMaybe it’s because he played for the Crimson Tide, but there’s some overlap with Brian Branch’s size, athleticism and versatility. During his college career, Moore managed to rack up seven interceptions, 25 PBUs, 16 TFLs and three forced fumbles.
Jaylen Reed, Penn State
The Detroit native can play deep and make plays driving toward the line of scrimmage, registering 98 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble in his final season at Penn State. During the pre-draft process, he showed impressive speed that pairs with a sturdy 211-pound frame.
Maxen Hook, Toledo
Possessing a good build at 6-foot-1, 202 pounds, with plus athleticism and four years of starting experience, Hook would provide quality depth and potentially high-end special teams contributions. He’s viewed as having strong leadership traits and football character as a two-year captain.
Moonlight
Footballguy
Holmes dismissed the need for edge help said its something fans want but he didn't see the need. Funny I remember his first draft and Holmes was bemused by fans clamoring about the need to draft a receiver after none was taken in the first two days. He then went and showed everyone by drafting St. Brown in day 3. So doubting him has not been the right call as you suggest.
Daniel Jeremiah had him at #62 on his Top 150. PFF had him at #68 on their Big Board - Top 350. Bit like the first round selection, little early but not egregiously so. Solid B+ picks with upside.
TeSlaa is total projection so just seems like an odd guy to choose to give up three picks for with what was still on the board:
If they just stick and pick at 102 instead of trading both AG Rooney rule comp picks + their own 3rd, any of these guys are still out there:
- 72 ED Landon Jackson, Arkansas (6'6" 264)
- 76 CB Shavon Revel Jr, East Carolina (6'2" 194 4.40)
ideal size/length/speed, could take a year developing his press man and push Reed inside when Robertson's deal expires - elite value pick- 78 ED Jordan Burch, Oregon (6'4" 279)
- 82 S Kevin Winston Jr, Penn State (6'2" 215 4.45)
would have been a late 1st/early 2nd if he wasn't hurt most of 2024- 87 WR Savion Williams TCU (6'4" 222 4.48)
- 96 S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (6'0" 203 4.56)
insane Falcons got him at the back of the 3rd- 101 ED Sai'vion Jones, LSU (6'5" 280)
- WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (6'2" 206 4.44)
prototype X and excellent blocker- shocked he is still around- WR Tory Horton, Colorado State 6'2 1/2" 196 4.41)
- T/G Marcus Mbow, Purdue
- swing T/G Miles Frazier, LSU
- ED Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- LB Chris Paul Jr, Mississippi
Seems like most of the time I doubt Brad Holmes it ends up being a bad take. They definitely have an evaluation process that is out of step with consensus. So far it has worked out for them the vast majority of the time.
Another year, no help for Hutch.
Still this gig of paying premium prices for projects doesn't feel right. With that said this will probably be the year Manu goes All Pro and Holmes gets the last laugh.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
While I am also skeptical, at least one national writer seems to love the WR pick.
www.mlive.com
ESPN analyst calls Detroit Lions’ WR selection ‘a big-time pickup’
Detroit picked former Hillsdale College standout Isaac TeSlaa on Friday night.
I hated the Martin pick from the start. I loved the Manu pick because of his freakish athletic ability and size but mainly because of the position he plays. I think there is huge upside there. But I didn't care for this pick and it doesn't move the needle for me. His ras score of 9.97 ranked 11th out of 3441 WRs from 1987 to 2025. He has the tools and there is upside there.
We'll see how it turns out but right now I'm not a fan. Brad must not have liked the available edges and he refuses to reach (which I agree with), but we have to get edge help somewhere, possibly Za'Darius Smith or other good players that invariably will be cut for salary cap reasons. I'll withhold judgement for now because the season is still 4 months away.
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Moonlight
Footballguy
Daniel Jeremiah had him in his top players list as well.While I am also skeptical, at least one national writer seems to love the WR pick.
ESPN analyst calls Detroit Lions’ WR selection ‘a big-time pickup’
Detroit picked former Hillsdale College standout Isaac TeSlaa on Friday night.
Moonlight
Footballguy
But they are in the minority. NFL site gave Lions lowest day2 grade. Nick Saban thought he was a day 3 player as well.Daniel Jeremiah had him in his top players list as well.While I am also skeptical, at least one national writer seems to love the WR pick.
ESPN analyst calls Detroit Lions’ WR selection ‘a big-time pickup’
Detroit picked former Hillsdale College standout Isaac TeSlaa on Friday night.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Smith might be in their plans and he's been hanging around like a cat at feeding time. Makes sense to wait till after the draft if they are planning on signing a FA. But yes, they eventually have to do something. It's really the only position group that is thin right now.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I hope we get one more trade up before the day is done. In addition to edge there is Safety depth to look at.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Daniel Jeremiah had him at #62 on his Top 150. PFF had him at #68 on their Big Board - Top 350. Bit like the first round selection, little early but not egregiously so. Solid B+ picks with upside.
