Tag: Leki Fotu

Prospect for the Pack: Utah DL Leki Fotu

Breaking down the draft profile of Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.

The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.

Up next is Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu:

What he can do

– Absolute unit. 6-5, 330. Has length (arms over 34″), thickness in arms and the lower half and huge hands. Just a massive human being

– Surprisingly agile for his size. Can really shoot off the ball

– Has the frame and strength to be a two-gapping run-stopper, certainly at the nose but possibly at defensive end in the three-man front

– Big, powerful hands and arms give him ability to lock out blockers, find the ball and shed

– Needs to play lower and make sure he’s rooted to the ground against double teams

– Teammate helper. Wants to take on blocks and clear alleyways for others to make plays

– Will chase down plays laterally, and looks really quick and athletic doing it

– Might only be a two-down player at the next level. Doesn’t have much pass-rushing juice. Can jolt a blocker off the ball and begin collapsing pocket, but isn’t a refined rusher technique-wise and didn’t always finish

– Flashed an intriguing arm-over swim move that worked on occasion. Much more effective as a rusher in 2018 over 2019

– Looked best when he fired off the ball and used his power and length to manhandle one-on-one blocks

– Way too many plays that ended in nothing more than a stalemate. Rarely dominated

– Wasn’t a full-time player and didn’t produce huge numbers. Finished with 14.5 tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks over final two seasons

How he fits

Fotu’s combination of size, power and quickness could make him an intriguing addition to the Packers defensive line, even if his pass-rushing ability is limited at this point in his development. The Packers line probably needs more overall size and run-stopping ability. He’d be even more appealing if the Packers thought he could play on the nose and some at the five technique, adding versatility and increasing his chances of impacting the defense next to Kenny Clark. Mike Pettine likes to play light behind the defensive line, making block-eaters like Fotu more valuable. He will demand respect at the line of scrimmage. The Packers met with Fotu before the draft.

NFL comp

Some similarities coming out of college with Chicago Bears defensive lineman Eddie Goldman. Like Goldman, Fotu is a massive lineman with the physical traits to dominate against the run and flash as a rusher. NFL.com likes former Packers defensive lineman Mike Pennel as a comp.

Where Packers could get him

Projections on Fotu range, but most have him as a third- or fourth-round pick if the medicals check out. The Packers have one of the last picks in the third round and could entertain taking him there. Anytime on Day 3 could be good value.

Previous Prospects for the Pack

WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott
DB K’Von Wallace
WR Bryan Edwards
DL Ross Blacklock
LB Logan Wilson
DL Justin Madubuike
RB Cam Akers
LB Malik Harrison
RB Darrynton Evans
WR Lynn Bowden Jr. 
WR Gabriel Davis
LB Josh Uche
CB Trevon Diggs
DB Terrell Burgess
OLB Terrell Lewis
CB A.J. Terrell
WR Quintez Cephus
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
QB Jalen Hurts
WR Tyler Johnson
IOL Cesar Ruiz
DB Ashtyn Davis
WR Quez Watkins
OT Ben Bartch
IOL Matt Hennessy
WR Isaiah Coulter
RB J.K. Dobbins
OT Lucas Niang
RB A.J. Dillon
TE Dalton Keene
DL Jason Strowbridge
TE Adam Trautman
WR Joe Reed
CB Michael Ojemudia
RB D’Andre Swift

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Scouting breakdown: The 11 best interior defensive linemen in the 2020 NFL draft

Javon Kinlaw and Derrick Brown are certainly names to know, but who are the other top interior defensive linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft?

Up next in Touchdown Wire’s position-by-position look at the top prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft is the interior defensive line. While EDGE players get the bulk of attention during draft season, this year’s interior DL class has some impressive players who are getting more first round buzz than some of the outside pass rushers. Both Javon Kinlaw and Derrick Brown are considered to be first-round locks, and some view players like Jordan Elliott and Ross Blacklock to be potential early picks as well. How does this group stack up?

1. Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

Height: 6’6″ Weight: 302
40-Yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Bio: Javon Kinlaw chose the junior college route coming out of Goose Creek High School in South Carolina, enrolling at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. During the 2016 season, he was a standout at defensive tackle, who was named a second-team All-America selection, a first-team All-Region 23 selection, and the MACJC South Division’s Most Valuable Defensive Lineman when he tallied 26 tackles (including 8.5 for a loss) and 4.5 sacks.

He committed to South Carolina for the 2017, and made 10 starts his first year on campus. He took on an increased role for the Gamecocks over the past two seasons, and had a career-year as a senior in 2019. He posted seven sacks and 26 quarterback hurries. Kinlaw rode that production to a spot in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, where it was apparently early on that he was arguably the best non-quarterback in attendance.

Stat to Know: According to charting data, Kinlaw was second among interior defensive lineman with a pass-rush win rate of 18.1%.

Strengths: Kinlaw explodes off the snap. Simply turn on South Carolina’s game against Alabama and you will see his burst off the line from the opening play of the game. He plays with incredible pad level, but it is his first step that attacks gaps and threatens the structural integrity of the offensive line from the second plays begin. Kinlaw commands double-team blocks in the run game, and constantly frees up those around him to flow to the football and make plays. He also brings incredible lateral agility to the table, and is going to be a problem against zone running plays, and you can imagine how a creative defensive coordinator could employ him in the stunt and twist game.

As a pass rusher, his ability to convert strength to power as well as his bull rush move might be unparalleled in this class. His hands are constantly moving, forcing blockers to counter and second-guess their own actions. Proponents of the concept that “pressure equals production” are going to enjoy seeing plays like this against North Carolina:

If your interior defensive lineman is going to get double-teamed when the QB drops to pass, you’ll love seeing him fight through the first blocker with violent hands, spin into the second blocker and manage to drive him backward – initially with his back – and still get the QB to move off his spot. Leading to a big sack from the defensive end, left isolated with the right tackle. Pressure equals production.

Weaknesses: Kinlaw often loses track of the play and gets caught peeking into the backfield, which leads to him missing some misdirection plays and running away from the football. He has tremendous hands, but relies on his bull rush too much as a pass rusher. You can see evidence – such as in the above video – of him having other options in his tool kit as a pass rusher but he relies on the bull rush far too much to be a complete player right now.

Conclusion: Kinlaw’s length and size cannot be taught, nor can his explosiveness. This is a tremendous foundation for a disruptive force on the interior of NFL defensive lines. His explosiveness, coupled with that hand work he has developed to date, is enough to make him productive as a rookie. What he learns along the way is can make him special.

Comparison: Retired NFL defensive end Stephen White, in this meaty breakdown of Kinlaw, compared him to current Chicago Bears’ defender Roy Robertson-Harris. This makes a ton of sense, as Robertson-Harris began as an edge rusher before moving inside, and Kinlaw’s disruptive ability on the interior compares to the finished product that Robertson-Harris is now.

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Leki Fotu believes he will be ‘a lot more disruptive’ than rest of DL class in draft

He feels he has untapped pass-rushing upside in the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals have some interest in Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu in the NFL draft. We know this because they have had contact with him and intended on bringing him out to Arizona for one of the 30 official visits they are allowed. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that contact was limited to over the phone.

While there are a couple of highly touted defensive linemen who could be in play for the Cardinals in the first round — Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw — Fotu is an intriguing prospect because of the potential value.

He is a huge human being at 6-5, 330 pounds and he can move. He ran the 40 at the combine in 5.15 seconds despite tweaking his hamstring when he did it.

He believes he has untapped potential. Known as a run stopper, he believes he can be a good pass rusher.

