7 Hidden Gems the Detroit Lions Should Have Noticed at the Combine
The Detroit Lions noticed all of the same people at the NFL Scouting Combine that you did. There's a cornerback from Connecticut who can jump farther than humanly possible and a couple of Spartans who like to get to Point A from Point B quickly.
But that's not where the money is made come draft day. Just like free agency, good teams need to unearth the hidden gems like Detroit did with Golden Tate last offseason.
And the combine is the perfect place to start digging.
So lace up your boots, grab a shovel and click through to find out what diamonds lay just below the topsoil.
USC WR Nelson Agholor
1 of 7
Just as you would imagine, the first player to grace this list hails from a directional school.
Southern California wide receiver Nelson Agholor wasn't a name that was thrown around often heading into Indy. That won't be the case going forward:
"The buzz around Jaelen Strong should be shifted to Nelson Agholor. Late first round talent with similarities to Jeremy Maclin.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) February 24, 2015"
Agholor only took part in two drills. He just happened to make the most out of the 40-yard dash by posting the seventh-fastest time among wide receivers (4.42 seconds, per NFL.com). He also put up 12 bench reps.
The 6'0", 198-pound dynamo has the measurables of a slot receiver. Coincidentally, Detroit has a need for an inside guy who has reliable hands and runs good routes. Mike Loyko of NEPatriotsDraft.com explains why the search may be over:
"Nelson Agholor dislocated a finger and his day is over. Caught every single ball and ran in the mid-4.4s. He did what he need to do.
— Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) February 21, 2015"
The kicker? He can return kicks and punts. Just because the Lions tendered Jeremy Ross doesn't mean they have to keep him through the season. It's all a matter of how late Agholor is available.
Nebraska WR Kenny Bell
2 of 7
Most Detroit fans are well acquainted with Kenny Bell already. He's been torching either your Spartans or Wolverines for the last four years, and you're probably glad to see him go.
Although those same fans should be much happier to see him return to the state of Michigan, much like the scouts will be when they return to the film room:
"Lots will be going back to watch @MattWaldman favorite Kenny Bell after 4.4 40--41.5"--vert 10'9" broad jump. And they'll like what they see
— Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) February 21, 2015"
Bell's 40 tied him with Nelson Agholor, Amari Cooper and known speedster Devin Smith. However, it was his vertical that really set him apart. None of the above matched him, and only two wide receivers bested him, meaning his combo of speed and high-point capability is rare.
And the former Cornhusker brings much more to the table than physical attributes:
"Waldman gushing about Bell weeks ago, so had to take closer look. Competitive, fiery, decisive, plays with urgency. Kenny Stills w more edge
— Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) February 21, 2015"
The buzz around Bell has been surprisingly limited. He's not even considered a threat for the second day at this point, so Detroit could mine some great value in the mid- to late rounds should it select Bell.
Ohio State WR Devin Smith
3 of 7
Rounding out the big-name wide receivers who aren't getting the hype of the top-10 targets is national champion Devin Smith. That sentence tastes like vinegar in this Spartan alumnus' mouth, but he was a vital albeit sporadic contributor to the first College Football Playoff winner in NCAA history.
It's true that he hauled in only 33 catches during the 2014 season. However, he had an eye-popping 28-yard average, and over one-third of his receptions went for scores (12).
Detroit has been searching for a receiver who can stretch the field opposite Calvin Johnson. Corey Fuller could grow into the role, but it's apparent to everyone that Smith could handle the job:
"Mayock gives a 2nd round grade to Devin Smith. He said Smith tracks the deep ball better than any receiver he's seen in a few years.
— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) February 21, 2015"
His 4.42 speed will force defensive backs to give him ample cushion. That should give him with plenty of catch-and-run possibilities underneath. Plus, as Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports highlights, he could contribute in other ways:
"Devin Smith will make an excellent gunner, too. Team that drafts him likely to be one that values that trait, in addition to vert. ability.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) February 21, 2015"
The argument against Detroit taking a wide receiver is understood since the Lions are set at the top two spots. However, Smith is more than a one-trick pony, and he's at least worth a look.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
UCLA DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa
4 of 7
It might be Vic Beasley's fault. Or maybe it's because this prospect's name is intimidating to the tongue:
"And to share, straight from UCLA, NFL draft prospect DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa is pronounced "Oh-wuh-MAH-bay Oh-DIGGY-zoo-wuh." #themoreyouknow
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 24, 2015"
Regardless of the reason, even though you haven't heard it yet, expect to hear some rendition of Owamagbe Odighizuwa's name often over the next two months, because he absolutely went off at the combine.
He had the second-fastest 40 among defensive linemen (4.62), the best vertical (39"), the second-best 20-yard shuttle (4.19) and the best broad jump by half a foot (10'7"). That type of physical talent measures up well to one established talent, as the NFL Network pointed out:
"NFL comparison for @UCLAAthletics Owamagbe Odighizuwa. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/i9PppzIAko
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 22, 2015"
Unfortunately, his tape isn't nearly as kind. He needs serious coaching to learn how to effectively rush the passer. But he could have value for Detroit as a run-stuffing defensive end with the raw tools to possibly develop further.
Sourthern Illinois TE MyCole Pruitt
5 of 7
Running back Karlos Williams was in consideration for this spot. Yet I didn't want to overload you on the Florida State product after recently mocking him to Detroit in the fifth round.
That opened the door for little-known Southern Illinois tight end MyCole Pruitt. And he burst through it like Cosmo Kramer in need of lunch meat (that's still a thing, right?).
"Mycole Pruitt is a beast. 38" vertical was highest among TEs. 4.58 40-yard dash time second highest among TEs.
— Patrick Crawley (@pecrawleynfl) February 20, 2015"
That time wasn't just impressive for a tight end:
"Only 2 TEs ran faster than U-M WR Devin Funchess' 4.70 twice in 40. Mycole Pruitt, Southern Ill. 4.58/4.61, Wes Saxton S. Alabama 4.56/4.60
— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) February 21, 2015"
However, the real issue here is whether Detroit should target a tight end at all. They have Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria and last year's 10th overall selection, Eric Ebron, already on the roster. There certainly isn't a dire need here.
But if general manager Martin Mayhew is serious about picking the best player available, he has to give Pruitt consideration after his combine performance and an 81-catch, 13-touchdown senior season.
Samford S Jaquiski Tartt
6 of 7
NFL deputy editor Collin McCollough makes a harsh point, but it's fair:
"It's all in good fun, I realize. But it can still be annoying, all the same. You don't know anything about Jaquiski Tartt. And that's OK.
— Collin McCollough (@cmccollo) February 24, 2015"
No, I'm not just sucking up to a senior Bleacher Report NFL guy (Hey, Colin!). There are very few scouts who were talking about the safety from Samford before Indianapolis and even fewer fans.
And that's exactly where we were with former undrafted free agent Jerome Couplin at this time last year. In fact, Couplin's name didn't hit the radar until after the draft for most, but his game was an instant hit, and Tartt comes stocked with a similar repertoire:
"For those who aren't aware, check out Jaquiski Tartt, SS, Samford and Clayton Geathers,SS, UCF. Both are solid hitters with ball skills
— Mock Draft Expert (@MockDraftKing) February 24, 2015"
So to catch everyone up, Tartt is a 6'1", 221-pound tackling machine and was a three-time FCS All-American. His 4.53 40 tied him with first-round lock Landon Collins for the fourth-best time among safeties, and his 10'4" broad jump was fifth.
Starting strong safety James Ihedigbo is 31 years old and entering the last year of his two-year deal. Tartt would have a chance to contribute on special teams while learning the ropes his first year. That's an intriguing option for the Lions, no matter when they learned of it.
Florida State CB Ronald Darby
7 of 7
Trae Waynes stole the show, and rightfully so, with his 4.31 40-yard dash. But he's going to be long gone before the Lions get a chance to draft him, so it'd be in everybody's best interest to open their eyes to other possibilities.
"Lot of people sleeping on FSU's Ronald Darby, but I think he might be the best nickel back in this draft. Man-to-man cover skills are elite
— NFL Draft Geek (@NFLDraftGeek) February 24, 2015"
Ronald Darby did everything short of solving global warming at the combine. At 5'11" and 193 pounds, he's only five pounds lighter than the aforementioned Waynes and just seven-hundredths of a second slower (4.38 40-yard dash).
Plus, aside from possible alien Byron Jones, Darby had the best vertical among cornerbacks at 41.5". And he has the hands to capitalize on the chances his physical prowess should provide:
"Defensive backs who had no drops in two gauntlets: Ronald Darby, Kurtis Drummond, Charles Gaines, Senquez Golson, Doran Grant, Chris Hackett
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) February 23, 2015"
The Lions secondary was an asset in 2014. In order for the group to pay dividends, Detroit must continue to invest in the unit. If Martin Mayhew thinks there's a place either inside or outside for Darby, he'll have the former Seminole on his short list.
All combine statistics are courtesy of NFL.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 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
