Detroit Lions: Analyzing Round One and Looking Toward Round Two
By Andrew Mills
The Detroit Lions took a step toward bolstering their offensive line by drafting Taylor Decker last night. Let’s look at Decker as a prospect and dive into a couple possible day two picks for the Lions.
The Lions offensive line ranked 22nd overall in 2015 according to Football Outsiders and they addressed one side of that line last night.
Taylor Decker, the 2015 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, will most likely start out at right tackle which is where many scouts project him to have the most success.
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However it should be mentioned that current Lions left tackle, Riley Reiff, will be playing on the final year of his deal in 2016. Decker’s 2015 season may be an audition to see if he could transition to Matt Stafford’s blind-side after a year.
The Lions selection of Decker was great because it was a perfect fit of talent and need.
In 2015, the Lions gave up the 10th most sacks in the NFL and Pro Football Focus ranked Michael Ola, their starting right tackle, as the 74th best tackle in the league. Decker will immediately upgrade the right side of their line and hopefully keep Stafford upright more often.
Unfortunately for the Lions, their needs do not end at tackle, but they do tend to reside on the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive End
Ziggy Ansah, Detroit’s first round pick (5th overall) in 2013, is the only pass rusher on the Lions roster that opponents need to plan for. The entire defense would benefit by adding a second pass rusher, opposite Ansah.
One of the top pass rushing threats still available is Eastern Kentucky’s, Noah Spence. The 6’3″, 261 lb defensive end can play in both a two and three point stance. He has a good burst off of the edge and would make for a scary pass rushing duo when paired with Ansah.
Spence does come with baggage as he was banned from the Big Ten (originally enrolled at Ohio State), after failing two drug tests. However, reports are that he has completely turned his life around.
Detroit may need to move up to select Spence as he may be drafted prior to their second round pick (46th overall) but it is something that the Lions front office should consider.
Other Considerations: Kevin Dodd, Emmanuel Ogbah, Shilique Calhoun
Defensive Tackle
The Lions were ranked in the middle of the pack in most defensive rushing statistics in 2015. They do feature an aging Haloti Ngata but 2016 may be Ngata’s last year and the depth behind him on the Lions roster is not encouraging.
Pro Football Focus ranked Caraun Reid as the 100th best defensive tackle while Gabe Wright and C.J. Wilson were unranked.
With the lack of young talent the Lions have at defensive tackle, Mississippi State’s Chris Jones, would be a welcomed addition to their defensive line.
Jones is a powerful player that can thrive in a one or two gap position. His speed off of the ball is excellent, allowing him the ability to disrupt a running game in the backfield, and stay on the field to rush on passing downs.
Jones would immediately inject youth and talent into Detroit’s interior defensive line and would be an excellent pick for them in round two.
Other Considerations: A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, Austin Johnson
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Detroit has other holes on their roster, but if they can significantly improve both their offensive and defensive lines with their first two picks, they will have had a successful draft. They are halfway there after selecting Decker and if Spence or Jones happen to find there way to Detroit, Lions fans should be thrilled.