Detroit Lions' Initial 2015 Round-by-Round Big Board
Every team puts together a big board that breaks down its round-by-round rankings of the players who are likely to be available. Here, you get an inside look at what the Detroit Lions could be putting together in their war room right now.
It's important to note that the defining characteristic of a big board is its fluidity. It's early in the draft process. Players will move up or down the board, or even be completely removed, as we learn about the information (and misinformation) leaked by teams, agents and scouts.
A few guys here have character concerns. What the investigators find out might be enough to scare off a team that only recently was misled by guys like Titus Young and Aaron Berry.
Regardless, it's time to start setting out the structure for Detroit's 2015 draft. Click through to find a foundation the team can build on.
First Round
1 of 7
1. DT Malcom Brown, Texas
The Lions are going to lose at least one disruptive defensive tackle this offseason. Brown is someone who can ease the pain. He's a big boy (6'4", 320 lbs) capable of anchoring against the run, but he's much more than a hole-plugger. He posted 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2014, per cfbstats.com, which means he would not only help the linebackers in the run game but the edge-rushers on passing downs.
A lot of defensive tackles have first-round grades, but Brown has the highest ceiling of those who should be available at No. 23 overall.
2. OT T.J. Clemmings, Pitt
The offensive line held back an offense loaded with weapons and a top overall pick at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's new scheme requires athleticism from its big men, something the unit didn't have enough last season. Clemmings would give Detroit a boost in that regard. The only issue is he might need time to fully develop and pack on weight.
3. DT Michael Bennett, Ohio State
A lot of people will plug Washington's Danny Shelton in here, and it's not a bad choice, but he doesn't have the upside of Michael Bennett. The Ohio State defensive tackle can split a blocking scheme quicker than a quarterback can backpedal. He had 14 tackles for loss as well as seven sacks. He needs to continue to get stronger against the run, though, to move up this board.
4. P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Rashean Mathis will probably come back on a one- or two-year contract even though he will be 35 next August. Detroit needs to find a successor, and this 6'0", 196-pound defensive back has the athleticism necessary to attack at the line of scrimmage, which makes him a great fit for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's aggressive attack. The extra time and mentorship that Mathis will provide should give the somewhat raw prospect exactly what he needs to develop.
5. CB Marcus Peters, Washington
If this board was based solely on talent, Peters would be at the top. The former Washington Husky has the coverage skills to be a top-10 pick. Unfortunately, his murky dismissal from the program after arguing with an assistant coach at practice will evoke memories of Titus Young. Mind you, Young was never kicked off his college squad, and he had the same coach (Chris Peterson) that Peters had.
Second Round
2 of 7
1. RB Tevin Coleman, Indiana
Reggie Bush has the look of a cap casualty waiting to happen. His possible departure will leave Detroit without a true home run hitter in the backfield. Coleman can fill that role very well. He's a one-cut-and-get-upfield type of back who has the speed to break away once he finds a crease. His record-setting college career included a seven-catch game against Penn State in 2013, so he can be the true all-around complement Detroit needs for Joique Bell.
2. RB Duke Johnson, Miami
The rationale for the need follows as above. If Detroit targets Johnson, it would probably mean that Coleman is off the board. Johnson isn't a slouch, however, averaging an eye-popping 8.83 yards per carry with a long of 90 yards in 2014. That's the explosive element the backfield is currently missing.
3. WR Devin Smith, Ohio State
Draft stock is more volatile than Jim Schwartz after an intense game of checkers. Many see Smith going in the middle of the second round, so he's possibility for the Lions. Corey Fuller didn't do anything to lock down the field-stretching gig that Smith would be targeted for with his 27.9-yard average per catch. He was also used sparingly on special teams earlier in his career, which gives Detroit another reason to check out the Buckeye. His continuously rising stock keeps him low on this list because it appears more and more likely that he won't be there when Detroit is on the clock.
4. DE/DT Mario Edwards, Florida State
There will be some revamping along the defensive line in 2015. Edwards could fill a versatile need for Detroit, giving the team an explosive player who can line up anywhere up front. It would be a mistake to label him solely a 3-4 defensive end. He's near 300 pounds and has the ability to rush the passer, which is exactly what Detroit covets in defensive linemen.
5. CB Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio)
Rollins is in the same mold as P.J. Williams. He stands 6'0" and possesses the natural aggression to make him an asset against the run and in press coverage. Plus, he'll need some coaching up, having only played football in college his senior year. Prior to that, he was a point guard, so he certainly has the athleticism to stick at the next level with some of the better wide receivers. His seven interceptions attest to his ball skills.
Third Round
3 of 7
1. WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
The Lions didn't feature too many big plays this year. Some of that was due to the tempering of Matthew Stafford's mistake-prone ways, but a chunk was due to a lack of explosive guys outside of the top two receivers. Lockett addresses that need, as well as gives Detroit an exciting return option after an uninspiring season from Jeremy Ross.
2. S Anthony Harris, Virginia
Fellow Bleacher Reporter Jeff Risdon sold the safety from Virginia well in his mock draft by pointing out James Ihedigbo's age (31) and Harris' penchant for making plays. He loves to crack down on the running game, which would pair nicely with the eight interceptions he had in 2014. If he spent a year behind Ihedigbo with increased responsibilities as the season progressed, he would be a nice upgrade.
3. RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State
Ajayi isn't going to give Detroit the take-it-to-the-house-from-anywhere threat that Tevin Coleman could provide. The former Boise State Bronco is a lot closer to Joique Bell than Reggie Bush, and that will work just fine. He can extend runs after contact and has great vision with authoritative cuts.
4. G Arie Kouandjio, Alabama
The Lions could take a tackle and kick Riley Reiff to guard. They could also get away with keeping him where he is and drafting a guard to fill in for the aging and presumably departing Rob Sims. Kouandjio (6'5", 315 lbs) fits the mold of a road-paving guard who is capable of getting to the second level and springing running backs for large gains. His pass blocking is on the upswing, which makes him an enticing proposition near the end of the third round.
5. C Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
If center were more of a need, Grasu would probably climb up at least a spot or two. The Lions grabbed Travis Swanson in this spot a year ago to alleviate that need. Grasu is a different mold than the squat, immobile Dominic Raiola. He's a solid athlete who could excel in Joe Lombardi's zone-blocking schemes.
.jpg?w=256 "Bills Broncos Football")
Fourth Round
4 of 7
1. RB David Cobb, Minnesota
It might be a pipe dream for Cobb to fall this far. There are a ton of quality running backs available in this draft, and some will rise up draft boards after the combine. If the Golden Gopher falls, the Lions should snap up the 5'10", 229-pound bowling ball who produced 1,629 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
2. WR Tony Lippett, Michigan State
Lippett will excite the Spartans faithful who also pull for the Lions because of his familiarity, but he should at least raise the eyebrows of anyone who drinks the Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid. He has steady hands that helped him climb at least two or three rounds his senior year with 1,198 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He played cornerback as well, so his versatility and understanding of the game could help Joe Lombardi move Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate around.
3. DE Cedric Reed, Texas
General manager Martin Mayhew has never met anyone over 6'5" that he didn't immediately try to draft. I'm sure it's led to an awkward moment or two, but Devin Taylor has been a solid rotational player that Detroit was able to mine in the fourth round a couple of years ago. The 6'6" Reed could replicate Taylor's success considering his nine tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks last year.
4. G Tre' Jackson, Florida St.
Jackson won't post a rookie season like Larry Warford's. He doesn't possess the same dancing shoes and isn't nearly as effective in space or as a pulling guard. But Jackson (6'4", 330 pounds) would be an upgrade over Rob Sims in terms of blocking power and the ability to stay in front of a defensive tackle on passing downs.
5. OT Corey Robinson, South Carolina
Again, Mayhew loves height on the outside of the line. Corey Robinson's 6'7", 344-pound frame would fit right in with the likes of 6'9" Cornelius Lucas and 6'6" LaAdrian Waddle. He doesn't have the athleticism of some of the other tackle options who were mentioned already, but he could step in as a right tackle, especially if Detroit alters its blocking approach to reflect the talent on hand.
Fifth Round
5 of 7
1. CB Doran Grant, Ohio State
The Lions have invested only one recent pick higher than a fourth-rounder in the secondary. While Darius Slay has found success, it wouldn't be shocking to hear that Detroit wanted to keep taking low-risk swings at such a volatile position. Grant has decent size (5'11", 193 pounds), and a solid Senior Bowl performance could push him higher than the fifth round.
