Detroit Lions draft class tape study recap: What college film revealed about team's picks

Before pivoting to the first media access from organized team activities next week, I wanted to recap the multi-week exploration of the Detroit Lions’ draft class through their college film.

Below is a link to each of the seven tape studies, as well as a short excerpt from each.

Offensive tackle Blake Miller

“The tape suggests, Miller is out-the-box ready to contribute as a run blocker, giving incoming offensive coordinator Drew Petzing a pair of schematically versatile, athletic tackles with a comfort level in space and a thirst for physicality. With Sewell and Miller as the bookends, the Lions won’t be caged into being reliant on gap or zone schemes. They should be able to capably run both at a high level, helping maximize superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ playmaking ability between and outside the tackles.

”Even with his extensive college experience, Miller’s pass protection needs polish. If he wins the starting job early, the Lions may need to protect him with quick throws and chips from the backs and tight ends as he adjusts to more powerful and technically sound NFL pass rushers who will exploit some of the inconsistencies with his hand placement, balance and anchor.”

Edge Derrick Moore

“When reviewing Moore as part of a larger study of the top edge defenders in this draft class, I noted ‘He does nearly everything to varying degrees above-average as a pass rusher, making for an effective total package.’

”That held true on a larger review of his film. The Michigan product mixes up the usage of power and speed from his wide alignments. Average in size for the position, he still manages to frequently jolt blockers with his bull rush, has pop in his hands, and enough length to effectively long arm a tackle back into the pocket.”

Linebacker Jimmy Rolder

“Rolder is a little bit of a project. His lack of defensive reps at Michigan left him underdeveloped in coverage and also showed up in some excessively urgent pre-snap communication, where he appeared unsteady about his assignments.

”There’s far more polish when playing downhill. While there’s occasional awareness issues that cause him to get hung up on down blocks from the tight end, and occasional over-commitment on play-action or other eye candy, the fundamental base is strong. Rolder has excellent read-and-react processing, is nimble and accentuates his above-average strength by consistently out-leveraging opponents.

”When the play unfolds in front of him, he has a see-ball, get-ball mindset, which should help him contribute on special teams early.”

Cornerback Keith Abney

“I really do see a ton of (Amik) Robertson in Abney’s game. Both are feisty competitors with strong anticipatory skills and explosive downhill triggers. Both also share an ability to contribute in run support because they tackle better than their frames suggest. Abney, like Robertson, could probably also move outside in a pinch, even if that’s not his best usage.

”Everything about his tape suggests Abney has a strong football IQ, from his communication, pre-snap adjustments and route combination identifications. He plays with controlled aggression and patience, which both limit his missed tackles and make him less susceptible to double-moves.”

Wide receiver Kendrick Law

“(Greg) Dortch’s presence should give the Lions a year to develop Law, who has higher upside than the veteran because the rookie is bigger and faster.

“If (wide receivers coach Scottie) Montgomery can instill consistent effort in Law’s route running and blocking — and I don’t think the team would have drafted him if that was a concern — the player’s offensive production ceiling should hinge on how his intermediate routes develop. It’s difficult to project Law as a one-to-one replacement for Raymond, because the latter was a legitimate deep threat, but Law can be a quality fourth receiving option with big-play potential without that field-stretching ability.”

Defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard

“Gill-Howard is quick off the line of scrimmage and plays with fast, active hands. He wins with speed, not power from the inside. If there’s a go-to move that shows up repeatedly on tape, it’s a swim move to the inside, which takes advantage of his lateral quickness mismatch he has against most of the guards he faced.

”Gill-Howard’s effectiveness is directly linked to the marriage of his upper and lower body. He brings the arm over top the blocker with suddenness, simultaneous to slicing inside, which he sets up with an initial step toward the guard’s outside shoulder.”

Edge Tyre West

“Some of the skill set, particularly the awareness, closing burst and heavy hands reminded me of Tyrus Wheat, a rotational defensive end the Lions claimed off waivers last season. A notable difference is West is 20 pounds heavier.

”I like the foundational tools West has when rushing the passer. The rip, chop, swipe, long arm and bull are a deep arsenal to affect the quarterback when rushing from 4i and 5 techniques. The burst and power also play to interior gaps where a quick lateral step at the snap had the ability to cause problems.”