“I’m currently more comfortable in the run game, but I know the type of player that I truly am, and I know what I can bring to the table as a pass rusher,” he said in an interview with Draft Wire’s Justin Melo. “My potential as a pass rusher hasn’t been fully realized as of right now. I know that I can be a great pass rusher.”

He says he was not asked to do much in terms of rushing the passer.

“I was able to take on those double teams and free up my teammates behind me to make plays,” he said. “I was taking up blocks and putting them in 1-on-1 situations. I would have loved to have had more 1-on-1 opportunities myself, but that’s not what the job entailed. That’s not what was asked of me. I feel like I did my job at an extremely high level.”

He believes he can be very good in the right situation in the NFL.

“I know that if I land with the right team and the right coaching staff, we can continue to develop my skills as a pass rusher,” he said. “I have a lot of untapped potential in that area. I feel like I’m gonna be a lot more disruptive than anyone else in this defensive tackle class.”

He would be a slam dunk of a pick if he is available when the Cardinals make their third-round selection.

Instead of Derrick Brown in the first round, Fotu in the third would be a steal.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 263

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Ep. 262

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Meet Leki Fotu, the gridiron pride of Tonga

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Utah defensive line prospect Leki Fotu

Many athletes play their sport not just for themselves, but for their family, their culture, something bigger.

You can count Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu among them.

A former rugby player who takes great pride in his heritage and culture, Fotu recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his transition from the rugby pitch to the football field, why his culture is so important to him, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.

JM: Tell me about your transition from rugby to football. Was that a tough transition?

LF: When we first moved out here to Utah, that’s when I started playing football a little more consistently. My mom and I sat down and we had an honest conversation about my future. At the end of the day, football was the sport that I could make a real career out of. I continued to play rugby all throughout high school. I was playing both sports at the same time. Once I went back to football, I fell in love with the game. I’ve been playing it ever since.

JM: As a football player, things really started to click for you as a junior at Utah. What changed for you at that point?

LF: My first two years at Utah can really be classified as learning experiences. I spent a lot of that time learning and developing. I played defensive end in high school at a much lighter weight than I am now. At Utah, I immediately moved inside to play defensive tackle. I spent time putting on weight and learning a new position. The transition really started to pay off during that junior year. That’s when I really started to see a future for myself in football. I realized that I really had some potential.

I spent those first two years laying down the foundation to become the player that I am today. It started to happen for me during my junior year. I came back for my senior season not only to improve my draft stock, but to show NFL teams that I can play football at the highest level.

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What can you tell me about your background? I know that you’re very proud of your culture.

LF: Both of my parents are from the island of Tonga. I was born and raised in Oakland. I take so much pride in my culture. It’s who I am. It’s how my parents raised me. It plays a big part in my daily life and overall routine. It plays a big role on the field as well. When I’m out there, I feel like I’m playing for my entire family, our culture and everybody back home on the island of Tonga. I know that I have all of their support. When I put that jersey on, it’s bigger than me. I’m playing for the name on the front of my jersey, as well as the family name on the back.

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

LF: I had a great experience at the combine. I got a chance to speak with all 32 teams, whether formally or informally. Despite what happened with my hamstring during the 40-yard dash, I was still thankful to meet all of the coaches who took time out to get to know me. It was a really good experience for me. Being around all of the other athletes at the combine was a fun time. It was nice to meet all of the other players within my position group. I spent some time talking to those guys, getting to know them a little bit. The whole process was really great. I don’t have any complaints about my personal experience.

JM: How’s your hamstring feeling now?

LF: My hammy is good. I’ve been doing a lot of treatment. I’m still working out and staying in great shape. Whenever my number gets called, I’ll be ready to go. We were supposed to have our pro day this week (March 26th). I feel like I would have been able to do everything out there. I’m just working out and staying in shape. I’ll be ready to go.

JM: Of course, the pro day was canceled due to COVID-19. Were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the shutdown?

