NFC North Rookie Preview: Detroit Lions (Offense)
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
#70 OT Corey Robinson (South Carolina, 7th round)
This was one of my favorite value picks in the draft. Robinson’s technique is raw, his effort level is inconsistent and his footwork in pass pro was awful at times, but he also has the potential to be an absolute beast if he can put it all together. In the 7th round that’s great value.
Robinson has a massive frame (6’7 | 324) with very long arms (35 5/8″) and is surprisingly athletic for a man his size. He has good lateral agility which combined with his long arms could make him an excellent pass blocker if he can get everything moving in the right direction consistently. At times Robinson put his QB in danger with his inability to handle speed rushers, but occasionally looked like a future All-Pro. Run blocking has never been an issue as Robinson was one of the better run-blocking right tackles in the SEC.
The Lions got a steal in 2013 with undrafted free agent LaAdrian Waddle at right tackle and could have found his backup or eventual replacement in the 7th round of the 2015 draft with Corey Robinson. It’s also possible Robinson could be out of the league in a few years if he can’t clean up his technique. Either way getting a talent with starting potential in the 7th round is good value.
#83 WR Vernon Johnson (Texas A&M/Commerce, UDFA)
Small school sleeper who has NFL size (6’1 | 190) and athleticism (37″ vert, 10’7″ broad, 18 bench reps, 4.53 40-tine), but what really sets Johnson apart is his ability after the catch. He is very shifty, but also has enough power to run through arm tackles. Granted Johnson played against sub-par competition, but he dominated in his 2 seasons (147 catches, 2,608 yards, 25 TDs) which is what you want to see from a small school player.
Johnson has natural hands and is dangerous after the catch. His route running needs work and the jump from DII to the NFL is daunting, but Johnson could contribute right away as a return man after averaging 32.5 yards per return in his college career. The Lions gave Johnson their 3rd highest UDFA signing bonus ($10k) so they are clearly high on his ability.
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
#34 RB Zach Zenner (South Dakota St, UDFA)
2nd round pick Abdullah is getting most of the attention, but Zenner is a legit NFL prospect as well. I had him pegged as a 5th-6th rounder which was inline with where most other sites had Zenner going. He’s a different type of back than Abdullah, more of a 1-cut downhill runner with good bulk (225 pounds) and power. Zenner was ridiculously productive in college with consecutive 2,000+ yard seasons though on the DII level. With 3 solid RBs in front of him (Bell, Abdullah, Riddick) Zenner will need to contribute on special teams to make the roster, but he has too much talent to make it through waivers and is a player that Bears management should keep an eye on if the Lions try to sneak him onto the practice squad.
#74 OG Torrian Wilson (UCF, UDFA)
Protected Blake Bortles blind-side for two seasons before moving inside to guard as a senior. Wilson is a powerful run blocker who struggles when asked to move outside his gap, but is a solid phone-booth blocker. He has a good burst off the line and also anchors well in pass pro. At the Medal of Honor Bowl Wilson was the best interior lineman in practice, dominating in both run and pass drills. I thought Wilson was one of the more underrated guards in the draft and gave him a 6th round grade.
The Lions added talent inside with Tomlinson and Ramirez, but teams can never have enough solid O-linemen. Wilson will compete with fellow UDFA Al Bond for the 4th guard slot. My money is on Wilson and so is the Lions as he got the 2nd highest signing bonus ($11k) off all undrafted free agents.
Next: NFC North Rookie Preview: Green Bay Packers (Offense)