| revised 4-21-05 | ||||||||||||||
| Mock Draft Sites | Date | 1st | Pos | Player | Their Rationale | My Analysis | 2nd Rd | Player | Their Rationale | My Analysis | 3rd Rd | Player | Their Rationale | My Analysis |
| Ask the Commish (Computer) | 04/21/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | Computers are stupid. Really. And the more I work with them, the more I think so. Apparently the computer thinks that one of the QBs is going to drift in free-fall all the way to #24 (Green Bay). Originally it had the Lions taking the OT Barron at #10. With a little tweaking, they have since made it possible that the Lions will pick DJ, but still have Shawne Merriman dropping to SD at #12. Interestingly, however, is that Carlos Rogers now goes at #11 to Dallas. | 41 | Brandon Browner, CB, Oregon St | None | Okay, really! Computers are stupid. Browner before Bullocks (their #50)? No. | 72 | Domonique Foxworth, CB, Virginia Tech | None | I stand by my statement that computers are stupid. The WRs I like are almost all there: Vincent Jackson (#85), Courtney Roby (#88), Craphonso Thorpe(#106) or Mark Bradley (#109). First off, will they take a CB/S in the 2nd round and then another CB in the 3rd? Some FS prospects are Gerald Sensabaugh (#81), who had some spectacular times at the combine, Sean Considine (*86) and Junior Rosegreen (#125 -- a steal if he goes this low) could be contenders for starting FS early on. Lions were looking at James Butler (#107) but I don't like him. This IS a deep draft for CBs and they could get a pretty good CB to challenge Cash or Goodman for 4th man. LB is not nearly as deep and OLB/MLB Matt McCoy (#124) and Alfred Fincher (#103) are the two MLBs who won't be taken high in the 1st or 2nd round most likely, but are really moving up and definitely won't be available the 2nd day. Lions visited with McCoy and he may be a 2nd rounder--I've heard all kinds of buzz about him. However, this is where they could start thinking about depth/starters on the o-line: OC Chris Spencer (#77), OC Ben Wilkerson (#83), OG Chris Kemoeatu (#100), an OT if one falls, etc. Adrian McPherson would also a good person to take as he has 1st round talent, & I believe he's grown up since his gambling problems. I see a lot of RBs dropping in this draft and it would be very tempting to pluck one of them off the RB tree, as well. TE is very scant and if Kevin Everett (#87) is available he might be a nice pick. |
| Fox Sports 11.0 | 04/21/05 | 10 | DE | Antrel Rolle, Miami | The Lions were set to use this pick on the offensive line but will try to get by with June 1 cap cut, such as the 49ers' Scott Gragg. Rolle would immediately become the Lions' nickel back. Rolle has good size and decent speed, but he shows elite intelligence and instincts. | Fox & TSN have the same mocks, eventually…though they aren't always coordinated on timing. This is the newest one. At least they don't have Shawne Merriman dropping past the Bovine Herders at #11. However, they're not quite getting it. While Rolle would be a very good choice, he shouldnn't rank ahead of Shawne Merriman. They act as though they have inside knowledge that the Lions are switching tacks in mid-stream, when they never had the intent to go OT as far as I can make out. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Philly Eagles Draft 2005 | 04/21/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | None | He's got the right idea, but he let Shawne Merriman slide one too far. He stops at the Lions. Or if the Cowboys want Merriman that much, they can try negotiating with Matt (hee hee, ho ho, ha ha). | 41 | Jamaal Brown, OT, Oklahoma | This would be too good of a dream. Don't wake me up. | None | None | None | None | None |
| 900 FBL Links-Larry | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | It could have been a fabulous pick if Merriman wasn't still available one pick later. | None | None | None | None | none | None | None | None |
| 900 Football Links (Mike Dee) | 04/20/05 | 10 | CB | Carlos Rogers, Auburn | Rogers is right there with Rolle and Jones | I wouldn't have a problem with this, if Shawne Merriman wasn't still sitting there because I do agree that Rogers is all that AND a bag of chips. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| 900 Football Links-Aggregate | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | This is a better pick than most of the others, but not as good as Merriman would be. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| 900 Football Links-Jaybird | 04/20/05 | 10 | CB | Carlos Rogers, Auburn | This is a difficult pick for me to figure out. It can be anyone. I am now going with Rogers who will be selected ahead of Pac Man Jones by the Lions because they need a 6'0" corner. Bryan and Bly are around 5'10. Rogers will, eventually, move Bryant to the nickel. | I can see this has been a difficult pick, having gone with TE, DE (Cody), SS, OT to CB. If Merriman is gone, as in this mock, Derrick Johnson would be the pick. What's so difficult to understand here? | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | The Lions bring in Roth to be a pass rush specialist initially, and to start opposite Hall in time. | I think a DE in the first and Josh Bullocks (#42) in the 2nd round makes more sense...but what do I know. I just actually follow the team. | 72 | Jonathan Babineaux, DT, Iowa……….4th rd: 113-Roscoe Parrish, WR, Miami | The Lions need someone to backup Rogers and Wilkerson. Babineaux will be a rotation player this year………..Parrish will deliver what the Lions hoped to get from Hakim. He will be an excellent slot receiver and give the Lions a great young trio of receivers. | I wouldn't gripe about this as I'm one who has talked up Babineaux. :) but I could also see the Lions grabbing a big 3rd WR (Jackson (#94) in this round or an OL prospect (OT Chris Colmer #87) if they think he can compete with Butler and Rogers for RT; <br>Parrish may be okay, but I like other receivers better, like Thorpe and a few others. McPherson (#132) would also be a steal in the 4th round. |
| Draft Gurus | 04/20/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | None | They had DJ on their last draft, but this is better. | 41 | Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame | None | I will guess that Alex Smith (#45), the TE, is the Lions target in the 2nd round, especially if they get the DE in the first round. But there are 7-8 players that could vie for a role in the 2nd round. Josh Bullocks (#61) would be MY pick. | None | None | None | None |
| Draft King | 04/20/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | I don't think Millen would be happy letting Derrick Johnson go to Dallas (#11), so I think he would enjoy foiling Jerry Jones as much as making the DJ pick…if that's possible. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| East Coast Sports News.com | 04/20/05 | 10 | WR | Mike Williams, USC | Okay. Fronczak has been following all of Millens cookie crumbs, but in this case Al should listen to the Cookie Monster and forego the sweets. Leaving Derrick Johnson (#15) on the board when your team needs defensive playmakers would be a mistake. You can't believe what you hear coming from the Lions right now, just about like every other club. Millen is a lot more cagey than he was when he first got into this dirty little draft game. However, signing Kevin Johnson at WR and saying that Mike Williams is probably going to be a TE in a couple years doesn't seem like a red herring to me. With Shawne Merriman, Antrell Rolle, and Carlos Rogers are gone the clear ick is Derrick Johnson ... and if DJ's not there either, then maybe they should make a trade and see who is interested in Mike Williams. The target down could very well be David Pollack. Heck, Millen could cut the cuteness and just take Pollack with #10, because in this draft there really aren't reaches, just differences of opinion. I could really see Cleveland trying to put the screws to Millen and get a 2nd rounder for Merriman. | 41 | Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma | None | I was mortally set against Dan Cody in the first round, and am still leery of him here. Cody is a man without a position, and unless he can play MLB I would pass until the third round. | None | None | None | None | |
| Fantasy Tailgate | 04/20/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | Hello, McFly. Both Shawne. Merriman, & Derrick Johnson allowed to slide by in this mock? No. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| FF Toolbox-Egyud | 04/20/05 | 10 | DE | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | From omitting Merriman completely, Andy here, sends Merriman to Washington…figures. He now has DJ sliding to the Lions. With Merriman off the boards the Lions are doing a jig. | None | None | None | None | No | None | None | None |
| Football.com (McCollom) | 04/20/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | His last version had Merriman going here. Now McCollom has him going to the Cowflips (#10). Oh the PAIN! | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Football's Future | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | The slide ends, and is by far BPA at this point. | I liked his last pick of Shawne Merriman (#15) much better. And the clicking noise on his site (ad advertisement) is really annoying. If you get that ad, hit refresh to get a new one. | 41 | Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame | Tuck may go higher come draft day, but the Lions would be ecstatic if he's still available. | Have I mentioned how much I like Josh Bullock? Bullock wasn't worth a 2nd round pick in his last mock, now he moves up to #26 to Green Bay. I have to admit, tough, if the Lions do fail to take an edge rusher in the first round, now would be a perfect time to take Tuck. Roth has better variety in moves, but Tuck has the better physical ability. | None | None | None | None |
| Great Blue North Draft Report | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Comment no longer available: Lions are sitting pretty at #10 and should get a look at a number of quality prospects who an come in and help rising franchise…OT Alex Barron, TE Heath Miller or one of the top remaining CBs would also be in the mix,…Johnson will combine with Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman to give Lions one of the most athletic LB trios in NFL. | Failsafe #2 to the rescue. Johnson it is. I've no problem with picking D.J. if Merriman is not there. | 41 | Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | None | Comment no longer available: Alex is one of my boys, so I won't harp on this one, but this drafter has Josh Bullocks lasting until the top of the 3rd round, and I think he's a more natural centerfielder than Brodney Pool…which is far more valuable to the Lions than TE. JMHO. | 72 | Brandon Browner, DB, Oregon St. | None | If they don't get Bullocks in the 2nd, this is very do-able. |
