2025 Detroit Lions: 4-1 Lions win battle of the big cats. (168 Viewers)

[msudaisy26]

Who are tye Lions thinking about moving up to 3 for? I am not sold it is Will Anderson. I think it maybe a QB they love.

I think the Lions want Anderson, but understand that if they make the move to early it could backfire. I think if they can't get Anderson they would be happy with about 6 or so other defensive pieces. So they are throwing miss information out there and having visits with QBs so if pick 6 comes up and Richardson or Levis is avaiable at 6 someone will trade up. Then they get one of the defensive players they want and extra pick(s)

 

[BobbyLayne]

Can’t remember which podcast it was but someone thought Anderson was a bit overrated, cited that he tended to rely on straight line trucking through people and didn’t really have any moves or nuanced abilities to beat his man

Watch the tape. Highly productive pass rusher AND oh by the way can set the Edge like no one else in this class. He has bend and burst with very active hands,

The lack of variety as a technician is something you can about almost all the Top 15 Edge guys. But few of them can both generate pressure and play great run defense like Anderson.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I love that we’re two weeks out from the draft and NO ONE has any clue if we’re going ED, CB, moving up for a QB, trading back….nice job by Holmes & MCDC laying down the smoke screen.

 

[Da Guru]

Lions used a visit to bring in CJ Stroud. Things could get interesting.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions used a visit to bring in CJ Stroud. Things could get interesting.

Met with Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett last year. Means nothing except they’re doing their due diligence.

edit: QB could be in the cards but they’re def not telegraphing anything

 

[BobbyLayne]

That Franchise Guy (Marcus Whitman) - one of my favorite NFL Draft/film analyst guys

The 10 Best Interior D-Lineman In The 2023 NFL Draft​

10. Byron Young, Alabama
9. Zach Pickens, South Carolina
8. Gervon Dexter, Florida
7. Siaka Ika, Baylor
6. Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
5. Adetomiwa Adebawore (pronounced add-E-TOMMY-wah add-E-BAR-eh), Northwestern
4. Mazi Smith, Michigan
3. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson
1. Jalen Carter, Georgia

I love 5, 6 and 10 as Day 2 picks for the Lions

1-3 are almost certainly going Day 1

Spoiler: IDL guide stuff

IDL TRAITS

• Agility (AGI): Lateral explosiveness to change lanes and footspeed to assist in block sheds
• Getoff (GET): Physical and technical ability to come off the ball and get on top of blockers in a hurry
• Power Rush (PWR): Physical and technical ability to win with power including but not limited to Bull, Push & Pull, and Rip Rush Moves
• Finesse Rush (FIN): Physical and technical ability to win with finesse including but not limited to Swim, Spin, and Side to Side Counters
• Block Shedding (BKS): Ability to combine strong hands with quick feet to come off of blocks in a timely manner
• Play Recognition (GDP): The total combination of the player's ability to see the run, know where the runner is attempting to go, and to react when run stop opportunities present themselves all while maintaining the correct gap discipline as to not allow cut backs or bounce runs
• Anchor (ANC): Player's ability to hold his ground vertically against the run; players with the ability to hold their ground against double teams will receive higher grades

IDL SCHEME FITS

• 3-Tech: Defensive Tackle who lacks the size and anchor to hold up as a Nose Tackle and consistently take on double teams.
• Nose Tackle: Defensive Tackle with size who can lign up over the center or as an outside shade, handle double teams without losing ground, and command two gaps up front. This may or may not be a run-down only player depending on the level of pass rusher he is and the scheme he ends up in.
• 2-Down*: Excels in run defense and may have a role as a rotational player on early downs but doesn't necessarily have the size to project as a Nose Tackle. This player is likely to struggle generating pass rush at the next level due to any lack of any combining factors and will likely not become a 3-down starter in the NFL.
• Pass Rush Specialist *: Typically an explosive player who lacks discipline or play strength vs the run. Best used on passing downs only to help create pressure.
• Hybrid DE*: Tweener type of D-lineman best utilized as a Defensive End in a traditional 3-4 scheme. Smaller and quicker than traditional IDL to the point that the player may be best used as an early down
• EDGE player in 4-3 schemes. May have any combination of length, ability to defend the run, and pass rushing skills but their size profile makes them a complicated projection in terms of usage and position.