TeSlaa is total projection so just seems like an odd guy to choose to give up three picks for with what was still on the board:
If they just stick and pick at 102 instead of trading both AG Rooney rule comp picks + their own 3rd, any of these guys are still out there:
- 72 ED Landon Jackson, Arkansas (6'6" 264)
- 76 CB Shavon Revel Jr, East Carolina (6'2" 194 4.40)
ideal size/length/speed, could take a year developing his press man and push Reed inside when Robertson's deal expires - elite value pick- 78 ED Jordan Burch, Oregon (6'4" 279)
- 82 S Kevin Winston Jr, Penn State (6'2" 215 4.45)
would have been a late 1st/early 2nd if he wasn't hurt most of 2024- 87 WR Savion Williams TCU (6'4" 222 4.48)
- 96 S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (6'0" 203 4.56)
insane Falcons got him at the back of the 3rd- 101 ED Sai'vion Jones, LSU (6'5" 280)
- WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (6'2" 206 4.44)
prototype X and excellent blocker- shocked he is still around- WR Tory Horton, Colorado State 6'2 1/2" 196 4.41)
- T/G Marcus Mbow, Purdue
- swing T/G Miles Frazier, LSU
- ED Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- LB Chris Paul Jr, Mississippi
Seems like most of the time I doubt Brad Holmes it ends up being a bad take. They definitely have an evaluation process that is out of step with consensus. So far it has worked out for them the vast majority of the time.
Another year, no help for Hutch.
Who knows..Teslaa might end up being an electric WR.
Just goes to show how much film work and scouting has to be done before draft. Finding a WR who started at little Hillsdale, went to Arkansas, really had a non descript type of season, but seeing something you like. i have no problem with the pick just think odds were 95% he would have been there with Lions own pick and very good he would have been there in 4-5th.
As usual I have no actual data to back that claim up.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Hooker was the only one that made sense because he’s a QB and the age/injury were good reasons for why he may have fallen to a spot where you were getting a value. If he becomes a starting caliber NFL player, you can get back at least a 1st for him. All other projects need to be day 3 guys who fall to you.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
My guess is the Lions went in with a plan that if they don’t find an edge they like theyll go out and sign Z after the draft
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Probably but also why not both- you know?
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I think we're mostly of the same opinion here.
You want to draft and develop an unpolished gem? Go for it, that is one way to uncover picks that turn into values - when you take them after pick 100. But when you trade 2 draft picks because you are in love with a player's potential - Martin, Manu, TeSlaa - that's an entirely different proposition. Instead of taking a depth piece / contributor who might be a key spot starter, you are wasting a roster spot on a player who isn't ready for significant snaps. Do that too often and your roster construction becomes constricted.
- DI/NT Brodric Martin - (pick number 96, 2024) I have yet to figure out what they saw, and the only thing Brad Holmes has ever gushed about is this size (6'5" 330.) Lacks functional strength soft body with a massive gut, pad level is atrocious, no anchor, waist bender, easily pushed off his spot. Two full seasons on the 53-man (tbf he started last year on the IR), 5 g, no gs, 53 defensive snaps with overall grades of 57.1 and 37.9. The icing on the cake is he doesn't ever play special teams. Probably the worst pick of the last 5 years, it's OK, nobody is perfect.
- OL Colby Sorsdal (#154, 5th round 2023) - FCS All American they knew needed time in the weight room and a structured nutrition plan. No problem, we can develop him because the OL is stellar. As a rookie, played 5 g, 3 gs, 253 offensive snaps, 88 ST snaps, and was plum awful every time he stepped on the field. Season long PFF grade of 41.8, egregious 35.1 in pass pro. Spent all of his first two seasons on the 53-man; in Y2, was a healthy scratch until week 14, when he played 5 ST snaps, and that was it for his season. 0 offensive snaps. At least it was our own pick.
- OL Giovanni Manu (#126, 4th round 2024) - Canadian British Columbia college player with elite size (6'7" 352 34 5/8" arms) who was acquired for this year's 3rd round pick #92, Jets shipped the pick to LV who traded it to SEA - QB Jalen Milroe). Healthy scratch for all 18 games in his rookie year. May still develop into an NFL player but nobody knows rn.
- RB (college S) - Sione Vaki - #129, 4th round 2024 - The Lions traded fifth- and sixth-round selections (164th and 201st overall), and a 2025 fourth-round selection to PHI in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round selections (132nd and 210th overall). Home run pick IMO because he immediately became their best ST player, leading the team in ST snaps and grade (90.5, 5th in the league.) Regardless of how the RB experiment turns out - he definitely has legitimate potential - it doesn't matter because he is an ace and they emphasize winning ST every week.