| hail Redskins (Akkhorus) | 04/20/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | He made some trades in this draft so Washington moves way down. Cleveland (#3), Minnesota (#7) and Washington (#9) are the teams most likely to take Merriman before the Lions, unless someone else moves up (like Dallas #11). He now has Merriman falling to #15, which I think is too far. | 41 (prev) | (prev) Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | None | (prev) FS Josh Bullocks lasts one more pick again for the Cowslips. | (prev) 72 | (prev) Andrew Walter, QB, Arizona | None | I gotta admit this might not be a bad pick. I wasn't all that impressed by Walter's performances, but he's well worth a 3rd round choice. |
| Heard's Football Report | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | Merriman keeps moving up in some of these drafts. If the Lions want to get a d-lineman they really need to do so in the first round. Merriman seems like the blue chip prospect that can take up where Porcher took off. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Jeff's NFL Draft (Jeff) | 04/20/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | He's coming around. Sooner or later he'll get to putting Shawne Merriman up one pick to the Lions. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| KAC Sports | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Alex Smith could even fall here, as the Lions are far from happy with Joey Harrington. If Smith is gone, the Lions jump all over the safest defensive player overall. | I don't think Smith is really an option here. DJ, as I've been hyping, is. | 41 | Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | Made a recent visit into Lions camp | Wouldn't it be weird if they took 2 Alex Smith's in the same draft? I wonder if that's ever happened before. | 72 | Marcus Johnson, OT, Mississippi | None | With Kosier from 49ers, and the lost 7th rounder I think they would go a different direction. They are in a position to take a DT, WR, QB, or another position where a player falls to them. |
| Mock Draft Heaven | 04/20/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Team Needs: OT, LB, WR | DJ is better than their old choice. Previously they had the Lions taking OT Alex Barron, but I think Pat Morris is one of the big time/big money OL gurus who doesn't need first rounders, even though he already has a few. His resume says that he polishes up lower round diamonds and improves the blocking schemes to fit his players. I would still prefer Merriman here. | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | None | I'm still hoping they get their DE in the first so that they can get Josh Bullocks (#45) here. However, if Roth is available here he would be a very good value at #41. I would rank Justin Tuck (#47) just a smidgeon before Roth, though. | None | None | None | None |
| NFL Report | 04/20/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | Detroit wants D line help, but Harrington also needs blindside protection, and that's Barron's specialty. Mooch wants this offense running on all cylinders, and with Barron as the bookend, there will be no excuses for the offense. A rush DE can be found with their second round pick at #41. | These guys are weird. In their last version they had the Lions taking Spears at #10, and Merriman lasting until #19. Now the have the Lions making a reach pick, past a guy who has super stud written all over him, to get a Stockar McDougle clone. No thanks. Merriman (#11) won't last for the Cow flies. | None | None | None | None | No | None | None | None |
| NFL Smackdown | 04/20/05 | 10 | CB | Marcus Spears, LSU | Mooch goes defense here with both CBs gone. Spears is going to be a solid player on the defensive line and the Lions are going to love him. | The problem is there is solid and there is stone-line. Detroit has seen more than it's share of the latter. They want a playmaker, preferably on defense. I say Derrick Johnson would be the call here. | 41 | Elton Brown, OG, Virginia | This guy is 2nd to Baas, as far as talent at the guard position, and he will make a great pick for the Lions | Can Brown play RT? That might be a stretch. He still is a very good player, though his stock has slid since the end of the season. Nevertheless, the pick at #41 should be able to contribute early, or else they need to trade down for additional picks. FS Josh Bullocks, TE Alex Smith, OG/OT Marcus Johnson, Mike Patterson, Marlin Jackson and some of the WRs would be reasonable alternatives to his choice of Brown. | None | None | None | None |
| Q.I. Sports | 04/20/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | None | Now that DeMarcus Ware has become the new flavor of the month, Merriman can finally be allowed to go to the Lions. Yeah, BABY! Finally! | 41 | Channing Crowder, MLB, Florida | None | This guy is worse than a rat, he's the bubonic plague. I'll give the guy props for his play on the field, because he's very good between the lines...but there are 3 problems with this pick. Character, injury, & character. Mr. Ford would throw a hissy fit if Millen took him here…and so would I. FS Josh Bullocks (#42), TE Alex Smith, DT Luis Castillo or one of the WRs would be a MUCH better pick for the Lions. | 72 | Ray Willis, OT, Flor. St | None | I'm pretty sure this would have been the pick until they put in the offer for the 49er OT Kosier. Now that they've got him I think they go a different direction here, even though Willis is a Pat Morris kind of guy. WR, DB, QB, MLB, & DT become alternatives here with Bartell (#74), Roby (#99), Browner (#97, McPherson (#91), Fincher, McCune, Pouha as primary options. |
| Sportsnutz | 04/20/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | I don't know why but no one has LB as a team need for Detroit they are wrong. 6.5 sacks from their entire 8 player LB core last year and no outside speed make this the biggest quick impact they can make in the draft. Johnson would be a big help to their defense and can start right away. He is the only sure thing in this draft. | I agree with only two things he says, and that is that DJ could start right away and that the D-line needs help. Boss Bailey, Teddy Lehman, & James Davis/Alex Lewis have plenty of speed…that's not the problem here. Contrary to what he says, Shawne. Merriman is an equal on BPA and as much of a sure thing as Derrick Johnson, the difference is that DE is more of a need than WLB. In this mock, Merriman is available at the Lion pick, going to Dallas at #11 (so Merriman and DJ are equivalent value). | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| TMart's Draft | 04/20/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | Can play either LB or DE but will be a force regardless. | Shawne Merriman, folks. Say it with me, now. He reminds me of Porcher except with a relentless motor and better speed. | 42 | Chris Canty, DE, Virginia | Canty has an enormous wingspan | This is a better pick than his last one of Antaj Hawthorne, whom if picked I would hack up my guts, but if they get Merriman they won't take Canty. | None | None | None | None |
| TSN: The Sporting News | 04/20/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | While it appeared the Lions were set to use this spot to bulk up their offensive line, they may try to fill that need with a veteran such as the 49er's Scott Gragg after June 1 salary cap cuts. James is too talented a pass rusher to pass up. He is an every-down, two-way end who plays with great intensity and terrific leverage. He is the type of strong presence on the edge who will take some double teams away from James Hall. | These guys float with every rumor…and they still get it wrong. Merriman is too talented a pass rusher and too much of a playmaker for the Lions to pass up. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| 110 Percent Football | 04/19/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | I understand the fascination with Barron's physical upside. I really do. But his play doesn't warrant #10, and I don't see it as being the avenue the Lions take in the first round. Merriman will not last until #20 for the Cowplops (again) | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Draft Daddy | 04/19/05 | 10 | DE | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | This makes more sense than letting DJ slide to Dallas, like his last mock. With Merriman gone at Minnesota, DJ is a nice consolation prize. He still upgrades the pass rush ability of the front 7. | 41 | Brodney Pool, FS, Oklahoma | None | FS is a need but I don't like Pool. Too much of a straight-line runner, with poor instincts. Josh Bullocks (#43), as you know by now, is my first choice. | 72 | Ray Willis, OT, Flor. St | None | This mocker has TE Alex Smith available here. No way do they pass over a low 1st round value for an OT who is a project. |
| Draft Season | 04/19/05 | 10 | DE | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | They had Spears going here before, so this is better. Merriman, however, lasts once again in the Bulljockey's favor. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| FF Toolbox-Cavallo | 04/19/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | Anyone they pick here will be a bit of a reach. | The comment about reaches helps me feel better about this pick, not at all. EJ has a great first step but can he stay on the field? He reminds me too much of Kalimba Edwards right now. This mock is messed up and doesn't have Braylon in the first round...and if that happens I'll eat dirt. David Pollack & Carlos Rogers would be my backup picks if this situation occurs. DeMarcus Ware has the pass rush ability, but is too freaking light to hold up in the 4-3. Too many crazy things in this mock. He must have messed up and posted the wrong version. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Joey's Mock Draft | 04/19/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | I've no complaint on this. | 41 | Atiyyah Ellison, DT, Missouri | None | Ellison is an interesting player, that played in a 1-gap system but he may be more suited for 2-gap. The problem I have is that there is so much value in the second round and the Lions can fill a need here. But which one is it going to be. With Bell re-signed DT wouldn't be a need pick, but you never bypass value at DT. With Patterson still available, I don't think the Lions would reach below him for Ellison. Patterson is unstoppable sometimes. FS is as big a need as there is on this team, and this year in particular it's very difficult to find FSs. Because of the changing rules a centerfielder type FS is becoming more and more of a priority, as are CBs with better coverage skills than physicality. Therefore Josh bullocks makes a better fit from that standpoint. But TE Alex Smith, OC Chris Spencer, DE Justin Tuck, are comparable values . | 72 | Courtney Roby, WR, Indiana | None | Roby is one of the WRs I have my eye on for the Lions' #3 WR, though he may not last this long. |
