Detroit Lions Forecast
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Detroit Lions (5-11)
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(9) Michael Huff, S. Texas
(40) Marcus McNeil, OT. Auburn
(74) Spencer Havner, LB. ULCA
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The Lions need no wide receivers; this is for certain. Upgrades on the defensive side of the ball could take their unit to the next level and among the NFL's elite. Terrance Holt is not the answer in center field; a replacement at free safety could supply a significant upgrade to both the pass and rush defenses. With the loss of Earl Holmes, the linebacking unit is now one member short. Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey are two up and coming stars. Adding a third young talent to the mix would give the Lions a base for their defense for many years. Corey Redding could use some competition at defensive end as he is more of a situational guy than a starter, but that is not a pressing need. On the other hand, the O-Line could use some serious upgrading. With the skill positions taken care of, the Lions are a solid offensive line away from moving the ball effortlessly down the field. A franchise tackle would help immensely. Finding late valu at guard could give the Lions a unit that is passable by NFL standards. Currently, the unit is very below average. Kevin Butler is not the answer.
(9) Michael Huff, S. Texas
As discussed in a previous post, Michael Huff makes a ton of sense for the Lions. Huff has the ability to play both cornerback and safety in the NFL. Someone with his athleticism and versatility is very hard to find. Running at 4.34, he can handle anyone but a handful of guys in the league in man coverage. At 6'0"/204, he has the size to shoulder the load at safety. Huff has a nose for the ball that was evident during every game he played with the Longhorns. Huff would be a gigantic upgrade over Terrance Holt at free safety. He could contribute tomorrow as a nickel back at the very least. If drafted, it would be surprising to see him not in the starting lineup by week five.
(40) Marcus McNeil, OT. Auburn
The Lions would be well advised to take their franchise tackle in round two before the depth of talent dissipates. Making a history of grabbing exceptional value in round two, the Lions would grab another monster pick in selecting Marcus McNeil, Auburn's stud left tackle. Kelly Butler leaves much to be desired at the left tackle position, and Marcus McNeil can offer that and more. Considered a first-round lock for the past two years, McNeil is just now projecting to slide due to an influx of need and drop-off of talent at defensive back. As many as ten DBs could be taken in round one, allowing top notch offensive and defensive line prospects likely available in the early stages of round two. At 6'8"/336, McNeil is a giant. In terms of measureables, he is ideal. His blend of size, spped, and athleticism is virtually unparalleled.
(74) Spencer Havner, LB. ULCA
Being given no reasonable choice at linebacker in round one and being presented with no remarkable option in round two, it is likely that the Lions address their need for a young, talented backer in the round three. Spencer Havner of UCLA possesses the size, strength, and athleticism to play either inside or outside in the NFL. A player of such caliber would be desirable to the Lions since their skills could be evaluated alongside Teddy Lehman's to determne exactly who the best fit is for the ILB spot that will be vacated by Earl Holmes sooner than later. Havner is an underrated talent whose game is so well-rounded that he lacks both glaring weakness and easily identifiable strengths. Havner is a relative giant at 6'4"/242, but he has 4.55 speed. His 15 career interceptions at UCLA suggest that he is a legitimate playmaker.
(*) Roger McIntosh, OLB. Miami
Roger McIntosh is an incredible talent. Having lined up at both inside and outside linebacker during his entire career at Miami, he translates to to either position in the NFL. At 6'2"/237, he is stalky but by no means undersized as an NFL linebacker. His 4.61 speed is competent by NFL standards. Most intriguing about McIntosh is the fact that he is a Miami linebacker, and he is likely to be available in the second round. Given the successes of previous top draftees like Jon Vilma and Ray Lewis, you can't help but wonder just how good Roger McIntosh might be. Nicknamed Rocky, McIntosh may just be the perfect type of player for Rod Marinelli. Do not be surprised if even the likes of Marcus McNeil are passed up for a guy like Roger McIntosh. The Lions may be willing to lose a chance at the legitimate left tackle prospects in this draft class for a Miami linebacker.