LF: I was able to get one in before the spread of the virus got out of hand. I had multiple visits planned for after the pro day that obviously need to be re-worked now. We’ve been moving everything to the phone lines. We’re trying our best to make it work. All we can do is make the best of this situation. We’re still speaking with different teams weekly.

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

JM: That meeting you were able to get in before the shutdown, who was that with?

LF: I made a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a top-30 visit. I didn’t work out for them.

JM: You mentioned moving everything to the phone lines. Which teams did you have private visits scheduled with that you now have to conduct via telephone?

LF: I’ve spoken to a few teams already. Some of those meetings have already taken place via FaceTime and what not. I had a few other top-30 visits scheduled with the Seahawks, Rams, Broncos, Chargers and Cardinals. Those were some of the teams that were planning to fly me out to them after the pro day. There’s a new way that we’re doing things now. I’ll be speaking to them via telephone or FaceTime.

JM: Are you more comfortable as a pass rusher or run stopper at this point in time?

LF: This is a question that I’ve been asked by a lot of coaches. I’m currently more comfortable in the run game, but I know the type of player that I truly am, and I know what I can bring to the table as a pass rusher. My potential as a pass rusher hasn’t been fully realized as of right now. I know that I can be a great pass rusher.

Despite what my film shows, I know I can be as disruptive in the passing game as any other defensive tackle in this draft class. The way our scheme was set up at Utah and the job that they asked of me, it didn’t really exploit my potential as a pass rusher. I feel very confident in the run game, and I’m excited to continue to develop my skills as a pass rusher.

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

JM: Generally speaking, just because a player didn’t do something doesn’t mean that he can’t do it. For all we know, your coaches at Utah asked you to eat up space as a big body in the middle.

LF: Yes sir, that’s exactly it. That’s basically what I’ve been explaining to coaches when that gets brought up in one of my meetings. The way the game is played right now, everybody is looking for those interior pass rushers. I understand that. My experience at Utah, I feel like the way opposing offenses game-planned for me played a huge role. I was able to take on those double teams and free up my teammates behind me to make plays. I was taking up blocks and putting them in 1-on-1 situations. I would have loved to have had more 1-on-1 opportunities myself, but that’s not what the job entailed. That’s not what was asked of me. I feel like I did my job at an extremely high level.

As for what’s next, I know that if I land with the right team and the right coaching staff, we can continue to develop my skills as a pass rusher. I have a lot of untapped potential in that area. I feel like I’m gonna be a lot more disruptive than anyone else in this defensive tackle class.

JM: What kind of impact is Leki Fotu going to make at the next level?

LF: I’m excited to make a huge impact at the next level. Whichever team drafts me, their defensive line just got a whole lot bigger (laughs). I’m a big man that plays the defensive tackle position at a high level. You don’t really see a defensive tackle with my movement skills come around too often. I have a lot of confidence in my game. I’m gonna do my job and make my mark felt at the next level.

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Texans meet virtually with former Utah DT Leki Fotu

The Houston Texans have met virtually with former Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu as they look to replace D.J. Reader.

The Houston Texans continue their draft “visits” via their cell phones with Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu one of the latest to add to the list.

The 6-5, 330-pound former U.S. National rugby player, Fotu is a surprisingly agile player for his size. Named first-team All-Pac 12 after both of his final two seasons with the Utes, these were the only seasons in which he was actually named the starter after coming to the game relatively late in life.

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Fotu would need some refinement and likely wouldn’t be a day one starter, but his excellent size and strength, along with his clear coachability make him an extremely intriguing prospect.

The Texans are left with a big hole to fill up front after the departure of D.J. Reader to the Cincinnati Bengals in this year’s free agency. Currently, Brandon Dunn, Carlos Watkins, and the incumbent Tim Jernigan the options to replace the NFL’s now highest-paid nose tackle. Fotu is an option to sit behind the likes of Jernigan this season and develop as Reader did with Vince Wilfork.

