Maybe not to the liking of the rest of the Detroit Lion fan-base, here are my predictions for the first three players taken by the Lions in the upcoming 2008 NFL draft--
Round One - Dan Connor, ILB (Penn State)
In my opinion, probably one of the best linebackers to play in college football. He led the Big Ten in tackles in '07, and ended his career at Penn State with a record 419 tackles. Connor also has pretty decent speed, running around a 4.67 40-time, which is essential in the Tampa-2 Defense, where the MLB has to routinely drop into zone pass coverage. I think with Sims at ROLB, Connor in the center, and Lenon as the LOLB, these three guys could really get it done on the field, despite having a mediocre defensive line. This guy is the answer that we as Detroit fans have been waiting for at Linebacker, and with such depth at running back in this draft, their will be plenty more RB's besides Mendenhall in the later rounds.
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Round Two - Sam Baker, OT (USC)
This guy would be a great pick up for our needs at a offensive lineman position. Starting 49 games makes this guy as durable as they come, and at 6-foot-4, 309 pounds, he has the size to be able to play either guard or tackle. There is a slight chance that this guy could move up into the first round, depending on how he does in his pro-day on April 2nd, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
Round Three - Mike Hart, RB (Michigan)
Yes, I know. Another hometown hero only picked up because of his famed career at Michigan. But at least hear me out.
Being a huge Michigan State fan, I personally don't like the guy. But, to his credit, he has more passion for the game than anyone I've ever seen play at that school in Ann Arbor. (And yes, to all you Michigan fans out there fanatically typing into the comment box, Hart WILL fall down into the third round, whether you like it or not, due to an average combine performance. All must remember that the rest of the nation hasn't seen this guy play every autumn Saturday for the past four years, and I don't think they really know how much potential this guy has.)
Mike Hart would be a great pick-up for the Lions with this pick, and he would most likely take the starting job within the first three to four weeks of the season from Tatum Bell, not only because of his on the field talent, but his raw passion for the game, which we all know that is something that Rod Marinelli preaches day in and day out.
And don't worry, I know the Lions have 2 third round picks, but I'm only doing the first three players picked by them in the draft this year.
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5 months ago
I like the idea of Connor as the first pick. We need a MLB or a road grader type offensive lineman with that pick.
At RB, there is a real sleeper to be had in the later rounds. Jalen Parmalee, from the University of Toledo will be the next unsung hero at the position from a small school. Like Ahmad Bradshaw, Chester Taylor, Michael Turner, etc. he will be eating up yardage for someone while some "BIG school" guy like Hart will have people scratching their heads over his lack of production. That doesn't mean Hart won't be good in the NFL, he very well might be, but year after year these un-heralded guys end up getting the job done at this position, while many of the big names fall by the wayside, and every year teams keep going back to the same well and over paying a guy for having a great offensive line in college.
5 months ago
I'd never really heard about Parmalee until just now, but I looked him up and he's got great size and looks like he hasn't had any significant injuries like Hart has. Maybe this guy could be our fix in the late round RB search. Nice find!
5 months ago
I really like Mike Hart. Maybe it's because im a Michigan fan but he reminds me alot of The Minnesota Vikings Adian Peterson, maybe not the overall talent portion of it but the pure passion he's got is beautiful to watch. I think the whole ILB is a great way to spend the draft pick and the OT is definietly in need of some improvement. i think The Lions will totally diasagree with you and pick up another bust because Millen thinks "He's the best talent we've seen in years". I just want us to draft someone good and that he will stay. Im really looking forward to it anyway, our team could become successful if we draft the right players, i mean look at the Giants, They had what like 4 rookies starting in the SB? on some random though, maybe we should draft a GM...
5 months ago
Joe,
WHAT!!!!!!!! Mike Hart reminds you of A.P.? Put down the pipe dude.
Michigan fans.
from 5 months ago
what wrong with us Michigan fans EH?!?!?
4 months ago
This is a nice thoght but this a Matt Millen draft so we already know that whoever they pick will regress from there college days and look like a bust.
4 months ago
well i was off a bit....Connor went in third round and Baker moved up to first, and Hart to the sixth. At least i got the first 3 picks positions (not in order) right anyway. Thanks all for reading and voicing your opinions. Go Lions!
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