Are the Detroit Lions showing signs of life?

I stepped away from writing posts on this site because of how depressing it was to watch two children (Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn) run an already disaster organization further into the ground. My last post visited my thoughts on the Detroit Lions and I expressed that Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn should be fired immediately. It took a little over a month, but my wishes were finally granted. I could talk about how terrible the two were, but I would be repeating what you already know and feel. Let’s talk about Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, moves they have made, and what I think about their draft selections.

Player-Friendly Staff

Dan Campbell, Head Coach

(WDIV)

Moving completely away from a ‘hard-nosed’ and ‘Patriot way’ clown, the Lions hired Dan Campbell as their head coach. As a former tight-end in the NFL (also played for Detroit), he does have experience being a head coach with his time as the interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins, along with his time recently in New Orleans as Sean Payton’s assistant. Lots of fans were really interested in former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, but I’m sure that almost everyone has come around on this guy. Dan Campbell understands Detroit and wants to be here. He has passion for not only the game, but our city. His press conferences are must-see TV, as every sentence he says could be a headline in the paper. Sure, he hasn’t coached a game for the Detroit Lions yet, but I am sipping the Kool-Aid because of Coach Campbell’s energy.

Brad Holmes, General Manager

The Atlantic

Since 2016, the only picks that were key players for the Detroit Lions are Taylor Decker (’16, 1st round), Kenny Golladay (’17, 3rd round), Frank Ragnow (’18, 1st round), and TJ Hockenson (’19, 1st round). Other than that, you have picks like Jarrad Davis, Teez Tabor, Kerryon Johnson, Jahlani Tavai, and A’Shawn Robinson as guys that Quinn selected that have been complete busts for Detroit (Leaving out the 2020 draft because they deserve to play for an actual coach before I write them off). Now let’s talk about Brad Holmes.

Coming over from the Los Angeles Rams, Brad Holmes was their director of collegiate scouting. He has some responsibility with selections like Cooper Kupp, John Johnson, Troy Reeder, Gerald Everett, and Jordan Fuller (all non-first round selections). Since 2016, the Rams have not had a first round pick (where the selected Jared Goff), and have not had a losing record, along with an appearance to the Super Bowl in 2018. People who have worked with Brad Holmes had nothing but great things to say about him, which I was unable to find anyone saying things about Bob Quinn. The only thing I found was Bill Belichick saying that Bob Quinn did a “solid” job in New England. Brad Holmes is hopefully the opposite of Bob Quinn, in that he drafts with a brain. I don’t want him to feel like he is the smartest guy in the room (like taking Tavai in the 2nd round). After watching his first draft closely, I get a sense that he knows what he is doing, and I am able to drink the Kool-Aid for this hire as well.

Coordinators and Assistants

Leading the offense for the Lions is Anthony Lynn, former head-coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Before that, he worked with the Jets, Cowboys, Jaguars, Browns, Broncos, and Bills as primarily their running backs coach. With the amount of 1,000 yard rushers that he has worked with, I am excited to see how DeAndre Swift will run in his offense. His assistants include Mark Brunell (QB Coach), Duce Staley (RB Coach), and Antwaan Randle El (WR Coach). All former players in the NFL that most fans are familiar with.

Defensively, Aaron Glenn comes to Detroit as their defensive coordinator. Another former player, Glenn was hired from New Orleans, where he served as their defensive backs coach. This should excite fans because of the players that he coached in New Orleans, which include Marshon Lattimore, Marcus Williams, and Janoris Jenkins. With Jeff Okudah, Amani Oruwariye, and Tracy Walker, it will be interesting to see how improved our defense will look next year with a new scheme.

Offseason

The biggest trade was the Stafford deal, where the Lions received Jared Goff, a 2021 3rd round pick, a 2022 1st, and a 2023 1st. Though Stafford is an huge upgrade, one of those 1sts have to be for the Lions taking on Jared Goff’s insane contract. Regardless, the Lions are on the hook to pay Goff until there is an out after the 2022 season. Most people believe that the Lions will draft a QB next season after they have an expected down year.

Another deal that most people do not know is the trade for DT Michael Brockers from the Rams. Though the Lions did draft two DT in rounds 2 and 3 of the draft, Brockers will be both a leader in the locker room and will allow for our two rookies to learn and develop under him.

With Stafford leaving, we also watched Kenny Golladay sign to the New York Giants and Marvin Jones sign to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Justin Coleman, Desmond Trufant, Duron Harmon, and Danny Shelton are also no longer with the Detroit Lions. Most notably also is Matt Prater. The starting lineup for the Detroit Lions in 2021 will be very different than last year’s, and it will not be better talent wise.

On offense, the Lions added WR’s Breshad Perriman, Germino Allison, Tyrell Williams, RB Jamaal Williams, and most likely TE Darren Fells (deal not done as of 5/5/2021). On the flip side, the Lions acquired a few depth pieces on defense but did not make any real splashes in free agency. This is expected with a new regime that is probably trying to get our cap situation under control. I would expect that the following couple years result in a couple of paydays for major talent.

Draft

I will go into a deeper dive on the picks individually in a separate post. However, I do want to say that I like what Detroit did in the draft. Sure, I would want to see Waddle, Smith, Parsons, or Fields in a Lions jersey because they would be the ‘sexy’ pick, rather than the ‘right’ pick in my mind. Sewell in the first is a blessing that not many fans will realize but soon will in a Quinton Nelson-esque way after he becomes a star. Building a top offensive line will allow Detroit to give Jared Goff a true chance, or draft a QB next year and not have a Joe Burrow situation where he is not protected. This pick was great long-term for the Lions, which is what they need.

The Detroit Lions took DT Levi Onwuzurike in the second round, and both DT Alim McNeil and CB Ifeatu Melifonwu in the third round. With Dan Campbell announcing that Detroit will be mostly in a 3 man front, this allows for a constant rotation of Brockers, Penisini, and the two rookies which will keep the defensive front fresh. Melifonwu’s tackling ability may allow him to see some time on the field as a nickel corner, which would help replace Justin Coleman’s role.

In the fourth round, Detroit selected Amon-Ra St. Brown, who also could see significant time due to the lack of talent that the current WR’s have shown. With all three of Detroit’s top targets gone (Amendola, Golladay, and Jones), I would expect to see St. Brown used in several sets on offense. The pick following Amon-Ra was LB Derrick Barnes, who is the type of player you would expect to catch Dan Campbell’s eye, a hard-nosed, pedal-to-the-metal type player. Barnes will most likely be primarily a special teams guy, until he develops into rotational EDGE/LB for the Lions.

With their last pick, the Lions selected RB Jermar Jefferson. I was surprised to see him last this long because I figured a team that was interested in a burner-type running back would grab him earlier, but Detroit was able to select him in the 7th. What this tells me is that they are moving on from Adrian Peterson, and probably Kerryon Johnson. Draft capital is important, but I think either Jefferson will return kicks for Detroit or serve as their RB3 behind Jamaal Williams.

Expectations

Less talent, better coaching. That is what I am thinking. A quick look at the schedule, I would say that the Lions are a 3-5 win team. Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Denver are all POSSIBLE wins. The problem is that I would like for Detroit to be in the 1-3 range in next year’s draft to take Sam Howell or Spencer Rattler. Surely there will be a Joe Burrow/Zach Wilson type riser in next year’s class, but the Lions will take a QB next year. A three win season will end with the Lions taking a top QB and also using the other first to grab a WR or LB will also be in play. This season will be interesting for the Lions, but I would recommend to fans that if they expect to win, then not to watch. This is a full rebuild that will take 2-3 seasons, but I do believe that this organization has taken the correct steps in beginning the process.

Be sure to follow the page and comment below on your thoughts. The more interaction, the more I am motivated to push out content for people to call me an idiot for. Thanks for reading.

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Grading the Detroit Lions’ free-agent signings

The 3-12-1 Lions entered the off-season with a dumpster fire defense. Flashback to Week 1, many believed that this defense would carry the load. Signing Trey Flowers and Mike Daniels, while also having Da’Shawn Hand, A’Shawn Robinson, and Damon “Snacks” Harrison. Fans hoped for Jarad Davis to improve, yet it shows that he is not a suitable MIKE for this team. We scratched our heads at the Tavai pick, yet he showed some flashes throughout the season. Then the Quandre Diggs trade happened, which seemingly spiraled everything out of control. Injuries upon injuries struck this team, and now, here we are. Slay traded to Philly for a 3rd and 5th. Kennard released. Snacks released. Glasgow released. Daniels let go. Melvin let go. Sam Martin let go. McKissic let go. What did we get back in return? Well, let’s go through everything.

