Tag: Malik Harrison

Detroit Lions All-Ohio State University mock draft

With mock drafts coming in left and right, check out this one where we have the Detroit Lions selecting only Ohio State University players

Mock drafts are everywhere right now, and the majority of them have the Detroit Lions taking either Jeffery Okudah, Chase Young, Derrick Brown, or Isaiah Simmons with their first pick.

After a while, the mundanity can set in seeing the same few players getting slated to the Lions, so we at Lions Wire decided to add a twist to traditional mock drafts by introducing a series of mock drafts that select prospects exclusively from one school.

We kicked off things off and visited the University of Michigan. Now we will take things a little south and stop at Ohio State University for our next visit.

Round 1/2

I know I am cheating a little combining the first and second, but at this point, Okudah and Young have been mocked several times to the Lions, as mentioned. They have been talked about so extensively we know what kind of players the Lions will get if they drafted them in the first round.

There are two prospects the Lions could be looking at with their second-round pick, and depending on whom they select in the first could dictate whom they tag as their second-round pick, either cornerback Damon Arnette or running back J.K. Dobbins.

Arnette maybe getting overshadowed by his teammate, Okduah, through the draft process, but Arnette offers quite a package for what may consider a consolidation prize of Ohio State cornerbacks. Arnette has the versatility to play in multiple techniques because of his physicality in press coverage and his patience in off-press coverage. The Lions value cornerbacks who have strong tackling ability, as well as, the ability can contribute in run support, and he is one of the better cornerbacks in this draft who can provide those types of attributes.

Dobbins is your definition of a bell-cow running back who has enjoyed massive success while at Ohio State. Over three seasons, he has amassed over 4,400 yards while also tallying 545 receiving yards, showing his versatility as a three-down back. His toughness, elite patience, and vision were always on display breaking 73 tackles, en route to 21 touchdowns. Because of his high usage, most teams are going to be hesitant to take him with a high draft pick leading to possible draft fall even though his talent is first-round worthy.

It should speak to how strong this Ohio State draft class when the Lions have a plethora of options at their disposal this early in the draft. Now, if the Lions take Okduah in the first, they will probably pass on Arnette and go with Dobbins with their second pick. If the Lions select Young, that is where things may get exciting either go with Arnette to fill CB2 or go with Dobbins and create a potent one-two punch with Kerryon Johnson.

For this exercise, I have the Lions selecting Young and go with Arnette in the second to shore up the vacant spot opposite of Darius Slay.

Round 3

The third round has a couple of prospects that may intrigue the Lions on each side of the ball, linebacker Malik Harrison and wide receiver K.J. Hill.

Harrison’s game is much like Jarrad Davis in most aspects, so take that with what you will. Harrison possesses the intelligence to read offenses allowing him to use his physicality and high motor to attack the play, which accounted for his 16.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this past season. He always seems to be making the play or at least close to the action. He does lack flexibility and coverage skills, which will hinder his every-down availability, and in turn, could hurt his draft stock.

The Lions could use Harrison like they use Davis, allowing him to move around the defense, shoot gaps, blitz the quarterback, or drop into coverage. By using both Harrison and Davis, the Lions could keep offenses guessing, bringing different looks as to who is doing what on the play.

K.J. Hill has caught the eyes of Lions fans after an impressive Senior Bowl, allowing him to showcase his ability as a slot receiver, an area the Lions might be looking to improve with Danny Amendola hitting free agency. Not only has he caught the eyes of the Lions, but other teams as well leading to heightened draft stock. Hill is one of the more impressive route runners in this draft class. With his elusiveness, YAC ability, and consistent production, he would fit right in with the Lions.

Because Hill’s draft stock rising, and the lack of quality linebackers in this draft, the Lions may only get one of these two prospects. The majority of fans would have no hesitation taking Hill at this point, but I am going to go against the grain and take Harrison with the third-round pick. Harrison’s versatility will allow the Lions to bring different looks to this defense with Davis and could cause offenses fits, and that could be fun to watch.

Round 4

With the potential departure of hometown staple Graham Glasgow, along with Kenny Wiggins and Oday Aboushi hitting free agency, the Lions have a strong need for an interior offensive lineman. Usually, this late in the draft, you probably will not find a player who could start early on, but guard Jonah Jackon does not fall in that norm.

Jackson was an integral part of an Ohio State’s interior offensive line, which some might have considered one of the best in college football, helping pave the way for Dobbins’ monster season. Jackson enjoyed a career resurgence as a graduate transfer from Rutgers to Ohio State this past season, and he was able to take full advantage of the opportunity and helped put his name on the map as one of better interior offensive lineman in this draft.

Jackson was already known to have strong pass protection abilities before he left Rutgers. However, at Ohio State, he was able to enhance his game further by becoming a dominant run blocker as well. You probably will not find a more athletic guard in this draft, with the way he can move players, layout pancake blocks, and agile enough to get the second level. He is a high character, athletic player who can immediately take hold of the vacant guard spot and bring a strong element next to Frank Ragnow.

Round 5

The Lions interior defensive line is in flux right now with A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels hitting free agency, and the possible retirement of Damon Harrison, the Lions would be wise to draft a player(s) to plug up those gaps. Likely for them, they could select Davon Hamilton in the fifth round and could easily slide in with what the Lions look for from their defensive linemen.

Hamilton is like Da’Sahwn Hand, a versatile player who has the ability and efficiency to play from 0-tech to 5-tech. With his high intelligence, ever going motor, stable vision, and play strength, he can cause chaos to the offense. He also has fantastic gap discipline and run-stuffing ability, both areas the Lions covet.

He may not have the numbers some teams may look for, 66 career tackles and only one season as a starter, but look whom he was playing with — the Bosa brothers, Dre’Mont Jones, and Chase Young — and there are only so many snaps that can around leading to more a rotational role for Hamilton. The Lions will be getting a reliable, lengthy, disruptive versatile lineman on Day 3 of the draft who will fit well with the Lions multiple defensive schemes.

Round 5 (2nd selection)

The Lions have invested a ton in the safety position the last two years with the selections of Tracy Walker and Will Harris, both in the third round. However, the way the Lions run their defense with multiple safeties sets, expect them to invest more into that spot. With their second fifth-round pick, there is a Buckeye safety ripe for the picking that can find a role in this defense, Jordan Fuller.

When the Buckeyes implemented a new defensive scheme, Fuller switched from a hybrid role to exclusively single high safety. For all intents and purposes, he was solid in that role. The Buckeyes were awarded for one of the better coverage safeties in this draft and recorded six combined interceptions and pass breakups, showing he has the ball skills to man the deep part of the field. Even though his tackling leaves something to be desired, it is something that can easily be coached and should not be the nail in the coffin of his draft status.

With Miles Killebrew hitting free agency, Fuller could fill in the spot on defense and special teams. A versatile player who could line up almost anywhere in the deep areas of the field and solid special teams player is right up the Lions’ alley. On top of it, he is a two-time captain and high character individual, something the Lions value in their players. Fuller checks all the right boxes and could be a diamond of the rough this late in the draft for Detroit.

Round 6

Even though the Lions could not land K.J. Hill earlier in the draft, there is another Buckeye receiver who could fit the bill this late in the draft, Binjimen Victor. Victor processes the frame — 6-3, and 196 pounds measured at the East-West Shrine game — necessary to handle the daily grind of the NFL.

Between his excellent athleticism, length, separation ability, and large catch radius, he can consistently win any contested-catch, making him a robust vertical threat, an area the Lions often used this past season. He may not be the fastest player on the field but does have strong hands in not only high point catches, but also run blocking, which is an area the Lions love in their receivers.

He may have left people asking more from him, but considering whom he played behind, Hill, Parris Campbell, and Terry McLaurin there are only so many targets to go around. He was able to put substantial numbers though recording 1,340 yards and 18 touchdowns in his Buckeye career, with six of those touchdowns coming this past year. What teams are going to get from Victor is a receiver with an outstanding catch radius, strong hands, and physical length and body, and smooth route running, who could plug in in mostly any receiver spot and be a major red-zone threat.

