Full Offseason Mock Draft

[IDOG_det]

2018 Detroit Lions Mock Offseason 2.0

Detroit Free Agents - Leaving
- Tahir Whitehead --- Let Walk
- Zach Zenner --- Let Walk
- Don Barclay --- Let Walk
- Thurston Armbrister --- Let Walk
- Paul Worrilow --- Let Walk
- Mike James --- Let Walk
- Brandon Copeland --- Let Walk
- Zac Kerin --- Let Walk
- DJ Hayden --- Enters Free Agency
- Greg Robinson --- Enters Free Agency
- Tavon Wilson --- Enters Free Agency
- Dwight Freeney --- Enters Free Agency
- Travis Swanson --- Retires
- Jared Abbrederis --- Retires

Detroit Free Agents - Re-signing
- Ezekiel Ansah --- 1 year, $17,700,000 Franchise Tag
- Haloti Ngata --- 1 year, $5,500,000
- Nevin Lawson --- 1 year, $4,250,000
- TJ Jones --- 2 years, $4,000,000, (1.5M/2.5M)
- Darren Fells --- 2 years, $3,500,000 (1.5M/2M)
- Don Carey --- 1 year, $1,095,000 MSB
- Don Muhlbach --- 1 year, $1,095,000, MSB
- Nick Bellore --- 1 year, $1,095,000 MSB
- Jordan Hill --- 1 year, $870,000 MSB
- Jake Rudock --- 1 year, $630,000, ERFA
- Christian Ringo--- 1 year, $630,000 ERFA
- Kerry Hyder --- 1 year, $555,000, ERFA
- Hakeem Valles --- 1 year, $555,000 ERFA
- Kasey Redfern --- 1 year, $480,000, ERFA
- Rodney Coe --- 1 year, $480,000 ERFA

Free Agent Signings
- LG Andrew Norwell, 5 years, $60,000,000 (8M/10M/13M/14M/15M)
- LB Nigel Bradham, 4 years, $28,000,000 (5M/7M/7M/9M)
- RB Dion Lewis, 3 years, $13,500,000 (3.5M/4.5M/5.5M)
- BUCK Sam Acho, 2 years, $6,000,000 (2.5M/3.5M)
- LB Barkevious Mingo, 2 years, $5,000,000 (2M/3M)
- CB Robert McClain, 2 years, $3,500,000 (1.5M/2M)
- S TJ Ward, 1 year, $3,000,000
- OL Wesley Johnson, 2 years, $2,250,000 (1M/1.25M)
- LB Marquis Flowers, 1 year, $1,750,000
- TE Niles Paul, 1 year, $870,000 MSB

Trade
- Trade down with the Eagles from 1.20 to acquire their 1st, a 4th round pick, and a 2019 4th round pick

Extension
- TE Eric Ebron 5 years, $35,000,000 (3M/7M/7M/9M/9M)

Release
- EDGE Cornelius Washington

Draft
- Rd 1 (from Eagles) --- DL Taven Bryan, Florida
- Rd 2 --- RB Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
- Rd 3 --- BUCK Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
- Rd 4 --- WR DJ Moore, Maryland
- Rd 4 (from Eagles) --- BUCK Jeff Holland, Auburn
- Rd 5 --- CB Heath Harding, Miami (OH)
- Rd 7 --- H-BACK Jaylen Samuels, NC State
- UDFA --- QB Travis Tarnowski, Ashland
- UDFA --- RB Ja’Quan Gardner, Humboldt State
- UDFA --- FB Austin Ramesh, Wisconsin
- UDFA --- WR Sergio Bailey II, Eastern Michigan
- UDFA --- TE Jeb Blazevich, Georgia
- UDFA --- OL Will House, Southern Nazarene
- UDFA --- LB Matthew Oplinger, Yale
- UDFA --- SS Siran Neal, Jacksonville State


Roster

Offense
QB: Matthew Stafford - Jake Rudock - Alex Torgersen - Travis Tarnowski
RB: Rashaad Penny/Ameer Abdullah - Tion Green/Dwayne Washington
COP: Theo Riddick/Dion Lewis - Ja’Quan Gardner
FB: Jaylen Samuels - Austin Ramesh
WR: Marvin Jones - Bradley Marquez - Sergio Bailey II
WR: Kenny Golladay - Andy Jones - Dontez Ford
WR: Golden Tate - TJ Jones - DJ Moore
TE: Eric Ebron - Niles Paul - Brandon Barnes
TE: Michael Roberts - Darren Fells - Hakeem Valles - Jeb Blazevich

LT: Taylor Decker - Brian Mihalik
LG: Andrew Norwell - Will House
C: Graham Glasgow - Wesley Johnson - Leo Koloamatangi
RG: TJ Lang - Joe Dahl - Emmett Cleary
RT: Rick Wagner - Corey Robinson - Dan Skipper