*Not included in a player's designation as "Any" Scheme fit.

GRADING SCALE

• 8.0 Perfect Prospect
• 7.5 Day 1 Perennial All-Pro
• 7.3 Day 1 High-End Starter And Likely All-Pro
• 7.0 Day 1 Quality Starter And Potential All-Pro
• 6.9 Day 1 Starter With All Pro Upside
• 6.7-6.8 Day 1 Starter With High-End Starter Upside
• 6.6 Day 1 Starter
• 6.5 Boom Or Bust
• 6.3-6.4 Likely Starter Within First Two Seasons
• 6.1-6.2 Day 1 Backup With Starter Upside
• 6.0 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer - Developmental Traits Based Prospect
• 5.9 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - High Floor, Limited Physical Upside
• 5.8 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Low Floor, High Ceiling
• 5.7 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Limited Physical Upside
• 5.5-5.6 Day 1 Roster Bubble or Practice Squader
• 5.4 Priority Free Agent
• 5.0 Chance To Be In An NFL Camp

 

[Rookiefever]

I had a thought about the trade up talk… I could see Holmes using the qb visits and the trade up talk as a smoke screen to attempt to get teams to trade up ahead of them and take qbs. If so, it’s genius and the lions might very well get Anderson at six.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I had a thought about the trade up talk… I could see Holmes using the qb visits and the trade up talk as a smoke screen to attempt to get teams to trade up ahead of them and take qbs. If so, it’s genius and the lions might very well get Anderson at six.

Recently Brad did a lengthy interview (might have been Chris Long but not sure) where he talked about how Y1 as a GM was basically trying to take a drink of water from a fire hose. Almost every pick he wanted to trade up to get his guy. First two rounds he really wanted to, then the third round he was trying to work a trade to snipe the Eagles but they bailed him out by dropping back 3 spots in a swap with the Panthers. Lions took Alim McNeil, Philly settled for Milton Williams one pick later, you could see Howie Roseman was so deflated. Similar experiences Y2, he's moved up for picks every year but sometimes if you're just patient the draft falls the way you need it to.

I have a feeling there could be a flurry of activity in front of us and we could end with something crazy like Will Anderson falling to us at 6 if we just stick and pick. Personally like the idea of trading back from 6 but trading up from 18. The most important thing is to get your guys, and Brad is going to get the players he wants irrespective of position or need.

No way we make 9 picks, I think he'll use those four Day 3 picks to bump us up a few spots on Day 2 to make sure we get our guys.

 

[Chaka]

If so, it’s genius and the lions might very well get Anderson at six.

That.will.never.happen

Let.it.go

 

[BobbyLayne]

Brad Holmes: These are not the Edge players you are looking for

Panthers, Texans, Cardinals, Colts, Seahawks: This is not the Edge player we are looking for

ESPN/NFLN announcers: Wow, did not see that coming. In 2021, Penei Sewell fell to the 7th pick. In 2022, the Lions were gifted Aidan Hutchinson at the 2nd pick. And now? With the 6th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Will Anderson YOU are now a Detroit Lion. Looks like Roger Goodell will be sending Detroit another letter again this year because they ran that card up to the podium too fast and didn't allow enough time for a commercial break...

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions new assistant coaches meet with media

Heard from some of the new guys this week. Nice to get to know them a bit and hear why they wanted to be a part of this.