Now we take a very inexperienced, non-productive athlete who was going to be drafted....but likely 2-3 rounds later. Again.
Other than Sorsdal - abject failure so far - not one of their project players meet the common understanding of "day 3 guys who fall to you." Vaki has been a smash hit, Hooker and Manu may yet still turn into something, Martin shouldn't make the 53-man this year - heck, throw him in a trade just to get him out of the facility - and now we have another project player in TeSlass. Plus two 6th round and three 7th round picks today, which they'll probably dump to move up for another project or two.
In Brad we trust, but dang, bro...you really think you are so good that you see things 31other teams miss? Baltimore and Philadelphia mostly just let the draft fall them; we're so certain of our process we think we have to move up to get our guy or we'll miss out.
I remember back in 2021, they were showing the Philadelphia war room when Detroit announced the Alim McNeill selection. Howie Roseman's shoulders slumped, they all exchanged glances and turned away. Sniped! Then they took their consolation prize, another 3-tech from LA Tech. Milton Williams logged 2100 snaps in their DL rotation during his rookie contract, capping it off with 8 sacks, 54 pressures and Pass Rush grade of 91.7 (by grade and win rate, he outplayed Jalen Carter as an interior pass rusher last year.) His 4-year, $104m FA signing by the Patriots surpassed McNeill's in both the total and GTD.
We could write a tome on how many times Eric DeCosta or Howie Roseman crush it when they choose to stick and pick. They are phenomenally patient. Good things come to those who wait.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I'm really hoping Mahogany and Rat will be the starters and GG can be the flex sub. Hard to go the whole season without someone getting dinged up on the OL.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
That would be ideal but even if GG has to start early on, at least the young guys can time to still develop.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Lions do the double dip at guard. Definitely getting younger up there.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
6’6” with LT and RT experience as well. I do like a versatile OL.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
So far I like 3 of the 4 picks. This one seems like good value at that spot.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Film room guys said he's more well suited as an Edge in a 3-4, not enough meat in the trunk to hold the edge and not really a bendy speed rusher - apparently that makes him more of a 5-I/5-tech where he'll have help in run fits from the ILBs and the outside speed rusher is an OLB
(I've been trying to educate myself about run fits and defensive schemes and holy moly is that a deep rabbit hole....way beyond the stuff we did in h.s.....then you get into route combos and different cover schemes, my head is swimming....I passed the 5-part CPA exam in my first attempt and I am struggling to learn all the nuances)
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Ok, fair. He's heavy but also pretty tall- similar build to Hutch and maybe opposite of him you want more of stout edge. Boise kid they just took is certainly more compact in his build. Ahmed Hassanein is a nice 6th round pick. He's lacking experience and refinement but he's been a really effective and productive player at Boise. 28 TFL and 22 sacks the last 2 seasons. I actually did watch a lot of him (my masters is from Boise) and I kind of forgot about him in the draft process but he's got potential.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Hey we got the Boise State Edge! That kid is good. Ahmed Hassanein 6'3" 275 ish
Built similar to Josh Paschal, lighter by weight but same kind of build if that makes sense. Supposedly quicker than the boy is he average Kentucky guy who never really blossomed (adequate but basically replacement level.)
Keep the expectations low but that's a solid dub for late 6th, he'll compete.
Bootleg football (Brett Kollmann The Film Room & EJ Snyder Windy City Gridiron) loved theMyles Frasier Miles Frazier pick. Versatile can play four positions in theory but probably best suited at G. Liked him better than Christian Mahogany last year, and they loved the BC IOL.
Check this out:
*TPS are drop backs that are true passing plays, no screens, no RPOs, no play actin, and no double teams - straight up passing situation, drop back and protect - measures how well did you do when the player was one-on-one with a rushing defender
Built similar to Josh Paschal, lighter by weight but same kind of build if that makes sense. Supposedly quicker than the boy is he average Kentucky guy who never really blossomed (adequate but basically replacement level.)
Keep the expectations low but that's a solid dub for late 6th, he'll compete.
Bootleg football (Brett Kollmann The Film Room & EJ Snyder Windy City Gridiron) loved the
Check this out:
- had the most True Pass Set* snaps - 188 - of any IOL
- Zero QB hits, Zero sacks, 5 hurries - 5 pressures allowed in 188 reps
- Elite in pass protection
*TPS are drop backs that are true passing plays, no screens, no RPOs, no play actin, and no double teams - straight up passing situation, drop back and protect - measures how well did you do when the player was one-on-one with a rushing defender
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
yeah in terms of body type, Hassanein looks thicc. Ivey is more high cut, limbs look undersized. Pascal and their new Edge have a low center of gravity.
big thighs save lives
