WCG Mock Draft- Detroit Lions

by Adam T on Apr 3, 2008 2:07 PM CDT in News

CURRENT SELECTION
		Rashard Mendenhall Running Back University of Illinois
ANALYSIS: While the Lions' biggest needs are at DT and OT, all of the prospects worth taking at this slot are off the board already, and next-tier players like OT Sam Baker and DT Kentwan Balmer would just be too much of a reach here, even for Matt Millen. DE Derrick Harvey could also get some consideration from Detroit, but the guy Millen won't be able to pass up is Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall. Nobody with a sane mind can expect Detroit to be content going into the season with Tatum Bell as their starting tailback, and Mendenhall represents a colossal upgrade to their running game to compliment their heavy talent at the receiver position. Mendenhall is considered by some (including draft guru Mike Mayock) to be the most complete back in the draft and an even better prospect than Darren McFadden. While he was only the starting back for the Fighting Illini for one season, he dominated and set school season records of 1,681 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 1,999 all-purpose yards. Mendenhall is a pretty big kid at around 225 pounds and can bowl over a lot of defenders, but he can also be fluid and make defenders miss, and has great vision to see open lanes. With the Lions' selection of Mendenhall, Bears fans can look forward to banging their heads against a wall twice a year.

Pick	Team	Player	Drafter	Analysis
1	Miami Dolphins	Jake Long	McRipper	Details
2	St. Louis Rams	Chris Long	Chad	Details
3	Atlanta Falcons	Glenn Dorsey	mas12	Details
4	Oakland Raiders	Vernon Gholston	Doctor Chicago	Details
5	Kansas City Chiefs	Sedrick Ellis	whitebearsox23	Details
6	NY Jets	Darren McFadden	DaNate23	Details
7	New England Patriots	Leodis McKelvin	tyger1147	Details
8	Baltimore Ravens	Matt Ryan	McRipper	Details
9	Cinncinati Bengals	Keith Rivers	tomas21	Details
10	New Orleans Saints	Mike Jenkins	sirus19x	Details
11	Buffalo Bills	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	Chad	Details
12	Denver Broncos	Ryan Clady	Arctic Bronco	Details
13	Carolina Panthers	Jeff Otah	DaNate23	Details
14	Chicago Bears	Chris williams	tyger1147	Details
15	Detroit Lions	Rashard Mendenhall	Doctor Chicago	Details

See a list of the mock draft participants

The Arizona Cardinals (gillrowdy) are on the clock...

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pass blocking

and receiving

what's he look like in that regard?

"Kyle Orton and Jack Daniel's could be the greatest songwriting duo since Rodgers and Hammerstein." - DJ Gallo

by mike b on Apr 3, 2008 2:22 PM CDT reply actions

Terrific size and bulk...Excellent timed speed...A natural runner with great instincts and vision....Strong and powerful...Keeps his legs moving on contact and picks up extra yards...Has pretty good hands and can be a weapon catching the ball out of the backfield..More than holds his own as a blocker...Does not have much mileage on his tires...Tough and durable...Smooth and a very good athlete...A hard worker and team player with top-notch intangibles....Still improving and has some upside.

by Adam T on Apr 3, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions

the one hope we have...

as Bear fans is Matt Millen. We can always hope he reaches for some other need. Personally I am calling for another WR for Detroit.

by The Ghost of Rusty Lisch on Apr 3, 2008 2:53 PM CDT reply actions

Gosh

I hate the lions they want to ruin everything! lol

by SuperBowlXX on Apr 3, 2008 2:55 PM CDT reply actions

SHOCKER!

This pick is dead on the money. If RM is on the board at 15, he'll be a Lion.

Good job.

by Chad @ Windy City Gridiron on Apr 3, 2008 3:05 PM CDT reply actions

Damn it....

I could see this being like AP in Minnesota or back in the day with Barry Sanders. Great football players but please not against the Bears.

by Sam Householder on Apr 3, 2008 3:11 PM CDT reply actions

The fact that

this is so obvious a choice might give the Bears an oportunity to trade back 5 spots or so with someone who wants Mendenhall, and still get Chris Williams a little later, plus add an extra pick.

The Lions tend to telegraph their picks a bit, so if someone wants Mendenhall, they know they need to get in front of the Lions to get him.

by tomas21 on Apr 3, 2008 3:58 PM CDT reply actions

or....

if the bears don't want mendenhall, and they know the lions do, then we throw up a smoke screen that we want him and are ready to draft him so that they will swap picks and the bears pick up another later round draft pick. no reason not to do this, unless of course the bears want to draft him.

by Ando on Apr 3, 2008 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions