Annual premature mock draft

[Mitchrapp]

Hard to believe a year goes by that quick, another lions season over. Went to 14 games this year

14 games, eh? I feel bad for ya.

 

[tsmith7559]

Lol..missed at az and at minn

 

[Mitchrapp]

Lol..missed at az and at minn

I was at the Arizona game. It was memorable, a usual 2nd half collapse.

 

[tsmith7559]

Bush getting hurt changed that game. I went to az in 2012 and watched staff throw it to the wrong team

 

[Thumb]

Long time coming..welcome back.

Wonder what the interest on $1000 is for a year? :bat:

Hey, someone had to say it.

 

[tsmith7559]

Wonder what the interest on $1000 is for a year? :bat:

Hey, someone had to say it.

Same old thumber

 

[Diggler Cometh]

Hey smitty, how's the boy?

 

[Mitchrapp]

Wonder what the interest on $1000 is for a year? :bat:

Hey, someone had to say it.

Is that your puppy? Looks like a cross between a German SHEPPARD and a Beagle. Am I close at all or way off..

 

[Mitchrapp]

Nah, 100% Beagles.

 

[Thumb]

Nah random internet image. I first used it when the Tigers were tanking in the ALCS, because the picture title is something like "ashamed". I put it back after I saw all the moves DD made this year, and then how the Lions tanked after the bye week.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Nah random internet image. I first used it when the Tigers were tanking in the ALCS, because the picture title is something like "ashamed". I put it back after I saw all the moves DD made this year, and then how the Lions tanked after the bye week.

Okay. Cute puppy.

 

[LGRW_9]

Nah random internet image. I first used it when the Tigers were tanking in the ALCS, because the picture title is something like "ashamed". I put it back after I saw all the moves DD made this year, and then how the Lions tanked after the bye week.

I remember it from the ALCS. I think first use was "Fielder better get a clutch hit or the puppy gets it". Poor dog died a thousand deaths waiting for that clutch hit.

 

[mhughes0021]

I remember it from the ALCS. I think first use was "Fielder better get a clutch hit or the puppy gets it". Poor dog died a thousand deaths waiting for that clutch hit.

fielder killed 1000 puppies and people STILL cant believe we traded him....

 

[jdeb]

fielder killed 1000 puppies and people STILL cant believe we traded him....

Can't wait... It's gonna get worse during the long ass season when Fielder is over in that sandlot ballpark mashing 40+ HR's and driving in 120 Runs. But then will come play-off time and people will be no where to be found on the message boards. 3 years from now, people will be praising DD on how he got out of that contract. Wait and see.

 

[kdp80]

New espn insider big board

ESPNNFLSPORTS

ScoresStandingsNewsMore

Major moves on the Big BoardMel Kiper Jr.*[ARCHIVE*ESPN Insider | January 8, 2014

Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesSammy Watkins hauled in 16 passes for 227 yards and two TDs in the Orange Bowl.

It's officially draft season. There are no college football games left to play, and now the all-star games, NFL combine and individual workouts and pro days will dominate the process and become a big reason I'll make changes to the rankings. A big thing to remember is how important all this stuff is. The notion that we can only trust the tape just doesn't work, given the sample size you see of players against good competition, the distinctions between systems and the fact there will be position changes to come.

Bottom line: the process that begins now is important. As for this week, the biggest riser is*Sammy Watkins, who enters the top five.*Blake Bortles*is also on the board for the first time.

Remember: scouting reports remain similar week to week, whereas I'll have updates on performances and anything else that takes place during the draft process.

Asterisks denote juniors; two asterisks denote redshirt sophomores.

1

Jadeveon Clowney *

AGE:*20

DOB:*2/14/93

HT:*6-6

WT:*265

POS:*DE

Tkl 41

Sack 3.0

Int 0

Not a lock for one of the top two or three spots, but still the top prospect. Need will factor in. Clowney has the quickness to beat people at the point of attack, the power to run through blockers and the speed to pursue all over. He's not just an edge rusher looking to quickly turn the corner; he doesn't even bend that well. He beats average tackles both inside and outside with his first step.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 |*PLAYER CARD