With a high potential need for receivers for the Lions, Victor could be worth a late flyer and could develop into a productive receiver just like his old teammate McLaurin.

Summary

Here is how the draft would shape up for the Lions:

1st- Chase Young

2nd- Damon Arnette

3rd- Malik Harrison

4th- Jonah Jackson

5th- Davon Hamilton

5th- Jordan Fuller

6th- Binjimen Victor

 

This draft could go several ways, which says a great deal to the quality of talent Ohio State regularly shores out yearly and is a credit to former head coach Urban Meyer recruited. Young will immediately transform the defense; Arnette provides a quality CB2. Harrison brings the traits the Lions look for in their linebackers, Hamilton and Jackson shore up the holes on their respective lines, Fuller is a hybrid player who can line up anywhere deep, and Victor can play mostly any receiver spot. All of them are high quality, intelligent characters who are ready to learn, features the Lions highly desire in their players. Do not be surprised if the Lions pull the trigger on any of the listed players.

Bears address tight end, linebacker in 2nd round of new mock draft

In Draft Wire’s newest 2020 NFL mock draft, Luke Easterling has Bears selecting TE Hunter Bryant and LB Malik Harrison.

The Chicago Bears have a busy offseason ahead of them, which includes addressing offensive and defensive needs both in free agency and the NFL Draft.

The Bears hold the 43rd and 50th picks in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, as they got the Raiders’ second-round pick (No. 43) in the Khalil Mack trade.

In Draft Wire’s newest 2020 NFL mock draft, Luke Easterling has the Bears addressing tight end and linebacker.

With the 43rd pick, Easterling has the Bears selecting Washington tight end Hunter Bryant. Bryant figures to fit into the Bears offense as a “U” tight end, where he can utilize his ability to serve as a matchup problem for defenders. But the concern with Bryant is his medical history, and the Bears certinaly don’t need a repeat of Trey Burton or Adam Shaheen.

Then with the 50th selection, Easterling has Chicago drafting Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison. In 2019, Harrison had 75 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. The Buckeyes used him off the edge to rush the passer, and the Bears could do with more production at edge rusher on defense.

The Bears will have eight picks in this year’s draft, but only two in the top 50 and three in the top 150. Chicago’s selections include a projected fourth-round compensatory pick for safety Adrian Amos, as well as a conditional pick from the Eagles for running back Jordan Howard, which projects to be a sixth-rounder.

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8 LB’s the Eagles can target to replace Nigel Bradham

Here are eight linebackers that the Eagles could target to replace Nigel Bradham

The Philadelphia Eagles had a looming decision to make on Nigel Bradham and according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Bradham will enter free agency after not having his team option picked up.

With the Eagles set for changes on both sides of the ball, here are 8 linebackers via the draft or free agency that the Eagles could target or pursue.

***

1. Isaiah Simmons — Clemson

Howie Roseman could decide to look around on the draft day, breathe in all the success that Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tyrann Mathieu have had and finally decides to trade up for a gamechanger on defense who can disrupt an offense’s flow from any position.

The Eagles don’t normally put a ton of value into the linebacker position, but Simmons isn’t your typical linebacker. A versatile hybrid, Simmons can play linebacker or safety, Philadelphia to be one of the most versatile teams in the league.

In this new era of spread offenses and mobile quarterbacks, having a guy like Simmons who can go from elite pass rusher to locking down the middle on a pass play makes him extremely valuable for any style of defense.

Simmons has lined up at linebacker, cornerback and edge rusher, thus still allowing T.J. Edwards and Nate Gerry to get snaps.

It would take the Eagles trading far up in the draft, but it’s a move Roseman should consider.

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Five Ohio State players on Mel Kiper’s 2020 NFL Draft top ten position group rankings

Mel Kiper has five Ohio State players among the top ten at their position groups and available for the 2020 NFL Draft.

