Hondo talks to scouts about Lion's picks...

Very interesting article on Hondo's Blog. He talked to some unnamed scouts who gave their take on the Lion's picks.

#1 17th Overall Gosder “GOZ” Cherilus OT Boston CollegeScout 1: “This was
a very solid pick of the Lions. When they made the trade with the Chiefs
we called this in our war room. We looked hard at Gosder and we really
liked him. He is a street fighter with a mean streak to match. We
felt he was (behind Jake Long) the best zone blocking OT in this draft. We
also loved his durability and that fact that he loves to practice. It was
no secret that Lions had to address the T situation and when Long went #1 we
felt that the Lions would go with this kid. He fits what they want to do
big time. If I was a Lions employee the only player we could have gotten
better for our needs would have been Jake (Long) and that wasn’t going to happen
without giving away the farm and they had too many needs to do that. When
you (Hondo) told me that they want to keep him at RT that made me laugh.
As soon as he (GOZ) is ready, Backus will move. He is to good to keep on
the right once he gets the NFL game. He certainly will be a major upgrade
from Backus on the right ”

Obviously Backus wasn't a right tackle, but if Cherilus can nail down this position and stay healthy, he's an obvious upgrade over the previous (Foster) tackle. Notice the scout mentions that he's a good fit for the zone blocking scheme, which Otah isn't in my opinion. With the way the tackles went off the board, he wasn't a reach at all. In fact, Branden Alberts was only projected to play tackle, but he's a better guard. He'd be great for the Lions as a left guard, but the Lions won't do as much pulling and trapping, so having top guards isn't necessary. This is one of the many good reasons to run a zone blocking scheme.

My official first round projection of the 2008 NFL Draft...

1. Dolphins- Jake Long, OL, UM
2. Rams- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
3. Falcons- Matt Ryan, QB, BC
4. Raiders- Darren McFadden, RB, Ark
5. Chiefs- Chris Long, DE, Va
6. Jets- Vernon Gholston, DE, OSU
7. Patriots- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
8. Ravens- Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9. Bengals- Keith Rivers, LB, USC
10. Saints- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
11. Bills- Delvin Thomas, WR, MSU
12. Broncos- Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
13. Panthers- Derrick Harvey, DE, Fla
14. Bears- Chris Williams, OT, Vandy
15. Lions- Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
16. Cards- Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
17. Chiefs- Branden Albert, OL, UVA
18. Texans- Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas
19. Eagles- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
20. Bucs- Jeff Otah, OL, Pitt
21. Redskins- Gosder Cherilus, OL, BC
22. Cowboys- Felix Jones, RB, Ark
23. Steelers- Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
24. Titans- Branden Flowers, CB, VaTech
25. Seahawks- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
26. Jaguars- Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC
27. Chargers- Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
28. Cowboys- Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
29. 49ers- Desean Jackson, WR, Cal
30. Packers- Chad Henne, QB, UM
31. Giants- Antoine Cason, DB, Arizona

Reading the tea leaves...

Usually at about this time before the draft comes along, I have a decent guage of what the teams are going to do, but this year it's a little bit different. I'm not buying a bunch of the pre-draft negotiation hype that surrounds the first pick, and therefore, the whole first round is a little weird right now. Here's a few thoughts I have on some of the picks...

1. Dolphins- It would be easy to say they've honed in on Jake Long, but I'm not really buying that. Listening to a radio interview with Chris Long, and the Dolphins really haven't been in touch, so I'm guessing the Dolphins will either draft Vernon Gholston, or Glenn Dorsey. The truth in the matter is that they have a need with all of these players. Just to make a pick, we'll say Jake Long goes here.

2. Rams- I've heard they would love Jake Long here, but I'm not buying that either. They are much more likely to draft an end, so my feeling is they'll pick Gholston here. I love Chris Long, but Gholston is a sexier pick, the better pass rusher. Long is a more well-rounded player, but I feel both will play in Hawaii.

3. Falcons- The only name I've really heard with them is Dorsey, and they'll trip on the way to announce his name as soon as the Rams pick.

4. Raiders- The thing about the Raiders, don't try to figure them out. In this scenario, there are two players available for them, both making a great deal of sense. You'd think that Chris Long is the perfect fit for them, but will they pick McFadden? Only one person knows. If Long is gone, it will be McFadden, but I think family wins out here and the Raiders select Long.

5. Chiefs- Branden Albert. He's really the only name I'm hearing for #5. And he will play LT.

6. Jets- In this scenario, they'll likely select Sedrick Ellis, but I'm not sure how they'll go, either. They could easily draft McFadden, or Ryan. This is also a candidate for a hot trade down with Baltimore, who covets Ryan. Remember, in the draft: Thou shalt not covet, and let the cattle out of the barn.

7. Patriots- I'd be shocked if they didn't select a corner, and it could be Leodis McKelvin, but I wouldn't fault them if they took Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who I'd give them here in this slot.

8. Ravens- They could stay here and get their man, Ryan. Or they could take a corner they could use, and take a better QB in the 2nd round. I'm not high on Ryan, so I don't get it, but they love him.