2

Anthony Barr

AGE:*21

DOB:*3/18/92

HT:*6-4

WT:*244

POS:*OLB

Tkl 66

Sack 10.0

Int 0

Could be the pass-rusher taken ahead of Clowney based on scheme. A disruptive force even with added attention, Barr became a more complete player this season. He's a good pass-rusher, using quick feet and hands to free himself, and he's disciplined. I love his pursuit when the play runs away from him. A former fullback, he has a powerful lower half and a long frame and reach.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 |*PLAYER CARD

3

Jake Matthews

AGE:*21

DOB:*2/11/92

HT:*6-5

WT:*305

POS:*OT

GP 13

GS 13

The top left tackle on my board for most of the season, he will have competition to be the first one taken. As a player, Matthews has a ton of experience and a feisty, competitive nature. He is an intense worker and has great NFL bloodlines; his father, brother and two cousins have played in the league. Has strong skills as both a pass-protector and a finisher in the run game, where you can see a nasty streak.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 |*PLAYER CARD

4

Greg Robinson **

AGE:*21

DOB:*10/21/92

HT:*6-5

WT:*320

POS:*OT

GP 14

GS 14

Now declared, he has a chance to be the first left tackle taken. Brought in as a guard, Robinson started at left tackle in the SEC as a redshirt freshman and held his own. This year, he was dominant, with increased strength making him closer to that complete package at tackle. He moves really well, can get out in the run game and block in space (as you saw in the BCS title game), but does so with a powerful lower half that makes him tough to push backward, too; he has long arms and delivers a solid punch. He gets a good push in the run game and can get out in front. Could become a special player at tackle.

PREVIOUS RANK: 9 |*PLAYER CARD

5

Khalil Mack

AGE:*22

DOB:*2/22/91

HT:*6-3

WT:*248

POS:*OLB

Tkl 100

Sack 11.0

Int 3

The Senior Bowl will be big for Mack, who really only gets knocked on competition level. But I've said before you really have to watch him play and see how he lines up all over the field and can do everything. He is versatile and capable of rushing the passer with quickness and power, dropping into coverage, shedding tackles and making plays in the open field. He uses proper leverage to take on blocks and drive people back and uses quickness and strong hands to shed. Plays with a great motor, but smart.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 4 |*PLAYER CARD

6

Sammy Watkins *

AGE:*20

DOB:*6/14/93

HT:*6-1

WT:*205

POS:*WR

Rec 101

Yds 1,464

Avg 14.5

TD 12

He moves up after another very good performance, a game in which he again played bigger than he measures. Watkins blends polish with a high level of explosiveness and can turn catches on the edges or across the middle into big plays. He has speed and short-area agility but also powers through tackles and does a good job of working back to the ball to become a big factor when plays break down. He is extremely explosive, both before and after the catch. He has strong hands and uses his strength to beat defenders to the ball.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 6 |*PLAYER CARD

7

Eric Ebron *

AGE:*20

DOB:*4/10/93

HT:*6-4

WT:*245

POS:*TE

Rec 62

Yds 973

Avg 15.7

TD 3

A likely bet to be the first tight end taken, with the skills to put him into the range more typical of the first wide receiver taken. He has the length and flexibility to haul in anything you throw his way, can be split out and can make plays after the catch. Has the size to overwhelm cornerbacks and most safeties, good burst and above-average straight-line speed. He can go up and get the ball and does a good job of catching it with his hands away from his body. Great body control allows him to haul in errant throws. A QB's best friend.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 13 |*PLAYER CARD

8

Teddy Bridgewater *

AGE:*21

DOB:*11/10/92

HT:*6-3

WT:*218

POS:*QB

Comp 303

Att 427

Pct 71.0

Yds 3,970

TD 31

Int 4

Demand dictates he made a smart decision to enter the draft. Bridgewater is poised and smart and is the QB most regularly making NFL throws with timing and anticipation in this class, throwing not just to players, but to spots. He has a good blend of arm strength to drive the ball into tight windows and the sense of when to take some heat off the ball. He throws a very catchable ball. He moves his eyes quickly and often scans the whole field. When he sees a target, he has a quick release, enough velocity and good ball placement.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 10 |*PLAYER CARD

9

Blake Bortles *

AGE:*22

DOB:*12/16/91

HT:*6-4

WT:*230

POS:*QB

Comp 259

Att 382

Pct 64.5

Yds 3,581

TD 25

Int 9

Bortles offers a good blend of the size traditionalists want at the QB position and the athleticism that is now more coveted as NFL offenses often look to put the quarterback's feet to good use. He has sound mechanics, though almost rigidly so, and shows poise and good footwork in the pocket. He has above-average arm strength based on my reviews, can drive the ball pretty well on intermediate throws, and while he's generally accurate, he can be inconsistent with his ball placement and ask a lot of his wide receivers, an area where Bridgewater has been better so far. The UCF offense also turned a lot of short throws into huge plays, inflating passing totals a bit.

