Important members of the Detroit Lions front office will in attendance for Texas A&M at Alabama. They’ll be watching Josh Evans, Tim Williams and several other 2017 NFL Draft prospects.
It’s never too early to be looking ahead to next year’s NFL Draft. In this weekly piece, I’ll examine players from a marquee game, who could be potential draft targets of the Detroit Lions.
This week’s feature game
Texas A&M (6-0) at Alabama (7-0)
When: Saturday, October 22nd
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Network: CBS
The Lions will be in Attendance
What is the Lions biggest weaknesses right now? Defense. And in this game, there will be plenty of it. There are 11 players in this game that have a Top 100 draft grade right now, and six of them could easily be selected in the first round.
This game is stacked with NFL level pass rushers, linebackers, and strong safeties. So, there are lots of players that will interest Detroit. More specifically, with two of the top three strong safeties playing in this game, it’s a can’t miss opportunity for the Lions.
Click through the pages to see the players that would fill a need for the Detroit Lions in 2017.
Myles Garrett
Junior
#15
Right Defensive End
6’5″, 275
Early Draft Projection: Top 5
A day one starter, Garrett racked up 11.5 sacks as a Freshman, and then followed it up with 12.5 as a sophomore. He has four sacks so far this season, and looks to be on his way to earning a third All-American nomination.
Garrett has the ability to have a Von Miller type impact on a defense in the NFL. Although his frame and athleticism put him more in the Javon Kearse type of player comparison.
Biggest Strengths:
- Elite first step
- Elite bend at the edge
- Unmatched Size, Speed, Length combo
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Occasionally loses contain
- Needs to string multiple moves together more
What to expect this week
CBS sports, Rob Rang had this to say about Garrett going into this game:
"Still fighting an ankle injury which sidelined him against South Carolina, Garrett faces arguably his toughest (and most highly anticipated) matchup of the year against All-SEC left tackle, Cam Robinson, a projected first-round pick. Garrett has proven much more disruptive than stats (14 tackles, including six tackles for loss and four sacks through five games) might suggest, consistently disrupting opponents despite frequent double-teams. The former consensus five-star recruit has been a terror since stepping onto the field for the Aggies, answering his breakout freshman season (53 tackles, including 14 for loss and 11 sacks) with an even better one last year (59-19.5-12.5). Boasting a prototypical blend of explosiveness, flexibility and length off the corner, Garrett has the look of a future Pro Bowl regular."
Bottom Line
Garrett is going to be one of, if not the first player selected in the 2017 draft. And with the Lions already at three wins, they may already be out of the running. Garrett is an elite player and would create an insane bookend to Ezekiel Ansah. But, if you’re hoping he ends up in Honolulu Blue, you need to temper your expectations.
Justin Evans
Senior
#14
Strong Safety
6’0″, 195
Early Draft Projection = 1st round
A junior college transfer, Justin Evans earned a starting job in 2015. He recorded 78 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and three passes defended. He came out of the gate in 2016 on fire, recording eight tackles and two interceptions against UCLA in the season opener. Each week he continues to shine and his stock is on the rise.
Biggest Strengths:
- Range
- Play Speed/Acceleration
- Violent, but doesn’t miss, tackler
Biggest Weaknesses:
- Stops his feet when tackling
- Delivers hit with shoulder too often
- Experience with competition level
Don’t be fooled by his current Draft Grade
CBS Sports ranks Evans as their 89th player overall. Others have him rising up into the second round. But I’m hearing the NFL likes him a lot more than the analysts right now. That idea is backed up by local draft expect Jeff Risdon, who had the Lions selecting Evans in the first round, in his Early 2017 Detroit Lions Mock Draft:
"Evans is a do-it-all kind of safety with all sorts of talent. At 6′ and 200 pounds, the Aggie is a big-time hitter who rarely misses a tackle. He’s at his best picking up tight ends and closing on underneath routes. His closing burst and 1-2-3 step controlled quickness are outstanding. Sound like someone the Lions can use? Expect Evans to continue to rise up draft boards as the senior continues to thrive in one of the best defenses in the nation."
NFL networks Daniel Jeremiah also supports this narrative, reporting this comment from an NFL executive:
"This kid jumps off the tape. He’s a better player than (2016 first-round pick) Karl Joseph. He’s a ferocious hitter and he can cover a lot of ground. He will be a top-20 pick this spring."
