‘Tough week’: Aaron Glenn now working with DBs after Aubrey Pleasant firing
And it’s been especially tough on defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who had hand-picked Aubrey Pleasant to coach this secondary. “It’s been a tough week for me personally, the defensive staff, the organization, this team in general,” Glenn said before practice on Thursday. “We didn’t hit (Waddle and Hill),” an exasperated Campbell said a few minutes after the game. And it was a track meet.”What Campbell didn’t say at that time: He was already considering firing Pleasant. “There’s a lot of touchdowns that’s given up that shouldn’t be given up.
mlive.comWhy Lions’ Dan Campbell decided to fire Aubrey Pleasant right now
ALLEN PARK -- Dan Campbell has been frustrated by the blown assignments and miscommunications in the Detroit Lions’ secondary all season. After trying to sleep on it -- although there wasn’t much sleep involved -- Campbell woke up on Monday and decided to fire defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant. Safeties coach Brian Duker will take over the secondary, while defensive quality control coach Addison Lynch will assist him. “I think Aubrey’s a hell of a coach, I got a ton of respect for him,” Campbell said during his weekly Monday press conference. Campbell was frustrated after the game because the Dolphins did what Detroit had planned for, but the defensive backs strayed from the game plan.
mlive.comDetroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins: 3 burning questions ahead of Week 8
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (1-5) are back home and in need of a win after dropping four straight. Detroit welcomes the dangerous Miami Dolphins (4-3) in Week 8 to Ford Field. We’ll try and answer three burning questions ahead of kickoff:How will the Lions stop Dolphins WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle? And on that note, the Lions haven’t scored a touchdown for two games running after rocking the highest-scoring offense through three weeks. We haven’t changed our process, we haven’t changed our week of preparation.
mlive.comDetroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins: Fantasy guide and key matchups for Week 8
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (1-5) will try and right the ship against a dangerous Miami Dolphins (4-3) team in Week 8 back at Ford Field. ESPN ranks Hill as the second-best receiver for PPR fantasy lineups, while Waddle slots 10th ahead of Week 8. MATCHUPS TO WATCHDolphins WRs Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle vs. Lions CBs Jeff Okudah, Amani OruwariyeAmani Oruwariye was back in the starting lineup against the Cowboys. Lions LBs Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez vs. Dolphins RBs Raheem Mostert, Chase EdmondsRaheem Mostert is quietly playing at a high level. 2022 TEAM STATSDVOA offensive ranking: Lions 15th | Dolphins 6thDVOA defensive ranking: Lions 31st | Dolphins 20thNet yards gained per passing attempt: Lions 6.7 (9th) | Dolphins 7.3 (3rd)Rushing yards per attempt: Lions 5.3 (4th) | Dolphins 3.9 (25th)Points per game: Lions 24.3 (9th) | Dolphins 21 (19th)Points allowed per game: Lions 32.3 (32nd) | Dolphins 23.6 (23rd)Net yards allowed per passing attempt: Lions 7.3 (32nd) | Dolphins 6.8 (24th)Rushing yards allowed per attempt: Lions 5.3 (30th) | Dolphins 4.2 (11th)Takeaways: Lions 5 | Dolphins 7SERIES HISTORYThe Dolphins lead the all-time series 7-5, with the Lions winning three straight matchups dating back to 2010.
mlive.comLions CB Jeff Okudah has tough task in ultra-fast Dolphins WRs after strong showing
ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah left his mark on last week’s game, finishing with a career-high 15 tackles while playing more from inside the box. But the Dolphins present different challenges, with Hill and Waddle dangerous streaking downfield and in space with the ball in their hands. He leads the league in catches, yards and yards per game (110.4). On top of that, Hill ranks fifth in yards after the catch (275 yards), and Waddle is sixth (270 yards) among all receivers. “I think he’s one of the guys that you got to show different things every single play.
mlive.comAntwaan Randle El: Lions want to draft 2 receivers, sign another in pursuit of real playmaker
MOBILE, Ala. -- Nobody caught more passes than Amon-Ra St. Brown in the final month of the season. No one had more catches than Amon-Ra St. Brown in the final month of the season, period. The Lions still lack a true playmaker, a field-stretcher, a guy that can hurt defenses no matter what they try to do to him. And receivers coach Antwaan Randle El has been plain about that with his guys, because reinforcements are on their way. They know it and that’s part of the game.”The Lions are expected to target an edge rusher with the No.
