CHRIS OLAVE

ALLEN PARK -- If you were surprised the Detroit Lions landed wide receiver Jameson Williams in the NFL draft. Don’t worry, because so was wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. So definitely excited to have him.”Randle El’s excitement is understandable, with the team spending considerable resources to improve the receiver room. I’m gonna stop opening my mouth and giving you guys stuff to write about,” Randle El said while reflecting on his public request. “Speed is always a big deal, especially in this league,” Randle El said.

In an NFL draft focused early on stoppers, it was the goers — wide receivers — who stole the spotlight Thursday night.

Kayvon Thibodeaux doesn’t lack any confidence, already proclaiming himself the best player in the NFL draft.

This year’s NFL draft has the chance to be unlike any other in recent years with a possible long wait before any of the players who throw, catch or run with the ball coming off the board.

One player has been off-limits for Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel when preparing for the NFL draft with general manager Jon Robinson: Tyler Vrabel.

The emergence of former LSU teammates Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that NFL teams can’t count on rookie wide receivers.

Which first-round picks would satisfy Detroit Lions fans, and which would make them angry?

Quarterbacks Malik Willis and Matt Corral are among 21 prospects who will attend the NFL Draft in Las Vegas later this month.

It’s already been mock draft season for a minute, but the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine has kicked a lot of that talk and speculation into full gear. The Detroit Lions hold Picks 2 and 32 on Day 1 in this year’s draft. Sam Howell, QB, North CarolinaMocked by: Sharp Football Analytics, Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, TankathonSam Howell remains a popular mock pick for the Lions too. Jordan Davis, DL, GeorgiaMocked by: NFL Network’s Daniel JeremiahSpeaking of impressive combine performances, look no further than Jordan Davis. Skyy Moore, WR, Western MichiganMocked by: Pro Football NetworkSkyy Moore blew up this past season for the Broncos.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions got an up-close look at the blazing-fast wide receiver class to start on-field work at the NFL combine. That and a little more talk concerning Liberty quarterback Malik Willis and the chances he lands in Detroit highlight this week’s Dungeon of Doom podcast. Hosts Kyle Meinke and Ben Raven break down the first night of the on-field combine action, where the wideouts stole the show with an impressive display of speed from potential Lions targets like Chris Olave and Christian Watson. And while it’s not wise to put all of your money in on-field combine performances, it’s obvious this class has some versatile and intriguing athletes out wide. Could the Detroit Lions draft another tight end?

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions picked a bad year to need a quarterback, but boy did they ever pick the right year to need a receiver. That’s what Lions receivers coach Antwaan Randle El wants. Just ask the man, because he’ll tell anyone within earshot that he wants three more receivers to help protect Amon-Ra St. Brown. Only John Ross (4.22 seconds in 2017), Dri Archer (4.26), Marquise Goodwin (4.27) and Henry Ruggs III (4.27 seconds) were faster. In the fastest combine in NFL history for receivers, that time ranked sixth best.

Maryland’s Chigoziem Okonkwo ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, tops for tight ends. There were some impressive times via the wide receivers in the 40-yard dash. Ohio State’s Chris Olave delivered a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, which could boost his status even further as a Round 1 option. He’s 6-foot-4 and just happened to jump 38.5 inches in the vertical before hitting 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati) ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and hit 36 inches on the vertical jump to highlight that department.

A deep, talented group of receivers came to this week's NFL scouting combine with a simple goal.

That would leave the Lions picking between Hutchinson and Thibodeaux. Sam Howell, QB, North CarolinaMocked by: ESPN’s Todd McShay (Pick 32), ESPN’s Mel Kiper (Pick 28)It will be interesting if Sam Howell or Willis actually fall this far come April. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn StateMocked by: NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund, The Draft Network’s Joe Marino, Sports Illustrated, ESPN’s Jordan Reid (Pick 32)Jahan Dotson was automatic to close his career for the Nittany Lions. Quay Walker, LB, GeorgiaMocked by: NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein (Pick 32)We’ll get out of here with a pair of Georgia defenders. Lewis Cine, S, GeorgiaMocked by: Pro Football Focus’ Seth Galina (Pick 31), Pro Football Network (Pick 32)The Lions have an obvious need for safety.

Detroit’s second first-rounder via the Matthew Stafford trade to the Los Angeles Rams is currently projected at Pick 28. The longtime ESPN analyst sent Hutchinson to Jacksonville, then Kayvon Thibodeaux at Pick 2. David Ojabo, EDGE, MichiganMocked by: Austin Gayle of Pro Football Focus (Pick 28)It’s hard to imagine David Ojabo falling this far. Devin Lloyd, LB, UtahMocked by: The Draft Network (Pick 28)Devin Llyod is getting some love as a potential top-10 name to watch. The 6-foot-3, 236-pound defender notched 15.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss and five interceptions across the previous three seasons.

