A Look At The Second Half Of Warbs’ Big Board Draft Prospects That Fit The Lions system.
Players Ranked 16-25 On The Board
16) Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
Peppers is a polarizing player. In the Lions scheme, his ideal fit is a box safety that can use his explosive burst to wreak havoc against the run. Teryl Austin loves versatility in his players and Peppers fits that mold. While Peppers hasn’t shown a natural feel in zone yet, he is extremely athletic, which has allowed him to be tight in man coverage. His inability to shed blockers however, does limit his usage as a linebacker to just nickle or dime packages in obvious passing situations.
17) Zach Cunningham (WLB, Vanderbilt)
Cunningham has been a favorite amongst Lions fans for some time now. He got better as the year progressed, but had some tackling troubles early on. But his instincts against the run and in coverage are at a top level. If the Lions trust in Teryl Austin to coach Cunningham up in tackling technique, it’s likely they would be running up to the podium if he is still there at 21.
18) Ryan Ramczyk (RT, Wisconsin)
Ideal fit on the right side of the line. Shorter arms may move him inside, but has the athleticism required to play tackle in the Lions offense. With a more complex blocking system still in Detroit, his intelligence could make him an early pick if Riley Reiff walks. Matthew Stafford and the Lions running game desperately needs a boost in run blocking and Ramczyk does that.
19) Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
There are some who would like to see Dalvin Cook ahead of McCaffery, but with Abdullah still on the roster, Cook’s skill set is redundant. McCaffrey has great balance, elusiveness, toughness, and is always working for extra yardage. Has the durability to be the main back and can do everything you ask of a running back. He may not be elite in any single category, but he is above average in all of them
20) Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
Humphrey may be the biggest boom/bust prospects in the class. He has a rare combo of size, speed, length, foot and hip quickness. But his technique is really up and down. He has gotten beat staring down quarterbacks and over the top. While Bob Quin has not been shown to be fan of boom/bust prospects, maybe he believes in Teryl Austin’s ability as a “cornerback whisperer”.
21) Forrest Lamp (OG, Western Kentucky)
Lamp could be the answer to the run blocking woes in Detroit. If Warford leaves and Tomlinson doesn’t take steps forward this offseason, Lamp is the answer at right guard. His versatility on the line could peak Bob Quin’s interest. Lamp is technically sound in run blocking and plants his feet well against bull rushers. Has the athleticism to handle quick interior rush, but needs to work on keeping his pad level low to maintain positioning since he is not the strongest lineman.
22) Jarrad Davis (OLB, Florida)
Has a great feel for where the ball is going. Explosive athlete who accelerates and bursts through the line and into the backfield. Needs to be more patient in man coverage and needs to learn gap assignments. But Davis is a hard hitter and can be an elite run defender once he learns to stack and shed blocks.
23) Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
Another athletic cornerback in this class. Great at press man and disrupting routes. Understands how to move throughout his zone coverage assignment well. Has stiff hips at times which causes him issues on sharply run routes. You would like to see him play the ball more and “face guard” less. But again, with Teryl Austin as the defensive coordinator, you can afford to gamble on athletic corners.
24) Alvin Kamara (RB, Tennessee)
One of my sleeper running backs on the year. Nice blend of speed, burst, and power. Great balance. Needs to work on patience and develop vision, so he may not be the best scheme fit. But as a raw running back with a high ceiling, Kamara is a guy drafted in day 2 that maybe should have been a top 20 pick when we look back at this class.
25) Hasaan Reddick (WLB, Temple)
Reddick is flying under the radar but has displayed some elite athleticism. Needs to work on converting his great speed to power. Can blitz and shed blocks really well for a 4-3 linebacker, so he may be a crush for Teryl Austin. Extremely fast and explosive in space. Main knocks are playing for a small school and has had some injury history. But could be one of the top defenders in this years draft when it is all said and done.
Check out prospects 1-15 for the full board heading into the combine!