Desmond Trufant, CB (Atlanta Falcons)

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With Slay gone, many were hoping for Byron Jones. The Lions play the most man-to-man defense in the NFL, therefore, the available pool of corners that fit our scheme slims down. The former first round pick back in 2013 has been the CB1 for the Falcons, leading their secondary. What worries me is that this could be another situation like Mike Daniels, where an aging player is released by their team and we sign them after they come off a serious injury.

THE GOOD: Trufant is able to fill a massive hole at CB1 with the departure of Darius Slay.

THE BAD: Concerns with injuries, as well as Trufant is turning 30 later this year. This signing satisfies the Lions’ need for a CB1 for the short-term, but will need to invest in a younger CB somewhere in the near future. With the third pick in the draft this year, Okudah seems like a strong possibility to be this successor to Trufant.

GRADE: B

Jamie Collins, LB (New England Patriots)

Winslow Townson, Associated Press

Patricia likes the guys that he has experience with back in New England. Jamie Collins is a linebacker that is a great fit for the Lions because of his ability to cover tight-ends and running-backs. A revamp of this defense is much needed, so bringing in veterans that understand the culture that Patricia is trying to develop.

THE GOOD: Collins has experience in Patricia’s scheme and is capable of playing at an incredibly high level. He has been very productive over the course of his career, particularly with New England.

THE BAD: Collins is currently 31 years old and just signed to Detroit on a three-year deal worth $30M. I’m not a huge fan of the deal itself, but if Detroit is able to get similar production to what he did with New England last year, Collins will be a great addition to this defense.

GRADE: B+

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT (Philadelphia Eagles)

Dave Zangaro/NBC Sports

The offensive line for the Lions had question marks looming since the departure of TJ Lang. Taylor Decker appeared to be a star early, however, has not been able to keep it all together. Frank Ragnow has been awesome at center, but that is really it. Glasgow seemed to be a solid guard, yet Quinn thought otherwise. Rick Wagner proved to be overrated and overpaid with his release. The key factor at play is what the Lions are going to do with Tyrell Crosby. Many believed he would get his chance at RT, yet the Lions signing Big V to a 5-year $50M contract, I find it hard to believe that Big V is going to sit behind Crosby making that much money.

THE GOOD: Vaitai has sat behind two of the best tackles in the game, Lane Johnson and Jason Peters. With Cory Undlin (former Eagles coach) joining Detroit’s staff, one can assume that Undlin saw promise in Vaitai.

THE BAD: A 5-year $50M deal for a player that has been unproven is concerning.

GRADE: C (with B upside)

Chase Daniel, QB (Chicago Bears)

Lions fans know Chase Daniel as the backup that defeated them on Thanksgiving Day back in 2018. Daniel is a career backup, spending time on the Saints, Chiefs, Eagles, and Bears throughout his 10-year career. He’s been proven to be competent, which has not been the case for backup QB’s in Detroit for the last few years.

THE GOOD: Stafford going down last year derailed the season. Chase Daniel will be able to come in, per anything to happen to Stafford, and bring the Lions success.

THE BAD: There is not really anything bad about this deal. I’m interested to see what the Lions do in this year’s draft and see if they invest a late pick in a developmental QB to sit behind both Stafford and Daniel.

GRADE: A

Danny Shelton, DT (New England Patriots)

I understand that the casual fan hearing the Lions signing another former Patriot is annoying, but I’d rather look at the player. Shelton is a solid run-stuffer on the interior of the defensive line. Shelton will be replacing Snacks, who had a similar role. I’m sure the Lions were looking to purse Chris Jones (franchise tagged by KC) and DJ Reader (signed to CIN), but luckily were able to grab a solid DT in Shelton.

THE GOOD: Value. Shelton signed to a 2-year $8M deal with Detroit, which is significantly less than that of Snacks’ former contract. This allowed Detroit to grab another piece for the defensive line.

THE BAD: Shelton is not the premier run-stuff player that Snacks was. Also, Shelton has been used more as a rotational piece than a solidified starter. This will be another case, like Vaitai’s, to see what kind of player he really is being a starter.

GRADE: B-

Nick Williams, DT (Chicago Bears)

Mentioned above, Shelton signing his deal allowed for Nick Williams signing with Detroit. Williams is a 29-year old vet, with experience on numerous teams. Last year, Williams was able to get to the QB 6 times, which is great for an interior lineman. A pass-rushing interior lineman is much needed on Patricia’s defense, which Williams is able to do.

THE GOOD: The Lions needed to improve their defensive line personnel. Further, they needed players that have the ability to rush the QB, which Williams showed he was able to do last season.

THE BAD: Williams broke out in his fifth season with the Bears. It is unknown why he wasn’t able to get his career going earlier with Kansas City or Miami, but maybe the Lions found a diamond in the rough.

GRADE: C+

 

 

 

 

The State of the Detroit Lions

Let’s go back to Week 4 of the NFL season. The Lions host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who were among the teams that were favored to win the Super Bowl. Sitting at 2-0-1, the Lions lose a nail biter 34-30. Many fans said that loss may be the best loss they have ever witnessed. The following week, the Lions head out to Green Bay and lose one of the worst officiated games I have watched, in case you forgot. Now sitting at 2-2-1, many of us were still optimistic.

Then we jump to today, the Detroit Lions sit last in the NFC North at 3-6-1, Matthew Stafford done for likely the season, Kerryon Johnson done for likely the season, Mike Daniels has finally came back after signing a one year deal for over $9 Million, Diggs traded for a bag of cheetos, and leaders of the team speaking out against that trade. This team has one of the worst defenses in the NFL after being hyped as having the best defensive line to begin the season. Darrell Bevell has actually done a good job on the offensive side of the ball, yet we are 1-6 in the last 7 games.

Fans are speaking about our scheduling “softening up” because we play teams like the Redskins, Broncos, and Buccaneers, but those teams are saying the same thing about the Lions. It is quite likely that the Lions enter the 2020 NFL Draft with a top 10 pick for the second consecutive year which will draw criticism considering Bob Quinn fired Jim Caldwell because “9 wins aren’t enough”. Well after 26 weeks of football, we are at 9 wins after Caldwell had 18 wins in 32 weeks of football. Now let me emphasize, I understand that Patricia and Quinn are attempting to build a system here. However, nobody knows what that system is, and I hate to think that neither do Quinn and Patricia.

As we roll into the conclusion of the 2019 season, the future of our staff is uncertain. Am I on the train that wants to fire Quinntricia? Not exactly. I do want to see a plan though. Trading Diggs for a 5th round pick is a decent move if, and only if, there are moves following that trade that will benefit the team. I’m glad to see that the front office believes in Tracy Walker and Will Harris. What I don’t like to see is our most prominent players, specifically Darius Slay, openly criticize that move. I waited until the four o’clock deadline to hear something about moves because apparently, the Lions were not sellers, they were buyers. So maybe they were going to use that 5th to acquire someone like they did last season in Snacks Harrison. As the clock hit 4pm, nothing happened. To me, that’s a fire-able offense, considering the state that the Lions are in.

As we move towards the NFL Draft, rumors of Stafford’s back injury has caused some reasonable concern. The problem is, Bob Quinn will not spend a first round pick on a quarterback because he is on the hot seat. Look at teams like the Packers (Rodgers), the Chiefs (Mahomes), and even in the sense of the Rams (Goff). These teams will draft a QB in the first rounder, let them sit and learn, and then unleash them. What is another characteristic of these teams? They are successful. Drafting a QB in the first round is a long-term move that Bob Quinn can not afford to take. I’m sure if Joe Burrow falls to the Lions, maybe he will actually give some consideration to him, but even then, I believe he will trade the pick to a QB needy team who haven’t already traded up for him.

In all honesty, I’m just as frustrated as the rest of the fans for how this season has turned out. I stayed positive after the TJ Hockenson selection. I stayed positive after making Justin Coleman the highest paying nickel corner.  I stayed positive after signing Trey Flowers to an absurd amount of money after the Patriots let him walk. I stayed positive after giving Mike Daniels $9 Million to sit the bench. I even stayed positive after we traded Diggs for nothing. Now, I don’t know have much care for this front office and ready to get into draft mode.

Lastly, for those who like to say, “Well if you don’t like them, who should replace them”. I have just the answer for you, but you are going to have to wait.

Monday Night’s Officiating Crew Join Mason Crosby in Lambeau Leap

Lions fan here, but I think it’s pretty obvious that my bias does not apply unless you’re a rat, Packers fan. I will present my case on why these officials need to be removed from the NFL. We have players being fined for waving at a defender while scoring a touchdown but referees laughing off the field after blowing numerous calls that will more than likely have ZERO repercussions.

EXHIBIT A- illegal use of hands to the face by Trey Flowers #1:

Trey Flowers working off the edge, left hand clearly under the chinstrap. Lions get the sack, which would have forced a punt from Green Bay, but wait! Flag comes in late, illegal use of hands from Trey Flowers. A five-yard penalty but more importantly, it becomes an automatic first-down. Guess what happens after, you guessed it, touchdown Green Bay, or was it?

EXHIBIT B- Ruled touchdown, reviewed, confirmed touchdown:

Here we have the supposed touchdown after the legal hands to the shoulder penalty. We have the catch, knee down, no part of his body/ball is across the white line as Justin Coleman makes contact. All scoring plays are review-able to all 31 teams in the NFL but apparently the Packers are an exception.

EXHIBIT C- Blown Pass Interference Call:

Here we have Marvin Jones downfield after beating the Packers defender. As the ball is in the air, the desperate defender throws his arm across Jones’s chest, disrupting his ability to attempt to make a catch. Clear PI, two refs watching this happen, no call. And for everyone saying “WHY WOULD MP NOT CHALLENGE?!?!” Well in the last 21 challenges for pass interference’s, coaches are 1-20 in getting it reversed. The PI needs to be as egregious as the Saints/Rams PI in order for it to be overturned. Therefore, the PI needs to top the worst non-call in NFL history in order for it to be possibly overturned. What a standard to have. Now consequently, this would have continued a drive that could have given the Lions a touchdown that would’ve extended the lead to 10. Instead, Matt Prater daddy’d a 51 yard field goal, points on the board regardless.

EXHIBIT D- illegal use of hands to the face by Trey Flowers #2:

 

Last but not least, the call witnessed around the world. After a crucial third down stop that would have resulted in a 33 yard field goal attempt, but more importantly, give the Lions almost 2 minutes to put a drive together to win the game. Instead, the automatic first down allows for the rats to run the clock down, kick a field goal, and jump into the stands with the zebras to celebrate being handed the game.

EXHIBIT E- 13 Packers on the field?

3rd and 8, the Pack are able to load the box and also account for all receivers. Hello? Anyone? THIRTEEN PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

EXHIBIT F- all of the other bullshit that happened:

I was not able to find photos for the Kerryon Johnson catch that was reviewed and determine that it was not a catch, the unsportsmanlike penalty on Tracy Walker as he was going for an interception, the ACTUAL illegal use of hands to the face by the Packers on numerous occasions, and the hold that allowed Rodgers to escape the pocket and run for a first.

As a Lions fan, I have witnessed horrible officiating. It is a common nuisance that is factored in by us when determining the outcome of each game we play. The only thing that I am happy about that has come out of this game is that it was witnessed by millions of NFL fans across the country. If this game were to be played a 1:00pm(EST) on Sunday, then it’s to be assumed that the Lions and us fans would be considered to be whining once again. The Packers are enemy number 1A now with the refs being 1b, FTP, FTR.

Who is Jahlani Tavai?

I said the same thing honestly. I’ve been playing close attention to Day 1 and 2 players, but Tavai has not been one to be on my scouting list. I was ready, I was excited, I was going to be happy to hear Greedy Williams’ name said when our pick was announced. I was ready for Mack Wilson. I was ready for AJ Brown/DK Metcalf/Parris Campbell. Instead, Bob Quinn decided to go with Jahlani Tavai. I’ve done my research and am ready to give you some insight on who our 2nd round pick is.

Jahlani Tavai is a LB/EDGE from Hawaii where he played all four years, in 47 games. He recorded 390 total tackles in his career, with 41 of those being for a loss, and recording 16.5 sacks. He’s had a few All-Conference awards, and was 10th in the FBS in tackles in 2017 with 124. He’s obviously able to make tackles, but I have some concerns with him. First of all, he was arrested last June for assault at a night club. Secondly, he had a shoulder injury last year which kept him out for a some games. I watched his film from this year against Wyoming and San Jose State. I’m guessing 2018 was not his best season, so I went back to 2016 and watched him against Middle Tennessee. I’m not saying he is a bad player but I think taking him 43 is a bit of a reach. Here are my takeaways on Tavai.

Tavai has a nice frame at just under 6’3 and a solid 250lbs. He gets to his top speed quickly, but his top speed is not quick. Tavai is under the “quick but not fast” category. He’s one of those players that plays with a swagger, you’ll know what I mean when you see him. What I find interesting is his ability to rush the passer effectively and also his ability to drop back in coverage. What makes me scratch my head is that we need help covering backs and tight ends at linebacker, which Tavai is a zone cover linebacker. Regardless, the kid can tackle, no doubt about it. However, I see some serious redflags while watching him. He lines up as an edge occasionally, and he does well at mixing moves at the point of attack. What I find concerning is how stiff he is coming off the line. Another thing, which also impacts his inside linebacker play, is his lack of ability to get off blocks. Too many times I see him engage a blocker and is slow to get off the block to make a tackle. I’m worried about whether he will be able to chase a running back to the sideline and up the field. Lastly, he gets caught up at the line of scrimmage and can lose the ball carrier, which is really frustrating to watch.

What I can offer you is that New England was also interested in the kid, so he is wanted around the league. I don’t know about him being taken 43rd overall, because I think he’s going to be a project player. Patricia will hopefully groom him and that will allow him to be a solid inside linebacker for years to come. I’m not a big fan of this pick, so I’m praying the Lions made the right decision. Also praying we can grab David Long in the next round.

TJ Hockenson is not Eric Ebron, it’s okay

Look, I know you’re upset. Hear me out, we did not draft another Eric Ebron. TJ Hockenson is a dynamic TE. He is the “Y” TE that we need, which Ebron was an “F” TE. For reference, a Y TE is on the line next to tackles, while a F TE lines up in the slot and can line up in the backfield. Ebron was being used in Detroit as a Y, when he wasn’t much of a blocker. Since he has moved to Indy, look at what he has done since having more of an F role, it’s crazy when you use your players correctly, huh? Well now that we have Jesse James that could be an efficient F TE, Hockenson will be a great addition to our line and being a security blanket for Stafford. Now let me tell you about TJ himself.

At 6’5, 251lbs, Hockenson played TE for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was drafted by your Lions with the 8th pick of the NFL Draft. Lots of players were available here, so it would be pretty hard to fuck this up. TE is a need for the Lions, as is a CB, an EDGE, an OG, and a LB. All of these positions had players available, but having a player like Hockenson fall into your lap, it’s hard to pass on him. In 2018, Hockenson, a redshirt sophomore, played in 13 games, had 49 receptions for 760 yards and 6 touchdowns. These numbers don’t really jump off the screen at you but don’t forget that Noah Fant was drafted by the Denver Broncos 20th overall and was Hockenson’s teammate who also played TE. Fant had 39 receptions for 519 yards and 7 touchdowns. You throw half those balls to Hockenson and that’s when you’ll see how elite this kid actually is on paper. He plays at a high-level, comes from a school that has put out NFL TE talent, most notably George Kittle and Dallas Clark, and busts his ass.

Player comparisons aren’t that favorable for people, but Hockenson’s player comparison is to Kelce/Gronkowski. That’s one hell of a comparison, huh? Hockenson’s scouting report resembles Travis Kelce’s. “Good but not great athlete, big frame, physical blocker, and has the ability to stretch the field. Lacks explosive speed.” Hock will lineup next to the bigboys and block for our backs. Hell, two TE sets with James and Hock will be a deadly combination. My point is, put your pitchforks down, this is actually a decent pick for the Lions. It’s one of those that isn’t too flashy, but you’ll be glad to have him for the next 5 years. With that said, hopefully I convinced you. I will be doing more of these on each player the Lion’s draft, and then maybe some film room on each player. Thank you for your time, keep sippin that kool-aid.

Big Worm’s First 10

5 Days. That is what’s left until a kid’s dream of hearing their name called and walking across that stage in Nashville turns into a reality. A dream I once had, but lets be real. A 5’10 pulling guard…it was only just a dream. But for these 10 young men it is reality and its got me FIRED UP FOR FOOTBALL. So here is how the draft will go

Pick 1 – Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

(Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

Now don’t be surprised if the Cardinals trade down. If they do Kliff will have a short NFL career trying his style with Rosen. If they don’t trade, this is the pick that must be made. Cardinals pay Kliff, and then draft Bosa? What’s the point? Murray will go number 1. Murray can walk the dog, paint the back porch, fill up the gatorade coolers….oh yeah, AND HE CAN PASS.

Pick 2 – 49ers: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State

(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

For the 49er fans out there I understand defense doesn’t make a splash but relax. We have yet to see a full season Jimmy G. (Needs less dinners with Kiara Mia and more film sessions) This allows you to have a top pass rush and now slide Thomas inside and woah…that is a scary D-Line. Have some faith in my boy Lynch in San Fran.

Pick 3 – The Gosh Darn New York Jets: WILL NOT GIVE PICK, JETS WILL TRADE

 (Photo: Julio Cortez, AP)

The gosh darn Jets are going to make the right decision and trade out of this pick. After making a jump to secure the future in Darnold last year. They will now look to gain draft capital, slide down the board, and find a playmaker in the secondary. Are the Jets being…I don’t know. A little Greedy?

Pick 4 – Oakland Raiders: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

(Photo: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire, Getty)

Return of the Mack for Oakland. Not the same guy but close to it. Gruden pissed off every Raider fan when trading Mack and with this pick he will try to regain Raider Nation. And who doesn’t love an explosive 6’5 260 pound animal to help the defense? They sent the scouts home because they have me to help the franchise.

Pick 5 – Buccaneers: Quinnen Williams, IDL, Alabama

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

McCoy is over-paid and he under produced. To me, I smell a replacement and this team has holes all over the field. Williams has the ability to come in and be an immediate pro-bowler, and live in Qb’s face. Bucs get a steal here but everyone say a prayer for Williams. Nothing is wrong with him, this team is just a dumpster fire.

Pick 6 – Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Let’s state the obvious. The giants need a quarterback, if they don’t do this now, Saquan is done after 4 years and after that rookie season…we want to see Barkley have a long healthy career. The Giants won’t pass this kid up, 50 touchdowns and just shy of 5K passing yards? Time for New York to start MANNING up and replace him already.

Pick 7 – Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

(Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

This is a team with the same core roster that reached the AFC championship just 2 seasons ago. With an upgrade at quarterback, a full season Fournette, and a new set of eyes for Foles blind side. The Jags would hit HUGE here and could find themselves back into the playoffs. Jags take Taylor and trend in the right direction.

Pick 8 – Detroit Lions: Devin White, LB, LSU

(Photo: Rick Scuteri, Associated Press)

For all my Lions fans, this may not be exciting. But what the team did in the off-season was exciting. They got a edge rusher in Flowers, snagged Jesse James at tight end, and even added Justin Coleman to create turnovers. So to bring this all together. Another do it all 3 down backer to play along Davis and solidify the defense. Devin said it himself. The 2 could work great together.

Pick 9 – Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, IDT, Houston

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Good job Buffalo, you got Ed Oliver at pick 9. Now if only we could address your running back room that is turning into a senior citizen home and the receivers you don’t have we can fix this! NOT, this team is in big trouble. I tried to have the GM keys thrown to me last season but it got picked off when they still had Peterman.

Pick 10 – Broncos: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

This makes too much sense. Elway played quarterback so he gets it. If he wants to see Flacco enter whatever prime he feels he has left, he has to at least protect the vet. He’s getting old! This is the perfect fit, the next Joe Thomas here. (Just hopefully more wins)

Can’t wait to watch the draft and see everything unfold. Stay tuned for team grades and tune in to the Suite Life of Worm & Willy to hear everything sports on Soundcloud. @WormFrayer

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