SBNation.com User Blog: JCruize

My early attempt at a Mayhew mock draft

JCruize — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:21:19 -0000

This is my early attempt at somewhat likely draft for the Lions in April's upcoming draft. This are not necessarily the players I would like Mayhew and Co. select. They are just players that are a little under the radar.

1st round Nick Perry - DE USC 6'3 250lb 4.64 40 time

the skinny on Nick - The best true 4-3 defensive end in this draft. He is a straight up pass rushing monster. That uses speed and technique to get to the quarterback. Perry knew that he was lacking in the run stopping department. So he spent last spring getting stronger to improve his ability and awareness to be more effective against the run. And did I mention the kid is from Detroit? Obvious the Avril's contract situation has a lot to due with this pick. But also keep in mind that KVB is the twilight of his career, and LoJack is a UFA in 2013. Perry is what Schwartz and Gunny have always said what they want in a DE. Speed, quickness, and the ability to create havoc. Being a BPA at a position that could be a need, I see Mayhew pulling the trigger on Nick.

USC DE #8 Nick Perry Highlights 2010 (via CaliforniasGold) This is his 2010 highlights... could not find 2011.

2ND Round. Markelle Martin - S Oklahoma State 6'1 203 4.49 40 time

the skinny on Martin - He is good enough in man coverage. He has the speed to cover a slot receiver, and can be effective in 4 receiver sets. In zone, is where he is a beast. He has the speed to cover a lot of ground. He reads the quarterbacks eyes and jumps the routes. He has the speed to straight -line to the ball. Markelle has ball skills, and can make quarterbacks pay. Did I mention the dude can tackle? Yea, the dude tackle, and tackle hard. Martin is the type of safety that makes wide-outs heard footsteps. A little stiff in his back pedal. And he does draw the occasional personnel foul for his hitting. So he should fit in well in Detroit. Even though Markelle is listed as a FS, he has played both safety positions, Making him more ideal in the Lions defensive philosophy of having two safeties, each playing their half of the field, rather than having a strong and a free safety each.

Markelle Martin Destroys Ty Montgomery (via pistolsguy) 2012 Fiesta Bowl... yea I told you he can hit.

3RD Keenan Robinson - OLB Texas 6'3 240lb 40 time of 4.68

the skinny on Keenan. Primarily a run stopper. Uses he speed to get from sideline to sideline. Show he has enough strength to stiff arm blockers that are pulling, and get by them. Does not have enough technique to shed blockers that are anchored. But Keenan is a high motor guy, that chases down plays. Solid tackler, that has good speed for his size. Not to bad in coverage either. Keenan has very good awareness and agility to stay with tight-ends and can jump the underneath seam route. Overall he will add depth and special teams play for the Lions. Robinson has the intangibles that Schwartz likes in his linebacker. Size, speed, and the ability to play all three positions, and could develop into a solid starter one day.

Keenan Robinson NFL Draft Analysis - 2010 Season (via TMBDraft) Again the highlights are from 2010

4th RD Ladarius Green - TE La-Lafaytte 6'6 237lb 40 time of 4.60

the skinny on Ladarius. Not recruited by the big-time schools because he was seen as slow, and too tall to be a wide receiver. But Green started to add weight and muscle to his 6'6 frame. Than was coverted to a tight-end for the Ragin' Cajuns. Ladarius is a fluid runner, with a lot of body control. Has enough speed to run by linebackers. An absolute threat in the passing game. Excellent route runner that creates seperation by using is big frame and wing-span. He can stretch the field vertically. The down side to Green is his lack of blocking ability, and top notch competition while playing at a small school. But he has all the intangibles. He is a solid worker, with no character issues. Green is a growing prospect that one day can be a big time play maker in a pass happy offense.