• Dré Bly, Cornerbacks coach (fm UNC, 45, former Ram/Lion)
• Jim Hostler, Senior Offensive Assistant (24th year in the NFL, 56, takes over the John Morton role)
• John Fox, Senior Defensive Assistant (31st year, 68, former HC, DC)
• John Scott Jr, DL Coach (came over from Penn State, 47, was under Todd Bowles w/ NYJ)
• Steve Heiden, TE Coach (Cardinals TE-OL-ST 2013-22, 46, contemporary TE when MCDC was playing)

The other addition to the staff - wasn’t around for Wednesday’s presser - is Scottie Montgomery (Colts RB Coach, former Maryland OC, 44.) He slides into the Duce Staley role as RBs Coach/Assistant HC.

Elite communicators. I like what Hostler had to say about Ben Johnson…yeah, he’s super smart, has great schemes, but what sets him apart is 1) the ability to relate to all the position groups, and 2) making complex things simple - breaking it down so their role seems easy.

MCDC has assembled a great staff, and the culture they’ve established has made Detroit a desirable destination for some great coaches. Same with the Free Agent signings. Something special is about to happen in Detroit and guys want to be in on that.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions Player Interviews & Top 30 Visits
QB Anthony Richardson, Florida (NFL Combine)
WR Quentin Johnston, TCU (NFL Combine)
WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State (NFL Combine)
WR Antoine Green, North Carolina (NFL Combine)
TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa (NFL Combine)
TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State (NFL Combine)
LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson (NFL Combine)
LB Noah Sewell, Oregon (NFL Combine)
S Jammie Robinson, Florida State (NFL Combine)

QB Aidan O’Connell, Purdue (Pro Day)
RB Evan Hull, Northwestern (Pro Day)
WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan (Pro Day)
OT Quinton Barrow, Grand Valley State (Pro Day)
DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern (Pro Day)
EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan (Pro Day)
LB DeMarvion Overshown, Texas (Lions LB coach Kelvin Sheppard at Pro Day)
Pass rushing LB Nick Hampton, Appalachian State (Pro Day)
CB Carrington Valenton, Kentucky (Pro Day)
CB Cory Trice, Purdue (Pro Day)

QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State (Top 30)
QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (Top 30)
QB Adrian Martinez, Kansas State (Top 30)
RB Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina (Top 30)
TE Darnell Washington (Top 30)
TE Jamal Turner, Toledo (Top 30 visit)
OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee (NFL Combine, Top 30)
IOL Steve Avila, TCU (Top 30)
OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida (Top 30)
T/G Jordan McFadden, Clemson (NFL Combine, Top 30)
G Antonio Mafi, UCLA (Top 30 visit)
G Chandler Zavala, NC State (Top 30 visit)
DT Jalen Carter, Georgia (Top 30 visit)
DL Karl Brooks, Bowling Green (Top 30)
DL Desjuan Johnson, Toledo (Top 30)
EDGE BJ Thompson, S.F. Austin (Top 30)
EDGE Will Anderson, Alabama (Top 30)
LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas (Top 30)
CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State (Pro Day & Top 30 visit)
CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse (Top 30)
S Brian Branch, Alabama (Top 30)
S Daniel Scott, California (Top 30)

OL Mark Evans, Arkansas Pine-Bluff (Virtual)
OL Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion (Virtual)
OL Mark Evans, Arkansas Pine-Bluff (Virtual)

Local Day visits (all via Dave Birkett)

QB Taylor Powell, Eastern Michigan
RB Lew Nichols III, Central Michigan
TE Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan
TE Joel Honigford, Michigan
WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan
WR Dylan Drummond, Eastern Michigan
OL Ryan Hayes, Michigan
OL Olu Oluwatimi, Michigan
OL Quentin Barrow, Grand Valley State
DT Mazi Smith, Michigan
DT Mike Morris, Michigan
DL Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
LB Isaac Darkangelo, Illinois
LB Jalen Graham, Purdue
LB Trevor Nowaske, Saginaw Valley State
LB Lorenzo McCaskill, Kansas
CB Nic Jones, Ball State
CB DJ Turner, Michigan
CB Gemon Green, Michigan
CB NIck Whiteside, Saginaw Valley State
S Kaevon Merriweather, Iowa
P Bryce Baringer, Michigan State
P Brad Robbins, Michigan

 

[Leroy Hoard]

In addition to being mocked a lot to the Lions, Witherspoon is drawing money as the #6 pick.