How he fits in Detroit
One of the biggest needs on the Lions defense is stability at the strong safety position. Current starter, Tavon Wilson is signed through 2017, but hasn’t proven he’s capable of being an every down player. He’s splitting reps with Rafael Bush, who is in a contract year, and has had issues staying healthy over his career. 2016 fourth round pick Miles Killebrew is still developing, and several analysts, including myself, think his future may be at linebacker.
In Teryl Austin’s scheme, he prefers a traditional “box safety”, but as of right now, there’s no guarantee Austin will be in Detroit in 2017. Regardless of who the defensive coordinator is in Detroit next season, a player like Evans is a day one starter and a massive upgrade to the Lions secondary.
Get on board folks, Justin Evans is a name you need to start connecting with Detroit.
Daeshon Hall
Senior
#10
Left Defensive End
6’5″, 260
Early Draft Projection = Top 100
A prototypical base 43 defensive end, Hall would be a nice fit at left defensive end in Detroit. Jeff Risdon commented, “Daeshon Hall is going to be very attractive for base 4-3 teams who cover length and power at the strongside end. He reminds me some of Detroit’s Devin Taylor.”
With great quickness off the snap, Hall accelerates quickly to full speed. He can bend the edge as well as win with power. Hall’s variety of pass rushing techniques as well as the ability to hold the edge is ideal in a defensive end.
Armani Watts
Junior
#23
Free Safety
5’11”, 200
Early Draft Projection = Top 100
Armani Watts had a terrific sophomore campaign, recording 126 tackles. Most attribute this high total due to poor play by the Aggies linebackers, but to his credit, he played all over the field to accumulate those numbers.
Mostly playing in a cover-2 scheme, he has shown coverage skills, as well as the ability to man center field. He’s also flashed special teams talent, including as a return man.
Like with Evans, Watts stock is on the rise. Draft history tells us, his size will likely keep him out of the day one draft conversation, but as he continues to perform, he may prove people wrong.
The Left Tackle
When Cedric Ogbuehi was selected by the Bengals with pick #21 of the 2015 draft, many expected Germain Ifedi (selected by the Seahawks with pick #31 last year) to take over at left tackle for the Aggies. But it was Avery Gennesy (Senior, #65, 6’5″, 310) who won the job and kept Ifedi on the right side.
Gennesy is athletic, strong, and his quick feet have allowed him to win battles at the college level. But he is still developing his technique and takes too many penalties. This has limited his draft outlook to early day three. But, like his two former teammates, he could easily see his stock rise as NFL scouts get a closer look at him in the offseason. If he wants scouts to take notice now, he’ll need a solid game this week.
The Wide Receivers
Senior, Josh Reynolds (# 11, 6’3″, 190) looks like a future NFL player with his track speed and ability to make the big catch. He has nice hands and can make catches in stride. While he has NFL talent, he lacks NFL size. He can be overpowered and is still learning the nuances of the game. His upside may get him drafted late.
Junior, Speedy Noil (#2, 6’0″, 192) is a former 5-star recruit, who like him name implies, has terrific speed. He has the potential to succeed in the NFL if put in the right system or if allowed to return kicks, but two suspensions in the last year has been devastating to his draft stock. It would be in his best interest to return to school and prove he can keep his nose clean.
Ricky Seals-Jones (#9, 6’5″, 240) looks like a tight end but has wide receiver speed. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to put it all together and has been highly inconsistent. Like with Noil, Seal-Jones looks like a candidate to return to school to improve his draft stock.
Jonathan Allen
Senior
Defensive lineman
#93
6’2 1/2″, 294
Projected Round: Top 10
Jonathan Allen has been an important part of Alabama’s defensive line from the day he stepped on campus. His freshman season he saw time as a backup defensive end appearing in all 13 games. As a sophomore, he again contributed at defensive end, totaling five and a half sacks on his way to an All-SEC nomination. When he entered his junior season, he dominated, registering 12 sacks, all against Power-5 teams.
Allen has terrific positional versatility, lining up at several spots along the defensive front. He showed excellent versatility when lining up at the 3-technique which many scouts think will be his best spot in the NFL. His ability to also play as a 5-Technique will also making him appealing to teams who run a 3-4 scheme.