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Saints among a crowd of NFL teams reaching out to big Utah defensive tackle

More than half of the teams in the NFL have reportedly reached out to Utah draft prospect Leki Fotu, including the New Orleans Saints.

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While prospects at linebacker, wide receiver, and cornerback have been dominating the latest mock drafts, the New Orleans Saints might be preparing to throw everyone a curve ball by picking a defensive tackle early in this year’s NFL draft. Utah Utes big man Leki Fotu is the latest interior lineman to be connected to the Saints, who previously interviewed Texas A&M prospect Justin Madubuike.

The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid reported that the Saints are among a crowd of 18 different NFL teams to have contacted Fotu, along with possible draft fits like the Seattle Seahawks, as well as the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.

Widely considered a top-100 option in the 2020 draft class, Fotu would probably be under consideration when the Saints are on the clock at No. 88 — late in the third round. But if his meeting with the team went well, they could target him in a trade up the board, as they back in 2016 (acquiring David Onyemata, who signed a three-year contract extension earlier this offseason).

So what’s spurred the interest in Fotu? He’s an impressive athlete for the position, with his rugby background showing up in some nice movement skills. He timed the 40-yard dash in just 5.15 seconds at the NFL combine; a blazing mark for a 6-foot-5, 330-pounder. He started two years at Utah as a head-over-center nose tackle, notching 17 tackles for loss in his college career, and did a great job occupying blockers so his teammates could knife through gaps at the line of scrimmage.

However, the Saints’ interest in him is probably just cursory. Fotu wasn’t cleared to participate in this year’s Senior Bowl after initial physicals, and he didn’t finish combine athletic testing due to a hamstring issue. The Saints could have simply been doing their diligence to ask some pertinent questions about his medical history.

Besides that, his first-year fit in New Orleans is tough to nail down. Fotu would back up Malcom Brown (who saw just 31 snaps per game last year) at nose tackle. He lacks the pass-rushing skills or sleeker build to line up as a three-technique lineman, bullying guards with speed off the snap much like Onyemata, standout rookie Shy Tuttle, and former first-round pick Sheldon Rankins thrive in doing. The Saints could view Fotu as an upgrade over reserve nose tackle Taylor Stallworth (who spent most of the 2019 season on the practice squad), but is that really a spot they should prioritize so early in the draft?

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Packers meeting virtually with Utah DT Leki Fotu

The Packers have met or will meet virtually with Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu, a prospect in the 2020 draft.

A massive defensive line prospect has met or will meet with the Green Bay Packers before the 2020 NFL draft.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Packers are one of 17 teams that will meet virtually with Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu.

Fotu, who stands 6-5 and weighs 330 pounds, was a two-time first-team All-Pac 12 selection (2018, 2019). He produced 18 tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks over 45 games and 28 starts.

At the combine, Fotu benched pressed 225 pounds 21 times and finished the 40-yard dash in 5.15 seconds.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic sees Fotu as a third- or fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft. He described the Utah star as a “rare athlete for his size” with a “unique skill set” and the potential to be a “productive NFL gap plugger.”

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Fotu to former Packers defensive lineman Mike Pennel, who just won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Both evaluators lack confidence in Fotu’s ability to impact the game as a rusher at the next level.

The Packers do have a need for better two-gapping players along the defensive line. Fotu did the majority of his work at the collegiate level as a nose guard, but his length and power suggest the possibility of value at the five-tech position.

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Seahawks held video conference call with Utah DT Leki Fotu

The Seattle Seahawks held a video conference with Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu ahead of the 2020 NFL draft.

The Seattle Seahawks, just like the rest of the NFL, are forced to hold their pre draft ‘visits’ with draft-eligible prospects via video conference, thanks to the global pandemic sweeping the country.

While it’s by no means the ideal way to get a sense of a player’s ability to help your team, it at least allows teams to meet players face-to-face, so to speak, and to ask their questions.