DW +100
Gonzo +300
Carter +400
Wilson +475
Anderson +800
Bijan +2500
Skoronski +2500
Paris +2500
AR +2800

 

[Zeppelin]

I love that we’re two weeks out from the draft and NO ONE has any clue if we’re going ED, CB, moving up for a QB, trading back….nice job by Holmes & MCDC laying down the smoke screen.

I have always been excited for the draft because it's pretty much been our Super Bowl. But what you said above has me so excited I can't think straight.

 

[Foosball God]

So lets say Young goes number one, and the Texans do the unexpected and draft Anderson at number two. Do you trade 6 and our later second to go get Stroud? Then use 18 on a CB or DT? Then grab the other position with our higher 2nd? I don't think we need a QB, but I also don't think we're going to be picking that high again.

 

[msudaisy26]

So lets say Young goes number one, and the Texans do the unexpected and draft Anderson at number two. Do you trade 6 and our later second to go get Stroud? Then use 18 on a CB or DT? Then grab the other position with our higher 2nd? I don't think we need a QB, but I also don't think we're going to be picking that high again.

If Holmes loves Stroud then yes, the problem is if Stroud is sitting there at 3 the Lions aren't the only one calling the Cardinals and it is going to cost a lot more than 6 and the later second round pick.

 

[Ilov80s]

The more I look at this draft I want Detroit to trade out of one or the other 1st round picks for next year. Keep the capital.

This is where I am at if it is possible. Would love to see them drop from 6 and try to pick up a first next year. Like say one QB is left and the Titans or someone in the teens wants him then trade back to 13 and next years first. Same for 18 move back to the end of the first or beginning of the second and maybe pick up another first.

This way if Goff does stink you have the ability to go get a QB next year if the USC or UNC QB are as good as we hope this fall.

I agree with this but if Williams and May have the years we expect, we might not be able to get to 1 and 2 to make the pick. We could be outbid or it's possible that some combo of say the Titans, Raiders, Commanders finish as the two worst teams aren't giving up that draft pick.

Can’t remember which podcast it was but someone thought Anderson was a bit overrated, cited that he tended to rely on straight line trucking through people and didn’t really have any moves or nuanced abilities to beat his man

We are officially in overthinking it season. The draft process has gone on too long now and people are running out of things to day, think about, etc.

Who are tye Lions thinking about moving up to 3 for? I am not sold it is Will Anderson. I think it maybe a QB they love.

It could be either IMO. I don't see Detroit going with Bryce but could easily see Andrson, Stroud or Richardson.

 

[Ilov80s]

Josh Norris of Underdog Sports (who happened to have the most accurate NFL mock draft ever in 2021) did a mock today that had the Lions trading up to 2 for CJ Stroud. I doubt this will be his official mock, it's still too early for him to release that but it's interesting.

Note: the Lions gave up a pick 6, pick 48 and a 3rd next year for pick 2 and pick 201.

 

[BobbyLayne]

2023 Draft list of attendees:

• Jordan Addison, WR, USC
• Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
• Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
• Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
• Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
• Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
• Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
• Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
• Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
• Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
• Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
• C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
• Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
• Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
• Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
• Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

 

[Leroy Hoard]

We are officially in overthinking it season. The draft process has gone on too long now and people are running out of things to say, think about, etc.

Yes, this is what I was alluding to earlier in the thread. One more FA signing or trade before the draft might help kill the time.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

2023 Draft list of attendees:

• Jordan Addison, WR, USC
• Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
• Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
• Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
• Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
• Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
• Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
• Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
• Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
• Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
• Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
• C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
• Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
• Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
• Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
• Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Interesting that OL Peter Skoronski is not one of them. I usually see him going in the 9-10-11 range.

 

[jon_mx]

A name that has been rapidly moving up draft boards is DJ Turner and is now expected to go round 1. Seen as playing with the same intensity and coverage abilities as Witherspoon, but is faster. Might be a tad high to pick at 18, but will not be around for our next pick.

 

[kface]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

 

[jon_mx]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

I am pretty sure this is the longest team thread in this forum, so the passion has always been there, even if it was more frustration than excitement.

 

[TartanLion]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

This was the one and only time of the year we generally were ‘excited’. Usually all downhill afterwards

 

[kface]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

I am pretty sure this is the longest team thread in this forum, so the passion has always been there, even if it was more frustration than excitement.

There is so much hope in all the posts though. It's great for fans, you deserve it after such a long dry spell

Good luck this season

 

[BobbyLayne]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

I am pretty sure this is the longest team thread in this forum, so the passion has always been there, even if it was more frustration than excitement.

There is so much hope in all the posts though. It's great for fans, you deserve it after such a long dry spell

Good luck this season

We have competent people running the team now.

That’s new.

 

[Chaka]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

I am pretty sure this is the longest team thread in this forum, so the passion has always been there, even if it was more frustration than excitement.

Is it?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

I am pretty sure this is the longest team thread in this forum, so the passion has always been there, even if it was more frustration than excitement.

Is it?

I went back 4 pages and I see no other team thread at 269 pages.

 

[Chaka]

Just popped in to say it's nice to see you Lions fans excited for once...

I am pretty sure this is the longest team thread in this forum, so the passion has always been there, even if it was more frustration than excitement.

Is it?

I went back 4 pages and I see no other team thread at 269 pages.

Okay, not a big deal but some team threads are started fresh every season. This thread averages 24.5 pages/year and roughly 1,181 posts annually. For comparison the 2023 Raiders thread already has 38 pages and ~2,000 posts.

This is now one of my favorite threads but I would be surprised if it was top 5 in length.

 

[TartanLion]

Without being able to quantify it, it has certainly always seemed like one of the most active team threads on the forum even when we’ve been enduring crap like Patricia/Quinn and I’m now coming up on a decade of being a member here which is a fair bit shorter than most of you ! . There’s a fair few Lions fans/fantasy people posting on this forum. I’d say it must be around about top 5 anyway

 

[msudaisy26]

agree with this but if Williams and May have the years we expect, we might not be able to get to 1 and 2 to make the pick. We could be outbid or it's possible that some combo of say the Titans, Raiders, Commanders finish as the two worst teams aren't giving up that draft pick.

You might be right, or it could be a team like the Jags, Bengals, or Chargers that have their franchise QB go down in week 1 and they lose 15 games and they number 2 pick is going to the highest bidder.

 

[Jakey]

This may well be the longest contigious thread.. I believe several other team threads start anew each season.

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL GM rankings

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

 

[Ilov80s]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

My current favorite first round is him and Kancey, both small for their position. But at least they are both bigger than Bryce Young.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

The NFLN Love Boat for the Lions continues today at 3pm, with the Washington Potatoes game from 2022.

 

[SoBeDad]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

Maybe Christain Gonzalez is the CB you want. Faster, taller, and 1.5 years younger. Covering Watson, Chasepool, and Jefferson will be a priority for the next few years.

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

Man he plays big though. My only worry is he might hit himself out of the league, he is a ferocious tackler.

Best instinctual player in the draft IMO. He must be a film rat bc it’s insane how his reactions are anticipatory. It’s like he knows exactly the other team has called.

 

[jon_mx]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

Maybe Christain Gonzalez is the CB you want. Faster, taller, and 1.5 years younger. Covering Watson, Chasepool, and Jefferson will be a priority for the next few years.

I think guys like Witherspoon and Turner are the best bet to stay with Jefferson-types, especially when he lines up in the slot. It is the 6'-3" and 6'-4" that they will have more trouble with. I will be happy if we end up with any of those three.