| MSP News | 04/19/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | None | I guess no explanation is needed ;) | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| NFL Knowledge 6.0 | 04/19/05 | 10 | DE | David Pollack, Georgia | None | They have Shawne Merriman dropping past the Lions and Cowboys to the Texans at #13. The only way I give up Merriman, if I'm Millen, is if somebody gives up their first rounder next year along with their first this year. Yeah, there ain't no freaking way. | 41 | Charlie Frye, QB, Akron | None | Green Bay has been all over Frye, and it would just kill them if somebody took their boy two years in a row (they wanted JP Losman last year and Buffalo traded up to get him, right in front of them). I don't want Frye…he can go to Green Bay. There are too many options in the second to waste it on him, unless somebody wants to trade up for it:). | 72 | James Butler, FS, Georgia Tech | None | Maybe I was expecting too much, but I was expecting Butler to be around the ball and to make things happen. I must have missed the games where he did that. The Lions had Butler in for a visit. I would take Sean Considine over Butler. Adrian McPherson, a WR or one of the RBs that falls here (Moats) would be sexy picks...but it could be DT/DE time. |
| Small.to | 04/19/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | Their offense is looking great, and given how the picks ahead of them work out I find it hard to imagine them passing on this stud. He'll make a big impact. | Well, this is certainly a step up from their Alex Barron pick a couple weeks ago. I don't know if I would say the offense looks great, but it has potential. Merriman makes the whole defense look better, though. | 41 | Khalif Barnes, OT, Washington | This is a player who can step into the departed McDougle's shoes and hopefully give Harrington time to use his many weapons. | Holy crap, batman. If Barnes is here in the 2nd round, I might soil myself. Okay, I'll contain myself. Still, this guy is talent-wise the #2 OT, and on some boards he's #1, in the draft and he lasts until the 9th pick of the 2nd round? I prefer Jammal Brown because of his character and ability, but this wouldn't be too bad. He needs some work on consistency but I could live with this in the 2nd round, he's more of a LT than RT so he would be stepping into Backus' shoes most likely. | 72 | Eric Green, CB, Virginia Tech | After signing Kennedy to address their safety situation I think they will go with a corner for their poor secondary that will definitely have some turnover. | If TE Alex Smith is still on board here, there is no way they take a CB. They have Dre, Fernando and Keith Smith. Cash is coming back, and Echols just signed on again. That isn't bad depth. I could see them picking a CB at some point if one just blew them away. But Smith has a much higher value rating for the Lions than Green. |
| SNIVLEM 77 NFL Draft Blog | 04/19/05 | 10 | CB | Antrel Rolle, Miami | Will not fall past #10. | That's all he's got to say? How about WHY the Lions would pass on Merriman? Can someone tell me why everyone seemingly wants the Lions to pass on Merriman? | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Sports Genius | 04/19/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | Now, I was all ready to proclaim him a genius because he called Shawne Merriman to the Lions back in January. But he had to go and ruin it by letting the Cowplops have Shawne at #11 in this version. DJ would be a hunky dorey pick if Shawne weren't sitting there for a giggling Jerry Jones (who says they prefer DeMarcus Ware...yuhuh, and we hear lots of truth at this time of year). Plus Merriman must be so good that he can play for both the Cowtippers and the Chargers at the same time, according to this mocker. ;) | 41 | Mike Patterson, DT, USC | None | Taking Patterson would be following the BPA, and if they don't take a DE in the first this makes good sense. However, I still think Josh Bullocks is a better fit, and don't really think Patterson will be available here. | 72 | Stanley Wilson, CB, Stanford | None | This is a good player and if he could play FS it might make sense. I just don't think that works out. WR (3-4 really good ones are still available in this mock), QB (As Rocky would say, "ADRIAN" McPherson, the Lions need you.), DE Bill Swancutt, CB/S Brandon Browner, or MLB Alfred Fincher would make better picks. This is probably the round when OL starts getting run on. There are some starter caliber OL who will be coming out of the 3rd round. Oh, my gosh...Marion Barber III, Ryan Moats & Darren Sproles (not even mentioned in the first day) are all sitting there for the Lions. I know the Lions are set at RB, but those are really good RBs! |
| Washington Post (Maske) | 04/19/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Johnson or Merriman | Previously this mocker questioned DJs willingness to take on blockers, which has been the leading argument against taking DJ. However, while have few doubts about his willingness, I have doubts about his strength. As he grows into his body, into his position I think he'll be better at taking on blockers and shedding. Best of all, he wants to play in Detroit. However, he has skinny legs, and needs some lead in his butt. On the other hand, Merriman is also a top 5 or top 10 player, like DJ but fills a Lion need more. I just never thought so many drafts would have both Shawne and DJ falling this far. But to answer his current question: Merriman is 1, DJ is 1A. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| DallasCowboys.net | 04/18/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | Tackle is a need and protection for a jittery Harrington is a must. | I liked their last pick of Spears better than this. I think Cowfluff fans do this just to irritate me. Derrick Johnson would be the pick. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Fantasy Football Jungle (Casiano) | 04/18/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Everything you look for in a linebacker. Makes plays all over the field and forces a lot of fumbles. Why not take the best defensive player in the draft? The Lions need upgrades at both OLB spots and the depth at both OLB positions is untalented. | Now that is harsh. Boss Bailay, Teddy Lehman and James Davis all need upgrading (since I'm sure this guy doesn't believe Teddy can be a MLB)? Alex Lewis and Dante Curry are NOT as much untalented as inexperienced. I can live with his pick of DJ because he may be the best defensive player, and maybe the best OVERALL player in this draft, but I'd set up house with Shawne Merriman (who goes one pick later) because he's going to be a standard bearer. | 41 | Brandon Browner, CB, Oregon St | None | Brandon Browner over Josh Bullocks? I don't think so. | 72 | Darrent Williams, CB, Oklahoma State | None | There are some questions about this guys character, from what I gather, though he has the ability to play NFL caliber CB. |
| Huddle Geeks | 04/18/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | If Merriman is still here at this spot, the Lions will be getting a heck of a defender. Merriman can play DE or LB and will provide the Lions with a pass rush presence on defense that they have lacked for years. | Amen. Preaching to the choir. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Inside The Eagles.com | 04/18/05 | 10 | CB | Pac-Man Jones, West Virginia | Super quick cover guy. Great playmaker who likes to get physical. Light out kind of guy who also doubles as a punt return man. Other needs: SS, OG, TE, DE, CB, OT. | Pac-Man doesn't seem like a good fit for the Lions for many reasons, size being one of the big concerns. In this mock draft they have Merriman dropping to 18, when I am convinced that if the Lions somehow let him get past #10 that Dallas is going to jump all over him at #11. | 41 | Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | Second best TE in the draft. Elusive and skilled receiver who gets up field quickly. | He made a good fix on his draft here within two days time. Now he just has to revisit the whole Pac-Man thing. | None | None | None | None |
| Profootball Draft (The Prez) | 04/18/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | He hasn't changed his stance on this, So I guess I won't either. Merriman would be a better pick for the Lions. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Draft Ace | 04/17/05 | 10 | DE | Marcus Spears, LSU | Spears has risen up the draft charts this off-season thanks to some good workouts and he could be a top 10 pick now. The Lions need a young defense end to help put pressure on the quarterback. | It's a good thing he's revising his draft board every day up until the draft, because this stinks. If the draft fell this way, I would be shocked if the Lions took Spears over Merriman AND DJ. Spears is a good player, but is not the pass-rusher that Merriman is. If they really want pressure on the QB, then they'll take Merriman if he's there. | 41 | David Baas, OG, Michigan | Should be an instant starter along their line. | Where? I would love it if the real Alex Smith were available at #41 (goes to Jax at #52). With Matt Jones rising up, maybe it will. Nor would I mind Luis Castillo (goes to Dallas at #42) here either. And I know that the Lions are looking pretty closely at OC Chris Spencer (goes #43 to NYG). As much as I love these guys, and TE Alex Smith especially, my pick for the Lions would still be FS Josh Bullocks (#46 to KC) because he is more of a need than TE, DT or OG...and is of equal value. | 72 | Donte Nicholson, S, Oklahoma | A physical player, and a steal for the Lions in the 3rd round. | Nicholson might be a steal here, but his hips are too stiff for man coverage--and they need a FS not a SS. On top of that his instincts are questionable and Oklahoma doesn't groom safeties for pass coverage. At this point in time with the Lions, any safety taken here better be a better pass-coverage, ball-hawk with a bit of speed, than a run stuffer with marginal tackling ability. As this mock goes, if these positions weren't taken earlier, DT Mike Patterson (early 2nd rounder, lacks height/goes #88 to NYJ), DE Bill Swancutt (solid 3rd rounder (but could go in 2nd round) and has a Detroit-esque blue collar mentality, lacks bulk/goes #92 to Indy), OG/OT Ray Willis (solid 3rd rounder (though I've seen 5th round estimates/goes to Tampa at #91) and has a Detroit-esque blue collar mentality, and I know the Lions were interested in him, lacks lower body, endurance. May be better at OG.), OG Marcus Johnson (solid 2nd rounder, lacks lower body strength and less of an OT option./ goes to NE at #100), DT/DE Jon Babineaux (high 3rd rounder), MLBs Alfred Fincher, Robert McCune (I really like these guys. Fincher may have the best instincts of the two (3rd rounder, but Fincher has been moving up and could go 2nd round)) as value picks in this mock. |