The lack of in-person meetings has made it harder to surmise which prospects the Seahawks have actually interacted with, and with just 16 days until the NFL draft the team has managed to keep most of their video conference calls a secret.

One call that we do know the Seahawks made is with Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu, who has now had calls with 17 teams, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

The Seahawks are no strangers to snagging defensive players from the University of Utah, drafting both Marquise Blair and Cody Barton last year.

Fotu is a good fit for Carroll’s 4-3 defensive front, with most scouts believing his best chance of success in the NFL will be as a two-gap nose tackle.

Fotu isn’t much of a pass rusher, but Seattle needs more interior defensive linemen and adding Fotu in the middle round could be just what they need up front.

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#OnePride 2020 Lions Fan Mock Draft 5.0

This is the fifth edition of Lions Wire’s facilitated #OnePride 2020 Lions Fan Mock Draft, where we present the options and fans vote the pick.

Using the Draft Network‘s Mock Draft simulator, we at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base four options in each round and allowed them to vote on who they would like the team to pick. After making their selection, the simulator picks for the other 31 teams and then the Lions’ fans are back on the clock for another selection.

For clarification, the four best players are selected by a Lions Wire staff editor/writer, but Lions Wire doesn’t vote — unless there is a tie — or influence the voting. Additionally, Lions Wire is not ranking the players where or when they are available — the simulator makes those decisions. We only offer up the best options.

Lions trade out of pick No. 3

With Joe Burrow (QB, LSU) and Chase Young (EDGE, OSU) being selected with the first two picks, Lions fans opted to trade out of the third spot and found a partner in the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers selected Tua Tagovailova (QB, Alabama) with pick No. 3 and gave the Lions pick No. 6 overall, pick No. 37 in the second round, and pick No. 112 in the fourth round. There would likely also be a 2021 Day 2 pick added into the deal, but for the purposes of this exercise, which 2021 pick was not clarified.

Here’s what the Lions did with their picks in the 2020 draft.

Round 1, Pick 6: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

With every day that passes the Lions and Okudah appear to be a match made in heaven. Fans took a gamble he would still be on the board at pick No. 6, but by trading down three spots and assuming two quarterbacks would be selected — which they were — they only needed for him to fall past the Giants.

Erik’s take: I believe the Lions would consider trading down to six, but not much further because Okudah is their target. I could also see them sit tight at three and take Okudah there — that’s how important he is to them.

Round 2, Pick 35: A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa

A top-15 talent entering the Combine, Epenesa’s underwhelming performance caused many draft evaluators to drop him down their boards. If he falls to pick No. 35, expect the Lions to run to the podium — metaphorically — as he is a perfect fit for their scheme and can play at down defensive end, as well as inside at the 3-technique. At 6-5, 271 pounds, he is a bigger version of Trey Flowers.

Erik’s take: This is a no brainer pick, as I believe he could be a Top-10 player on the Lions’ internal draft board.

Round 2, Pick 37: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

The Lions went to Wisconsin’s Pro Day — remember those — and running backs coach Kyle Caskey put Taylor through drills illustrating their interest in the 226-pound bruiser. Taylor put on an athletic show at the Combine and was one of three running backs in this draft class to check all the athletic boxes the Lions look for in a running back.

Erik’s take: The fit is excellent and he gives the Lions a legit durable option in the backfield — but I have a hard time justifying taking a running back in the second round. Again.

Round 3, Pick, 67: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Terrific value at the top of the third round, Aiyuk can be an instant contributor in 2020 with a high enough ceiling to claim a starting role in 2021 — either replacing Marvin Jones on the outside or Danny Amendola in the slot.

Erik’s take: Love it.

Round 3, Pick, 85: Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah

While Epenesa fills a void at down defensive end and 3-technique, Anae would likely fill a role rotating between the JACK linebacker and down defensive end spot.

Erik’s take: I am a big fan of Anae, but this would’ve been the spot to snag a guard for me. I would have grabbed Ben Bartch here and gambled Anae was there 24 picks later.

Round 4, Pick 109: Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin

Biadasz hs 41 games starting experience at center for the Badgers but the Lions would be hoping for him to make a Frank Ragnow-like transition to right guard in his first year. He’s not a plug-and-play option but he may be the best option they currently have on this roster.

Erik’s take: In the poll, I also included Washington’s Nick Harris who was with the Lions coaching staff at the senior bowl. I have both Harris and Biadasz in the same tier on my personal draft board, but Harris a tick higher and I would’ve preferred him here.

Round 4, Pick 112: Leki Fotu, NT, Utah

The Lions add their first pure defensive tackle here in the fourth. Fotu is a stout nose tackle who can also see reps at the 3-technique. He is a perfect scheme fit with the upside to develop into a steady contributor.

Erik’s take: Big fan of Fotu and this is the right spot to grab him, but I also would have been fine with the Lions’ fans drafting back-to-back guards and taking Harris, who was still on the board.

Round 5, Pick 149: Devin Duvernay, Slot, Texas

Duvernay is a 4.39 slot receiver who can go over the middle and stretch the field deep. Highly productive in college, his ability to play a variety of roles at the next level is very appealing for a fifth-rounder.

Erik’s take: Really like the upside of Duvernay here, but don’t be surprised if this is where the Lions draft a punter — this is the exact pick where the Seahawks selected Michael Dickson in 2018.

Round 5, Pick 166: Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M

17 picks later and the Lions land their punter of the future. Mann is a complete player who can hit it deep, put air under the ball, drop it inside the 20-yard line with consistency, and handle kickoff duties.

Erik’s take: A Mann-Lions marriage has been anticipated since the Senior Bowl.

Round 6, Pick 182: Raequan Williams, DT, Michigan State

At this point in the draft, Lions fans were looking for depth players who possess enough upside to potentially knock off a player at an already established position. Williams is someone the Lions have kept tabs on the past few years and would put John Atkins and Kevin Strong on notice.

Erik’s take: Boise State wide receiver John Hightower received the fewest votes in this round but he would’ve been my pick despite already drafting Aiyuk and Duvernay. A pure vertical threat, Hightower is a perfect player in Darrell Bevell’s scheme and I expect him to be drafted much sooner than this.

Round 7, Pick 235: Jon Runyan, T/G, Michigan

A two-year starter at left tackle for the Wolverines, Runyan’s future in the NFL has always been at guard. If he ends up on the Lions, expect him to get the Joe Dahl treatment — a swing player who learns multiple positions for the first three years in the league and is a potential starter in year four.

Erik’s take: An underrated athlete who has the upside and NFL bloodlines to get a shot late in the draft and find a home as a reserve early in his career. 

Broncos will have pre-draft call with DL Leki Fotu

The Broncos will have a pre-draft video call with Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu.

The Denver Broncos have scheduled a pre-draft video call with Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu, according to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo.

Fotu (6-5, 330 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 5.15 seconds and bench-pressed 225 pounds 21 times at the combine earlier this offseason. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared Fotu to Mike Pennel, who joined the Green Bay Packers as a college free agent following the 2014 NFL draft.

“His draft value could be capped because he’s an early-down player who offers no real rush value,” Zierlein wrote of Fotu.

Fotu was a run-stuffing nose tackle with the Utes, totaling 81 tackles, four sacks, three pass breakups and three forced fumbles during his final three years at Utah. He is the 13th-best interior defensive lineman in this year’s class, according to Luke Easterling’s post-combine Draft Wire rankings.

Denver placed a second-round tender on nose tackle Mike Purcell earlier this offseason but that’s only a one-year deal and the Broncos will want to have more depth on the defensive line. Fotu will be among the prospects the team will consider during the draft (April 23-25).

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