By now you already know that Ohio State players Chase Young and Jeff Okudah are locks to go early in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but there are other Buckeyes maybe you didn’t know about that are also expected to be taken pretty high. Don’t worry, we have you covered by way of ESPN’s Mel Kiper and his 2020 NFL Draft Rankings.

According to the man with the hair and fast-talking scouting reports, there are five OSU players near the top of their positions.

We’ve already told you that defensive end Chase Young is the overall top prospect on Kiper’s big board. But in addition to that, he has Jeff Okudah as the top cornerback in the draft as well.

From there, J.K. Dobbins is considered the second-best running back available, just behind D’Andre Swift of Georgia. Those are the guys that will either go in the first round — or in Dobbins’ case — close to it.

In addition to that, DaVon Hamilton checks in as the No. 9 defensive tackle available in the draft. And not to be forgotten about, Malik Harrison is considered the No. 8 rated inside linebacker according to Kiper.

That makes five Buckeyes rated in the draft guru’s rankings, but there’s sure to be more taken in the draft. Guys like K.J. Hill, Jonah Jackson, and Jordan Fuller are also sure to have their name called somewhere in the midst of all the fun.

Get your popcorn and meat products, because it looks to be another good and entertaining showing for Ohio State in 2020 NFL Draft.

WATCH: Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison goes high for INT of Jalen Hurts at Senior Bowls

Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison went high to pull down an interception of Jalen Hurts in the Senior Bowl.

The annual Senior Bowl provides another opportunity for outgoing senior college football players to make one more impression before the NFL Draft. Ohio State receiver Terry McLaruin made the most of the spotlight last year, and now several other Buckeyes are getting their chance.

Linebacker Malik Harrison may have just had a memorable moment that could stick out for the NFL types come draft day. Watch as Harrison drops back in coverage after Jalen Hurts gets hit by the pass rush and sails one high in the air. Harrison high-points the ball and comes down with it for an interception to give the North side the possession again.

That’s a pretty athletic play for a linebacker going up in traffic with defensive backs. Well done by a guy that has my favorite last name.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

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8 prospects for Broncos fans to keep tabs on in Senior Bowl

Fans of the Denver Broncos should be watching these eight players during the 2020 Senior Bowl.

The 2020 Senior Bowl takes place this Saturday and while college All-Star games are far from the most interesting things, for a football junkie, it gives some insight into which players might be great at the professional level.

For fans of the Denver Broncos, a team with multiple needs in order to improve the team, this game will be chock-full of players to keep an eye on.

Who knows, one or more of these guys could be wearing blue and orange in the near future.

1. Leki Fotu, defensive tackle, Utah (North team)

(Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)

Fotu stands 6-5 and comes in at over 320 pounds, making him an imposing force in the middle of any defensive line. He is stout against the run but is likely only a two-down defender.

If the Broncos were to lose a player like Shelby Harris to free agency, a guy like Fotu would be an option in the draft to help add depth to a defensive line that is going to need some work this offseason.

2. Malik Harrison, linebacker, Ohio State (North team)

(Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)

The Broncos could shoot to upgrade the inside linebacker position this offseason and Harrison would do that.

The linebacker from Ohio State should be a starter at the next level as he is a thumper when making tackles and a hammer against the run. With some coaching, he can acquire better skills to defend the pass to be a true three-down player.

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2020 Senior Bowl: 7 prospects to watch on defense

The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason. Here are 7 prospects on defense they should be watching this week.

The road to the 2020 NFL Draft starts in Mobile with the Senior Bowl, where Bears scouts will have the chance to get to know some of the top prospects in this draft class.

More than 100 of the top collegiate seniors from schools all over the country will participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, which will take place on Jan. 25.

But prior to then, practices during the week leading up to the game give front offices a chance to evaluate players on the field and meet with them off the field.

The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason. Let’s take a look at seven prospects on defense they should be watching closely this week.

1. CB Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears could be facing changes in the secondary this offseason, especially with cornerback Prince Amukamara a likely cap casualty. If that’s the case, the Bears will be in the market for a new starting cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller.

