Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Texas A&M at Alabama
By Erik Schlitt
The Redshirt Sophomore Standout
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (#26, 6’0 1/2″, 196) is for real. Massively athletic, Humphrey can render his coverage assignment obsolete for the entire game. Elite change of direction skills for his size will make him a highly coveted player.
If he declares, he could show out in offseason workouts and should see his stock continue to rise. For a team like Detroit, he will not likely fit their cost benefit analysis. It doesn’t make sense for Detroit to spend a first round pick on a cornerback who will likely need time to develop. As good as cornerbacks are in college, there is a learning curve to the pro game. Detroit will need their first round pick to play day one.
The Athlete
Senior OJ Howard (#88, 6’5 1/2″, 251) is considered one of the top tight ends in the country. Criminally underutilized by Lane Kiffen, Howard is a seam stretcher. His speed and balance are mismatches for defenses. Like most athletic tight ends, his blocking technique has issues, but can be a versatile weapon in the right offensive system.
With Ebron already in Detroit, and Howard possibly being a first round prospect, I can’t see Bob Quinn spending that much draft capital to try to replicate New England’s successful two tight end system.
The Overrated Left Tackle
Cam Robinson (Junior, # 74, 6’6″, 310) is considered the best offensive tackle in the draft by several draft writers, including: CBS’s Rob Rang, and Bleacher Reports Matt Miller, among others. Currently, CBSsports.com has him ranked as the drafts 14th best player.
I just don’t see it. Frankly, there isn’t an offensive tackle in this class whose value is equal to a first round selection. Granted, it’s still October, and I know things can change over the next six months (NFL Draft is April 27), but I am not convinced. Especially with unusual circumstances surrounding a May arrest and subsequent dismissal of charges in June.
Off the field issues aside, Robinson’s technical weaknesses were exposed by Tennessee’s Derek Barnett last week. And now with a match-up with Myles Garrett looming, this week could be problematic for his draft stock. Big players step up in big games. We should know if I’m right or wrong by the end of this one.
Next: Top Draft Prospects from Michigan
Bob Quinn has proved that when it comes to the draft process, he is extremely thorough. He spent last offseason installing his approach to the draft and has set his expectations high. Because this is such a high-profile game, you can bet he will be assigning scouts to watch these players closely.
Previous Watchlists:
Alabama vs USC
Tennessee vs Virginia Tech
Ohio State vs Oklahoma
Georgia vs Ole Miss
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan
Washington vs Oregon
Stanford vs Notre Dame