mlive.comAnalysis: NFL loaded with mediocre teams 6 weeks into season
Six weeks into the NFL season and each conference has only six teams with a winning record. Five clubs have one win, the Lions are winless and four division races are all but over, barring major injuries to the first-place teams. Detroit (0-6) is the front-runner, but Houston, Miami, Jacksonville, the Giants and Jets each have a real shot with only one win.
news.yahoo.comThe Nine: Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle would be the cream of the crop in Detroit’s speedy receiver room
Editor’s note: With the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select ... a receiver? Pro Football Focus reports Waddle averaged 9.8 yards after the catch during his career, the most among all Power 5 receivers since 2014. Why he makes senseJaylen Waddle made sense for the Detroit Lions before the team remodeled their receiver room with athletic pass-catchers. He’s going to take a lot of pressure off the quarterback. He’s going to have an influence on the run game, as well.
mlive.comNFL mock draft roundup: Detroit’s options all over the board heading into the homestretch
The NFL draft is less than one week away, which means it’s time to check the national temperature for what analysts are feeling for the Detroit Lions at Pick 7. In our last mock draft roundup of the offseason, we welcome Virginia Tech offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw to the mix. Chase opted out of the pandemic-altered season one year removed from lighting college football on fire with Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson. And while Waddle is arguably the most electric wide receiver in this year’s draft, he’s far from a one-dimensional prospect. Christian Darrisaw, OL, Virginia TechMocked by: Peter Schrager of NFL Network (trade back to Pick 16)Let’s round out this year’s mock draft roundups by welcoming a new name to the list.
mlive.com2021 NFL draft preview: Lions in position to bolster needy receiver room through ultra-deep class
Luckily for the Lions, this class is loaded with three legit options at Pick 7, not to mention impressive Day 2 and 3 talent. When it comes to receivers at Pick 7, though, it’s all about Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. That thinking combines the thought process that Chase, Smith and Waddle are special prospects while looking at the unproven receiver rotation. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah called him the “home run” pick for the Lions at No. Purdue’s Rondale Moore and Florida’s Kadarius Toney, among others, find themselves waiting in the dust left by Chase, Smith and Waddle as well.
mlive.comNFL mock draft roundup: Oregon’s Penei Sewell getting more love to the Detroit Lions at Pick 7
ALLEN PARK -- Penei Sewell’s name continues to get mocked to the Detroit Lions despite the three top wide receivers remaining the favorites at Pick 7 less than two weeks until the NFL draft. Despite this, it’s hard to ignore the number of voices and the logic behind sending Sewell to Detroit. Related: How did last week’s trades impact the Detroit Lions and Pick 7? Sewell measured in at 6-foot-4, 331 pounds at his pro day, running a 5.09-second 40-yard dash and bench-pressing 225 pounds 30 times with new Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn in attendance. Adding Sewell to that mix could give the Lions one of the more desirable offensive lines in the NFL.
mlive.comDetroit Lions could have opportunity to select ‘special’ pass-catcher in 2021 NFL draft
“They’re special,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said during a pre-draft call on Thursday afternoon. “They’re guys that are, to me, they’re the highest-rated guys in this draft. They’re all special players. So they’re all just special players, and they proved it time and time again. And not only is he a great receiver, Waddle is also a great punt returner.
mlive.comNFL mock draft roundup: What happens if QB Justin Fields is still available at Pick 7?
ALLEN PARK -- Jared Goff’s presence and his restructured contract hasn’t eliminated the idea of sending a quarterback to the Detroit Lions at Pick 7. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his third mock draft of the offseason, sending Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields to the Lions without a trade back in the order. Last week’s mock draft roundup brought Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater into focus around these parts. Fields is supremely talented, no matter the usual draft tactics in trying to question his work ethic. Like Smith, Waddle is a little all over the place regarding where he’s mocked.
mlive.comNFL mock draft roundup: How did last week’s trades impact the Detroit Lions and Pick 7?