9. Bengals- With Ellis likely gone here, I've heard Keith Rivers going here, and Ryan Clady. Both would be solid picks. I'll give them Rivers.

10. Saints- Yes, the running backs are sliding, and this is another slot for a corner. McKelvin is a solid bet I would think to go to the Big Easy.

11. Bills- The Bills have shown us one thing with their recent picks- they'll get their guy, no matter where he's suppose to go. This would be a great place for Devin Thomas to go, he's the #1 WR by far in this draft.

12. Broncos- This is a team with many needs, believe it or not. There are plenty of RB's falling, especially McFadden. Clady is the pick here, I know they'd love to pick up their pass rush, but Clady is who I think they're targeting all along.

13. Panthers- This is where McFadden could very well end up at. I hope he hasn't been invited to New York, because he could get a little sqeamish if he doesn't go #4. He could really drop, and I'm not 100% sure the Panthers would take him, but I'm giving him to them.

14. Bears- I know the Bears would love two picks here, but their line is a mess; and Chris Williams is the likely pick.

15. Lions- In this scenario, I think it's very likely the Lions would take Derrick Harvey. I'd love to have Jerod Mayo, but I don't see Harvey going any earlier.

Random draft thoughts...

As we close into the final two weeks before the draft, a few things are taking shape. Team needs become better defined, and the cream of the draft crop rises to the top. As far as the Lions are concerned, there are some points that need to be kept in mind. They won't be able to repair all divots, but overall should be in fine shape. It looks like they have a healthy perspective on running backs, and won't overdraft that position. This is a deep year for that position, and they can find a legit player in the third round with one of their two picks. The second round seems like a great place for a line backer, and they have a couple to choose from. Jerod Mayo should be long gone by then, although I'd pick him up at 15, showing how high I think of his ability. Number 15 is looking like it will go down to Mayo, Derrick Harvey (who I think will be overdrafted in the top 10) and Chris Williams of Vandy.

Tigers news and notes...

Jim Leyland has just made it official, Clete Thomas has made the team as an extra outfielder while Curtis Granderson is injured. This is a great move, since I think this will send a message throughout the organization that if you work hard, you can move up despite all the talent at the big league level. This also increases Clete Thomas's value, since he will have experience. Other players that have made the team include Aquilino Lopez and Yorman Bazardo out of the bullpen. Both are similar pitchers, and I imagine Lopez will have a shorter leash than Bazardo, due to the fact that Bazardo is younger and out of options, plus he has better overall stuff. Speaking of short leashes, Dontrelle is going to have to find himself soon. Options with him are limited, with the contract he signed, but he could find himself in the bullpen behind Bazardo if he continues to pitch as poorly as he has in the spring.

My list of the top 100 prospects for the NFL draft, 26-50...

26. Philip Merling, DE, Clemson- More of a run stuffing left end who can play multiple positions. He just had hernia surgery that may be a problem for a while.
27. Dan Connor, LB, PSU- He's a tough guy to read, and he's also a tough guy. I don't see him as a MLB, but more as a SLB. He'll be a good player, and a safe pick.
28. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas- He finally gets to break free from McFadden, and show what he can do on his own. He'll be part of a good committee, which is what you need in the NFL. He hasn't shown if he can take a pounding.
29. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma- He's big and strong, but I think he's bust material. He's not a bad player, but the NFL can be tough for bigger receivers.
30. Sam Baker, OT, USC- He's been relatively quiet this offseason. I think he can be a solid pro, but not a special one. He has a decent frame, and decent footwork.
31. Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC- I see him as more of a left end in a 3-4, than as a tackle. He'll be useful against the run that way, and can swing inside on third down.
32. Desean Jackson, WR, Cal- Everybody has waited for him to break loose and become a superstar, but he is a very nice player. He needs to be put in a position where he can succeed, such as returning kicks, and slowly becoming acclimated to receiver.
33. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas- He's a very good route runner, and a solid receiver. This is a solid class, and he personifies it.
34. Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware- He's got a huge arm, and an upside to be the best QB from this draft class.
35. Gosder Cherilus, OT, BC- He plays with a mean streak that I like. He is a right tackle, and has room to be a terrific player. He needs more experience.
36. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers- He's a little firebug, but he'll whack you, too. He's got a lot of energy, and is fun to watch.
37. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona- He's an exciting player, in more ways than one. Like Talib, he'll take his chances, but he's a tough player. He's also a good returner.
38. Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas- He'd be ranked much higher if he didn't have a problem fumbling. If he corrects that problem, the sky is the limit.
39. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC- I think he's underrated here, but he's the type who always shows up. It's not hard to find his number when you're watching him.
40. Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana- He should be ranked higher because he can cover, but I knock him down because he's not a tough football player. I need to see him tackle properly, instead redirecting people out of bounds, which is his favorite technique.
41. Trevor Laws, DT, ND- Just a bundle of energy. He shouldn't be ranked this high, but he's made it this high with his non-stop motor. One of my favorites in this draft.
42. Mario Manningham, WR, UM- He should be ranked higher, which is a challenge to him. He was a big play guy at UM, I don't know if it was the QB, or him.
43. Early Doucet, WR, LSU- He's a solid possession type, who can help a lot of teams.
44. Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue- He's not a TE per se, he's not a blocker. He is a matchup problem for defenses. He needs to prove that he's not a workout warrior, but can do a lot more. He does remind me of KWII.
45. Curtis Lofton, LB, OU- He's not a lateral guy, he's one of those straight ahead, snot nosed type of nasty MLB's that will play many years in this league.
46. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina- Talk about matchup problems? Who do you cover him with? I think what he does best is that he's a great receiver from the backfield.
47. Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland- Reminds me of his brother, and can be a top MLB himself. Safe pick, and good player.
48. Chilo Rachal, OG, USC- In a weak class, he's a versatile type who can play multiple positions. More of a protection guy than a mover, though.
49. Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech- I think he's underrated, and can surprise. He's a solid end, and we haven't seen his best work yet.
50. Xavier Adibi, LB, Va Tech- He's a little undersized, he needs to hit the weight room. He's more solid than spectacular.

My list of the top 100 prospects for the NFL draft, 1-25

1. Vernon Gholston, DE, OSU- He is the best pass rusher in this draft, and can beat his man with power. I am convinced he is the best prospect in this draft.

2. Chris Long, DE, Virginia- He's very versatile, and has a great motor. You can't miss with either Gholston or Long, I think Gholston will be more productive.

3. Jake Long, OT, UM- He's a Pro Bowl Right Tackle right now, a very safe pick to be an outstanding player. He can play left, so he is versatile. If healthy, he's a future Hall of Famer.

4. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas- He has some off the field issues that make him a risky pick, but on the field he is dynamite. I have doubts, though, whether he can make the tough runs, where he needs to get the most out of what is there.

5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State- He's a franchise type corner, who can play in many defenses, and different coverages. He's the best corner I've seen come out since Deion Sanders.

6. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU- He needs to prove he's healthy, but he's sort of a tweener tackle for me. He'd be great as a three technique, though.

7. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC- He could bounce around, and play different fronts. He was awesome at the Senior Bowl, but inexplicably gained weight and looked heavy at the combine. He needs better consultation.

8. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State- More of a pure left tackle than Long, but not as good a player overall. He'll likely start from day one, and be a solid starter for years to come.

9. Keith Rivers, LB, USC- He's a pure LB who shouldn't be pigeon holed into weak side lb. He can play any position, and could be a Pro Bowler down the road.

10. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Ill- He's a very tough runner, which is tough to guage from running backs in spread offenses, but not tough to see with him. He's not far behind McFadden in ability, and might be a safer pick.

11. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy- He's a very tough kid who will whack you when he gets a chance. Great in all facets, but his ball skills aren't up to snuff. He's a good returner, although I would doubt many teams would risk his talent on returns.

12. Derrick Harvey, DE, Fla- He's much better against the run than given credit for, but isn't as good a pass rusher as thought. He's a solid player who will produce, though. He is a right end.

13. Chris Williams, OT, Vandy- I've gone back and forth on him, but he's got great feet, and great hand placement. He's not very physical at the point of attack, and whomever takes him will need to work him up. He's a deluxe left tackle.

14. Mike Jenkins, CB, USF- He's had some off the field troubles, but I've liked him. He has upside, but will need some time before starting. He's a good hitter, and is pretty good in coverage.

15. Brandon Albert, G/T, Va- He's gone under the radar, but is one of the best football players in this draft. He's versatile, but could be a top LG in a year or so. He can also play RT.

16. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas- He's a smooth player, but a risky one. If you don't mind the mistakes, which are manageable, he's a very good corner. He just needs to learn when to take risks, and when not to.

17. Chad Henne, QB, UM- I realize I have him rated higher than everybody else, but he's the best pure QB in this draft to me. He reminds me of Mark Bulger in that he throws a beautiful ball that is easy to catch.

18. Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon- If healthy, he's just behind the other two running backs, but he's also got the best frame to take the pounding at the next level. It's not easy to project spread to the NFL, which makes it tougher for these backs.

19. Matt Ryan, QB, BC- I have a hard time putting him this high, but there are things to like about him. Everybody talks about his intangibles being off the charts, but what about his tangibles? If somebody wants to risk a top 10 pick, it wouldn't be me.

20. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee- He reminds me of Al Wilson, the way he plays so low; and plays with great leverage. He's a cover 2 MLB.

21. Devin Thomas, WR, MSU- He's got fresh legs, and I believe deeply he's got the best set of tools to be the best WR in this draft by a comfortable margin.

22. Quentin Groves, DE/LB, Auburn- He's versatile, the type who could play OLB in a 3-4, or put his hand down as a 4-3 down lineman. He's had injury issues, but I think he's a tough player.

23. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami-Fla- He's got great size, and can cover. He can play both safety positions.

24. Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt- He scares me. He reminds me of Stockar McDougle, so buyer beware. He's not athletically gifted, but is a taxi ride to get around. He handled Chris Long well, so he's got that on his resume.

25. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville- His injuries have hurt him, he was ranked higher last year. Them's the breaks, but he's still likely to start in the NFL.