PREVIOUS RANKING: NR |*PLAYER CARD

10

Timmy Jernigan *

AGE:*21

DOB:*9/24/92

HT:*6-2

WT:*298

POS:*DT

Tkl 53

Sack 5.0

Int 0

I love his great sense for how to disrupt the run game in particular. He could be quicker off the snap -- maybe it's just anticipation -- but he makes up for it and can both drive blocks and split doubles. Once he's in motion, he has good burst, power and improved hand use to free himself. He's a former defensive end who brings a lot of quickness to the inside. He moves easily and can occasionally shoot gaps or move laterally and scrape with pace to get down the line.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 12 |*PLAYER CARD

11

Taylor Lewan

AGE:*22

DOB:*7/21/91

HT:*6-8

WT:*308

POS:*OT

GP 13

GS 13

Put together a steady year in a tough situation with a lot of inexperience around him. I had him graded pretty similarly at this time last year before he opted to return. Lewan is long, with above-average athleticism. He has added power, strength in his lower half and a mean streak as a run-blocker, and he moves and kicks out well in pass protection. Lewan can slow down the game (in a good way) with his awareness and experience.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 20 |*PLAYER CARD

12

Johnny Manziel **

AGE:*21

DOB:*12/6/92

HT:*6-0

WT:*206

POS:*QB

Comp 300

Att 429

Pct 69.9

Yds 4,114

TD 37

Int 14

Highly competitive, Manziel is known as an improviser, but is also an effective pocket passer and sees the field well from there. He doesn't have a special arm, but can make special throws because he has tremendous touch and the ability to deliver off-balance. He would deliver strikes with more velocity if he kept his feet underneath him consistently. Height will always be a question because it does offer its advantages, but Manziel has proven it won't hurt him much. The final question: How well does he interview and deal with the scrutiny and bright lights of the draft process?

PREVIOUS RANKING: No. 14 |*PLAYER CARD

13

C.J. Mosley

AGE:*21

DOB:*6/19/92

HT:*6-2

WT:*232

POS:*LB

Tkl 106

Sack 0

Int 0

Mosley has the versatility and great cover skills that will make him an appealing talent in any scheme. He flies to the ball, tackles with underrated ferocity and scrapes effectively, getting off blocks to make a ton of plays. He simply needs to get a bit stronger and show leverage going downhill against the run. Could be best on the weak side; he gets past blocks and chases everything down (or simply beats people to the ball).

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 5 |*PLAYER CARD

14

Marqise Lee *

AGE:*22

DOB:*11/25/91

HT:*6-1

WT:*195

POS:*WR

Rec 57

Yds 791

Avg 13.9

TD 4

At one time my top wide receiver, I have him behind Watkins, but not by much. Lee has so many NFL-ready traits. He has good quickness in short areas to separate from press coverage and to maneuver after the catch, and he has enough straight-line speed to beat defenders deep. He is an effective route-runner, accelerating easily out of breaks, and makes most routine catches and can play bigger than his size to make the spectacular ones. He is physical and extremely dangerous after the catch and will run through many arm tackles.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 7 |*PLAYER CARD

15

Mike Evans **

AGE:*20

DOB:*8/21/93

HT:*6-4

WT:*220

POS:*WR

Rec 69

Yds 1,394

Avg 20.2

TD 12

Somewhat reminiscent of Alshon Jeffery in that he creates value in his ability to make contested catches, using his reach, jumping ability and long frame to beat shorter defenders, but is forced to make that kind of catch because he can't run away from defenders, or create much separation with quickness. Evans could be used on the edge or in the slot to create matchup problems and should make for a very good possession target. I'm sure he'll be working on speed and quickness in draft prep.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR |*PLAYER CARD

16

Justin Gilbert

AGE:*22

DOB:*11/7/91

HT:*6-0

WT:*200

POS:*CB

Tkl 42

Sack 0

Int 7

Has put together a great season after a subpar 2012. Has short-area quickness to adjust to routes and the open-field speed to run with (or past) any receiver. Has the size to jam at the line and can then flip his hips and run; he rarely allows much separation. Good ball skills and hands, evident both in coverage and the return game. Squarely back into the mid-first-round mix.