Biggest Strengths:
- positional versatility
- hand quickness
- awareness
- strength
Biggest Weaknesses:
- lacks elite quickness off the edge
- burst
A Scouts Take
Current NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah had this to say about Allen:
"Technician. That is the word that comes to mind after studying Allen. NFL defensive line coaches could easily compile a teaching tape based on how he attacks and gets off blocks. He can survive at defensive end on run downs if needed, but I believe he’s ideally skilled to be a very disruptive defensive tackle at the next level. There will be very little assembly required once he lands on an NFL team. For an early comparison, I’d lean toward the Titans‘ Jurrell Casey. They have similar body types and both players have outstanding hand quickness."
The Lions have two current starters, 3-technique Tyrunn Walker and left defensive end Devin Taylor, that are in contract years. Therefore, if the Lions move on from one or both of these players, Jonathan Allen could be a possible replacement.
The Inside Linebacker
At the beginning of the season senior Reuben Foster (#10, 6’1″, 236) was in the discussion as the top off-the-ball linebacker. Over seven games, he’s separated himself as the clear favorite.
Explosive and aggressive, Foster brings the hammer with him to the ball carrier. With an elite first step, he has the speed and balance to cover, as well as being utilized as a blitzer. Always seeking the ball, Foster’s elite instincts puts him in position more often than not.
He will likely be first round selection, and will assuredly be on Detroit’s board. With linebacker being a big target area to improve, Foster would be an immediate boost to the Lions front seven.
The biggest question will be, where are the Lions selecting? If it’s in the top half of round one, he won’t be considered. If it’s in the back half of round one, then things will get interesting.
The Edge Rushers
Tim Williams
When Ziggy Ansah was in college, it was easy to see how his skills would translate at the next level despite his limited snaps. Ansah’s success, has helped pave the way for players like Williams.
In only his first year as a starter, Tim Williams (#56, 6’3″, 252) enters his senior campaign on many analysts first round draft board. In 2015, Williams was used as a situational pass rusher, and in 2016 he has expanded his role.
Williams is an explosive, quick-twitch bender, who excels as a pass rusher. Williams uses solid hand placement and a variety of techniques to attack the blocker, including a bull rush and nasty spin move, to go along with his impressive bend.
While listed as a linebacker on Alabama’s roster, Nick Saban’s defensive schemes are anything but traditional. Because of this, Williams will project differently for NFL teams. For Detroit, Williams would convert to defensive end. Pairing him with Ansah, would give the Lions two ends with pass rush skills and a relentless motors, that would be hard for teams to match-up with.
One thing to watch will be, how concerned are NFL teams about his September gun charge and arrest. He was not suspended over the incident.
Ryan Anderson
Like Williams, Ryan Anderson (# 22, 6’2″, 253) is a hybrid pass rusher in Bama’s defense. He is also a quick edge defender who uses his speed and bend to beat blocks. And finally, like Williams, he has a non-stop motor.
The big difference between the two is, that while Williams uses his instincts, Anderson needs to see it happening in order to react.
If Detroit was to select Anderson, it would likely be in the third round and they would convert him to defensive end.
Eddie Jackson
Senior
Safety
#4
6’0″, 195
Projected Round: 2
When Landon Collins (New York Giants) left for the NFL in 2014, it created a need at the strong safety position in Alabama’s defense. Nick Saban, who has a history of successfully moving cornerbacks to safety positions, asked Eddie Jackson to make this switch and help solidify the secondary.
In 2015, Jackson showed leadership and a nose for the ball. Jackson finished the season with 46 tackles, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble. He also accounted for six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Here’s a look at his pick six vs Texas A&M:
Even though Jackson is currently playing strong safety in Saban’s defense, his experience at cornerback has made him capable of playing free safety in the NFL. You can see in the video above how comfortable Jackson looks playing center field.
Biggest Strengths:
- sideline-to-sideline coverage ability
- excellent vision to take efficient angles to the ball
- above average agility
Biggest Weaknesses:
- average tackler
- needs to control speed while in pursuit
- positional experience
How he fits in Detroit
Like with Texas A&M’s Justin Evans, Jackson would be an instant upgrade in the Lions secondary. If Bob Quinn passes on a strong safety in round one, Jackson would provide Detroit with an exciting potential day two alternative.
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