Defense
DE: Ezekiel Ansah/Kerry Hyder - Anthony Zettel - Jeremiah Valoaga - Alex Barrett
NT: A’Shawn Robinson - Akeem Spence - Jeremiah Ledbetter - Rodney Coe - Toby Johnson
UT: Haloti Ngata - Taven Bryan - Christian Ringo - Jordan Hill
BUCK: Sam Acho - Lorenzo Carter - Jeff Holland - Cam Johnson

WLB: Jalen Reeves-Maybin/Marquis Flowers - Steve Longa
MLB: Jarrad Davis - Nick Bellore - Brandon Chubb
SLB: Nigel Bradham - Barkevious Mingo - Matthew Oplinger

RCB: Teez Tabor/Nevin Lawson - Des Lawrence
FS: Glover Quin - Don Carey - Stefan McClure
SS: Quandre Diggs - Charles Washington - Siran Neal
NS: Miles Killebrew/TJ Ward - Rolan Milligan
NCB: Robert McClain - Jamal Agnew
LCB: Darius Slay - Heath Harding - Adairius Barnes

Special Teams
K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Martin - Kasey Redfern
LS: Don Muhlbach
KR: Dion Lewis
PR: Jamal Agnew


Salary Cap

Estimated Salary Cap: $178,000,000
Roll-over Cap: $7,312,612
Adjusted Salary Cap: $185,312,612
1. Matthew Stafford ----- $26,500,000
2. Ezekiel Ansah ----- $17,700,000
3. TJ Lang ----- $10,869,791
4. Golden Tate ----- $9,351,250
5. Marvin Jones ----- $8,600,000
6. Andrew Norwell ----- $8,000,000
7. Glover Quin ----- $6,516,666
8. Darius Slay ----- $6,126,269
9. Rick Wagner ----- $5,900,000
10. Haloti Ngata ----- $5,500,000
11. Nigel Bradham --- $5,000,000
12. Nevin Lawson ----- $4,250,000
13. Theo Riddick ----- $3,887,500
14. Akeem Spence ----- $3,500,000
15. Dion Lewis ----- $3,500,000
16. Matt Prater ----- $3,200,000
17. Eric Ebron ----- $3,000,000
18. TJ Ward ----- $3,000,000
19. Taylor Decker ----- $2,990,994
20. Sam Martin ----- $2,925,000
21. Sam Acho ----- $2,500,000
22. Jarrad Davis ----- $2,492,995
23. Taven Bryan ----- ~$2,400,000
24. Barkevious Mingo ----- $2,000,000
25. Marquis Flowers ----- $1,750,000
26. Robert McClain ----- $1,500,000
27. Darren Fells ----- $1,500,000
28. TJ Jones ----- $1,500,000
29. A’Shawn Robinson ----- $1,427,355
30. Ameer Abdullah ----- $1,322,405
31. Rashaad Penny ----- ~$1,100,000
32. Teez Tabor ----- $1,096,131
33. Wesley Johnson ----- $1,000,000
34. Graham Glasgow ----- $809,855
35. Miles Killebrew ----- $774,641
36. Kenny Golladay ----- $765,706
37. Lorenzo Carter ----- ~$750,000
38. Quandre Diggs ----- $733,838
39. Corey Robinson ----- $719,477
40. Don Muhlbach ----- $710,000
41. Don Carey ----- $710,000
42. Nick Bellore ----- $710,000
43. Jordan Hill ----- $710,000
44. Niles Paul ----- $710,000
45. Jalen Reeves-Maybin ----- $709,721
46. Michael Roberts ----- $705,784
47. Emmett Cleary ----- $705,000
48. Bradley Marquez ----- $705,000
49. DJ Moore ----- ~$700,000
50. Jeff Holland ----- ~$700,000
51. Joe Dahl ----- $691,478
_________________________________________________________________________
52. Anthony Zettel ----- $660,930
53. Dwayne Washington ----- $648,941
54. Brian Mihalik ----- $630,000
55. Jake Rudock ----- $630,000
56. Christian Ringo ----- $630,000
57. Cam Johnson ----- $630,000
58. Jamal Agnew ----- $619,591
59. Jeremiah Ledbetter ----- $591,040
60. Heath Harding ----- ~$590,000
61. Tion Green ----- $555,666
62. Des Lawrence ----- $555,666
63. Kerry Hyder ----- $555,000
64. Steve Longa ----- $555,000
65. Toby Johnson ----- $555,000
66. Andy Jones ----- $555,000
67. Charles Washington ----- $555,000
68. Hakeem Valles ----- $555,000
69. Jaylen Samuels ----- ~$500,000
70. Brandon Chubb ----- $480,000
71. Brandon Barnes ----- $480,000
72. Alex Torgersen ----- $480,000
73. Adairius Barnes ----- $480,000
74. Jeremiah Valoaga ----- $480,000
75. Alex Barrett ----- $480,000
76. Rolan Milligan ----- $480,000
77. Stefan McClure ----- $480,000
78. Dontez Ford ----- $480,000
79. Dan Skipper ----- $480,000
80. Leo Koloamatangi ----- $480,000
81. Kasey Redfern ----- $480,000
82. Rodney Coe ----- $480,000
83. Travis Tarnowski ----- $480,000
84. Ja’Quan Gardner ----- $480,000
85. Austin Ramesh ----- $480,000
86. Sergio Bailey II ----- $480,000
87. Jeb Blazevich ----- $480,000
88. Will House ----- $480,000
89. Matthew Oplinger ----- $480,000
90. Siran Neal ----- $480,000

