Justin, can you shed some light on the Kingsley Eguakun situation this past season? He went from a promising young player with potential to plug the center hole long term to suddenly disappearing to another team in seemingly a blink of an eye? What the heck happened and why did the Lions let this happen?
He had a really bad game where he fumbled 2 or 3 direct snaps to Goff, was offered a guarantee starting spot by the Browns to end the season and the Lions wouldn't do that. Kingsley made a financial decision and I can't really blame him.
Later rounds, but I would like a TE-sized Cory Schlesinger, or Dan Campbell for that matter Brock is a good #2, but they need a more impactful blocker for inline or H back leading Monte.
The most fascinating scenario to me is what if Caleb Downs slips down the draft board because safety is one of those positions not as valued normally in the draft. He could be insurance for Kerby/Branch or allow the Lions to utilize more 3 safety looks. Man, the thought of Branch (if he can return close to form) and Downs on the field at the same time sounds great because they are both great against the run.
You have to think they will look to sign one of the FA Centers on the market. I wouldn't be shocked if they slide Sewell to LT, draft Ioane, AND sign a RT and Center. The money would likely be a wash from what they were paying Ragnow/Decker/Graham.
I also think there is a chance they sign a center... draft a RT in rnd 1 (move Sewell to LT) and then let Frazier/Mahogany fight it out for LG.
What would surprise me... is if they don't sign a center.
Justin, did/do you go to the Senior Bowl? Listening to Pat Kirwan on XM NFL Radio, he raved about the Center Slaughter, calling him a day 1 starter. They make it sound like it is a fairly relaxed atmosphere where you can say hello to a lot of NFL people. Wonder if it would be a fun "Lions tourism" type trip for fans.
I went many times early in my career. Probably double-digit trips to Mobile. The stadium and format changed, making it less valuable to media. The Lions don't staff it aggressively, so not sure a fan of the team would find as much value in it now than under previous regimes. Could be an interesting trip if your team is coaching the event.
Monroe Freeling. All day. Would love if he fell to #17. That said, have a feeling he will go higher, and perhaps be OT1 by the time the pre-draft process plays out.
Monroe Freeling is very good but has limited experience. He may out do Lomu during combine and pro day. If I mistake not, he has 22 starts to his name.
For as much EDGE talk as this fanbase has had in previous drafts, this feels like a year where the Lions might actually be able to marry draft slot, talent and value there.
I know everyone immediately pivots to the draft once the offseason hits, but FA comes first and often wipes out some needs entirely. In fact, that's the main focus of FA, to fill in your roster holes so you can draft BPA.
It's much harder to craft interesting articles about speculative FAs though and the shelf life can be minutes. So not complaining. Just feels like this probably needs to be touched on again after FA.
Actually, I'm curious. Have you ever gone to the Combine, and could you see it as a useful opportunity to talk to scouts/coaches, or is the access too limiting for media from that perspective?
I've gone to the combine 15 consecutive years. There's no access to coaches and scouts. It's intentionally segregated. You'll run into some people walking around town, but they're not going to talk without permission, especially in public.
Honestly, I'd be pretty annoyed if the Lions took a corner in the first. Feels like too many resources are being used at that spot lately. Not to say the pick would be bad or anything, just feels like there's more pressing needs and equitable talent at other spots.
A need, but not a top 5 need. There's no urgency to replace Wright with his cap dynamics, and TE3 doesn't have a huge workload. Remember, we're talking 10-15% of snaps of 13 personnel. I have minimal concerns about LaPorta's back.
Justin, can you shed some light on the Kingsley Eguakun situation this past season? He went from a promising young player with potential to plug the center hole long term to suddenly disappearing to another team in seemingly a blink of an eye? What the heck happened and why did the Lions let this happen?
He had a really bad game where he fumbled 2 or 3 direct snaps to Goff, was offered a guarantee starting spot by the Browns to end the season and the Lions wouldn't do that. Kingsley made a financial decision and I can't really blame him.
And now, Cleveland has a new staff whereas he could have benefited long term being with Lions.