ALLEN PARK -- Teams are officially wheeling and dealing in the order with the NFL draft less than a month away. Miami then sent its newly-acquired Pick 12 (via SF), Pick 123 and a first-round pick in next year’s draft to the Eagles for Pick 6. Now, how does this change things for the Detroit Lions at Pick 7? McShay has the Lions acquiring Pick 8 one spot back via the Panthers, landing Alabama wideout Jaylen Waddle in the process. It’s worth noting the two top tackles, Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater and Oregon’s Penei Sewell, get some love to Detroit at Pick 7 in this week’s roundup.
mlive.comJones, Smith, Harris reconnect at Alabama's pro day No. 2
Patrick Surtain II and Mac Jones had the spotlight at Alabama's Pro Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)DeVonta Smith was there for quarterback Mac Jones once again, this time it was at Alabama's latest pro day. “He didn't have to do that,” Jones told the SEC Network, which aired the pro day. '”Jones showcased his arm strength a week after participating in the Crimson Tide's first pro day. “Mac was just on me like, ‘Bro, come catch, come catch, come catch,’” Smith told the network.
NFL Mock Draft 2021: Predictions for Detroit Lions at No. 7
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith celebrates after scoring against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)The 2021 NFL Draft is just weeks away and the Detroit Lions have a big decision to make in the top 10. 7 is a wide receiver. 7:ProFootballNetwork: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama: “It seems the shine on DeVonta Smith has waned just a bit in the past few months since his Heisman Trophy-winning campaign. If Matthew Stafford still dropped back for the Lions, Chase would be a better fit.” (Read more here)AdSporting News: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama: “Waddle is a highly skilled all-around natural pass-catcher. The Lions need to overhaul at wide receiver with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola all not re-signed.
Playmakers wanted: Defending champ Alabama replacing stars
Saban and Alabama opened spring practice Friday, March 19, 2021l with an immediate goal. For now, they need to find replacements for three of college football's top offensive weapons. Patterson, File)Nick Saban and Alabama opened spring practice Friday with an immediate goal. He also didn't get a spring practice last year because of the pandemic. The Crimson Tide holds its spring game on April 17 and opens the regular season against Miami on Sept. 4 in Atlanta.
Despite no combine, NFL releases list of who merited invites
The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, the league has released a list of players who would have merited invitations. Cornerbacks got the most invitations with 44, including all-Americans Shaun Wade of Ohio State, and Patrick Surtain of national champion Alabama.
Detroit Lions in position to draft one of top 3 receivers in another loaded WR class
ALLEN PARK -- This year’s draft class is loaded with potentially elite wide receivers near the top of the order, with the Detroit Lions in a position to grab one of the top names at Pick 7. Jaylen Waddle would be the pick, assuming Ja’Marr Chase and DeVonta Smith are gone,” Kiper said on Monday afternoon. “Jaylen Waddle would be the pick, assuming Ja’Marr Chase and DeVonta Smith are gone. So, it goes, my reading for it is Smith, Chase, Waddle. Kiper said the receiver class is the strongest position group in the class, echoing his words on last year’s crop of pass-catchers.
mlive.comBen Raven’s 2021 NFL mock draft 1.0: Detroit Lions select reigning Heisman winner at Pick 7
The Detroit Lions are heading into uncharted waters with a new general manager, head coach and starting quarterback. Check out fellow MLive Lions beat writer Kyle Meinke’s first mock draft of the offseason by clicking here. This pick isn’t a knock on Jalen Hurts, the team’s second-round quarterback pick last year, but more about Lance’s ceiling and opportunity for built-in patience to figure out what they have in each. Detroit Lions -- Alabama WR DeVonta SmithThe choice between DeVonta Smith and Alabama teammate Jaylen Waddle was more agonizing than expected. He had 36 tackles, four sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two touchdowns.
mlive.comNFL mock draft roundup: It’s time to get to know Penn State LB Micah Parsons
It’s once again time to check the national temperature for the Detroit Lions and their options at Pick 7 in April’s draft. Micah Parsons has been somewhat in the mix since the get-go at Pick 7, but the Penn State linebacker’s name has been attached more frequently in recent weeks. Parsons is impressive against the run, while his scary athleticism has made him a handful to handle in pass protection. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season due to “the potential risk to the health and well-being” of his son. Detroit receives Pick 19, Pick 82 and a 2022 first-rounder in this mock scenario that sends quarterback Trey Lance to Washington.
mlive.com2021 NFL Draft: 5 wide receivers who could make sense for the Detroit Lions
All of this put together means it’s time to look ahead to this year’s wide receiver draft class. The receiver was limited to five games this past season, catching 20 balls for 338 yards and two touchdowns. Jones took over in Golladay’s absence in 2020, with 76 catches for 978 yards and nine scores while playing 16 games. The Lions are expected to have a new starting quarterback in 2021, and as things stand, a freshly-stocked room of pass-catchers could be on the way too. Still, he’s the reigning Heisman winner and at the top of a loaded receiver draft class.