Maybe that cornerback is Nebraska’s Lamar Jackson, who had a breakout senior season that has shown that he could be a solid and dependable cornerback in the NFL. Jackson had 40 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 12 pass breakups in 2019.

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2020 Senior Bowl: Practice schedule, rosters

2020 Senior Bowl: Practice schedule, North-South rosters

Nothing signals the end of one NFL season and the subsequent start of the next like the Reese Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

With the NFL Draft being the league’s next huge event, the biggest collegiate all-star game going convened on Monday, as this week in Mobile, Alabama, the top senior draft prospects will come together to practice, compete, interview and play against each other in front of NFL’s top decision-makers, coaches and evaluators.

With practices scheduled to begin on Tuesday and the game set for Saturday afternoon, here is this week’s schedule in its entirety.

****

Tuesday:

South team practices from 1-2:30 p.m. ET, followed by the North team from 3-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday:

North team practices from 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET, followed by the South team from 3-5 p.m.

Thursday:

North team practices from 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET, followed by the South team from 3-5 p.m.

Friday: No practice; community events

***

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2020 NFL mock draft: Bears go OL, OLB in 2nd round

A new 2020 NFL mock draft has the Bears addressing the offensive line and pass rusher in the second round.

The Chicago Bears have a busy offseason ahead of them, which includes addressing offensive and defensive needs both in free agency and the NFL Draft.

The Bears hold the 43rd and 50th picks in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, as they got the Raiders’ second-round pick (No. 43) in the Khalil Mack trade.

In Draft Wire’s newest 2020 NFL mock draft, Luke Easterling has the Bears addressing the offensive line and linebacker.

With the 43rd pick (from the Raiders), Easterling has Chicago selecting Oregon offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton. Throckmorton played at right tackle for the Ducks, but he’s a versatile lineman that can play all five positions on the offensive line. Given the Bears can use help wherever they can get it on their line, Throckmorton would make a ton of sense.

Then, with the 50th selection, Easterling has the Bears taking Ohio State outside linebacker Malik Harrison. In 2019, Harrison had 75 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. The Buckeyes used him off the edge to rush the passer, and the Bears could do with more production at edge rusher on defense.

The Bears currently have six draft selections, — two picks in the second round, one in the fifth round, two in the sixth round and one in the seventh round. They’re also projected to receive a seventh pick — a fourth-round compensatory pick for safety Adrian Amos, who signed with the Packers in free agency last season.

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Revamping the Ravens’ defense in our latest 3-round mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens have some pretty big holes on their defense and with the 2020 NFL draft coming up, it’s a chance to fill those holes

The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason began a little earlier than many would have liked. But it allows us a little extra time to look at the future and what could potentially happen.

Take the NFL draft for instance. It’s the spot Baltimore has chiefly found talent to stock their roster and is the reason why they made it as far as they did last season. With the 2020 NFL draft quickly approaching, there’s no better time than now to take our first real dip into a mock draft of our own. And with the No. 28 pick, I should be able to find some really good help.

I used FanSpeak’s mock draft simulator. Though it doesn’t include any potential compensatory picks and there still being teams in the postseason means the order isn’t set, this is an initial taste of what Baltimore could be looking at in the first three rounds.

First round – No. 28

EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Baltimore’s top offseason priority is adding more pass rush talent, without question. While defensive coordinator Don Martindale used blitzes to create pressure, the Ravens were woefully lacking in sacks last season. With outside linebacker Matthew Judon one of the team’s 21 pending free agents this offseason, it makes it an even bigger potential need for Baltimore and one I wanted to address right off the bat.

Luckily, the draft board worked itself out and the best player still remaining was the talented Lewis.

Lewis can stand as an outside linebacker or put his hand in the dirt as a rush end, which will fit the Ravens’ diverse scheme well. He’s got prototypical size and speed to be a talented pass rusher. While he’s still a little raw, the flashes are there for him to be an early contributor with a high upside.

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