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

My current favorite first round is him and Kancey, both small for their position. But at least they are both bigger than Bryce Young.

I’m falling out of love with Kancey. The more I watch his film it’s apparent he cannot stack and shed; he can only be a pass rushing specialist. Now he’s got some insane get off and does a great job of swimming through, double handed knock off, reverse twist - he’s got an arsenal of weaponry.

But what he can’t do is engage and stand up an OL, he’s going to be easily contained through double teams.

There could be ways around this. Justin Tuck played Edge at 290 on early downs and then moved inside on passing downs. I don’t think he’s going to just be any means, he’s a really talented DI. But that’s a lot of draft capital for a 1-2 down specialist.

Wouldn’t hate the pick but I almost think it might be better to take Ika or Benton around 48/55 - guys with less push but capable of stack/shed on run downs. Use the 18 pick to draft another Edge or Johnston if he falls.

IDK just spit balkin’ can’t wait for the drag to get here lol.

 

[Ilov80s]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

My current favorite first round is him and Kancey, both small for their position. But at least they are both bigger than Bryce Young.

I’m falling out of love with Kancey. The more I watch his film it’s apparent he cannot stack abs shed; he can only be a pass rushing specialist. Now he’s got some insane get off and doesn’t a great job of swimming through, double handed knock off, reverse twist - he’s got an arsenal of weaponry.

But what he can’t do is engage and stand up an OL, he’s going to be easily contained through double teams.

There could be ways around this. Justin Tuck played Edge at 290 on early downs and then moved inside on passing downs. I don’t think he’s going to just be any means, he’s a really talented DI. But that’s a lot of draft capital for a 1-2 down specialist.

Wouldn’t hate the pick but I almost think it might be better to take Ika or Benton around 48/55 - guys with less push but capable of stack/shed on run downs. Use the 18 pick to draft another Edge or Johnston if he falls.

IDK just spit balkin’ can’t wait for the drag to get here lol.

He’s definitely a risk.

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

Maybe Christain Gonzalez is the CB you want. Faster, taller, and 1.5 years younger. Covering Watson, Chasepool, and Jefferson will be a priority for the next few years.

He’s smooth. Witherspoon has a whole other level to his game that you never see in Gonzalez tape.

Gonzalez never had a season with a passer rating below 74. There’s no urgency to his game. Witherspoon has a nonstop motor and great ball skills. Allowed one yard in 106 press man coverage snaps.

Christian is a great athlete and he’s going to be a very good pro. Almost every team plays in quarters coverage the majority of the time he’s not scheme dependent.

Witherspoon put up a pair of 4.45s at his private workout. He’s plenty fast, but he’ll play faster than his 40 time bc he’s so so quick to react. Great instincts.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Detroit - Washington replay on NFLN. Maybe their best first half all year.

 

[Foosball God]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

My current favorite first round is him and Kancey, both small for their position. But at least they are both bigger than Bryce Young.

I’m falling out of love with Kancey. The more I watch his film it’s apparent he cannot stack and shed; he can only be a pass rushing specialist. Now he’s got some insane get off and does a great job of swimming through, double handed knock off, reverse twist - he’s got an arsenal of weaponry.

But what he can’t do is engage and stand up an OL, he’s going to be easily contained through double teams.

There could be ways around this. Justin Tuck played Edge at 290 on early downs and then moved inside on passing downs. I don’t think he’s going to just be any means, he’s a really talented DI. But that’s a lot of draft capital for a 1-2 down specialist.

Wouldn’t hate the pick but I almost think it might be better to take Ika or Benton around 48/55 - guys with less push but capable of stack/shed on run downs. Use the 18 pick to draft another Edge or Johnston if he falls.

IDK just spit balkin’ can’t wait for the drag to get here lol.

Double teaming him leaves Hutchinson single teamed though.

