Ezekiel Ansah
Ezekiel Ansah is counted on to start at right end and bring a pass rushing presence to an aggressive four man front. He is a work in progress with only nine college starts and just three years of playing football. Of the seven defensive ends, four are rookies. Ansah’s job will be to attack the quarterback. Don’t read, just get up the field. Darius Slay had arthroscopic surgery in early May and has missed OTAs while rehabbing his injury. He is expected to be fully recovered by training camp. The injury occurred March 7th during Slay’s pro day. The big speedy corner is projected to start at right corner. Aggressive in his play, he can run step for step with receivers. A smooth corner, he has good hip flexibility. Quick off the turn he has a closing burst with excellent catch up speed. He is a very talented ascending corner who needs minimal development time. Larry Warford suffered a neck injury early in rookie mini camp, but has come back strong in OTAs. He demonstrated the ability to move, learn the offense, and has light feet for a big man. The former Wildcat must earn playing time when the pads go on in the fall. He is penciled in at right guard, but the position is still open according to the Lions. Devin Taylor gives the Lions another end that can fit into the front rotation. A tall and rangy long limbed disruptive player, he has good athletic ability. After his strong East/West week of practice, the scouts were favorably impressed with his explosive edge speed. A solid backup, he may eventually start with pro physical development. Punter Sam Martin had a productive senior year, averaging 45.9 yards per punt with a net of 40.8 yards. He placed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line. The strong legged punter also averaged 63.1 yards on kickoffs, including 45 touchbacks on 71 kicks. He has had consistently strong hang times during OTAs. Corey Fuller will have his work cut out for him to get separation from the other second tier receivers. The good news is that he has the speed and athletic ability to do just that. A man-to-man beater type receiver, he catches the ball when covered and plucks the ball out of the air. He was one of the top rated receivers athletically at the Combine. Theo Riddick, along with Fuller, may be the sleepers of the Lions’ draft. Riddick has first step explosive quickness and could break into the lineup as a third down weapon. He has good receiving skills and running instincts along with sudden stop and go moves. Because of his versatility he creates mismatches and can make you miss in space. Michael Williams is a massive tight end who has been getting some reps at offensive tackle. He moves very athletically for a big man. Williams has the ability to quick set with body quickness, change of direction, and natural body control. He is an effective target in the short and medium zone areas. Brandon Hepburn is a developmental linebacker who had a big game versus Tennessee State where he collected 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. He struggles to get off blocks. A team captain, he was the leading tackler with 86 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 7 passes broken up. He competes hard and finishes the play but his instincts are questionable. To make the 53-man roster he will have to be a special teams’ star. GRADE: GOOD.
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