PREVIOUS RANK: 21 |*PLAYER CARD

17

Stephon Tuitt *

AGE:*20

DOB:*5/23/93

HT:*6-6

WT:*315

POS:*DE

Tkl 49

Sack 7.5

Int 1

Tuitt could shine during the draft process given his combination of elite quickness and great size; I've compared him to a young Richard Seymour. He offers tremendous burst and power and the ability to work inside or outside and create pressure. Teams looking for a penetrating 3-4 DE will like his potential, but when healthy, he can also provide a pass rush as a 4-3 DE, which is saying something for someone playing at about 320 pounds.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 8 |*PLAYER CARD

18

Carlos Hyde

AGE:*22

DOB:*9/20/91

HT:*6-0

WT:*242

POS:*RB

Att 208

Yds 1,521

Avg 7.3

TD 15

Hyde has a great combination of elite size for the position plus quick feet and an ability to accelerate quickly through the hole. He's devastating on the second level because he has a downhill style that makes him a punishing runner who can run through and bounce off contact. Has above-average hands and can catch what you throw his way.

PREVIOUS RANKING: No. 19 |*PLAYER CARD

19

Darqueze Dennard

AGE:*22

DOB:*10/10/91

HT:*5-11

WT:*197

POS:*CB

Tkl 62

Sack 0

Int 4

Maybe the most versatile defensive back in the draft, he's skilled in almost any area of coverage. Dennard can play up and redirect routes or off in zone and make plays in front of him. He'll play a really tight man-to-man, and he turns his head well to avoid penalties that could be called if he didn't show ball awareness based on how tight he can play in coverage. Has a nice burst and will rush the passer effectively when asked to blitz. Good tackler.

PREVIOUS RANK: 25 |*PLAYER CARD

20

Kony Ealy *

AGE:*22

DOB:*12/21/91

HT:*6-5

WT:*274

POS:*DE

Tkl 42

Sack 8.0

Int 1

While Ealy doesn't jump off the screen with quickness, he's a very good athlete for a 4-3 defensive end, and can close quickly, covering a lot of ground in just a few strides. He also has good length and will hold his rush to eye the passer and get his hands into passing lanes. Ealy also has the ability to move inside where he can get in gaps and provide an interior pass rush, mostly with quickness. While I think he lacks the size to be a true 3-technique, his frame could support more if he wants to muscle up, and I think coaches in any system will consider him a possibility. He just needs to get off blocks better, because his ability to shed doesn't match up to his level of athleticism.

PREVIOUS RANKING: NR |*PLAYER CARD

21

Ryan Shazier *

AGE:*21

DOB:*9/6/92

HT:*6-2

WT:*225

POS:*OLB

Tkl 142

Sack 6.0

Int 0

Versatile, quick, instinctive and a strong tackler, Shazier lacks size, but the NFL demands that linebackers can really run, too. He anticipates, plays sideline to sideline and will track tight ends and running backs in coverage with the burst and agility to stay with them. In the mold of a Lavonte David, Shazier is a linebacker who looks like an oversized safety but does a great job of tracking and making tackles.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 16 |*PLAYER CARD

22

Vic Beasley *

AGE:*21

DOB:*7/8/92

HT:*6-3

WT:*235

POS:*LB

Tkl 40

Sack 13.0

Int 0

Like Barr, Beasley was once a running back, and has the kind of quickness and foot speed you would associate with that position. But he's also extremely powerful in the lower half and can use that leverage to drive a tackle into the backfield. Shows a good variety of pass-rushing skills; he does a good job of ripping his arm through and turning the corner with a good bend. Exciting prospect because the ceiling could be very high.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 15 |*PLAYER CARD

23

Cyrus Kouandjio *

AGE:*20

DOB:*7/21/93

HT:*6-6

WT:*311

POS:*OT

GP 13

GS 13

Has the massive size, long arms and good feet that in part define the best at the position, but has been dogged by inconsistency, and in particular has been beaten by speed too often. When he puts it all together, he can dominate. Has the balance of reach and power to keep rushers at bay but needs to use his arms to punch a little better and get pass-rushers off balance, eliminating speed. A really good run-blocker. Could be drafted before he turns 21.

