First Round Defensive End Discussion

The Lions need to fill their whole at defensive end.  I expect them to sign a veertan player, Umenyora, Freeney, or someone else out on the market to a short term deal.  The Lions only option in the first round may be DE, but who do they select,

My ranking of DEs in this years draft. 

1) Bjoern Werner - Has the size and length to play the run and the past.

2) Ezekiel Ansah - Can play the run and pass.  Has a higher motor after broken plays to run players down.  May have the highest upside as he has not played football very long

3) Damontre Moore - Plays the run and pass, solid.

4) Barkevious Mingo -  Better for a 3-4, a pass specialist, not comfortable with him on the run

5) Dion Jordan - Better for a 3-4, a pass specialist, not comfortable with him on the run.


If the Lions don't feel goo with any of these players I would go with  [Luke Joeckel], Eric Fisher, or Chance Warmack to protect Stafford. 

Very good assessment of the players.  I would throw Jarvis Jones in there too.  He is big enough to fill the Avril role in the crap 9 and is a little more complete player.

Lions # 1,

I believe that the Lions could have there choice of either Bjoern Werner or Ezekiel Ansah when their turn comes up at # 5. This is why I think that they could try to move back a few spots say too the Cardinals so they can guarantee the chance to draft a OT or QB if Geno Smith is still there.  With both Werner and Ansah they both have limited experience with the sport of football. What are your thoughts on Margus Hunt? Could he be a fit in a 4-3 or is he better suited for a 3-4 defense? With the possibility that Cliff Avril gets resigned how likely would you say it would be that Detroit take DE in the first if Avril comes back?
 

I like Ansah the best, I like Werner too but  I think Ansah has more potential.  When I think Ansah I think Pierre Paul.  IF he becomes that good then I really believe the Lions will have the best DLine in football. Last year that's what they were really missing, a dominate DE.

With the possibility that Cliff Avril gets resigned how likely would you say it would be that Detroit take DE in the first if Avril comes back?


I hope not.  He thinks he's worth more than the deal they offered last year.  3 year 30 million 20 of it guranteed.  I just hope the Lions let him go.


This is why I think that they could try to move back a few spots say too the Cardinals so they can guarantee the chance to draft a OT or QB if Geno Smith is still there. 


I'm not sure if there is a true #1 QB.  You could ask 3 different analyst and they all could give you 3 different names.  Mayock has Smith #1 while Kiper has Glenon #1.

If any team would move up to grab a LT then I think it would be the Chargers at 11.  They need a LT. I really hope Fisher's stock soars so some team that needs a LT will trade up.

My hope is that there will be somewhat of a bidding war for Fisher between AZ, SD, and ST Louis, three teams that really need an OT. Hopefully AZ would win out and the Lions move down two spots and pickup a 4th round or possibly a 3rd round pick. We would still get a great pick at #7 out of the following: Ansah, Moore, Woerner, Warmack.

Fubar,

What would be even better is if both Luke Joekel and Eric Fisher were both on the board when the Lions selected. This would give them the leverage to get even more from one of the teams that you mentioned. I would think that a team like the Chargers may give up a 1st in 2014, along with a 4th round pick. Imagine if they get Ezekiel Ansah at # 11! I would crap myself if this happened.

 We would still get a great pick at #7 out of the following: Ansah, Moore, Woerner, Warmack.     
 
Imagine if they get Ezekiel Ansah at # 11! 

Has everyone forgotten that the Jaguars are picking #2?  What position do they desperately need?   Pretty sure they were dead last in the league in sacks.  Either Ansah or Werner is going there.  I dont see J. Jones in play at #2 with a new GM in Jacksonville.  I would not be suprised one bit to see Ansah go at #2. 

I dont like idea of Werner at #5, I just dont see him as special.  I watched him on every single defensive snap of their bowl game against a MAC school (N. Illinois) and he did absolutely nothing.  I watched specifically because he was being talked about as a potential pick for the Lions in the very early mock drafts.  There are players in the MAC who will make great pros but the T he was up against wont be one of them and he was handled easily.  NI operated like they didnt even have to worry about him, and they were right.  I would honestly rather take the risk and go with Jones if we cant trade out of that spot.

There are several potential suitors for a trade at #5 IMO.   Starting from the furthest back in the draft would be the Bucs at #13 coming up for Milliner.  The Chargers at #11 could come up for one of the elite T's.  Lastly you could see the Bills or Cards look to make a move if Geno Smith is still on the board.  If he isnt I dont see either of them moving up and think they will both be trying to move down themselves to pick their QB later in the round. 
 

I guarantee if Mingo runs a 4.5 at the combine. Detroit won't pass him up.

I dont like idea of Werner at #5, I just dont see him as special.

I don't think there are very many "special" players in the draft. Ansah,Mingo,Warmack and Ogletree have the highest upside. Joeckel,Moore,Werner,JJ, Fisher and Vaccaro look to be in the next tier.

After seeing some of the mocks that are out there, it looks like the Lions would have to take Ezekiel Ansah at # 5 because the Browns have been projected to take him at # 6. I know things can change and we will find out within the next week "Combine" where Ansah will be projected. It would be nice if he doesn't do as well so the Lions could have a chance to trade back and take him in the 7-10 range.