Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Some observations after watching the Lions OTA Wednesday

- Eric Ebron dropped a couple passes in individual drills, but made some good plays during the team portion of the workout. You can see a sense of purpose with Ebron's effort and the way he is being pushed by the coaching staff. When asked about Ebron after the OTA, head coach Jim Caldwell kind of put him in the category of "all young players." Yet, it's obvious the expectation is dramatic year-to-improvement from Ebron's disappointing rookie year. It would not surprise me if Ebron takes a major step forward in 2015.
Eric Ebron: Heat turned up
- Running back Theo Riddick is just a really good player. He's very smooth as a route runner and has great hands. He lacks home run speed when put on a clock, but you'd never know it watching him practice. There is a niche for Riddick as a third-down back in the league. He will play a long time in the NFL because of it.
- Undrafted rookie running back Zach Zenner got a couple reps in the team portion. It's shocking he wasn't drafted based on his speed and elusiveness. He didn't look out of place at all.
- It was the first time I have seen Haloti Ngata in football gear. What stood out was the size of his ankles. They are huge. There is a strong base there. He moved well. He did talk afterward about how the scheme is different in Baltimore and that he is going to have to adjust to rushing more up field more, but he is certainly appears capable.
- Ryan Broyles and Lance Moore look like very similar players. It will be interesting if either becomes the Lions' third receiver.
- The Lions depth defensively is so much better than it used to be. That's especially true in the secondary, especially at safety. It was wise for James Ihedigbo to get in for the off-season program, or he wasn't going to hold on to his starting job. Backups Isa Abdul-Quddus and Don Carey are capable players.

My column. Farmington Hills' Alex DeBrincat likely on fast track to NHL stardom: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150527/pat-caputo-farmington-hills-alex-debrincat-on-fast-track-to-possible-nhl-stardom


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