Detroit Lions 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Sep 7, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) dives into the endzone over Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders corner back Jared Singletary (24) on a 2-point conversion attempt at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Liz Condo-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Ebron, TE, UNC
6’4″, 250
The Player
Ebron is a athletic freak for a tight end. He has speed to burn and is a very refined all around route runner and receiver. As a blocker, he has a strong base that allows him to drive defenders back, but I doubt that is where he’ll be a lot of the time. The main concern with Ebron is if he can maintain focus while catching the ball. If he can clean that up, the ceiling for him is very high.
The Pick
Love, love, love this pick. The Lions need a guy to draw attention away from Calvin Johnson and Eric Ebron was the ultimate mismatch in this class. He was a top ten player and the Lions got perfect value for him.
The Fit
I feel as if he could be moved around a lot on offense. Create mismatches in the slot or on the outside, or play in two or three tight ends sets with Fauria and Pettigrew in the red zone with Calvin to create mismatch hell. Regardless of where he plays, if he can start catching with more consistency and he gets his targets, Ebron should blow up in Detroit and make Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson very happy.
Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
6’3″, 242
The Player
Van Noy is a smart, instinctive linebacker who is strong taking on the run, is fluid in coverage and he can rush the passer like a mad man. He doesn’t have ideal size to be an every down pass rusher in the NFL, but he doesn’t need to be in the NFL with his skill set.
The Pick
I love this pick.
The Fit
Van Noy will likely start at one of the outside linebacker spots, of which he can play both. He can cover, play the run and can blitz. Also, he can drop down on the line in nickel situations and wreak havoc on a stacked defensive line.
Oct 25, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3) rushes during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Brigham Young won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Swanson, Center, Arkansas
6’5″, 320 lbs.
The Player
Swanson is a wall of a man who is a stud in pass protection. If he can clean up his footwork when run blocking, he could be a very good player,
The Pick
The Lions filled a big need while getting a damn good player.
The Fit
The Lions may have gotten a day one starter in Swanson and he should immediately upgrade the pass protection in the middle of that line.
Nevin Lawson, CB, Nevada
5’9″, 190 lbs.
The Player
Lawson is a nasty, physical corner who can jam at the line and can blanket some receivers. His lack of size and athletic ability can hurt him with bigger guys, but he has a spot in the NFL.
The Pick
The Lions continue to add youth to their secondary and I am a fan of this pick.
The Fit
Lawson will play special teams at the least, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him playing slot corner by mid season.
Larry Webster, DE, Bloomsburg
6’6″, 252
The Player
A former basketball player, Webster is an absolute freak who won off of pure athletic ability alone. However, his technique and awareness is a mess.
The Pick
This is a big time reach for a freak.
The Fit
The Lions defensive line is just a bunch of freaky athletes at this point and Webster comes into a good situation to develop. However, there is some speculation that he could move to tight end.
Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton
6’2″, 302 lbs.
The Player
Reid is a very quick twitch player who comes off the line very quickly and uses his hands very well to disrupt in the passing game and running game. It is to be seen if he can make the jump from the Ivy League to NFL, but he has an awesome kill set.
The Pick
Good player. Good Fit. Good Value.
The Fit
With the Lions defensive line, Reid could rotate in and be effective early on as a 3 tech. Playing next to Suh can often elevate a player.
TJ Jones, WR, Notre Dame
6′, 188 lbs.
The Player
Jones is a smart player who runs good routes, displays solid quickness and good hands. He is not a speed freak, but he just does everything very well. Definitely could stand to add weight to his frame.
The Pick
Jones is a good player and he fills a need. Good pick.
The Fit
Jones could be a very good fourth receiver and give the Lions some much needed receiver depth.
Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver TJ Jones (7) runs after a pass reception against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Freese, K, Boston College
The Player
He’s a kicker.
The Pick
He is a kicker. Don’t draft kickers.
The Fit
He will likely kick the ball. If not, he will be cut.