| Ourlads | 04/17/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | (down under "Notes:") The Detroit Lions are in a tough spot with the 10th pick. Perhaps a top player will fall to them or they have to reach a little for an impact player. They could look at a playmaker on defense or reach for a wide receiver. Although they signed veteran Marcus Pollard, it's hard to ignore Virginia tight end Heath Miller. Miller would bolster the Lions' core for the long-term and would be a natural fit under Steve Mariucci. Miller is a playmaker in the mold of Baltimore's Todd Heap. | These guys seemed to regress last week or had put up an old draft by mistake. They had the Lions taking Mr. Hernia Surgery, Heath Miller. If any team sees red when you talk about hernias (must we? grimace) it's the Lions. DJ goes back to where he usually goes. If they do not consider DJ a playmaker they don't belong in the business they are in. However, I could see M&M moving up in the draft to take Merriman if Cleveland made them another handsome offer. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Rich Gosselin | 04/17/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Playmaker for a play-deficient defense | I'm not really disagreeing with Rich about DJ, but I think the Lions need to get their D-lineman in the first round because there aren't enough of them to make it to #42 in the 2nd round. At least I wouldn't count on it. While I wouldn't be upset if DJ goes to the Lions here at #10, and he would definitely make the Lions LB corp pretty scary good with Boss & Lehman, IMO, Merriman would be a bigger impact. Pollack could be Millen's preferred pick, but Merriman is better. | None | None | None | None | none | None | None | None |
| Rob's Scouting | 04/17/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | This guy doesn't update for months on end, but he wakes up long enough to call DJs name for the Lions. However, if he'd propped his eyes open just a little longer, Shawne Merriman's name should have come out. | 41 | Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | None | Another good call, but once again he lets the appropriate player (FS Josh Bullocks) slide to the Cowbillies. It's just not right. | None | None | None | None |
| NFL Draft Countdown | 04/16/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | After spending the last four #1 picks on offense it is time for Matt Millen to address the defensive side of the ball. At first glance you may not see linebacker as much of a need for the Lions but upon further examination it really isn't that much of a stretch. Boss Bailey is coming back from another major knee injury so his durability is very questionable while Teddy Lehman could ultimately find a home in the middle replacing the aging Earl Holmes. Widely considered one of the premier defensive playmakers in this Draft, Johnson has great size, speed and athleticism with the range to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. He has consistently been one of the top players in college football over the past four years. The other area they could address with this selection is defensive end where Cory Redding is only average at best so don't rule out names like David Pollack, Shawne Merriman, Marcus Spears, and Dan Cody. With Stockar McDougle fleeing as a free agent offensive tackle is now a major concern as well so you have to at least consider a guy like Alex Barron if he is available here, although this may be a bit early. One of the leagues most exciting up and coming teams, Detroit is going to be fun to watch over the next few years as their young talent develops and they are not that far away from contending with a run at the NFC North title in 205 not out of the question. | I like Scott Wright. I've been watching this guy's mocks since he came on the internet and I have to admit he's almost as smart as I am (ha) …oh yeah, and he happens to be one of the most accurate mock drafters out there, at least he was last year...or was that the year before? Oh well. I don't disagree with his logic one bit, except to say that it would be very difficult to choose between Merriman and Johnson. But I would still choose Merriman, who would be a steal if he slips to KC at #15. | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | Cory Redding is more of a DE/DT 'tweener who would be better as a wave player than starter so this makes sense. | I like Roth, and I don't disagree with Scott's logic. However, I don't think Roth will be available at 41, and I do see Josh Bullocks as being a greater upgrade over Brock Marion, than Roth being an upgrade over Redding. | 72 | Sean Considine, S, Iowa | A smart heady player who can be groomed as an eventual replacement for Brock Marion in the secondary. | I like Sean, and I could see them going in this direction if Scott's other picks go as he listed. I would rather they take Bullucks and go after DT Jonathan Babineaux, QB Adrian McPherson, CB/S Ronald Bartell or a WR. Vincent Jackson or Craphonso Thorpe would be GREAT values in the 3rd round. Other WRs that might be alternatives are Terrence Murphy (Texas A&M), Courtney Roby (Indiana--another one of my favorites), Mark Bradley (Oklahoma), Brandon Jones (Oklahoma). Although he's probably not a need, especially if the Lions do draft OLB Derrick Johnson I also like OLB Michael Boley. He jumped out at me while I was watching his games, and I think it's possible he could play SS if needed...which is really not a need, either. Brandon Browner should go somewhere in the late 2nd round so he would be of favorable value as a future FS. |
| nflmockdraft.4t | 04/16/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | They need another DE across from Hall | That's fairly clear, I think. | 42 | David Baas, OG, Michigan | None | Too many other guys are going to push the OGs down in this draft. | None | None | None | None |
| Niner Fanatic | 04/16/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | Barron will come in and either force Backus to the right side or can man the right side himself. | I cannot get over the hump with this one. I know everyone loves this guy, but I have never been able to see what they're talking about. To me he's a mid-round talent (which I guess isn't THAT far away from #10, but still). IMO he looks like Stockar McDougal with longer arms. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Walter's Football Site | 04/16/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Matt Millen will be tempted to draft Heath Miller, giving Joey Harrington another option. However, he cannot pass up on a defender like Derrick Johnson, who is capable of taking Detroit's mediocre defense into the NFL's top ten. | Walter showed a lot more logic last year than he's been using this. I've been disappointed because I expected better than all the wisecracks that have been spewing from this guy. Shawne Merriman is available at #10, and the Lions need DE more than LB. | 41 | Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | Alex Smith visited Detroit last week, which confused Lions fans, who got excited because they thought the Utah quarterback came to meet with Steve Mariucci. Instead, it was Alex Smith the tight end, who Mariucci seems enamored with. | Really? Hmm. Seems it was the QB after all. But let's get out a conspiracy theory, which Detroit fans love even more than QB controversies, since we're into snide ness. They brought in QB Alex Smith to obfuscate their real interest in TE Alex Smith. Everyone is looking past the Lion interest of Alex Smith the TE for Alex Smith the QB. Brilliant! By the way, Josh Bullocks lasting until Minnesota picks at #80 would be a crime, and isn't even realistic with the needs around the league for FSs. | 72 | Wesley Britt, OT, Alabama | Detroit lost right tackle Stockar McDougle through free agency, but they needed an upgrade over him anyway. Joey Harrington needs all the projection he can get. | Let's do a little what-if game. What if Britt is the pick, will he beat out Butler and Rogers for the starting RT spot? Not likely. What if the Lions pick my guy, Courtney Roby? Can he beat out ...nobody? IMO very likely. What if the Lions pick Adrian McPherson? Can he be the developmental guy at #3 behind Harrington and Garcia? He has all the measurables you could want in a QB, but he needs some grooming. Hey! They have an open spot there too. And wouldn't you know it, that's what that egotistical Mooch thinks he does best. What if Josh Bullocks was available at #72? The Lions would be running up to the podium with their card filled out with his name on it. Bullocks is the best FS in this draft and coincidentally, the Lions need one of those, too. |
| Bengals Zone Version VI | 04/15/05 | 10 | CB | Carlos Rogers, Auburn | Rogers is the best cornerback in the draft and he will prove it on Sundays. | He is still passing over Derrick Johnson (#12 Chargers), but at least he's whistling the same tune as mine on Carlos Rogers. Maybe this Bengal fan has some potential. | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | Roth is a solid player, but should produce nice numbers playing next to Shaun Rogers. | Roth is do-able. I would rather have a DE in the first round. I also think Mike Patterson (#53) would be a realistic choice here because lined up next to Shaun would be almost unstoppable. TE Alex Smith (#45) seems to be one of the guys the Lions may be targeting for the 2nd round. Josh Bullocks (#59) should be the guy IMO. | 72 | Kevin Everett, TE, Miami | Mariucci would like to add a tight end some time during the draft. | He may be the last legit TE left in this draft, but is coming off left shoulder surgery and is still pretty raw. If a good DT, QB or good value is available here, it may be of higher priority than TE. If they don't improve FS early they may feel the need to take a guy with upside like Marviel Underwood #80. If they had more picks in latter rounds, guys like Patrick Body or Gerald Sensabaugh would be options also. However, they do not own a 5th or 7th round pick. Adrian McPherson (#82) would be a very nice pick. |