Adjusted Salary Cap: $185,312,612
Top 51 Spending: $171,426,856
Dead Cap: $7,128,790
Spending: $178,555,646
Cap Space: $6,756,966

[Superduperman]

Very solid all around. Like Bryan. Like Carter. Like drafting a combo of UT and standup rusher in the early rounds.

I don't know if TJ Ward makes great sense, haven't seen him in recent times enough to know what he still offers. Bringing back Wilson might be a decent move instead. Also, using a 4th rounder on a WR seems mildly unnecessary, especially since Billingsley isn't accounted for at all in this mock. You could use that pick to take a shot at a mid-round tackle instead and maybe improve depth there. But those are nitpicks, good effort overall

 

Oh i notice you didn't address the coaching staff though

[IDOG_det]

3 hours ago, Superduperman said:

Very solid all around. Like Bryan. Like Carter. Like drafting a combo of UT and standup rusher in the early rounds.

I don't know if TJ Ward makes great sense, haven't seen him in recent times enough to know what he still offers. Bringing back Wilson might be a decent move instead. Also, using a 4th rounder on a WR seems mildly unnecessary, especially since Billingsley isn't accounted for at all in this mock. You could use that pick to take a shot at a mid-round tackle instead and maybe improve depth there. But those are nitpicks, good effort overall

 

Oh i notice you didn't address the coaching staff though

I didn't address the coaching staff because that stuff will take care of itself in the next few weeks, but really I don't see them ending up with anyone other than Matt Patricia or Mike Vrabel. Plus the new head coach will have to decide who to keep and who to fire and I really have no idea what a new coach might think, so it's really hard to project that.

TJ Ward is more or less there for what he can teach to Miles Killebrew (similar to how they brought in Freeney at the end of this year). Ward was one of the best "enforcer" type safeties that played more of a glorified nickel linebacker position, which is really what Killebrew plays as the 3rd safety in this defense. Killebrew has been solid, but pairing him with a vet like Ward could take him to the next level. Glover Quin has been good for teaching the young guys in the secondary as well, but the role Killebrew plays is a little bit different than what Quin really specializes in. Ward probably won't stay with the Bucs since they like Justin Evans and Chris Conte there and they also might re-sign Keith Tandy who has been an okay player for them. Ward isn't the top end safety he was a few years ago, but he's still a solid tackler, big hitter, and good veteran presence in the locker room so the $3 million for him really isn't a bad deal at all. I would be open to having Tavon Wilson back, but he may not want to go from starting safety to 4th safety (and really with Don Carey being the ST player he is Wilson would be the least most important safety on the roster).

I didn't account for Jace Billingsley on purpose actually. I didn't see him under contract for 2018 on any of the tracking websites and Tim Twentyman didn't include him in the list of free agents for the Lions this offseason. I don't know if he signed a futures/reserves contract elsewhere or what, but I purposely didn't include him until I figure out why he isn't being accounted for as a free agent or as under contract in 2018. I thought it was important to use a draft pick at WR for the depth of the team, to create competition for TJ Jones, and also because Golden Tate's contract is expiring next offseason. While I'd want Golden Tate back on a shorter deal, the truth is he's getting close to the age where WR's start to fall off and WR contracts are growing very rapidly. Bob Quinn comes from New Engalnd where they notoriously send off veteran players right before they get old and fall off. I could see them taking a similar approach here. Marvin Jones is signed for a while, Kenny Golladay is signed for a while, TJ Jones should always be available on a cheap contract, and Golden Tate has an expiring contract after this season. To me, it makes sense to draft a WR in the mid rounds as a "replacement" for Tate as the slot WR in this offense. If the rookie looks good, then you can let Tate walk and still have a cheap, young WR corps. If the rookie doesn't replace him immediately, then you try to re-sign Tate on a short deal until the young WR can take over (or until another good one comes along). The 4th round WR really is just for depth and insurance in case Tate walks next year to go get himself a giant contract out in free agency.