Detroit Lions (5-11)
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(9) Michael Huff, S. Texas
(40) Marcus McNeil, OT. Auburn
(74) Spencer Havner, LB. ULCA
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The Lions need no wide receivers; this is for certain. Upgrades on the defensive side of the ball could take their unit to the next level and among the NFL's elite. Terrance Holt is not the answer in center field; a replacement at free safety could supply a significant upgrade to both the pass and rush defenses. With the loss of Earl Holmes, the linebacking unit is now one member short. Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey are two up and coming stars. Adding a third young talent to the mix would give the Lions a base for their defense for many years. Corey Redding could use some competition at defensive end as he is more of a situational guy than a starter, but that is not a pressing need. On the other hand, the O-Line could use some serious upgrading. With the skill positions taken care of, the Lions are a solid offensive line away from moving the ball effortlessly down the field. A franchise tackle would help immensely. Finding late valu at guard could give the Lions a unit that is passable by NFL standards. Currently, the unit is very below average. Kevin Butler is not the answer.
(9) Michael Huff, S. Texas
As discussed in a previous post, Michael Huff makes a ton of sense for the Lions. Huff has the ability to play both cornerback and safety in the NFL. Someone with his athleticism and versatility is very hard to find. Running at 4.34, he can handle anyone but a handful of guys in the league in man coverage. At 6'0"/204, he has the size to shoulder the load at safety. Huff has a nose for the ball that was evident during every game he played with the Longhorns. Huff would be a gigantic upgrade over Terrance Holt at free safety. He could contribute tomorrow as a nickel back at the very least. If drafted, it would be surprising to see him not in the starting lineup by week five.
Marcus McNeil is a first-round talent that is
sliding due solely to the needs of other teams
(40) Marcus McNeil, OT. Auburn
The Lions would be well advised to take their franchise tackle in round two before the depth of talent dissipates. Making a history of grabbing exceptional value in round two, the Lions would grab another monster pick in selecting Marcus McNeil, Auburn's stud left tackle. Kelly Butler leaves much to be desired at the left tackle position, and Marcus McNeil can offer that and more. Considered a first-round lock for the past two years, McNeil is just now projecting to slide due to an influx of need and drop-off of talent at defensive back. As many as ten DBs could be taken in round one, allowing top notch offensive and defensive line prospects likely available in the early stages of round two. At 6'8"/336, McNeil is a giant. In terms of measureables, he is ideal. His blend of size, spped, and athleticism is virtually unparalleled.
Spencer Havner has the size of a middle linebacker, the
speed of an outside linebacker, and the ball skills of a DB
(74) Spencer Havner, LB. ULCA
Being given no reasonable choice at linebacker in round one and being presented with no remarkable option in round two, it is likely that the Lions address their need for a young, talented backer in the round three. Spencer Havner of UCLA possesses the size, strength, and athleticism to play either inside or outside in the NFL. A player of such caliber would be desirable to the Lions since their skills could be evaluated alongside Teddy Lehman's to determne exactly who the best fit is for the ILB spot that will be vacated by Earl Holmes sooner than later. Havner is an underrated talent whose game is so well-rounded that he lacks both glaring weakness and easily identifiable strengths. Havner is a relative giant at 6'4"/242, but he has 4.55 speed. His 15 career interceptions at UCLA suggest that he is a legitimate playmaker.
(*) Roger McIntosh, OLB. Miami
Roger McIntosh is an incredible talent. Having lined up at both inside and outside linebacker during his entire career at Miami, he translates to to either position in the NFL. At 6'2"/237, he is stalky but by no means undersized as an NFL linebacker. His 4.61 speed is competent by NFL standards. Most intriguing about McIntosh is the fact that he is a Miami linebacker, and he is likely to be available in the second round. Given the successes of previous top draftees like Jon Vilma and Ray Lewis, you can't help but wonder just how good Roger McIntosh might be. Nicknamed Rocky, McIntosh may just be the perfect type of player for Rod Marinelli. Do not be surprised if even the likes of Marcus McNeil are passed up for a guy like Roger McIntosh. The Lions may be willing to lose a chance at the legitimate left tackle prospects in this draft class for a Miami linebacker.