In 2014, under new head coach Jim Caldwell, the Detroit Lions went 11-5, going to the playoffs for the second time in 4 years. Now the Lions are looking to repeat that same success but first and foremost they have to go through the NFL Scouting Combine, and look at who to keep an eye on as they could be future members of the Honolulu and Silver Pride.
First lets address the elephant in the room by saying that someway, somehow, Detroit in my opinion, will keep Ndamukong Suh. After listening to GM Martin Mayhew talk about how a deal is in place, its highly unlikely that Suh leaves the team. That being said, he will effectively decide how the Lions move forward.
Now that we got that out of the way, lets look at some players that could be a reasonable fit at the 23 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Remember that the Lions follow the motto of "Best Player Available" so all of these players fit that mode.
Devin Funchess, Wide Receiver, Michigan
I know a lot of Detroit Lions fans that watch Michigan football look at this pick and say two things: "Why" and " ANOTHER RECEIVER?" well the way I look at it is that this pick isn't so much to make the Lions offense more potent but it puts pressure on the teams in the division of the NFC North. Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota all had issues covering the playmakers of the Lions this past season, and with a player like this, it would get even worse. I know that this is the reason that Eric Ebron was drafted at 10 in last years draft, but this doubles that reason. Ebron more than likely will be more of a threat next year due to him getting the offense scheme of Joe Lombardi down packed, which will allow the hybrid that is Devin Funchess to use his massive frame to get down field and use his vertical strength to score relentlessly.
Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver, Miami
This to me is my underdog pick in the draft and I'm praying that he is a second round pick to third day pick. His speed (which clocked in at a 4.33 in the 40) allows him to take the top off of the defense and makes him a long ball threat, which for the cannon that Matthew Stafford has, will make him a favorite alongside Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. His size will more than likely lower his draft stock as a wideout but he is definitely a steal in the draft.
Jay Ajayi, Running Back, Boise State
This pick is because of one thing: Reggie Bush. Until we know for a fact that Bush will be either healthy or is dropped from the team, we need to look at running backs. Jay Ajayi from Boise St. reminds me a lot of current Lions running back Joique Bell in the fact that he is big, fast and can take multiple hits and keep moving, which should make him a definite threat in the backfield. If drafted by the Lions, he essentially gives the Lions a hammer type of running system in which they can run Bush and Bell after each other and pound the D-line into submission. Also his pass catching ability makes him open for the screen game that Detroit likes to run.
Duke Johnson, Running Back, Miami
Another guy from the U? I swear this isn't a trend( not yet anyway). This guy has been on my radar for a long time seeing as to how he reminds me so much of Reggie Bush. His speed is relentless and he can be a threat as a wideout as well. If Detroit does keep Bush, he is someone that can still be picked because it would allow Bush to be a wideout and let Duke be a solid speed back that give us a Reggie at wideout and running back. When it comes to Duke, he runs with precision and as if he is angry and stomping towards the end zone every time, which is something Detroit needs as their running game this season wasn't as good as the 2013 season.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver, Missouri
He is no Calvin Johnson. I just needed to say that because a lot of analysts have been making the comparison over the past couple of weeks. Coming out of Mizzou, he was supposed to play at Oklahoma this past year but wasn't able to due to his troubled past. But like the United States of America, I believe in second chances and he deifnitely deserves one. He moves with such ease and make it seem like childs play to accelerate and make big plays. The only question is where is his pro day, which essentially will decide where he gets drafted will be at. But ultimately it seems as though his past will define him and make him a second to third day pickup, which is okay, because if Detroit gets him, they won't get another Calvin Johnson, but they definitely will get someone who can be a understudy of Megatron.
Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle, Washington
Let me say this now, if Detroit can't get Suh back, this is a guy that needs to be picked up. IMMEDIATELY. In fact, I will go so far to say that if Detroit is able to get him and Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota make no move to get him, all three teams general managers need to be let go immediately. There is no excuse for the Detroit Lions to lose one beast and then turn around and gain another. Shelton, despite his massive frame, is one of the quickest, most dangerous players in the draft. His ability to go from defensive tackle to defensive end is ridiculous and can cause you pain for all four downs. And this is just him by himself. Imagine if Suh is retained and they are ability to pick up this big boy. Scary right?
Malcom Brown, Defensive Tackle, Texas
Read the description of Danny Shelton and just substitute his name. Exact same, only difference between Shelton and Brown is body shape. While Shelton is wide and fast, Brown is muscular, tall and fast. So its pick your poison with both because these behemoths will make tons of money by stuffing the hole and hunting the quarterback and running backs every Sunday.
Trae Waynes, Defensive Back, Michigan State
The Lions have been avoiding this for years and need to address the cornerback position. I know this year it hasn't been a serious issue to the the impressiveness of Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis, but they need to prepare for the future as Mathis is not getting any younger and why not get someone like him but younger. Trae Waynes is just that due to the fact that he has the size to lock up big time receivers and can play multiple types of defensive schemes which is good for Detroit as Teryl Austin will switch up defensive schemes to hurt the opposing offense.
Eric Rowe, Defensive Back, Utah
I consider the team that gets this man the thief of the draft. I personally saw Rowe get big time draft props when he locked up Devin Funchess of Michigan for an ENTIRE game this past season. This is the same Eric Rowe that switched sports from basketball as a point guard to defensive back. He is a definite good pick because of the fact that he is a pure ballhawk and can high point the ball and make sure that if he doesn't come down with the ball, neither are you.
Josh Shaw, Defensive Back, Southern California
This goes back to my belief in second chances as I said with Dorial Green-Beckham. He lied and make a big mistake, but it was still a mistake as a child. So lets not hold it against him. That being said, this is the NFL and some team will use that mistake against him. Detroit could be a haven for him as Coach Caldwell will keep him accountable and make him play to his best ability. With his frame and ball skills, he could be a late round pick that could compliment the secondary corps in Detroit.
So with that being said, Detroit has tons of options in this NFL Draft. This is one of the few years where they could completely go into this offseason with them filling some voids in the free agency or they could do it in the draft. and with some of the people mentioned above, defending the den will be more easy than thought.
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