mlive.comMLive’s predictions for Ohio State vs. Alabama in national championship
Ohio State and Alabama will square off for a national championship on Monday night. Alabama has won 17 titles, including five in the past 12 years, while Ohio State was won eight. Prediction: Alabama 35, Ohio State 27Aaron McMann: Alabama has been the best team all season, and has the best receiver and running back in the country. Prediction: Alabama 42, Ohio State 31Kyle Austin: Ohio State looked darn good against Clemson, but it’s looked shaky in a few other big games and Justin Fields has shown he can be rattled a bit at times. Prediction: Alabama 45, Ohio State 35
mlive.comBama's Waddle back practicing, status for title game unclear
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.
Alabama's DeVonta Smith wins the Heisman Trophy
Then Waddle went down with a season-ending leg injury on October 24. 1 receiver, Smith shined. The week after Waddle went out, Smith had 11 catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns against Mississippi State. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide seen at AT&T Stadium on January 1, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Smitty — as teammates and coaches call him — didn't emerge as a Hesiman contender this season until Waddle went down.
cbsnews.comAlabama's DeVonta Smith wins the Heisman Trophy
Then Waddle went down with a season-ending leg injury on October 24. 1 receiver, Smith shined. The week after Waddle went out, Smith had 11 catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns against Mississippi State. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide seen at AT&T Stadium on January 1, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Smitty — as teammates and coaches call him — didn't emerge as a Hesiman contender this season until Waddle went down.
cbsnews.comAlabama's Smith becomes 1st WR to win Heisman in 29 years
Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 seasons Tuesday night, breaking the monopoly quarterbacks have had on the award by beating out three of them. “Just to be one of the very few that played receiver to win the Heisman, it means a lot to me,” Smith said. Smith is the third Alabama player to win the Heisman, all since 2009. 1 receiver, Smith shined. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Alabama's Jaylen Waddle out for season with broken ankle
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Alabama coach Nick Saban said junior wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is out for the rest of the season after breaking his right ankle on the opening kickoff Saturday against Tennessee. “It’s a shame because the guy’s a great player,” Saban told CBS at halftime. Waddle has been one of the nation's top punt returners the past two years and has seldom had the ball kicked his way this year. Waddle currently leads all Crimson Tide returners averaging 19.3 yards per punt return in his career, nearly six years better than second place. Waddle opened this season with at least 120 yards receiving in each of the first four games and led Alabama with 557 yards on just 25 catches.
Lone Star Sadness: Horns, Aggies form Axis of Underachievers
At the top of USA Today's most recent revenue rankings for college athletic departments are Texas and Texas A&M. Texas and Texas A&M have everything needed to put out a national championship-level football program. The Aggies and Longhorns refuse to play each other but combine to form an Axis of Underachievers in the Lone Star State. In three games against Alabama under Fisher, the Aggies are 0-3 by a combined 144-75. For now, though, Texas and Texas A&M continue to prove the adage that money can't buy happiness.
Jones throws deep, No. 2 Alabama tops No. 13 Texas A&M 52-24
Briefly threatened early, Jones and the Crimson Tide (2-0) flexed their considerable big-play muscle in the passing game to put away the Aggies (1-1). “Our guys stayed the course and kept competing in the game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “We won, so it's a good game,” Jones said, when asked if it was his best performance. Smith, a converted receiver, emerged as another needed threat in the passing game. Alabama: Any questions about production of the Tide's passing game after Tua Tagovailoa, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III have been answered.
Roll redemption: No. 3 Alabama aims to restore dominance
3 Crimson Tide received that programs equivalent of a humbling last season, if an 11-2 record can qualify as such. Alabama failed to make the College Football Playoffs for the first time thanks largely to a 48-45, regular season-ending loss to rival Auburn. Making matters worse, that followed a 2018 season that ended with national championship game thrashing at the hands of Clemson. Speculation abounded that highly recruited freshman Bryce Young might push Jones for the starting job before COVID-19 canceled spring practice. Harris emerged as Alabamas latest star runner last season, gaining 1,224 yards and scoring 20 combined touchdowns rushing and receiving.