| CBS sportsline (Judge) | 04/15/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | May not last this long; outstanding LB who fills a gaping hole. | Merriman is a better fit as a pass rusher from the edge, which is what the Lions need on a full time basis. DJ would also represent a considerable upgrade in that regard, as well. However, he isn't going to be able to go after the QB on every down. From an economic viewpoint, the Lions would get more bang for their buck with Merriman than DJ. Plus when the years roll around, people will wonder why Merriman wasn't a top 3 pick. These CBS guys clung to the Spear to Lions pick for a long time. It figures, but I was hoping better from a news agency not in league with the devil. :) | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| CBS sportsline (Prisco) | 04/15/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | They add more speed to a linebacker corps that could be the fastest in the league. | It's taken these big news agencies a while to get their heads out of their ... you know. With Merriman on the board, I don't know that I would agree with this pick. DJ is #1a to Merriman's #1. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Colts History | 04/15/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | DJ went to Tampa, and Merriman went to Minnesota, Rolle went to Washington in this mock. DE David Pollack or Carlos Rogers would be the next DE player of value, and would still be better/more sure things than Barron. | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | None | This would be okay if Barron was really taken in the first round--which I would hate. Tuck & Bullocks are options, as well. | 72 | Chris Henry, WR, West Virginia | None | I cannot see Henry in a Lion uniform. This guy is a head case beyond head cases. He's off my board entirely. CB/FS Brandon Browner, WR Courtney Roby, OG/OC Chris Spencer, Jonathan Babineaux, DE Bill Swancutt, MLB Boomer Grigsby, and RB Marion Barber III would be good value. |
| Football.com (Olah) | 04/15/05 | 10 | DE | David Pollack, Georgia | If Pollack were three inches taller, and had exceptionally long arms, instead of exceptionally short ones, he might be the first overall pick. Pollack is moving up draft boards because teams are noticing how well he uses his hands to disengage, and love his relentless style. Alternate pick--Alex Barron | A) If Mike Williams was still here, then somebody would trade up and make this pick viable. B) There is no way Merriman slides to KC at #15. He is way too good, and way too versatile for either the 4-3 or 3-4 to last this long. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| NFL Draft Blitz | 04/15/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | I kind of like it that people don't automatically assume the Lions will reach for players. It's a good feeling. With Merriman gone to Minnesota in this mock, DJ is a good consolation prize. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Rob Rang @ Draft Scout | 04/15/05 | 10 | DE | David Pollack, Georgia | Would be considered a reach by some. Wait until the games start. It wouldn't then. Pollack will be a standout at the next level and plays with the temperament and consistency that Matt Millen loves. | In Rob's scenario Merriman went one pick after the Lions to the Cowboys, and Derrick Johnson falls five more picks to KC. I just don't see that happening. There is a possibility that Millen has Pollack rated in the top ten because of his drive, consistency and instincts (while others have him rated in the mid-twenties because of his lack of size and short wing span). But from that same standpoint he would also have Derrick Johnson in the top 5, and Shawne Merriman should be as well. If Merriman had played another year, he would be a top 5 pick next year. | 41 | Alex Smith, TE, Stanford | None | Alex is one of my boys, but so is Josh Bullocks, who is a natural centerfielder…which is far more valuable to the Lions than TE. JMHO. Since they are 1, and 1a on the board, either would be a good pick. But IMO FS fits the puzzle better. | 72 | Michael Roos, OT, E. Washington | None | Roos had a nice Sr. Bowl practice week and I've heard very good things about him. He did better at the Sr. Bowl itself than it would seem since the DL-men were dominating for each team, but he was holding his own. However, IMO Alfred Fincher (MLB from Uconn) had a much better showing in that same game and is one of the few real MLBs in this draft (without huge off-field issues) so may go before #72...but this seems a good place for him to be drafted in this mock. CB/FS Brandon Browner (especially if they don't take Bullock in the 2nd), DE Bill Swancutt (even if they take Pollack), QB Adrian McPherson, & RB Marion Barber III are going to be better players than some of those taken before them at their positions, and could be steals here. QB Andrew Walter, WR Fred Gibson, DE Jim Davis, OT Ray Willis or even OT/OG Nick Kaczur could also be of interest in the third round. |
| The Sports Forecaster | 04/15/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | The Lions are thinking offense, having interviewed Edwards, WR Troy Williamson, and Stanford TE Alex Smith. It's too soon to pick Smith, Edwards will be gone, and while Williamson is a possibility, the team would be better off creating some competition on the offensive line than drafting its third straight receiver in the first round. | Well, this pick is better than their Heath Miller pick that they clung to just 2 or 3 weeks ago. Still, I think this is another case of Millen sucking the watchers into his obfuscations. In other words, it didn't cost him anything having the local boy, Braylon, come visit the team. Local talent doesn't count against the visitation limit imposed by the powers that be. Defense needs more help than the offense, and while Baron would only be a mild reach...getting a player that could redefine the way people look at the DE position sounds even better: Merriman. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Draft.com (Boyer) See also the Redzone. | 04/14/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | With Barron still on the board the Lions find a huge upgrade for their line even though it is not the biggest need the team has. Derrick Johnson will get a look if he is still on the board as will Antrel Rolle. | Aye, but don't leave out Shawn Merriman who Mr. DJ Boyer (formerly of football.com fame) has slipping one pick to the Dallas Cowboys. | 41 | Darryl Blackstock, LB Virginia | None | DJ, DJ. What are you thinking? The Lions don't run the 3-4 defense, and Blackstock wouldn't be able to make it as an every down DE. This makes no sense. If the Lions must take a pass rusher here, I would be much happier with Bill Swancut than this guy. If Mike Patterson, Luis Castillo, and Jonathan Babineaux are available I would take one of them, because they have much higher value to the Lions. My first preference, as you know by now, is that the Lions fill their need for a FS: Bullocks. | 72 | Reggie Brown, WR, Georgia | None | I love this pick. I cannot believe he would fall to the Lions here in the 3rd round. Vincent Jackson & Courtney Roby also would be great picks here. Maybe Chris Canty if they really don't pick a DE earlier. MLB Alfred Fincher or Matt McCoy (though he is currently projected for the 2nd round) are possibilities here. OTs Ray Willis or another OL who falls could be the pick if they have Pat Morris qualities: hard workers, good technique, heady, and maybe has a flaw he can work around with his scheme. |
| Lionbacker Mock (Guina 1.0) | 04/14/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | It's luck and wishful thinking that makes Johnson available here. He won't get past the Lions if he is. He's a smart, fast, versatile playmaker. Blitz, stuff the run, drop into coverage - he can do it all. Either he makes the Detroit linebackers the best trio ever or he's insurance for Boss Bailey's knee. Regardless, he's by far the best player available. If Johnson is gone then almost anything is possible; most likely a DE - first via a trade to New Orleans for Darren Howard. If that doesn't work, Marcus Spears or Dan Cody. Matt Millen is becoming a draft day deal broker and a trade down is more probable than possible. | Not a bad pick, and much better than Barron (previous draft). But Merriman would have been even better, since he's still there. The guys weighed in at 272 at the combine, and his measurables are freakish. Besides that, he likes to hit and disrupt and will fit in with the blue-collar work ethic that permeates Detroit sports. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| ProFootball Draft (Sabatke) | 04/14/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | Once again the mocker fails to realize that Shawne Merriman is a better player than Alex Barron. | 41 | David Baas, OG, Michigan | None | None | 72 | Andrew Walter, QB, Arizona | None | While I didn't think he was worth a first rounder when he was healthy, I think that he is worth a 3rd round pick. This could actually make some sense, though I've a few players I like better. |
| Yahoo/Fanball Mock | 04/14/05 | 10 | OLB | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | The Lions have had good luck with the former Longhorns they've selected in the first round of past drafts. Four years ago, they picked former Texas defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. Last year, they added former Texas wide receiver Roy Williams. This year, they'll look to the Lone Star state again when they grab Johnson, who is widely considered the best linebacker available. The backup plan might e offensive tackle Alex Barron, who could move into the starting RT job vacated by Stockar McDougle | DJ is a fine pick, but with Shawne. Merriman staring through window at them, it is hard to imagine them letting Merriman go to Dallas. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Ask the Commish (Baitinger) | 04/13/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Needs: OT, FS, WR, DL, LB // After signing S Kenoy Kennedy and TE Marcus Pollard, Detroit's most pressing need is along the OL. Alex Barron could be worth a look here if Detroit wants to invest another high pick on an OT (this would make 4 1st round OTs in 7 years). Despite the DL being one of the strengths of this team, Detroit could use an upgrade at DE. Detroit could also draft the best player available and under this scenario that would be LB Derrick Johnson. Sure, the Lions already have some talented and speedy young LBs, but adding Johnson would provide the Lions with another playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Johnson would be counted on to step in at WLB ahead of James Davis, with Holmes and Lehman at MLB, and Bailey at SLB ahead of Donte Curry. | Couldn't have said it better myself, except I still would take Merriman (falls to #11 in his draft). Additionally, in regard to Alex Barron, Pat Morris is one of those big money OL coaches, who unless he is just blown away with a player, he would rather take a lower round talent and mold it, ala Alex Gibbs & his Atlanta co-hort, as well as the guys from Buffalo & Denver. Mooch has to help him a bit with the play calling though. | 41 | Brodney Pool, FS, Oklahoma | Needs: OT, FS, WR, DL, LB // Even after adding Kennedy at SS, the Lions could be interested in bringing in another FS being that Brock Marion could be released. Pool is a ball hawking safety with good athleticism and coverage skills that could further upgrade Detroit's secondary. Detroit would likely be ecstatic to see Pool left on the board this late. | I think Pool is over hyped, and probably won't even be here at 41, but the reasoning is very sound and sounds vaguely familiar. :) I would take Josh Bullocks over Pool, though I know I'm in the minority here. But, then, when has that ever stopped me? | None | None | None | None |