PREVIOUS RANKING: No. 22 |*PLAYER CARD

24

Louis Nix III *

AGE:*22

DOB:*7/31/91

HT:*6-3

WT:*326

POS:*DT

Tkl 27

Sack 0

Int 0

A rare commodity, at his best he has the rare size and strength to handle a zero-technique role, keeping multiple blockers occupied and eating up two gaps while making life easy for linebackers cleaning up against the run. But he's not limited to that because he can really move, at least a lot better than you would expect from a player his size. Nix is occasionally moved too easily and loses gap control.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 11 |*PLAYER CARD

25

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix *

AGE:*20

DOB:*12/21/92

HT:*6-1

WT:*208

POS:*S

Tkl 50

Sack 0

Int 2

Instinctive and fluid, he's the top free safety option in the draft, and does a good job in coverage. He reads the quarterback well and can accelerate or turn quickly to make plays in any direction. What he isn't yet is very physical. I wouldn't call him a "big hitter" at this point, but that's not such a bad thing because the way the position is played is changing and you need great coverage more than an enforcer.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 23 |*PLAYER CARD

SPONSORED HEADLINES

Best 5 Schools to get a Degree Online*(Education Portal)Fastest Players in the NFL: Top 10 Electronically-Timed 40-Yard Dashes*(The Richest)8 Awesome Discontinued Cars That We Want Back*(Wall St. Cheat Sheet)LeBron James Donates Ridiculous New Uniforms to High School*(STACK)

[what's this?]

COMMENTS

Use a*Facebook account*to add a comment, subject to Facebook'sTerms of Service*and*Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms.Learn more

THE NFL ON ESPN.COM

Seattle's brash secondary talks a big game while silencing some of the NFL's biggest names.

In Seattle, the secondary comes firstSando: The fear factor of Kam ChancellorPeyton Manning's playoff blemishDon't overlook Cam NewtonContrarian value bets for playoffs

NEWSMORE +

NFL: Two players violated concussion protocol

Redskins hire Jay Gruden as coach

Gruden: Who wouldn't want to coach RG III?

Brooks, Dungy, Jones among Pro Hall finalists

49ers' Rogers to be listed as questionable

Harvin 'feeling great,' ready to go vs. Saints

Kiper: Re-drafting 2008 pushes Ryan to top

NFL*VIDEOMORE

01:08

Two Players Violated Concussion Protocol

Adam Schefter discusses the news that two players violated league concussion protocol in last weekend's wild-card games.

00:49

Time To Stop Giving Peyton A Pass

Darren Woodson discusses how Peyton Manning's legacy will be affected if he loses.

00:54

Ken Whisenhunt A Busy Man

Adam Schefter talks about Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt preparing for Sunday's game against the Broncos while interviewing for head-coaching jobs.

ESPN MOBILE HOMEESPN.COM*ABC NEWS*ESPN ALERTS*HELP / FEEDBACK*SEARCHSITE MAP*JOBS AT ESPN*TERMS OF USEINTEREST-BASED ADSPRIVACY POLICY/YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTSEN ESPA?OL*Korey*SIGN OUT

 

[cheeno]

Didn't someone call it that Kiper would move Watkins into his top five from fourteen, based on the fact he knows jack shit about college football?

 

[kdp80]

Funny that the top of the article states that Watkins has broke into the top five and he's listed as the 6th best player on the board.

 

[zyxt9]

Didn't someone call it that Kiper would move Watkins into his top five from fourteen, based on the fact he knows jack shit about college football?

The fact he has Clowney #1 is proof enough he doesn't know jack.

 

[cheeno]

Three qbs in the top ten will let some good players fall to us. Don't fuck it up on a weak cb class. So many stud dlinemen I think that's where you have to go again.

 

[mhughes0021]

Three qbs in the top ten will let some good players fall to us. Don't fuck it up on a weak cb class. So many stud dlinemen I think that's where you have to go again.

over marquise lee? are you changing your tune? is it moreso cause of the dlineman that will be on the board still or how deep the WR class will be. To be honest I don't think there would be much of a production difference if we grabbed a WR in rd 1 or rd 3 this draft (unless Watkins miraculously falls to us).