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MLive’s Lions beat discussed receivers at length in this week’s “Dungeon of Doom” podcast and in the written mailbag. His 9.3 yards after the catch per reception ranks ninth nationally, with his 15 forced missed tackles cracking the top 30. Burks caught 67 balls for 1,123 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 112 rushing yards and one touchdown on 14 attempts. The 6-foot-2 receiver is underrated after the catch, forcing a whopping 25 missed tackles while hanging with the best on looks downfield. Other names to watch: Ohio State WR Chris Olave, Alabama WR Jameson Williams, Cincinnati WR Alec Pierce, Northern Iowa WR Isaiah Weston

Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and Alabama teammates Will Anderson Jr. and Jameson Williams have been selected All-Americans by The Associated Press.

The Associated Press will increase the number of players honored on its annual All-America teams to include a third wide receiver and fifth defensive back.

No. 2 Ohio State was on the receiving end of a 42-27 thumping by No. 6 Michigan that ended the Buckeyes’ eight-game winning streak in the Big Ten’s biggest rivalry, along with their streak of four straight conference title game appearances — all of which they have won.

Second-ranked Ohio State plays at No. 6 Michigan on Saturday with high stakes.

The Game is going to be a game again, or at least that appears to the case before No. 2 Ohio State plays No. 6 Michigan.

Ohio State is No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll, jumping three spots past No. 3 Alabama and No. 4 Cincinnati in a close vote.

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The Big Ten East race is coming down to the wire the last two weeks of the season and the results also could shake up the College Football Playoff picture.

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TreVeyon Henderson ran for 152 yards and a touchdown and No. 5 Ohio State made enough long plays and short field goals to hold off No. 20 Penn State 33-24.

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The Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten and Pac-12 are forming an alliance to work together on the future of college athletics and scheduling.

Notre Dame and Iowa State each has three players on The Associated Press preseason All-America team.

If you believe in media predictions, Michigan and Michigan State could both be in for a rough fall. The reporters who cover the 14 Big Ten football programs picked Michigan to finish fourth and Michigan State seventh in the league’s East Division in 2021, according to the annual preseason poll conducted by Cleveland.com. Ahead of Michigan State in this year’s poll were Maryland and Rutgers, picked to finish fifth and sixth, respectively, in the East Division. MORE: Only one Michigan player, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, received votes for preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. No player from Michigan or Michigan State player garnered a vote.

Now the question is will he be able to play in the title game Monday night against Ohio State? “I think you absolutely have to prepare as if he's going to play,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said. Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson posted photos on Twitter showing her visiting with coach Ryan Day and the team in the school's indoor practice facility. WEST COAST EXPORTSThe West Coast will be well represented in the national championship game among the players, if not the football programs themselves. Alabama All-America tailback Najee Harris, Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave and Buckeyes All-America guard Wyatt Davis are all from California.

Ohio State won 49-28. 11, where Clemson coach Dabo Swinney placed Ohio State on his ballot in the final regular-season coaches' poll. Ohio State beat the Crimson Tide in the semifinals on the way to the 2014 national championship. “This performance by this team I hope will go down in Ohio State history as a landmark victory,” Day said. Ohio State did not give details about their absences, but all four had played in the Big Ten championship two weeks ago.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields runs past Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis during the first half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)NEW ORLEANS – Clemson starting middle linebacker James Skalski has been ejected from the Sugar Bowl for a tackle that knocked Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields out of the game for one play. Officials concluded that Skalski committed targeting by leading with the crown of his helmet when he hit Fields in the ribs. After that touchdown, Fields was 12 of 13 for 173 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He entered the Sugar Bowl with 39 tackles, including 3 1/2 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in eight games.

Ohio State running back Master Teague III, left, runs with the ball past Northwestern linebacker Chris Bergin (28) during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)Ohio State will be without starting guard Harry Miller, second-leading rusher Master Teague and defensive ends Zach Harrison and Tyler Friday in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson. Ohio State released a list of 16 players who are unavailable for the College Football Playoff semifinal. The Buckeyes had 22 unavailable players that day. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

3 Ohio State (6-0, No. ... Clemson beat Ohio State 29-23 in a Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal last season. ... All of Clemson's victories over Ohio State have come in bowl games, including the Orange Bowl at the end of the 2013 season and the 1978 Peach Bowl. ... Clemson is making its third Sugar Bowl appearance and is seeking its first Sugar Bowl win. ... Ohio State is making its sixth Sugar Bowl appearance and has won its last three, including a 42-35 triumph over Alabama in the first CFP semifinal on Jan. 1, 2015.

Fields led Ohio State to a 6-0 record and the No. 7 Indiana (6-1) to its highest ranking since 1967, knocking off three ranked teams along the way. Its only loss was 42-35 at Ohio State in a game that went down to the final play. u-QB — Justin Fields, Ohio State, 6-3, 228, Jr., Kennesaw, Georgia. C — Josh Myers, Ohio State, 6-5, 312, Jr., Miamisburg, Ohio.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shortened schedule and all, Ohio State is headed back to the College Football Playoff and a familiar foe will be waiting. Barta, the Iowa athletic director, said “there was no dissension in the room” over putting Ohio State in. Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney said he wasn't surprised Ohio State got in with fewer games “because that’s what the committee has demonstrated over the past few weeks. We all know Ohio State is an incredibly talented team.”The loss to Clemson in the playoff last year landed hard and lingered for the Buckeyes, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on ESPN. It'll be different this time with less than two weeks between the conference championship game and the semifinal.