2. CB Josh Shaw, USC
Shaw has better size (6'1", 200 lbs) than Grant, but he's going to encounter countless questions about the bizarre incident when he lied about spraining his ankle while saving a kid from drowning. He's a hybrid player who could immediately add depth throughout the secondary. That also means his future position is undetermined and could lead to him tumbling a little further down the board.
3. DT James Castleman, Oklahoma State
The Lions' need at the position extends past the starting lineup. Andre Fluellen and C.J. Mosley are also free agents, so Detroit needs to stock up the back of the ranks next to Caraun Reid. Castleman is a run-stuffing defensive tackle who won't get too much pressure unless there's excellent coverage behind him.
4. S Erick Dargan, Oregon
Dargan's championship-game performance didn't help his draft stock any, considering his terrible angle on a touchdown run and some questionable coverage downfield. The fact remains that we are rounding out the fifth round, so the talent drop-off is becoming noticeable. Dargan is a hard-nosed tackler who can make plays on the ball (seven interceptions in 2014). That's at least worth a fifth-round pick.
5. LB Ben Heeney, Kansas
Detroit could lose its two-deep depth chart filled with Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead, although the former could easily be a cap casualty if he doesn't agree to a salary reduction. Heeney isn't going to supplant Whitehead soon. He could be an asset on special teams considering his 88 tackles in 2014, including 12 for a loss.
Sixth Round
6 of 7
1. TE Wes Saxton, S. Alabama
Here's guessing fans won't get too upset if the Lions take a shot on a tight end in the sixth round instead of 10th overall. Saxton brings the same explosive element that Eric Ebron was supposed to this year. He's a tough player who lined up all over the field and even blocked well. If the Lions strike late-round gold here, they might finally have the tight end advantage they were looking for.
2. WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami
Dorsett would be a poor man's Devin Smith. He's fast (24.2 yards per catch) and could help stretch the field as well as return kicks. Those two skills alone would add something to Detroit's offense and special teams that the units are missing.
3. DT Warren Herring, Wisconsin
They grow them big in the cheese state. Herring is another hole-plugging defensive tackle along the lines of C.J. Mosley. He'll eat blocks but isn't much for penetrating into the backfield (two tackles for a loss last season).
4. QB Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion
I didn't know a lot about Heinicke until I read Jeff Risdon's earlier mentioned mock. Honestly, who watches Old Dominion football? Heinicke won't blow you away with his natural talent, and he must take care not to pick up any bad habits from Stafford. He could be a Dan Orlovsky type of player in the years to come.
5. G Miles Dieffenbach, Penn State
Teams don't target too many needs with sixth-round picks with the exception of specialists. Detroit should be set at punter and kicker, which means Mayhew should look for someone who has the best chance to develop into a useful player. Dieffenbach is slightly undersized at 6'3" and 303 pounds, but he has the strength and is only rated so low because of an ACL injury last spring.
Seventh Round
7 of 7
1. RB Michael Dyer, Louisville
The last time you thought about Michael Dyer, he was chewing through the SEC with Cam Newton. Injuries and bad decisions led to him ultimately finding his footing in Louisville. He still has the skills that helped him pick up 10 touchdowns in his sophomore year.
2. G Adam Shead, Oklahoma
Shead has the prototypical size (6'4", 339 lbs) and technique to make a nice transition to the next level. It's possible he doesn't make it this far, since he has more length than most guards and makes good initial contact.
3. WR Levi Norwood, Baylor
Norwood would be following the same rationale that I laid out for most of the prior wide receivers—speed to blow the top off a defense and the ability to return kicks. The Baylor Bear had a much better receiving year in 2013, which should make him available here or even after the draft.
4. G Christian Lombard, Notre Dame
Lombard is similar to Shead in stature, which means he'll be worth a look this late. He displayed versatility by playing both guard and tackle throughout his three-year starting tenure. The only reason he'll fall this far is the bulging disc in his back that shortened his senior season.
5. MLB Bryce Hager, Baylor
Hager occupies the last spot on this big board, but that doesn't mean the kid can't ball. In arguably Baylor's biggest game of the year, he notched 13 total tackles against TCU, including 1.5 for a loss and a sack. He'd be a developmental player who would have an outside chance at a special teams spot.
All stats are courtesy of CFBStats.com.
Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.
.jpg?w=480 "Bills Broncos Football")