Later rounds, but I would like a TE-sized Cory Schlesinger, or Dan Campbell for that matter Brock is a good #2, but they need a more impactful blocker for inline or H back leading Monte.
Ideally Brock becomes TE 3 this offseason. Picking up a better blocking TE so Brock can relieve either Laporta or the new TE2.
Exactly.
Keep the name Mesidor in your memory. Plug and play. Relentless motor. Age is not a barrier.
yes it can be
The most fascinating scenario to me is what if Caleb Downs slips down the draft board because safety is one of those positions not as valued normally in the draft. He could be insurance for Kerby/Branch or allow the Lions to utilize more 3 safety looks. Man, the thought of Branch (if he can return close to form) and Downs on the field at the same time sounds great because they are both great against the run.
Caleb is incredible. We'd be lucky to get him.
You have to think they will look to sign one of the FA Centers on the market. I wouldn't be shocked if they slide Sewell to LT, draft Ioane, AND sign a RT and Center. The money would likely be a wash from what they were paying Ragnow/Decker/Graham.
I also think there is a chance they sign a center... draft a RT in rnd 1 (move Sewell to LT) and then let Frazier/Mahogany fight it out for LG.
What would surprise me... is if they don't sign a center.
So much of their identity is tied to having an elite, punishing OL. I think if they identify the right OL in the draft they will pull the trigger.
Justin, did/do you go to the Senior Bowl? Listening to Pat Kirwan on XM NFL Radio, he raved about the Center Slaughter, calling him a day 1 starter. They make it sound like it is a fairly relaxed atmosphere where you can say hello to a lot of NFL people. Wonder if it would be a fun "Lions tourism" type trip for fans.
I went many times early in my career. Probably double-digit trips to Mobile. The stadium and format changed, making it less valuable to media. The Lions don't staff it aggressively, so not sure a fan of the team would find as much value in it now than under previous regimes. Could be an interesting trip if your team is coaching the event.
Thanks. Hopefully the Lions won't be coaching it anytime soon.
Monroe Freeling. All day. Would love if he fell to #17. That said, have a feeling he will go higher, and perhaps be OT1 by the time the pre-draft process plays out.
Monroe Freeling is very good but has limited experience. He may out do Lomu during combine and pro day. If I mistake not, he has 22 starts to his name.
For as much EDGE talk as this fanbase has had in previous drafts, this feels like a year where the Lions might actually be able to marry draft slot, talent and value there.
Yes. Feels true. At least 3 are of interest. TJ Parker, Faulk and Mesidor. Zion Young , a little bit lower down
I know everyone immediately pivots to the draft once the offseason hits, but FA comes first and often wipes out some needs entirely. In fact, that's the main focus of FA, to fill in your roster holes so you can draft BPA.
It's much harder to craft interesting articles about speculative FAs though and the shelf life can be minutes. So not complaining. Just feels like this probably needs to be touched on again after FA.
Combine is the next item on my work calendar. Both offseason segments will be thoroughly covered, as always.
Actually, I'm curious. Have you ever gone to the Combine, and could you see it as a useful opportunity to talk to scouts/coaches, or is the access too limiting for media from that perspective?
I've gone to the combine 15 consecutive years. There's no access to coaches and scouts. It's intentionally segregated. You'll run into some people walking around town, but they're not going to talk without permission, especially in public.
Of course! Would expect nothing less from the best!
Honestly, I'd be pretty annoyed if the Lions took a corner in the first. Feels like too many resources are being used at that spot lately. Not to say the pick would be bad or anything, just feels like there's more pressing needs and equitable talent at other spots.
Great info. I would add TE as a need as well. Not only due to injury but also if we try to run more 12 or even 13 personnel
A need, but not a top 5 need. There's no urgency to replace Wright with his cap dynamics, and TE3 doesn't have a huge workload. Remember, we're talking 10-15% of snaps of 13 personnel. I have minimal concerns about LaPorta's back.
IDK.... back injuries can be lingering... and LaPorta is in year 4. They could use a high-ceiling guy, maybe in round 2 or 3.
I think it's less about LaPorta holding up and more about what the team could do with two LaPortas instead of Brock Wright.