NFL Draft 2011: Roles, Predictions and Expectations for Detroit Lions Rookies
Looking as suave as ever, Detriot Lions GM just pulled off what looks to be another great draft for the Lions. Even though he did not fill the pre-draft needs, he stockpiled talent in three positions, and has put the Lions offense in great shape for the next season.
Here's a quick run-down of the draft:
Round 1 Pick 13: Nick Fairley (DT): Auburn
Round 2 Pick 13: Titus Young (WR): Boise State
Round 2 Pick 25: Mikel Leshoure (RB): Illinois
Round 5 Pick 29: Doug Houge (LB): Syracuse
Round 7 Pick 17: Johnny Culbreath (OT/OG): South Carolina State
In this article, I will attempt to outline the role that each of these players will have in the Lions organisation, both in the 2011 season and for their careers. I will also highlight what is expected of them and predict their impact, both on the game and statistically.
Enjoy!
Nick Fairley
1 of 5
The Lions' first pick of this draft will be trying on some very big boots when training camp starts. Following in the steps of one of the greatest ever defensive rookie seasons will be some task, but Fairley has the raw potential to do it. The hard-hitting defensive tackle will be asked to do a similar thing to what he did in college; penetrate and make plays in the backfield.
His role is undoubtedly to either play in tandem with Ndamukong Suh, or allow head coach Jim Schwartz to rest the silverback without giving up a penetrating interior presence. It is very possible that Fairley will play at end on obvious rushing downs, and as a 3-technique defensive tackle for the rest of the time.
While no one expects him to play as well as Suh did in his first season as a pro, Fairley will be expected to be a defensive force and a defensive rookie of the year favourite. When you consider that on most downs, he will not be challenged by the double teams that he saw in college, he should have some very dominant performances against lesser interior offensive lines.
2011 predictions: 8 sacks, 40 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2011 DROY
Titus Young
2 of 5
The Lions' second pick in the draft also should be a serious producer in his first season. He has the athletic ability and receiver skills to be an elite second string wide receiver, and that is all he will ever have to be for the Lions.
In his rookie season, Young will have two roles to perform. His primary job will be to act as a deep threat wide receiver who can "take the top off a defense." The Lions will rely on his 4.38 speed, ball skills and body control to be a dangerous field-stretcher. His secondary role will be as a slot-receiver in the mould of Wes Welker. Young is agile, has safe hands, runs very good routes and is one of the most explosive run-after-the-catch receivers in recent memory.
At least in his rookie season, Young's biggest impact will be on the stat sheet of another Lions wide out, Calvin Johnson. With the presence of another potential game breaker in the Lions passing game, defenses will be forced to slacken their coverage on Megatron.
2011 Prediction: 45 receptions, 750 yards, 6 TDs
Mikel Leshoure
3 of 5
The Lions' second pick in the second round could be a real steal, and maybe even the best running back in this draft class. He is a very big, 230-pound back who has good agility and finishes runs well. He also has good instincts picking his way through the line.
His role, this season and for the rest of his career, will be to provide the Lions offense with a powerful back to complement Jahvid Best. He will be used more than Best in the run game, for about 200-250 carries a season. The Lions' playcallers will probably feed him a steady diet of runs down the middle. He will also get short yardage carries and goal line runs.
In his rookie season, we can expect him to be a powerful runner who struggles behind a poor Lions run-blocking offensive line. However, he should be able to develop as a runner and get ready to break out next year.
2011 Predictions: 240 carries, 3.8 yards per carry, 912 yards, 7 TDs
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Doug Houge
4 of 5
Houge is the definition of a developmental player. He has only played the linebacker position for just two years at Syracuse, but is very athletic and powerful for his size.
For the upcoming season or two, Houge will be living in the weight room and on the practice field. He is only 215 pounds, and will need to add another 15 pounds, at least, to be able to hold up in the pros. He also needs to log some time on the field learning the intricacies of his new position. He may see a few snaps in 2011 as a nickel linebacker if injuries occur.
In his future, the Lions will be hoping that he develops into a starting calibre weak side linebacker. They already have Ashlee Palmer who seems set to break out at that position. If that happens, then Houge could well be a quality depth player or rotational starter.
Johnny Culbreath
5 of 5
I like the future of this young developmental player. He is a tall, long, 320 lbs and fleet footed. He ran a 5.00 40 yard dash at his pro day, and rarely is blown backwards by defenders. However, he is still raw, and will need to spend time on the training field tightening up his technique.
His eventual role is hoped to be as a starting tackle. He is most likely to be a right tackle, where his power would be best utilised. He will probably never be an elite pass protector, but should be capable enough to hold his own against the weaker pass rushers that live on that side of the line.
He could also play guard, which could be his first position in the Lions line. Stephen Peterman looked shaky in 2010, and Culbreath should be able to be a good right guard in a season because of his power and athleticism.
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