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

My current favorite first round is him and Kancey, both small for their position. But at least they are both bigger than Bryce Young.

I’m falling out of love with Kancey. The more I watch his film it’s apparent he cannot stack and shed; he can only be a pass rushing specialist. Now he’s got some insane get off and does a great job of swimming through, double handed knock off, reverse twist - he’s got an arsenal of weaponry.

But what he can’t do is engage and stand up an OL, he’s going to be easily contained through double teams.

There could be ways around this. Justin Tuck played Edge at 290 on early downs and then moved inside on passing downs. I don’t think he’s going to just be any means, he’s a really talented DI. But that’s a lot of draft capital for a 1-2 down specialist.

Wouldn’t hate the pick but I almost think it might be better to take Ika or Benton around 48/55 - guys with less push but capable of stack/shed on run downs. Use the 18 pick to draft another Edge or Johnston if he falls.

IDK just spit balkin’ can’t wait for the drag to get here lol.

Double teaming him leaves Hutchinson single teamed though.

It probably wasn't clear that I was referring to what they might do on early running downs.

On passing downs I think he'll be very effective, but he'll get pushed around in run defense. You really can't find any tape of him stacking, shedding, and making a run stop.

 

[Ilov80s]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

I really do wish Witherspoon was just a little bigger and a little longer. Just a little.

My current favorite first round is him and Kancey, both small for their position. But at least they are both bigger than Bryce Young.

I’m falling out of love with Kancey. The more I watch his film it’s apparent he cannot stack and shed; he can only be a pass rushing specialist. Now he’s got some insane get off and does a great job of swimming through, double handed knock off, reverse twist - he’s got an arsenal of weaponry.

But what he can’t do is engage and stand up an OL, he’s going to be easily contained through double teams.

There could be ways around this. Justin Tuck played Edge at 290 on early downs and then moved inside on passing downs. I don’t think he’s going to just be any means, he’s a really talented DI. But that’s a lot of draft capital for a 1-2 down specialist.

Wouldn’t hate the pick but I almost think it might be better to take Ika or Benton around 48/55 - guys with less push but capable of stack/shed on run downs. Use the 18 pick to draft another Edge or Johnston if he falls.

IDK just spit balkin’ can’t wait for the drag to get here lol.

Double teaming him leaves Hutchinson single teamed though.

It probably wasn't clear that I was referring to what they might do on early running downs.

On passing downs I think he'll be very effective, but he'll get pushed around in run defense. You really can't find any tape of him stacking, shedding, and making a run stop.

Opinions seem very mixed on. Some are in love with his pass rush. Others truly don’t see him as a round 1 or even round 2 player.

 

[Moonlight]

NFL Draft defensive analysis: Nolan Smith, Devon Witherspoon among this year’s outliers​

Betting on outliers consistently is not a way to get rich. There is only one Aaron Donald and I’m skeptical when Kancey or whoever is compared to a great player who is or was an outlier.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Opinions seem very mixed on. Some are in love with his pass rush. Others truly don’t see him as a round 1 or even round 2 player.

isn't it funny how many physical outliers are in this class?

QB - Bryce Young 5'10-1/8" and (likely) 190
RB - Archane (184 pounds) and Vaughn (5'6") are Impossibly small framed
WR - Tank Dell is the most productive WR and he's 163 pounds
OL - Skoronski has shorter arms than any OT in the league
DL - Kancey is light with short arms
ED - Will McDonald and Nolan Smith weight less than anyone who was a starting NFL Edge last year
CB - Forbes is 166, Hodges-Tomlinson is a great player but sub-5'9" no way

Seems like most of the best WRs except Johnston are undersized Slot guys

Strange class.

I can see WRs and CBs and even QB going smaller going forward bc of the way they are calling penalties these days. It's all about protecting the stars of the passing game. But Kancey and the light frame Edge guys are probably gonna get smothered by 320 pound NFL lineman and need to bulk up a bit.