I watched the NFL draft nearly in its entirety (I missed a few picks at the top of the second round while I was driving home from work), and I've been extremely intrigued by a lot of the picks, but obviously I follow more closely the players that my team (Lions) drafted.
One player that they took in the fifth round has been intriguing me since the moment they took him. I was expecting a linebacker in that round, but thought they might have gone after Quan Sturdivant, one of the highest graded players remaining at the time at 6.5. Instead of Sturdivant, Detroit took Douglas Hogue out of Syracuse, graded only 2.9. Being the way I am about my teams, I wanted to know why Mayhew and Schwartz decided on this guy that they probably could have picked up in round 7, so I began doing some research.
I've read several articles and watched every video I can find of this guy, and his strengths and weaknesses make a lot of sense for a linebacker the Lions could use. He has some trouble stopping the run, but Detroit is setting up for one of the most dominating defensive lines in the league to stop it, or at least slow it down, before it gets to the linebackers. One of his biggest strengths is his athleticism. As a running back turned linebacker, he's extremely fast and very agile. He's a good pass coverage guy and can even catch the ball well, which should help Detroit's terrible secondary. Obviously he's not likely going to be a starter any time soon, and he'll likely only see specials teams action to begin his career, but I'm getting very interested and excited about this guy.
So, who came in later rounds for your teams that you guys are excited about?
The guy I'm getting more excited about the more I read is our 6th round pick CB Chris Rucker from Michigan State. Everything I have seen points to the fact that we (Colts) are going to play him at Safety to replace Bob Sanders. All the scouts had him graded higher at the safety position than the CB position. He is a true ball hawk and likes to hit people when given the opportunity. The only issue is that he has several off the field red flags! Given that he behaves then he could be a real defensive gem!
Justin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0o1xMWqCow
This guy is a BEAST at the FS position. We finally got someone with an intimidation factor on defense.
Leslie Michael Jasper - 7th Rounder by the Bills, he is a 6'4 437 pound mammoth from Mt. Juliet Tenn.
Got to love the kid, he is a Christian kid that was told by the Bills that if he lost 50 pounds they would draft him. Well on Sunday of the draft the Bills called him and asked him how much he weighed. He stated that he was 378 pounds, and the Bills told him Congrats he was going to be the Newest member of the Buffalo Bills. Anyone who can cut 50 pounds in 3 months has a good work ethic and is serious.
So this is too my man Mount Chocula..... God Bless and Good Luck
remember the bills can't draft in the first or second round but our 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks are always good.
Steve Johnson anyone?
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