Ladarius Green vs SDSU 2011 "New Orleans Bowl" (via JMPasq)

5th RD Tom Compton - OT South Dakota 6'5 314lb 40 time 5.15

the skinny on Tom. Well Lion fans you wanted, you got it. But I am guessing that you probably want a OT drafted before the 5th round. Like I said above in the opening paragraph. This is my attempt at a Mayhew draft. So who is Tom? He is a 2011 First Team All-American,who is big, strong, and nasty. Possesses quickness, and agility for a 300 plus man. He uses his arms well in locking up the defender. Much better against speed rushers than the bull rushers. Not much of a run blocker. Tom's strength is definitely in pass protection. Good kick slide. Needs to bend more to get better leverage. But overall a solid prospect that will have a year to sit behind Backus.

NO VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

So I only did five picks. My feeling is that Mayhew will be active in trading up and down in this draft, and the Lions will end up with five picks. Like I said at the beginning. This is not necessarily the picks I want, but more of just trying to come up with some guys that fit how Mayhew drafts. All in all, I will be 0 for 5 on my predictions. Trying to guess a Mayhew's draft is like pissing into the wind. Sure, it sounds like fun in theory. But the end results will leave you wet and smelling like urine.

So have fun tearing it apart.

A funny thing on my way home...

JCruize — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:05:12 -0000

So, it was Friday afternoon. I had just gotten out of work, and was on my way home. It was a typical San Francisco afternoon. Sunny, warm with blue skies. While walking I notice about a half of a block a head of me. The unmistakable sight of a Honolulu Blue Lions' jersey. I thought to myself that the bandwagon will be full this year. But as I got closer to the individual that was wearing the jersey. I was very surprise to see the person in the jersey, as well as the jersey itself.

Well as I came upon the person. I notice it was an obvious homeless person. And, he was indeed, wearing a Detroit Lions authentic replica #11 Roy Williams jersey. The jersey looked brand new. Like it was just purchased and never worn before. While the rest of this gentleman had the clear traits of homelessness. Mangled, long dirty hair. Unkempt beard. Soiled and torn jeans. His shoes were ripped and falling apart. Yet here he sat in a, what I could only perceived as a brand new Roy Williams jersey.

Well, I had some questions, So I went up to a Subway that was located on the next block. I bought a foot long sandwich, a large coke, a bag of chips. and a cookie. I went back to the spot where the homeless man was sitting before. Not surprising to me, he was still there. So I offer the Subway meal that I purchased. He gladly accepted my offerings. And so I begun to ask him questions about the jersey he was wearing. And this is what I found out.

A local church that provides the homeless with daily meals. Also provides clothing once a month. And it is on a basic first come first serve basis. Now the church gets the clothing mostly through donations from good hearten people. But they also get clothing from the area Goodwill stores they could not sell. So on the day the church was handing out clothing. Our homeless person named Frank, he was late getting to the church that day. So all was left for him was two women's blouses, two undersized t-shirts, and the Roy Williams jersey. He said he really did not want the jersey. And if it were not for the fact that the shirt he was wearing now was not ripped. He would have passed all together. Frank went on to tell me that one of the worker at the church said the jersey came from a local Goodwill store. That is why the condition of the jersey looked brand new. Goodwill sends all of the clothing out to be dry-cleaned. I asked Frank "Why did you not want the jersey?" And he said without any hesitation that "Roy Williams sucks balls." I was laughing pretty hard at that. Give Frank a few bucks. And continued on my way home.

So basically this jersey was sitting in a Lions' fans closet somewhere. That person decided to donate it to his/hers local Goodwill store. Where it sat for months without any takers. Then shipped off to the church. Where again it sat as people in dire need of clothing, decided on other things. Until it finally found its way to Frank. A homeless person that will probably exchange the jersey for a different shirt in a month or two.

Roy, if you are out there, and you are reading this. Just remember. Even the homeless population of San Francisco thinks you SUCK.

All of this took place a few weeks ago. But I wanted to wait until the week of the Bears game to post it.

Lions football trivia

JCruize — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:35:19 -0000

Last season NYCLions did a weekly Lions and general football trivia fanpost during the regular season. And since he went AWOL after being married. I thought I would carry on the tradition in his absence.

For thoses who have been around for over a year, you meant remember this question I posted one week. But for some of you newer guys, put on your thinking caps.

THE QUESTION: Name the Hall of Fame wide reciever that was drafted by the Detroit Lions, but NEVER played a down in a Lion's uniform?