| Draft Season: Lupiga | 04/13/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | The Lions grab the Red Barron here to protect Joey or Jeff or whoever they have fumbling around back there. | This is about worst case scenario as you can get. Take Pollack, Carlos Rogers | 41 | Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame | The Lions passed on a pass rusher in round one, but they can't do it again. | He's decent value for the 2nd round. But if the draft happens this way, it will put my Lion buzz seriously in jeopardy. | None | None | None | None |
| ProFootball Draft (Amyx) | 04/13/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | If Merriman and Derrick Johnson get passed up for Alex Barron I will no longer be a Lion fan. | 41 | Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame | None | If they pass on Merriman, and take Tuck here it would be a dreadful draft. | None | None | None | None |
| Sports Ilustrated (Banks) | 04/13/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | The Lions really aren't in love with anyone likely to be available in this spot, and if one of the top-two cornerbacks fall, there's a chance they'll get trade offers from a team (the No. 16 Saints?) wanting to move up and take one. But if Detroit sticks, it will have its choice between Johnson and Florida State OT Alex Barron. | Interestingly, this perspective gives the Lions some clout in this draft. I think it would be a mistake to pass on Shawne Merriman because they need an impact player on the edge. Johnson doesn't have a huge amount of experience with blitzing from the OLB position, but I bet he could do it. But Merriman is the better choice. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Football Dialogue | 04/12/05 | 10 | LB | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | For all the money and picks invested in the Lions offense they now have a (sic) enormous hole at tackle with the departure of Stockar McDougle and can fill it with the best tackle on the board in Barron. Alex is a massive physical specimen who should provide some terrific pass protection for whoever (sic) is the QB and some big time holes for Kevin Jones. | There is no way the Lions would pass over Derrick Johnson if he is still there. However, Merriman would make Millen do the happy dance … which ESPN might feel tempted to televise, despite their pact with the devil. | 41 | Dan Cody, DE/OLB, Oklahoma | None | I just don't see a place for Cody to contribute. I know he's got the instincts and the motor but this seems like an extreme long-shot. He would probably fit the best into a 3-4 defense as the rush LB. TE Alex Smith, WR/TE Matt Jones, WR Craphonso Thorpe, DT Mike Patterson, WR Reggie Brown, OG Elton Brown, DT Luis Castillo (yes, I know about the Andro), & FS JOSH BULLOCKS are better values for the Lions, IMO. Maybe somebody would trade up for Cody, at least I hope so. | None | None | None | None |
| Haven's World | 04/12/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Derrick Johnson would have likely been the first LB selected last year had he decided to leave school early. His stock did not drop as a senior. Johnson is an instinctive and productive performer that is always around the ball. He has the ability to step in immediately for James Davis on the weak side. *Needs: DE, LB, OT, FS, WR. *They hope might be available: no one in particular *Other Options: OT A. Barron, DE S. Merriman. | Good, except I don't know how much "need" LB truly is, except in case Boss isn't fully healthy and all signs point to him being well. If you find talent you don't pass it up. DJ is BPA, except for Shawne Merriman. People are going to look back and wonder why they didn't see it. | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | None | I could live with this. But I think Tuck should go before Roth, considering the questions about Matt. Other options are, OBVIOUSLY, Josh Bullocks, TE Alex Smith, WR/TE Vincent Jackson, QB Jason Campbell, DT Mike Patterson | 72 | Evan Mathis, OG/OT, Alabama | None | Two of my favorite 3rd round picks are gone in WR Courtney Roby and CB/S Brandon Browner, however WR Craphonso Thorpe and QB Adrian McPherson join CB Dominique Foxworth, Ws Bradley and Jones (Oklahoma), DT Pouha, DE Swancutt as available and may be options over Mathis. |
| NFL Draft Studio (Jira) | 04/12/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | no, no, no! DJ, yes! | 41 | Justin Tuck, DE, Notre Dame | None | good FS, DTs, & DEs are all available. guess who I mean:) | None | None | None | None |
| About.com version 1.5 | 04/11/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | With Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey on this team, the Lions really don't need another young linebacker, but Johnson is just too good of a talent to pass up at No. 10. A pass-rushing defensive end and offensive tackler are bigger needs for Detroit, so Merriman or Florida State offensive lineman Alex Baron are also possibilities. However, the addition of Johnson could have a huge impact on what is already a pretty solid front seven. | Like he says, Merriman is a bigger need. It would be tough to choose between the two, but I think DJ goes in the top 5 picks and makes it a moot point. | 41 | Brodney Pool, FS, Oklahoma | None | Bah, humbug. | No | None | None | None |
| College Football News | 04/11/05 | 10 | DE | Marcus Spears, LSU | Detroit will think OT Alex Barron, but will likely jump on the defensive player it falls in love with the most. Spears has too much upside not to go around here. Joey Harrington sucks and will need to be replaced soon. So CFS would pick QB Alex Smith. | This guy mainly follows the college game. Even then, he's a bit flaky…but it's clear his biscuits are flakier than mine. Well, if he can throw out cheap shots, so can I. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Draft Icon | 04/11/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | None | I see this guy sliding in most mock drafts. While he has one of the best 1st steps of any of the top DEs in this draft, EJ's endurance and durability are very much under fire. If he lost steam halfway through the college season, what will happen in the pros? The ability is there to be one of the really good ones at DE but with his health history I think Millen would go for another playmaker. This is probably the worst case scenario for the Lions, but Mike Williams could be trade bait here. OR Millen could actually take MW and make it 3 top 10 WRs. Nah. Lions would take David Pollack first. | 41 | Marlin Jackson, CB, Mich | None | I know Marlin's not a homer pick at this point, like Shazor would be in this scenario, but I am basically hating this draft. They certainly could use the depth at CB, but FS (Bullocks) is more of a need. TE Alex Smith would be a great value at #41, also. A 2nd round OL like Marcus Johnson, Elton Brown, or Chris Spencer could vie for playing time immediately. | 72 | Dan Buenning, OG, Wisconsin | None | I know there are a lot of experts in love with Buenning. But when I watched him he reminded me of a lump of dirt (I'm being kind). No thanks. In this mock draft DTs Luis Castillo, Mike Patterson, & Sione Pouha are all still available. Castillo and Patterson would be steals in the 3rd round. |
| Draft Exchange Mock VI | 04/10/05 | 21 | DE | David Pollack, Georgia | None | If they do make a trade like this (#21, #35, ?) this is as good as any pick. OTs Jammal Brown and Khalif Barnes are available in their mock, and be options at OT as well. Fans tend to take the glamour picks over the line guys, so these guys may not really be available. | 35, 41 | 35/Brodney Pool, FS, Oklahoma; Antajj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin | None | I really don't like Antajj Hawthorne, and I think you know how I feel about Pool. Both of these guys are over-hyped. How about Reggie Brown (Yeah baby!) or WR/TE Matt Jones and, you guessed it FS Josh Bullocks. Now that would make this ole gal one happy football fan. | 72 | Jason Campbell, QB, Auburn | None | I may do back flips if Campbell is there at #72. Now who wants to watch the draft with me? |
| DraftNotebook.com (Stevenson) | 04/10/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | Shawne Merriman, folks. Say it with me, now. | None | None | None | None | No | None | None | None |
| The Redzone 2.0 | 04/10/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| ClanRam Gridiron Gateway | 04/08/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | The biggest need is for a top pass rusher, and Merriman looks to be the best in this draft. If he is gone, is should be Erasmus James. | Yes, and no. Yes, Shawne is the best. No, if he is gone, it should be Pollack or BPA LB Derrick Johnson. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Draft Board Insider | 04/08/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | Surprise…Detroit, in desperate need of a physical force on defense, take the 'tweener, who would make a great 4-3 rush end on the Lions DL | Yepper. I'm just shocked (sarcasm). | 41 | Heath Miller, TE, Virginia | None | I bow to public opinion. But I still like TE Alex Smith better at TE. On top of that, I still think Josh Bullocks is a better need/position-value pick at this point. | 72 | Oshiomogho Atogwe, S, Stanford | None | Yuck. He lacks a 2nd gear, much like Terrence Holt who can't get on the field. Yet he had a better Senior Bowl week than what I've seen from him in any games before. I think he got lucky more than he was good. Steals that follow in this mock draft: WR Courtney Roby, DE Jovan Haye, WR JR Russell, DE Bill Swancutt, CB Darrent Williams, WR/TE Vincent Jackson, OC Jason Brown, WR Mark Bradley, DT Jonathan Babineaux. Guys this mocker has dropping out of the 3rd who could be 3rd round picks for the Lions: OT Ray Willis, DT Sione Pouha, QB Adrian McPherson, MLBs Alfred Fincher, Robert McCune, Boomer Grigsby, WR Craphonso Thorpe, Fred Gibson, Dominique Foxworth. |