3 Ohio State rally for a 22-10 victory over Northwestern for a fourth consecutive Big Ten championship. It's the first time Ohio State has won four consecutive outright conference crowns. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was 12 of 27 with 114 yards and ran 12 times for 35 yards. Ohio State: Whatever happens in the polls this week, the Buckeyes really only care about one thing — making the playoff. Ohio State: Will wait to see if it has earned one of the precious four playoff spots.

3 Ohio State to a 52-12 win over Michigan State on Saturday. Michigan State (2-4, 2-4) was coming off a win over another undefeated team — Northwestern — but the Spartans were overmatched Saturday. “Outings like this are not acceptable, and I don't care who we're playing," Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said. They punted on fourth-and-1 in the first quarter — and again on fourth down in Ohio State territory early in the third. Michigan State wraps up the regular season at Penn State.

4 Ohio State (5-0) dominated Michigan State (2-4) from start to finish for a 52-12 win on Saturday in East Lansing. After punter Drue Chrisman pinned Michigan State at its 1-yard line, Ohio State’s defense got involved in the scoring. Facing fourth-and-6 from the Ohio State 42-yard line, Michigan State punted for field position. Jack Miller replaced Stroud on Ohio State’s next possession and that was followed by free points for Michigan State. Related Michigan State football stories:RB Jordon Simmons back in uniform for Michigan State while WR Ricky White among those outMichigan State facing ‘almost impossible’ task of containing Ohio State’s Justin Fields3-star Alabama LB Carson Casteel commits to Michigan StateOhio State remains on track to play at Michigan StateMichigan State athletics sees just one new COVID-19 case in latest round of testingMel Tucker preparing to face Ohio State program he won national championship with

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. Fields threw two touchdown passes to Chris Olave, with Jameson Williams, Garrett Wilson and Jeremy Ruckert also recipients of scoring passes. Wilson caught six passes for 104 yards for Ohio State, and Fields completed passes to nine receivers. They battled Ohio State but couldn't climb out of the hole they dug early. Ohio State: The Buckeyes were sloppy and got stuck in the mud at times, but Fields can make things happen.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) looks for a receiver during the first quarter against Penn State in an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. The Ohio State quarterback is just fine shredding defenses in front of a more intimate gathering. Ohio State (2-0) didn’t take long to break the game open and hand Penn State (0-2) its first 0-2 start since 2013. Penn State got on the board when Jake Pinegar capped an 11-play, 61-yard drive with a 31-yard field goal. The Nittany Lions got a break when Ohio State turned the ball over on downs with a second left before halftime.

5 Ohio State shook off the rust in the first half and then buried Nebraska the rest of the way. Then came Fields' nifty touchdown run and a 55-yard scoop and score by Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks, and Ohio State had it under control. “That's one heck of a run right there," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. It is believed to be the smallest crowd to watch an Ohio State game since sometime before 1910. Ohio State: Faces No.

Since the Big Ten announced last month that it will indeed play a fall football season, arguably the two best receivers in the conference have opted back in for the 2020 season. But Bateman isn’t the only elite wideout the Wolverines are scheduled to face in 2020. Jayden Reed, Michigan StateReed had to sit out last season after transferring from Western Michigan, but he is expected to make an instant impact for the Spartans. Rashod Bateman, MinnesotaBateman initially opted out of the 2020 season in August but was reinstated by the NCAA last week after he signed with an NFL agent. His return is a huge boost for the Golden Gophers, who open the season against Michigan on Oct. 24.

Justin Fields #1 and Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a touchdown in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)EVANSTON, Ill. - Fourth-ranked Ohio State swings back into action after a bye week with a rare Friday night game at Northwestern. LINE: Ohio State -28After Ohio State travels to Northwestern, it returns home to take on No. Backup quarterback Aidan Smith started last week against Nebraska instead of highly regarded transfer Hunter Johnson, who hasn't lived up to expectations, and both could play against Ohio State. PREDICTION: Ohio State 42, Northwestern 7More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)COLUMBUS, Ohio - There's a possibility that fifth-ranked Ohio State could do unto No. 23 Michigan State what it did the last time the two Big Ten East Division rivals met in Columbus. That's not good news for Michigan State, which has lost three straight in the series and struggled to generate offense the past two years against Ohio State. Ohio State has not given up a touchdown to Michigan State since 2016. PREDICTION: Ohio State 45, Michigan State 14More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

6 Ohio State is in-state challenger Miami (Ohio) on Saturday in its final nonconference game. 18 Iowa (38-14), and last week was whipped 35-13 at Cincinnati - a team that Ohio State dominated two weeks ago in a 42-0 rout. Meanwhile, Ohio State's defense has matched the performance level of the offense, ranking 10th nationally in points allowed at 10.5 per game. Fields has rushed and passed for at least one touchdown in Ohio State's first three games this season. PREDICTION: Ohio State 59, Miami 7More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.