I will update this fanpost with the answer in a few days.

Pro Football Focus' interview with the man known as LoJack

JCruize — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:29:59 -0000

I think normally this would be a Fanshot. Since there is not much going in the NFL, and since nobody really reads the Fanshots. I thought that I would do a Fanpost

This is a very interesting read to me. Jackson talks about many topics. From his recent ankle surgery, his hate of Tony Romo, and what he is doing in the off-season. He recalls his time in Seattle. Talks about the Miami game when he was matched up against Jake Long. And Lo Jack goes over the "Restore the Roar" mentality that is getting noticed by the media and football fans.

LoJack is becoming one of my favorite Lions. I think he does not get the due attention he deserves. Not only is he a great pass rusher. But he is as equally good in stopping the run. He will play a big part of the Lion's future going forward.

Here are some snips of the interview:

Steve Wyremski (SW): How’s everything? Offseason treating you well?

Lawrence Jackson (LJ): Yeah, it’s going pretty well. This is my first offseason where I finally have my priorities in line in terms of understanding what I need to do as an athlete and where I want to take my athletic ability in the future. This is by far the best, hardest and most efficient I’ve worked out in the offseason since I’ve been in the league. It’s been a different training regimen just because I’m doing rehab. In general, it’s the best offseason I’ve had to date.

SW: You talk about the additional range of motion you have and will have. How do you think that’s going to impact your play on the field?

LJ: For one, it helps my get-off. Looking at last year’s film, when I’d get off on the left side my right knee would buckle in on take off. In driving off the foot, the ankle’s supposed to collapse, but when I would get off it would be bone on bone and to create that range of motion my knee would have to go in and I’d waste so much energy and momentum. It was like I’d taken off in a race and kept skidding out when everybody else was moving forward. The main thing is that everything in my glute is [now] firing right and that will give me more thrust on take off.

SW: In 2010, you recorded a sack every 18 snaps (ranked 3rd in the league among 4-3 DEs). You also recorded a stop every 42 snaps (ranked 2nd in the league among 4-3 DEs). What about your game do you attribute that to?

LJ: I feel like I’m a great problem solver, I’m analytical, and I’m a student of the game. My years in college and my first two years in the league, I had a problem of thinking too much. Jim Mora sat me down and said, "Look…you think too much. You need to figure out a way to get all your work done during the week so you don’t think." Now I understand the difference between reading the book before the play and trusting my abilities before the ball is snapped. I have a problem [if I’m] not getting to the ball. I want to get to the ball every single play. I want to make a difference every single play. I take it personal when they try to run to my side. I don’t like being denied. [All of these factors] makes for a tough day for your opponent.

Here is the entire interview

The "Best" Mock Draft that I have seen so far

JCruize — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:18:35 -0000

There are a tons of mock drafts out floating around in the Internet world. Most seem to have the Lions taking an offensive tackle with the 13th pick. I know the sentiment on this site, is that an offensive linemen is not a big need in the top part of the draft. And I agree with that. So, in my search to find a sensible, reasonable, and even a sagacious mock draft website. I came upon Drafttek.com. So here is what I believe to be the "Best" mock draft out there so far. Well, at least in my opinion. Put it in the context of how an actual draft could turn out. This mock was conducted by several persons representing other teams. I know it is not the most ideal draft. And take in the account that the free agency period will not begin until after the draft. So I beileve that teams might draft assuming that the players that have not signed their tender will not be with their teams next season ( ie Chris Houston...).

Round 1- #13 Brandon Harris 5'9 191lbs CB Miami

While some players may be more highly rated on YOUR board, teams scouts' judgment is often clouded by team needs. If a GM says, "we need a CB," All of a sudden, CBsstart flying up boards. In this situations, Brandon Harris slides right into a Lions uniform, filling (arguably) their biggest need. Withno OLB43 worthy of this spot, and OT not a glaring immediate necessity, Harris is the one player who could step onto the field right away for the Blue and Silver. He's a polished prospect with great athleticism, but will need better ball skills to be a Pro Bowl caliber NFLer. --Mike Schottey, DraftTek Analyst.

Round 2 - #44 Mason Foster6'1 245 lbs OLB Washington

With no quality LB candidates in the first round, (down! down! Akeem Ayers fans!) it becomes an even greater need in round two. In Mobile, Jim Schwartz personally watched the linebacker workouts from field level--not something a lot of head coaches are known to do. Was Foster someone he liked? No way to tell, but he's rising up a lot of draft boards because of his versatility and athleticism--two things the Lions need in their defensive back seven.--Mike Schottey, DraftTek Analyst.

Round 3 - #75 Quan Sturdivant6'1 241lbs OLB North Carolina

Round 4 - #106 Curtis Marsh 6'1 197lbs CB Utah State

Round 5 - #151 Ricky Elmore 6'5 255lb DE Arizona

Question from a Detroit Lions fan(s)

JCruize — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:58:18 -0000

As some of you may be aware the Lions are drafting at number 13 this upcoming NFL draft. And could be in position to grab one of two highly sought after Colorado prospects. OT Nate Solder, and CB Jimmy Smith. We have some good insight on both players. Nate and Jimmy should be impact players in the NFL. Now over at the Pride of Detroit there is some what of a mini debate going on between Jimmy Smith and Brandon Harris. Although, as of now, I feel Harris is a more polished corner, but I think Smith has a higher ceiling in the NFL. Watching as much highlights of Smith as I can, I notice that he seemed to line up more on the other teams #2 WR. For example in the Georgia game. My question to you guys is. Was that just the defensive scheme that the Buffaloes run? Meaning that no matter who the opponent is, Jimmy lines up on the same side every game? Or was there more to it than that? And what about Jalil Brown? He looked like he could play on Sunday at times. He did go against the better wideouts every weekend. Any feedback on Smith and his role at Colorado would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time. Good Luck to the Buffs as they try to get themselves into the NCAA Tournament. With a couple of key wins in the Big 12. You guys could battle yourselves up the conference ladder. You are only a few wins from being in third place. And Good Luck on the upcoming football season.

Your draft guide to the cornerbacks of the 2011 NFL Draft

JCruize — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:45:49 -0000

I did a post last week about the linebackers that I think the Lions will be interested in, this upcoming draft. So, here is my post on the cornerbacks. We all know this was a mash unit last season. Lots of injuries and a lot of faces came and went. But from that, we found two guys I hope will be here for a long time. Chris Houston and Alphonso "The Phonz "Smith. My concern, Chris Houston as publically said he is going to test the free agent market. He would like to return to the Lions, but wants to see what is out there. Personally I do not like this. I get the feeling that if an offer comes from a better team, that he will jump ship. But then again. His comments were made before the Lions four game winning streak. So I am hoping for a change of heart from Chris. Look, both Houston and Phonz exceeded expectations this season. And both will be pieces of the puzzle as the Lions move forward. It is just that the Lions need one more guy that can line up opposite Houston. Let Smith use his knack for the big interceptions and ball hawking skills in the nickel and dime formations. And bring in a guy that can go one on one with the other teams #2 wideout. So without further ado. Here are the 2011 NFL Draft cornerback prospects for the Detroit Lions.

Should Be First Round Selections:

Highlights

Patrick Peterson 6’1 212lb LSU- 4.42 40 time

Patterns his game after Charles Woodson. Very fluid and has rare straight line speed for a guy his size. Can get physical in man to man. Or use his instincts and speed in zone coverage. In short, Peterson is the shit. And mostly will be a top 3 pick. Almost guaranteed the only way the Lions can draft him is by moving up in the draft.

Highlights

Prince Amukamara 6’0 205lb Nebraska – 4.49 40 time

Strong instincts with very quick reactions. Reads the quarterback's eyes and anticipates routes, closing quickly to jump underneath routes. Gets into the flat in a hurry to attack screen plays and outside runs. With his size, strength and speed, he is the perfect press-cover NFL corner. Great in run support and a good open field tackler. And if we all pray to the "football gods" hard enough. He might fall to the Lions at 13.