| Draft Insiders: Coyle's Corner | 04/08/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | Lions need to address their front four early this spring. | He actually took the comments off, but I'm leaving his original comment on. Only gripe I have with his logic is that he took the wrong DE. | 41 | Josh Bullocks, FS, Nebraska | None | Well, he's making sense again. Hold me back. I may propose marriage. | None | None | None | None |
| Football.com - Piemonte | 04/08/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | It is all about risk vs. reward when it comes to a player like James. OT Alex Barron is an option here, but I think the Lions are destined to make a playoff this year. | I agree with his premise, just not the player. Shawne Merriman shouldn't last past the Lions. | None | None | None | None | No | None | None | None |
| NFL Draft Studio | 04/08/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | I hate it … again. DJ is still available. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| PFW No. 2 (prem) | 04/08/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | The Lions have a history of drafting Longhorns, with three starters -- DE Cory Redding, DT Shaun Rogers and WR Roy Williams -- hailing from Texas. Johnson would be an ideal fit in the Lions' defense, where he would be protected by Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson and would not be asked to take on a lot of blocks. | That would be well and good, except Shawne Merriman would still be my pick at #10. PFW has SD getting him at #12. PFW has gone downhill IMO. | None | None | None | None | No | None | None | None |
| Jeff's NFL Draft (Chad) | 04/07/05 | 10 | DE | Derrick Johnson, Texas | The Lions need an improvement on their defensive side of the ball after using their last four number one picks on offensive players. Derrick Johnson is one of the best line-backing prospects to come along in years and is too hard to pass up. The Lions can't have any question marks with their linebackers. With the addition of Johnson it wouldn't be a stretch to start calling the Lions | This doesn't seem like his thoughts were completed, does it. What exactly are they going to be calling the Lions? Stupid, most likely given the media's representation of the Lions, especially if they pass on Merriman. I wouldn't be hurt if they take DJ here if Merriman is gone already, but this mocker had the Lions originally taking Merriman and now have joined the throngs (not thongs) who are cheering for Merriman to last until the Cowplops. IMO a big-time DE pass rusher beats the big-time WLB every time. I think years from now people will talking about Merriman in the same way as they talk about some of the greats. | 41 | Brandon Browner, CB, Oregon St | None | Browner was originally slated in the first round by "experts", but is sliding because he ran some poor 40 times. With the number of good to very good CBs with size and speed that have pulled ahead of him, this still seems too high for Browner. Though Browner is one of those that could make the transition to FS fairly easily, he is still a bit of a project. If that is their thinking then I agree that FS needs to be picked early. Josh Bullocks still beats out Browner though, simply because we (well, maybe not this mocker) KNOW he can play FS at a high level. | None | None | None | None |
| Jeff's NFL Draft (Justin) | 04/07/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | Call me ornery, but I would still take Carlos Rogers or even David Pollack as a last resort here; with Merriman, DJ & Rolle already taken … or I would find a trade partner (with either Alex Barron or WR Troy Williamson as bait) and shoot for either Jammal Brown or Pollack/Tuck or Thomas Davis. | 41 | Dan Cody, DE/OLB, Oklahoma | None | Cody doesn't really have a position. At this point the Lions have too many guys like that on the team. | None | None | None | None |
| Lionbacker (Orlando v 2.0) | 04/07/05 | 23 | DE | Matt Roth, Iowa | The Lions trade down and stockpile picks and still get the pass rusher they are looking to put opposite of James Hall. Roth as a non stop motor and will help bring some energy to the defense. Perfect for what Millen is looking for. | BIG trade. Seattle moves up to 10, and the Lions get 23, 54 (rd 2), and 85 (rd 3). Now if Shawne Merriman wasn't there, and Seattle was willing to give up the farm for DJ, I could see this happening. As long as Merriman is there, I doubt it. | 41, 54 | Brodney Pool, FS, Oklahoma; 54/Barrett Ruud, ILB, Nebraska | Brock Marion is getting long in the tooth, Pool should be a serious upgrade. // Holmes is getting old so the Lions bring in Ruud to learn from him. | Two old teeth, but only one that really needs pulling. I don't mind Holmes teaching Teddy Lehman the ropes for another 1/2 season. I like a couple ILBs from the 3rd-4th round area (Fincher for example). If this is how they draft, I don't think they'll be getting good value from the trade. Pool is often ranked as a 1st rounder, but I like Josh Bullock's abilities better. And Reggie Brown would be a steal in the 2nd round here. I could see him slipping a little bit because others have moved up with their pro-days, but many "experts" put him in the first round after an excellent Sr. Bowl and combine. He may not be a pure speed burner like Williamson, but he's plenty fast enough and he can vertically jump 41.5" which is pretty impressive. I also like DT Mike Patterson if he is available at 41 and this is an appropriate value for him. Mark missed putting Matt Jones altogether for this draft. He's moving up rapidly, and may be a late 1st rounder if a team loves him enough. Mark has Josh Bullocks going one pick later to the Cowpokes at 42. NOT AGAIN!! OT/OG Marcus Johnson would be a good pick for that #54, too. | 72, 85 | 72-Michael Munoz, OT, Tennessee; 85-J.R. Russell, WR, Louisville | Munoz: A great technician, but injury concerns cause him to fall. Pedigree OT. // Russell: Az Hakim will be a cap casualty and JR will step in and fill the slot well. | Munoz: If we could get his father to play for him, it might be different. I have too many red flags stuck on Munoz. I would expect them to go for Ray Willis in this event, because he is Pat's kind of OT...a hard worker, with great technique that needs to gain some endurance/muscle/bulk and they've been talking to him, which is kind of cheating on my part:) // JR Russell: Russel is a solid 3rd round and would fit what the Lions are looking at for their #3 WR. However, I would consider WRs Terrence Murphy and Mark Bradley as better values, since they are 2nd round talent and have done nothing in workouts to diminish their value. Courtney Roby is my sleeper pick at WR, like Anquan Boldin was a couple years back. |
| CBS sportsline (Fabiano) | 04/05/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | The Lions need a playmaker at defensive end, so Merriman will be a welcomed addition. This DST became a valuable unit in leagues with 12-plus teams last season, so Merriman could make it even more attractive (He's talking fantasy Defensive/Special Teams unit). | He has Merriman going before Derrick Johnson, which in this case is appropriate. Blue chip WLB loses out to gold chip pass rusher…too bad Dallas gets DJ, though. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Patty's Packer Chatters | 04/05/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | None | This is the right choice and she even has them passing over Derrick Johnson to get him. Dang! Another Packer fan I can't argue with. | 41 | Wesley Britt, OT, Alabama | None | AHAH! No WAY, Jose. Josh Bullocks, Matt Jones, Mike Patterson and Jason Campbell are the easy ones but there are others. Britt, fairly or unfairly, because of his position and lack of dominance last year is more of 3rd rounder IMO. The broken bone in his foot from the Sr. Bowl doesn't help him, either. Maybe he does go in the 2nd round, but I think there may be a run on WRs before there is a run on OTs. | None | None | None | None |
| TSN.ca 3.0 | 04/05/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | Blessed with prototypical left tackle size at 6'6", 308 pounds, Barron started for his last two-and-a-half seasons with the Seminoles and would figure to give the Lions some needed help. He would likely start on the right side as Jeff Backus is decent on the left. | Barron is plan G, at best. Wait a minute, he just shrunk an inch-1/2. Must be the Canadian metric system, darn it all. Shawne Merriman will not last until #11 for the Cowplops. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| PhinFever Kiper's Mock | 04/04/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | The first pick that falls under the "best available player" category. The Lions don't have a pressing need at outside linebacker but Johnson would be an upgrade at that position and allow Detroit some flexibility at linebacker with players such as Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey already there. | I wouldn't be disappointed with DJ because he's a blue-chip prospect, but Merriman would give the Lions better opportunity to use the personnel they have at present at LB. In the mailbag, Kiper presents Erasmus James and Shawne Merriman as possibilities, as well. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| ThaPack.com | 04/04/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | None | Okay | 41 | Matt Roth, DE, Iowa | None | I still like Josh Bullocks, but Matt Roth is good value here, especially since they didn't get a DE in Rd. 1 by this mock. | 72 | Fred Gibson, WR, Georgia | None | Dang it I hate it when I can't harp on Packer fan:) This isn't a bad mock. Gibson isn't even a bad pick, though he's not my first choice: Craphonso Thorpe is 1, Gibson is 1a. For the 3rd round I might be tempted to fill the FS position since he didn't do so with the 2nd round pick (which may be appropriate) with a Brandon Browner (a tall CB who is probably destined for FS), Sean Considine. This may also be where they pick a guy like OT/OG Ray Willis. In the 4th round he even gives us one of my favorites at DT Sione Pouha. Has this guy been reading my mind? |
