Scouting Report: Kevin Smith and Jerome Felton

Scouting Report: Kevin Smith and Jerome Felton
by Tom Kowalski
Monday June 02, 2008, 6:04 AM
KEVIN SMITH

2008 Scouting Report

If the draft had gone the way the Lions had hoped, they would've drafted linebacker Jerod Mayo in the first round and running back Ray Rice in the second round. After Mayo was swooped up early, the Lions had to change their strategy and, because they didn't get the linebacker in the first round, they had to pass on Rice and get one (Jordon Dizon) in the second.


At the start of day two of the draft, the Lions had the third pick in the third round and the only available running back they really wanted was Smith. The Lions wanted to make sure they didn't miss out so they traded up to get him. Over the next couple of years, it'll be interesting to see if the Lions actually caught a break by being "unlucky'' early in the draft.

The two biggest knocks against Smith are his lack of blistering speed and the fact he didn't face top-flight competition week in and week out. While speed is an issue, Smith is very fluid in his running style, cuts smoothly, doesn't stutter-step to change direction and hits his top speed quickly. The other strength of his game is his vision, a trait that helps separate the good ones from the great ones.

Barry Sanders used to say that he never looked at the first defender - he expected to make that guy miss - so he was always looking to see where the next defender was coming from. No one is saying Smith is the next Sanders but if Smith can continue to utilize that kind of vision in the NFL, his game will go to another level.

For all of his natural running ability, Smith works extremely hard on all other facets of his game. He studies the playbook in detail and wants to know what each player is supposed to do on each play. He's also a sponge when it comes to soaking up coaching tips, whether it's in how to run a pass route or set up a blitzing linebacker in pass protection. This kid is driven to be the best and has put in the time and work to try to achieve that.

Smith will go into camp as one of the backups behind veteran Tatum Bell and regardless of when he climbs in to the No. 1 spot, Smith is going to get the bulk of work when the regular season starts. It'll also be interesting to see how the Lions use Smith on third downs and obvious passing situations. Right now, they've got Brian Calhoun but Smith might pressure him for some playing time, as well.




MY THOUGHTS

This is exactly the kind of guy you need on this team. We finally have a guy who has some heart and wants to be the best and actually has the talent to get there. This guy is going to be our work horse for years to come. The way he speaks in interviews, you hear a fire in him. I hear the same thing in a guy for another Detroit team, Rodney Stuckey. They are not afraid and they want to be the best. Great picks and probably big stars for the city of Detroit for years to come.

JEROME FELTON

2008 Scouting Report

With the Lions stressing a different zone blocking system that was used last year, they need their fullback to be less of a bowling ball and more of a read-and-react blocker who can change directions on the fly. That's why the Lions grabbed Felton in the fifth round. A bright kid who played at a small college, Felton has shown good blocking skills and has good movement. He's not fast, but he's got quick feet.

Felton has also shown an ability to run the ball well in short yardage and goal line situations. Felton doesn't have a lot of power, but he's been effective because he reads the hole well and has decent drive in his legs. Felton, who starred at Furman, will have to increase his strength in making the leap to the NFL.

Felton will compete with veterans Jon Bradley and Sean McHugh at fullback and will also have to show that he can contribute on a variety of special teams. Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said something interesting recently in talking about Detroit's running back situation. In the past, the Lions have only carried five total running backs but Colletto indicated that this season it might be six. Colletto said the breakdown might be "three-three,'' meaning they might keep three tailbacks and three fullbacks.

That number won't be solidified until late in training camp when the Lions coaches start putting the roster together and final numbers per position are nailed down. But it's pretty clear at this point that the staff believes they've got at least six backs worth keeping.