Highlights

Brandon Harris 6’0 190lb Miami – 4.45 40 time

Brandon is a smaller version of Amukamara. And like Prince, he is a pyshical press-cover corner by nature. He has the speed and agility to stay with any wideout. Harris has quick feet, loose hips, good balance and his pure athleticism lends him to be a much better man to man corner, than a zone guy. His knock, he turns his head around late to locate the ball. With his quick hands he knocks the ball down. But that will lead to more PBU’s than intercerptions. He can recognizes the play quickly and is not afraid to come up and make a hit in run support. Relieable open field tackler. Does not always make the prettiest tackles. Leads with his shoulder a lot, but is not afraid to hit someone. Still, Brandon would be a great draft choice the #13.

Highlights

Jimmy Smith 6’2 205lb Colorado – 4.49 40 time

Jimmy is another physical press-cover corner. Likes to extend his arms on the receiver. Uses his long arms to his advantage. Has a good back pedal. But stands up straight for too long. Needs to get lower for better balance. Smith is very good in run support. But does get overaggressive sometimes biting hard on the play action. In zone, he has very good awareness. A very heady player. Knows when to come off a receiver to cover the underneath routes. Needs to tighten up his footwork when transitioning from pedal to plant-and-drive. As the faster wideouts will eat up his cushion in a hurry. Overall, Smith is alittle more raw than Harris. Needs to work on his technique little. Especially, his back pedal and getting his hips looser. But with some good coaching and time. He could be one of the best corners in the NFL. With a strong combine and pro day. Smith could be the third or even the second best corner in the draft. But until than, I have just behind Harris in the 4th spot.

Now the best of the rest

Davon House 6’0 184lb New Mexico St. – 4.46 40 time Highlights

Aaron Williams 6’1 195lb Texas – 4.49 40 time Highlights

Curtis Brown 6’0 180lb Texas – 4.42 40 time ( no highlights available )

Johnny Patrick 5’11 185lb Louisville – 4.47 40 time Highlights

Brandon Burton 6’0 185lb Utah – 4.49 40 time Highlights

Ras-I Dowling 6’2 200lb Virgina – 4.54 40 time Highlights

Rashard Carmichael 5’10 185lb Virgina Tech – 4.38 40 time Highlights

Curtis Marsh 6’0 195lb Utah St. – 4.44 40 time Highlights

Chimdi Chekwa5’11 190lb Ohio St. – 4.49 40 time ( no highlights available )

All of the players above should be drafted anywhere from the 2nd round to the 4thround. Note that Dowling and Chekwa could have been late 1st round to early 2ndround picks if did not get injuried during the season.

Some sleeper picks you might not of heard of…

Chykie Brown Texas( broke his foreman ), Ryan Jones NW Missouri St. Mario Butler Georgia Tech, Buster Skrine Chattanooga, and Vance Cuff Georgia. ( note: Check out the Dowling vid. Makes me hope that the Lions draft him)

And I know you want it... here is your 'Phonz fix

I posted this over on the Colorado SB site. Hoping to get alittle more insight on Jimmy Smith. And the mystery why he was always covering the other teams #2 wideout. LINKY. I hope the response will clear a few questions up about Smith.

NFLPA might boycott the combine?

JCruize — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:49:40 -0000

the Story

Basically the union and agents are considering boycotting the combine. This is a bad sign that things are not going so well with the new CBA. This is turning into a really bad divorce between the owners and the players union. And of course, we the fans are the kids that get stuck in the middle. Some needs to slap DaMaurice Smith and Roger Goodell in the face and make them work this out. And using the media to gain sympathy from the fans is garbage. And I am not buying it. They are both to blame. They have had two years to work this crap out. And yet here we are. Just under fours weeks until March 3. So when does the Canadian Football League start their season?

Your linebacker guide to the draft

JCruize — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:07:04 -0000

I want to create a fan post focusing on the linebacker position, in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. Unless you have been living under a bus, you should know that this is a position of major concern. We basically had a merry-go-round of linebacker starters last season.

First off, what we know we have. We have DeAndre Levy in the middle. The man battled injuries most of the season. But he was a key player in the Lions four game winning streak, with 34 tackles and two very big interceptions during the streak. The man is solid in the middle. And we also have Ashlee Palmer. Pretty solid in his start against Minnesota, had six tackles. But I see him more for depth, than a true starter. For the most part. The rest of the Lion’s linebackers are either free agents or soon to be released.

The Draft: Despite some talk that this year’s draft has a weak linebacker group. I feel that there are some very good prospects in this group.

Leading the group is Texas A&M’s Von Miller. A 6’3 235lb OLB that primarily played a "joker" role in the Aggies’ 3-4 schemes. But don’t let that the fact his comes from a 3-4 defense, that he is not a fit for the Lions. The guy is lights out. Has the skill set and football intelligence to play in any scheme. Just watch the Senior Bowl. With only a few weeks of practice, Miller adopted his game to the 4-3 scheme. He showed why he is at the top of every teams draft board. If Von can do what he did with a few weeks of practice. Imagine what he could do with an entire training camp and pre-season, working with Schwartz, The Gun and Burke.

Miller's Highlights

Next Akeem Ayers, 6’4 255lb OLB UCLA. Ayers is a very good athlete. Shows very good coverage skills. Good overall football instincts. Some question marks on his overall motor and football IQ. Both Von Miller and Akeem Ayers will be a 1st round draft choice. While I would love to see Miller in a Lion’s jersey. I am not yet sold on Ayers. I question his overall strength, and his problems with shedding blocks. A good combine from him. Could be enough to get me excited for the Lions to draft him. As we all know, I have a great influence on Mayhew.

Ayers' Highlights

The next of the rest.

Bruce Carter 6’3 235lb OLB UNC. Would have been a top 15th pick if not for a torn ACL in his knee. Some questions whether he will be available to play in 2011. Might not be 100% until the end of the season. But is definitely worth a 2nd round pick.

Carter Highlights

Martez Wilson 6’4 250lb ILB Illinois. Martez is big, strong, and quick. He can play in the middle and on the outside. Show the intangibles that will make him a very good NFL linebacker.

Wilson's Highlights

Quad Sturdivant 6’2 230lb OLB UNC. A teammate of Bruce Carter. This guy is a aggressive run stopper. Fires off the ball and sometimes launches himself at the ball carrier. Shows some good zone coverage skills as well. Could be a steal in the 3rd round.

Sturdivant's Highlights

Greg Jones 6’0 240lb OLB MSU. A natural linebacker. An instinctive run stopper, and solid in covrage. Lacks the overall quickness to get to the edge. Some experts say his size could drop him into the 3rd round.

Jones' interview (note: could not find a highlight vid)

The next of my best

Mark Herzlich 6’4 250lb ILB Boston College. Projected a late 2nd to 3rd round pick Highlights

Kelvin Sheppard 6’2 250lb ILB LSU. Projected a late 3rd to a 4th round pick Highlights

K.J. Wright 6’3 246ILB Miss St. Projected a 3rd round pick (no highlights)

Mason Foster 6’1 240 OLB Wash. Projected a 3rd round pick Highlights (note: Foster is #40)

Casey Matthews 6’1 232lb OLB Ore. Projected as a late 3rd to a 4th round pick Hightlights

Thomas Keiser 6’5 244lb OLB Stanford. Projected as a 4th round pick (no highlights)

Chris Carter 6’1 246lb ILB Frenso St. Projected as a 4th to a 5th round pick Highlights

Jonas Mouton 6’2 240lb OLB Mich. Projected as a late 5th to a 6th round pick Highlights

Mike Mohamed 6’3 241 OLB Cal. Projected as a 6th round pick Highlights

Some players to mention that might not be drafted. Nick Bellore CMU. Chris White Miss St. Scott Lutrus UConn. Kendall Smith FSU.

My personnel favorites of this draft are Miller, Sturdivant, and Foster. Matthews looks like he does have some great instincts along with Greg Jones. If the Lions can add one or a couple of these guys. Along with resigning Bobby Carpenter. This could be a great young unit.

And I will leave you with a LIONS VID