I really don't see the need to add another tackle unless it's a UDFA type player or something. Taylor Decker is obviously a very good LT and has that position set for a long time. Rick Wagner should be a very good RT with a competent OL coach in place, so RT is should be set for the next few years. At the backup spots I really like Brian Mihalik and Corey Robinson. Mihalik is still learning how to play offensive line after moving over from defensive line but he already looks like a real solid player. He wasn't as good when forced to play on the right side but that should be expected since he hasn't even fully learned how to play on the left side yet. Mihalik is pretty set as this teams backup LT in my opinion, he did a solid job when he was called  upon this year and should only get better. I think he's got the potential to be a start in this league taking a similar career path to Alejandro Villanueva. Corey Robinson was also pretty decent when he filled in at RT and wasn't terrible when he filled in at RG. Robinson should be a solid backup for the right side of the line.

[SimbaWho]

Very nice, as usual.

I really like the first three picks. They just gel in nicely with what you did in the offseason, the transition on the defense is nice using new players effectively and not taking guys out of roles they currently have, and Penny does give the boost we still need on offense in the run game. The Norwell signing is big money but, it's not like we don't know we need a LG or help along the line and imo he's the big fish available this year, works well with getting a new running back. He's a great run blocker and from things I've seen from him he moves well in space for a guard.

I like the defensive overhaul... I do, just I'm having a hard time following what they're trying to do on defense other than be really flexible. The personnel above Lions could do some really imaginative things on defense but honestly I'm not sure they'd do one thing really well.

Can't complain really though, I'd be really satisfied if this is how our offseason shaped up.

[Rockcity2]

Well definitely not a bpa approach 

Penny as a top 50 player.. 

Only reason I'm commenting is bc I do like Bryan 

Also can't believe your counting on killibrew..

Also bet neal is drafted

[Karnage84]

For your projection of the trade down, who does Philly trade up for?

[Karnage84]

There's a lot to like in this.

I like the double whammy of a FA RB and a guy that was drafted. My only bone of contention is that Riddick is our primary 3rd down/COP back. Dion Lewis doesn't really bring anything to the table Riddick can't do. He'd probably wind up replacing Abdullah's role.

I like Moore in the 4th. The trade down netted us additional picks. This is a good plan for the future. I've looked at Moore as a viable replacement for Tate as well. I've seen him projected in 1st and 2nd round as well as 4th and 5th round. I love Tate but his contract is going to get a bit heavy and sooner than later he'll start to wind down.

I know the Patriots focus more on the front seven, but I'd like to see us find a reliable option opposite of Slay. I'm not convinced that we can rely on Tabor just yet. It's not like he had a Lattimore/White type of rookie season and is a lock.

Last thing - I don't see the deal Ebron is signed for. Zeke is on the FT; Ngata is signed but I don't see anything for EE.

[lioneye22]

Seems pretty solid.  You forgot McClain in your depth chart.  I assume he's your other starter opposite Slay.  I'd resign Whitehead unless he wants huge money.  Rather keep Hayden over Lawson and Tavon Wilson over Ward.   I think  the Lions have picked Ebron's 5 th yr option, that gives Quinn one more to see if he continues to improve.  Would rather see another OL or LB in the 4th rather than Moore.  Overall it looks good.  Like Penney in the 2nd a lot ( hopefully, he's there)

[flyguy1609]

very nicely done, it shows you took your time. my only complaint about the mock is trading with the eagles they don't have a 2(wentz deal) or 3(the bills trade before the season), I don't think they would trade up. it prob be more realistic if it was the Pats trading up since they got the extra 2 from the 9ers.

[diehardlionfan]

You’ve put a tremendous amount of work into this. I really appreciate that.

i really like the Norwell signing. 

Im glad to see Mihalik get some positive attention. His play, given his experience level, was a huge positive from this season. I agree that he looks like a potential starter in the future. 

I like the tag on Ansah. His injuries have been frustrating but his talent, when healthy, is ridiculous. I think he has to be brought back to see if he can stay healthy.

Glad to see Ngata back. His presence was sorely missed once he was injured.

I like the Ward signing and I think with the additions in the secondary they could be a very formidable group especially if the dline can pressure the QB. I can appreciate all the work with linebackers but I would be more comfortable if there was another asset invested at DE.  I’m sure you’ve satisfied your concerns about pass rush with the players brought in to play Buck. I have to defer to you because you’ve obviously given a great deal of thought to this.

Why so many TE’s? 

Overall an impressive complete mock that represents a great deal of effort.