| Fantasy Football Jungle (McKinstry) | 04/03/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | The Lions would have liked for D.J. to fall here but will happily settle for Merriman. Merriman as a LB/DE tweener who could be successful at either position. He could play either position for Detroit as they are a little weak at both positions. | Good pick, but he is clearly the most athletic DE to come out in the draft since Julius Peppers (who the Lions missed by one pick). Having a DE that can drop back into coverage on occasion and run stride for stride with most TEs is a wonderful option for Jauron. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| NFL Draft Showcase | 04/03/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | The Lions grab Merriman as this team needs a defensive end and Merriman could turn into a superstar | He's right you know | 41 | Josh Bullocks, FS, Nebraska | The Lions filled their starting SS spot with Kenoy Kennedy, but at free, Brock Marion might be done after this year and Terrence Holt is untested. | Josh Bullocks and Terrence Holt would have to compete for the starting job. That's the way it ought to be. | 72 | Logan Mankins, OG/OT, Fresno State | The Lions got their guard in Rick DeMulling, but they still need a tackle. Mankins can provide depth at either spot and push for the job at right tackle. | I'm not sure Mankins is the guy at this spot. I think Millen really like Kelly Butler. I wouldn't be surprised if an OT came off the board here. And I've seen Mankins go as high as the 2nd round, so it's not an awful pick. But if they don't get Sh. Merriman in the first, Bill Swancutt would be very good value here, or else Chris Canty could even be the same anchor type DE that Spears would be, but a lot cheaper. More likely, though, is that they'll take the BPA at a need position in Adrian McPherson (QB). If they go more for need than BPA here, then a good-hands, go to, #3 WR is the call since at this stage you can get a starter as a #3 WR in the 3rd round ... Craig Bragg (UCLA), Mark Bradley (Oklahoma), Courtney Roby (Indiana--My vote for sleeper WR), Vincent Jackson (N. Colorado). In fact, there is so much depth at the WR position that there may be a WR they still like into the 5th round, but won't be a starter. |
| KFFL GM Jr | 03/31/05 | 10 | DE | Shawne Merriman, Maryland | None | Most news has Dallas targetting Merriman. Millen may have a deal for Jerry Jones. Mwahahah. (evil laugh). | ||||||||
| The Sports Network | 03/30/05 | 10 | DE | Marcus Spears, LSU | Lions require a sturdy end to play the right side and help stop the run. | Letting Shawne Merriman slide to #17 (Cinci) is 1 mistake. I don't see much I like from this draft, but the angst-filled opening over what Cleveland should do with their #3 was interesting. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| IGN.com | 03/28/05 | 10 | OLB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | Some peg Johnson as one of the top players in the draft, others see him slipping either way, if he's available to Detroit at #10, Matt Millen will finally have that defensive stud to build his team around. | These video game mavens are right. However, if Merriman is still there at #10, and Dallas has their hears set on DJ or Merriman, Matt might be willing to give the Cowboy brains a chance to pick their player, for a reasonable sum ... ala the Cleveland deal. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| The Huddle Report (will be available again 4/22/05) | 03/28/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | None | Derrick Johnson would be a better value. And as sure a thing as there is in this draft. | 41 | Marlin Jackson, CB, Mich | None | If he could play FS it would help me like this pick better. Khalif Barnes could probably step in at LT and contribute. Marcus Johnson can play OT or OG. CB Fabian Washington will probably be gone before the 1st round is done. Josh Bullocks … well, I've beat that horse enough. | 72 | Wesley Britt, OT, Alabama | None | All the Wesley Britt connections all of a sudden. Did I miss a memo? Bill Swancutt would be my pick here or TE Matt Jones if he is still here (doubt it). I like CB/S Ronald Bartell also. I'm not saying I don't like Britt, just that there are other options. |
| Pumbaa @ About.com | 03/26/05 | 10 | DE | Marcus Spears, LSU | It's a shame they have Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman, because Derrick Johnson would look nice here too. But that's okay, because with the size they would now boast on their D-Line with Big Daddy Wilkinson and Rogers along with Spears and then Hall coming off the edge their puny linebackers won't have to worry as much about getting flattened by lineman. | Hey, whose calling my LB's puny? You don't pass over a guy like DJ just because you have a couple young guys already. Teddy goes inside and DJ takes the weak wing. But I still like Merriman better for value and for the Lions' needs. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Saints Revolution | 03/23/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | Now time to work on the defense! | I think Shawne Merriman, Derrick Johnson and Antrel Rolle are all safer picks, with Merriman my choice. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Friendly Bet | 03/22/05 | 10 | QB | Alex Smith, Utah | This would be the shocker of the first round, but if Smith is still on the board, he might be too tempting to pass up. Smith would be able to sit and learn under Joey Harrington. | I would bust a gut if this happened...laughing so hard. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| hailRedskins.com (Ben's) | 03/20/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | A monster on the offensive line, this helps pave the way for Kevin Jones and give Harrington (or Garcia) time in the pocket to find Roy Williams. | Whatever. Merriman makes me merry. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| On the Clock | 03/19/05 | 10 | DE | Marcus Spears, LSU | None | I don't think so. Too many guys fell too far in this mock to take it really seriously. One or two, yes. Not like this. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| ProFootballDraft - Wynne | 03/19/05 | 10 | OT | Alex Barron, Florida State (LT) | None | Lots of people are on this track, but I think they are forgetting Morris at OL coach, and all the recent acquisitions for the OL. Merriman goes to St. Louis at #19? | 41 | Barrett Ruud, ILB, Nebraska | None | Interesting. I think the 2nd round is where the Lion's take their need pick unless somebody falls who is very high on their list. FS, DE, #3 QB, #3 WR, TE (?), OT, ILB (backup), would be those possible needs in order of priority. ILB does make more sense than OLB, but probably not in the 2nd round. CB Fabian Washington (also from Nebraska) might be way too good to pass up here. TE Alex Smith and FS Josh Bullocks would be my preferred need picks for the 2nd round...with Bullocks getting the nod because of higher need. If they don't take a DE in the first round, in this mock the next best DE available is Chris Canty & Bill Swancutt ... and I see them as 3rd rounders. | 72 | Chris Kemoeatu, OG, Utah | None | Anger management is in his future … again if he comes to Detroit. If Matt Jones is still here, where he should be for his experience level, he would be good value … I just don't think it will happen. An ILB is more likely here than in the 2nd IMO. |
| CBS sportsline (Dodd) | 03/18/05 | 10 | CB | Pac-Man Jones, West Virginia | Best defensive back in the draft might not fall this far. | #1. There are at least 3 DBs I would take before Pac-Man, and one is a SS…so I disagree on best db remark. But, at least he's off the Dan Cody kick. #2. He has Merriman sliding to #11, Dallas, like so many others. Even if Matt Millen doesn't take Shawne (which would be a big mistake) with all those who believe that Dallas will surely take Merriman with that pick, means a trade with about 10 clubs who need DE or DE/OLB just became more viable. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Consensus Draft (reg) | 03/09/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | Some fans feel the LB situation may cause them to consider DeMarcus Ware, but I feel they will take Erasmus James. He is very close to NFL ready at 6'3 3/4" 267, and has loads of upside as he is just learning the game, having played only since his last year in high school. Has snap, power, explosiveness, and an exceptional first step. Has run as fast as 4.72 in the 40, though he was in the low 4.8s at the combines. Despite that, he shows electric quickness in his first two steps. The concerns are that for someone who has played so little football he has not stayed healthy, but if he checks out medically he should be the first DE taken. The wildcards are if they go after a wideout, or if Mooch falls in love with Pollack or Spears. | Merriman has the physical and mental potential to be a super SUPER star. Previously, these guys had Spears going here (and this seems like a regurgitated version, with as little updating as possible to the Lion pick). Merriman will not last until #20. Merriman has the same skills as EJ, but without the injury questions or the physical ability question. If they don't take Merriman, and DJ is gone (as in this mock) then Pollack may be Millen's man. | None | None | None | Apparently they skipped us…twice. | 72 | Wesley Britt, OT, Alabama | None | Oy vey. |
| N2FL | 03/09/05 | 10 | DE | Dan Cody, Oklahoma | None | Gag. Cough. Spit. Sorry about that. Gotta wash that taste out of my mouth. Merriman, Merriman, Merriman. Wow that feels much better. I guess my biggest problem is that he doesn't fit anywhere on the Lions. Now if he could play MLB then we might talk about him in the 2nd round. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Football.com (Boyer) //see Draft.com for updated versions | 02/13/05 | 10 | TE | Heath Miller, Virginia | No more excuses for the Lions this season. They have drafted a quarterback, running back and a pair of wide receivers in the first round in the last three years. Stephen Alexander is a nice tight end but he goes through bouts of inconsistency and has a past that is injury plagued. Getting a Heath Miller in the fold along with a healthy season from Carlos Rogers could make people forget about the past when it comes to Joey Harrington. | Where would I begin on this one. Suffice it to say, hell freezing over would be closer projection. | 41 | Ernest Shazor, S, Michigan | None | I understand those who get into the homer line of thinking, but I just don't agree. | None | None | None | None |
| Draft World | 02/09/05 | 10 | DE | Erasmus James, Wisconsin | James flew up the board over the course of the season and falls here simply because of Detroit's need for a big-time pass rusher. | He says later that next to Williamson, Merriman is probably the hottest prospect right now. So, I don't know if he's just revised parts of the draft since February. Merriman rises to #10, perhaps, in his next full revision. | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| hailRedskins (Brandon's) | 01/11/05 | 10 | LB | Derrick Johnson, Texas | The Lions have drafted four offensive players with their last four first round picks. Matt Millen knows it's time to go defense, and Johnson gives them a great athlete who should make a difference right away on a defense that was +12 in turnovers over halfway through the season. (Also considering- Ahmad Brooks, Corey Webster) | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |