2022 Lions prospects

[Mebert]

Legwold has Thibodeaux as No. 11 overall

The following from Legwold

27. Quay Walker, ILB, Georgia, 6-3 ¾, 241 (4.52)

Some say this is too high for Walker, and he won't consistently make the splash plays. Trust your eyes, he understands what offenses are trying to do, plays with recognition and is disciplined in his assignments. Walker waited his turn to play in a star-studded defense, with 15 of his 17 career starts coming in 2021.


34. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor, 5-11, 198 (4.44)

Defensive backs coaches say they want to coach Pitre. He understands what offenses want to do and routinely is around the ball, with 19 tackles for loss last season and 36 in his career. The team that looks past his limitations in coverage situations and asks him to do what he does best will get a gem.

BB_7: This is a great take on Pitre, imo


50. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State, 6-4 1/8, 208 (4.36)

Watson is one of the prospects who benefitted the most from a week at the Senior Bowl, as evaluators saw him match up with some of the draft's best defensive backs. Watson offers more than he was asked to do as largely a down-the-field threat in North Dakota State's offense. Watson is a long strider with elite top speed. He has return skills to go with 57 plays in his college career of at least 20 yards.


57. Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati, 6-0 ¾, 206 (DNR)

Cook, who suffered a left shoulder injury in November and had surgery after the season, did not work out at the combine or at his pro day. He is a former cornerback whose physicality along the line of scrimmage and ability in coverage -- he played as a slot defender among his many duties -- will make him a popular prospect.

BB_72: Damn, I like Cook, but I'm sure about TOP 60. At No.97 I could possibly see.


63. George Pickens, WR, Georgia, 6-3 ¼, 195 (4.47)

He tore the ACL in his right knee in spring drills last year and played four games this past season. The scouts who like Pickens really like him, and those who quibble a bit wonder if he's physical enough to consistently win the ball in contested situations. He averaged 15 yards per catch during his Georgia career, 21.4 per catch in limited duty last season (four games, five receptions).


65. Brian Asamoah, ILB, Oklahoma, 6-0 1/4, 226 (4.56)

He's 4 inches shorter but six pounds heavier than Hamilton, who is the top safety on the board, so some evaluators see a tweener linebacker/safety. He is explosive in his pursuit of the ball, and 56% of his tackles were solo efforts. Special teams' coaches will take note.


81. Leo Chenal, ILB, Wisconsin, 6-2 5/8, 250 (4.53)

Chenal has a tough, physical presence and is one of the best run-defenders on the board. He will need the right scheme fit given he's not nearly as proficient in coverage as some others, but defensive coordinators who keep him busy with what he does best will be rewarded. Chenal had 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season and 42 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.

BB_72: The biggest reason why I'm not on-board with Chenal. He doesn't have the instincts in coverage and is mostly late recognizing. He's superb at blitzing though and even off the edge too. He fits Hoodie's scheme though.


82. Cole Strange, G, Tennessee-Chattanooga, 6-4 7/8, 307 (5.03)

Strange started two games at left tackle last season, and a game at center in 2019, but he spent the majority of his time at left guard. He should fit nicely in a scheme that puts him on the move. He needs some additional play strength as he grows into the NFL but could play quickly in a zone scheme.

BB_72: Right in line with @Mebert.
I think Jonah Jackson actually played better at RG last year in the very limited snaps he had there.


87. Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois, 6-1, 203 (DNR)

Joseph was the first Illini safety since 1989 to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors, and he did it in his one full season as a starter. A late bloomer, he elected to not run a 40 at the combine or his pro day. He has top-level ball skills, is smooth in coverage and has the length (a 79½-inch arm span) of a lineman.

BB_72: @Old Lion boy, right here. I think he's better suited for the FS role. I wouldn't be upset if Holmes went this route, at No. 97, as he was at Joseph's pro day.

I know Chenal can't cover, but his value as a pass rusher is massive. He adds to our weakest link on defense from the ILB spot. I figure he has the athletic profile to add coverage.

I would prefer Lloyd as he does both, but that won't be possible without a trade up

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

I would prefer Lloyd as he does both, but that won't be possible without a trade up

Exactly.

If there is any player that I'd want Holmes to trade up for, it's Lloyd.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

I know Chenal can't cover, but his value as a pass rusher is massive. He adds to our weakest link on defense from the ILB spot. I figure he has the athletic profile to add coverage.

This makes sense, but I don't see Holmes and Campbell giving up on Barnes so soon. Barnes played mostly DE/OLB at Purdue except that last year, so it'll take him some time to adjust and most likely won't see that jump until 2023, if at all.

I did find it interesting in who Holmes brought in for TOP-30 private workouts and interviews: N, Dean, B. Asamoah - they both fit that WILL LB, along with Q, Walker and Devin Harper. I know nothing about Harper, but Q, Walker seems for aligned with what they're expecting from Barnes - Mike LB.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Something that I find intriguing and yet questioning at the same time is whether the pick at Edge of Hutch or Thibodeaux, both appear better suited to play weakside (not that they won't get reps at strongside) and that spot is currently set with C. Harris and J. Okwara.

Since Campbell stated they're going more 4-3 base alignments which truly means 4-2-5 (they'll still play a much lower % of 3-4 Base and more than likely against QB's like Mahomes, J. Allen, L. Jackson, R. Wilson etc.) then Holmes will need to find that true 4-3 Base end (not necessarily this year as A. Bryant fits that mold - as does Romeo Okwara, but how can Holmes not add another strongside DE while not knowing how R. Okwara is going to respond to rehab and be ready to contribute at the beginning of the season? Brockers could initially play some strongside end and inside until R. Okwara is healthy and that's not a given.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Devin Harper. I know nothing about Harper

I think Holmes is thinking ahead with a possibility that Harper could be a late round pick or an UDFA. Harper didn't start until his last year - his 6th year of eligibility.
Interesting Bio though and 6'0" 234. He has a very interesting RAS.

Devin Harper - 2021 - Cowboy Football - Oklahoma State University Athletics

Devin Harper (16) LB - 2020 Second Team Academic All-Big 12 2021 Team Captian (voted by teammates) 2021 Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (Coaches) 2021 F...

okstate.com

Played mainly on special teams and in a reserve defensive role in his first five seasons ... Used an extra year of eligibility in 2021 after the NCAA ruling on COVID-19 and had a breakout year in his first season as a full-time starter ... Ended his career with 16 starts and 59 games played, with 216 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, 22 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered and a blocked punt.

Played an extra season after the NCAA COVID-19 ruling and had a breakout season in his first year as a full-time starter ... One of five players voted a team captain by his teammates ... An honorable mention All-Big 12 pick by the league’s head coaches ... First team Academic All-Big 12 ... Started 13 of OSU’s 14 games ... Finished the season as the team’s second leading tackler with 96 total tackles and 61 solo stops ... HIs 6.0 sacks were the third-most on the team and his 10.0 tackles for loss ranked fifth ... Led the team with 15 quarterback hurries to rank as the second-highest single season total since it started being tracked in 1982 ... Also added two pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries

 

[Rollingthndr]

Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux posted a 18.8% pressure rate from the EDGE, tops amongst notable NFL draft prospects.​

Thibodeaux (6'5"/250) has been bungee jumping up and down draft boards. One knock against him was a relative lack of counting stats compared to guys like Aidan Hutchinson. Seven sacks is good, but to be fair it's tied 59th with like 24 other players. Sacks aren't everything though, and Thibodeaux actually posted a better pressure rate than Hutchinson, showing he's still incredibly effective even if he's not pulling down the huge sack numbers. Hutchinson came in second, with George Karlaftis, Arnold Ebiketie and Jermaine Johnson after. Travon Walker posted just a 9.1%, half that of Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux really seems like he could go anywhere in the top-10, but recently he's been creeping higher and higher.
SOURCE: CFB Film Room on Twitter

 

[Rollingthndr]

Legwold has Thibodeaux as No. 11 overall

The following from Legwold

27. Quay Walker, ILB, Georgia, 6-3 ¾, 241 (4.52)

Some say this is too high for Walker, and he won't consistently make the splash plays. Trust your eyes, he understands what offenses are trying to do, plays with recognition and is disciplined in his assignments. Walker waited his turn to play in a star-studded defense, with 15 of his 17 career starts coming in 2021.


34. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor, 5-11, 198 (4.44)

Defensive backs coaches say they want to coach Pitre. He understands what offenses want to do and routinely is around the ball, with 19 tackles for loss last season and 36 in his career. The team that looks past his limitations in coverage situations and asks him to do what he does best will get a gem.

BB_7: This is a great take on Pitre, imo


50. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State, 6-4 1/8, 208 (4.36)

Watson is one of the prospects who benefitted the most from a week at the Senior Bowl, as evaluators saw him match up with some of the draft's best defensive backs. Watson offers more than he was asked to do as largely a down-the-field threat in North Dakota State's offense. Watson is a long strider with elite top speed. He has return skills to go with 57 plays in his college career of at least 20 yards.


57. Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati, 6-0 ¾, 206 (DNR)

Cook, who suffered a left shoulder injury in November and had surgery after the season, did not work out at the combine or at his pro day. He is a former cornerback whose physicality along the line of scrimmage and ability in coverage -- he played as a slot defender among his many duties -- will make him a popular prospect.

BB_72: Damn, I like Cook, but I'm sure about TOP 60. At No.97 I could possibly see.


63. George Pickens, WR, Georgia, 6-3 ¼, 195 (4.47)

He tore the ACL in his right knee in spring drills last year and played four games this past season. The scouts who like Pickens really like him, and those who quibble a bit wonder if he's physical enough to consistently win the ball in contested situations. He averaged 15 yards per catch during his Georgia career, 21.4 per catch in limited duty last season (four games, five receptions).


65. Brian Asamoah, ILB, Oklahoma, 6-0 1/4, 226 (4.56)

He's 4 inches shorter but six pounds heavier than Hamilton, who is the top safety on the board, so some evaluators see a tweener linebacker/safety. He is explosive in his pursuit of the ball, and 56% of his tackles were solo efforts. Special teams' coaches will take note.


81. Leo Chenal, ILB, Wisconsin, 6-2 5/8, 250 (4.53)

Chenal has a tough, physical presence and is one of the best run-defenders on the board. He will need the right scheme fit given he's not nearly as proficient in coverage as some others, but defensive coordinators who keep him busy with what he does best will be rewarded. Chenal had 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season and 42 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.

BB_72: The biggest reason why I'm not on-board with Chenal. He doesn't have the instincts in coverage and is mostly late recognizing. He's superb at blitzing though and even off the edge too. He fits Hoodie's scheme though.


82. Cole Strange, G, Tennessee-Chattanooga, 6-4 7/8, 307 (5.03)

Strange started two games at left tackle last season, and a game at center in 2019, but he spent the majority of his time at left guard. He should fit nicely in a scheme that puts him on the move. He needs some additional play strength as he grows into the NFL but could play quickly in a zone scheme.

BB_72: Right in line with @Mebert.
I think Jonah Jackson actually played better at RG last year in the very limited snaps he had there.


87. Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois, 6-1, 203 (DNR)

Joseph was the first Illini safety since 1989 to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors, and he did it in his one full season as a starter. A late bloomer, he elected to not run a 40 at the combine or his pro day. He has top-level ball skills, is smooth in coverage and has the length (a 79½-inch arm span) of a lineman.

BB_72: @Old Lion boy, right here. I think he's better suited for the FS role. I wouldn't be upset if Holmes went this route, at No. 97, as he was at Joseph's pro day.

Not sure how they can have Watkins over Pickens unless they are worried about the injury.

 

[Rollingthndr]

81. Leo Chenal, ILB, Wisconsin, 6-2 5/8, 250 (4.53)

Chenal has a tough, physical presence and is one of the best run-defenders on the board. He will need the right scheme fit given he's not nearly as proficient in coverage as some others, but defensive coordinators who keep him busy with what he does best will be rewarded. Chenal had 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season and 42 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.

BB_72: The biggest reason why I'm not on-board with Chenal. He doesn't have the instincts in coverage and is mostly late recognizing. He's superb at blitzing though and even off the edge too. He fits Hoodie's scheme though.

Is it bad that every guy's description sounds like an upgrade over the linebackers currently on our roster? lol

 

[Rollingthndr]

We can add this to the new banner after next week:

View attachment 294700

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Has anyone noticed that not one WR was brought in for a TOP 30 visit? Now, they did have 3 WR in for a local Pro Day, but those don't count against the TOP 30 and not one of these should be considered other than UDFA's.

Interesting, to say the least.

Lions top-30 pre-draft visit tracker, local pro day participants

Keeping track of all the 2022 NFL Draft prospects the Detroit LIons are doing extra homework on by bringing them to their local team facility.

www.prideofdetroit.com

• WR Chad Gilliard, Saginaw Valley State ($ource)
• WR Daylen Baldwin, Michigan, via Jackson State ($ource)
• WR Jalen Martin, Pittsburgh State ($ource)

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Is it bad that every guy's description sounds like an upgrade over the linebackers currently on our roster? lol

Not at all.
I just wish we had 3 picks in each of the first four rounds, One each at the top, middle and back-end of each round

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Not sure how they can have Watkins over Pickens unless they are worried about the injury.

TBH, I really am Not a huge fan of either, but if I had to guess at who they'd draft, it'd be Pickens.

There should be a lot of questions with Watson transitioning to the NFL. It almost reminds me of the Will Fuller saga. I guy who is used more as a vertical threat, comes out of a school that is more run-base oriented and suspect QB play, and is suspect with drops and route running ability.

Watson had 16 drops while at N.D. State, but his drop rate allegedly fell from 20% in his first 3 years down to 10% in his last year. That's alarming. I get the want for speed as an outside WR, but damn, it makes me question his ability when the game is on the line, and he drops what would be a game winning TD.

If Pickens dropped to No. 66, I would take that chance because all prospects come with risks, but I'm off at any round before that for either of them.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

This draft has me flip flopping for than any draft I can recall.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

If Drake London or G. Wilson were to be available at 32 - neither will - then I can see an easy run to the podium with the draft card - maybe Olave too but certainly not for WR like Burks, Dotson, S. Moore, W. Robinson, Pickens, Watson at that draft slot.

I can see Holmes being patient and waiting for a WR to drop to No. 66 or even as far back as No. 97. Think of where Kupp and AR-SB were drafted at.

I can also see the possibility where Holmes bypasses drafting a WR this year and runs with what we currently have and not spending the resources for that position unless he runs into an AR-SB situation like last year.

 

[Rollingthndr]

Luxury, how and why do you see it that way?

Nelson sucked last year unless he was the sixth O-Lineman in 12 personnel.

There's Nelson and Skipper so far as backup or swing tackles. I do not see that as being a luxury when 5th round and beyond are mostly players for development.

I don't care what player is chosen, but an OT needs to be drafted. We have enough players for Center and OG development: Brown, McCollum, Stenberg and Kraemer.

Boo on you

Why can't we run an offense with a fullback?
Would be awesome to have some 270lb fullback running in front of Swift.

 

[Rollingthndr]

Not at all.
I just wish we had 3 picks in each of the first four rounds, One each at the top, middle and back-end of each round

Maybe someone will throw us a couple firsts for Goff this year.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Maybe someone will throw us a couple firsts for Goff this year.

I have to assume you're kidding.

Maybe next year, he might draw a comparable package to what Indy gave up for Wentz last year and that's only if Holmes drafts Willis, Goff gets into a zone to prove that he's capable starter and has a career year in 2022.

 

[Rollingthndr]

Watson had 16 drops while at N.D. State, but his drop rate allegedly fell from 20% in his first 3 years down to 10% in his last year. That's alarming. I get the want for speed as an outside WR, but damn, it makes me question his ability when the game is on the line, and he drops what would be a game winning TD.

If Pickens dropped to No. 66, I would take that chance because all prospects come with risks, but I'm off at any round before that for either of them.

Drop rates and missed tackles are huge red flags for me. I would take guys with injuries over healthy guys with those issues.

Pickens has one of the lowest drop rates in this class however. If he can stay healthy, he is a legit WR1 in the NFL. Can't say that about any of the other clowns in this class. Outside of maybe that Jameson Williams guy. I am 50/50 on London. He is either a WR1 or a bust in my eyes. Definitely wouldn't take him as high as I have seen him projected in some of these mocks.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Why can't we run an offense with a fullback?
Would be awesome to have some 270lb fullback running in front of Swift.

R.I.P William "The Refrigerator" Perry.
Even though he was nearly 80 pounds heavier than that 270.

 

[Rollingthndr]

Maybe next year, he might draw a comparable package to what Indy gave up for Wentz last year

One could only dream.