Detroit, MI

NFL Draft rumors hint at Aidan Hutchinson being back in play for the Lions

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2022

Press Room

Let’s begin in the present day’s roundup by reminding everybody that it’s mendacity season within the NFL.

Good. Now that we’ve got that out of the best way…

Recently, there have been a number of 2022 NFL Draft rumors stemming from quotes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts which were circulating via the media. A few of these sources are doubtless answering questions actually, however there are undoubtedly others which can be utilizing the media to push their very own agenda.

Probably the most notable of the rumors surrounds the Jacksonville Jaguars and their most well-liked selection for the No. 1 total draft choose.

“Everybody is aware of he (Jaguars GM Trent Baalke) desires to commerce it, and that tells me he’s not in love with any of them (prospects),” an AFC faculty scouting director instructed MMQB’s Albert Breer.

Breer would go on to clarify that the best way the state of affairs is being offered to him from a number of sources is that the Jaguars are nervous about how the group is being perceived—no shock after back-to-back No. 1 total picks and the City Meyer fiasco—and that they in the event that they don’t take Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson or “get a king’s ransom for the choose,” then it might be problematic for his or her picture.

Moreover, Breer famous others referenced the Jaguars doing numerous work on the highest offensive linemen on this class, which when coupled with Jaguars’ coach Doug Pederson’s feedback on the homeowners conferences (beneath), factors to them desirous to seize an offensive sort out on the prime of the draft—with NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu being the most certainly.

“We’re not achieved, clearly,” Pederson mentioned by way of the Free Press. “The draft is developing, and I’m certain we’re going so as to add some extra depth at that place. You’ll be able to by no means have sufficient offensive linemen within the NFL.”

There have been different comparable rumors reported from different websites, like Matt Lombardo of Fansided, who polled a number of NFL sources and got here away with quite a lot of opinions starting from Hutchinson, an offensive sort out, and even Georgia’s Travon Walker being the entrance runner for the No. 1 total choose.

The Walker connection has been making headlines recently, stemming from reviews from NFL Community’s Peter Schrager on Good Morning Soccer:

“Everybody’s inking Aidan Hutchinson to the @Jaguars. Across the NFL, there’s speak about GM Trent Baalke, and his draft historical past with SF. Yr after 12 months, the 49ers took gamers with unbelievable bodily traits excessive collegiate performers. That is Travon Walker.” — @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/WbxFkH6W9B
— Good Morning Soccer (@gmfb) April 11, 2022

However Schrager isn’t alone on this stance, as Tony Pauline of Professional Soccer Community took the same stance, writing on the subject in late March, and doubling down by way of video earlier this week:

With lower than two weeks earlier than the NFL draft is ready to kick off, issues are possibly not as settled as beforehand believed.

With the desk now set, let’s take a better take a look at who’s being projected to the Detroit Lions with the No. 2 total choose this week.

Jacksonville picks anybody however Aidan Hutchinson first total, and the Lions choose…

Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan – Lance Zierlein (NFL.com), Luke Easterling (Draft Wire), Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports activities), Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports activities), Evan Silva (Set up the run), Brian Bosarge (Draft Countdown), Cam Mellor (Professional Soccer Community), Ian Cummings (Professional Soccer Community), Joe Broback (Professional Soccer Community), Omar Kelly (Solar Sentinel), Harris Oates (DraftID), Tankathon (employees), Mike Fanelli (Fantasy Professionals), Andrew Wilbar (Behind the Metal Curtain)
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon – The thirty third staff (employees)

With the rumors smoking, a number of draft analysts are shopping for into the concept there may be some fireplace behind the Jaguars presumably not being settled on Hutchinson. As has been the case for a while now, if the Jaguars go on the Michigan edge rusher, there may be nearly common acceptance that he received’t get previous the Detroit Lions.

Now, not everyone seems to be altering their projections based mostly on rumors—together with Breer, who projected the Jaguars to stay with Hutchinson—which leads us to our subsequent part, the place as soon as once more, there was a dramatic shift in projections.

Jacksonville takes Aidan Hutchinson first total and the Lions choose…

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty – Keith Sanchez (Draft Community), Jacob Infante (Windy Metropolis Gridiron)
Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia – Dane Brugler (The Athletic), Albert Breer (MMQB), Bruce Feldman (The Athletic), Brad Spielberger (PFF), Nate Davis (USA Right now), Will Brinson (CBS Sports activities), Mark Maske (Washington Submit), Sawyer Hicks (DraftID), Andrew Erickson (Fantasy Professionals), Brian Johannes (The Huddle Report), Bryan Fischer (Anthon Sports activities), Jason McIntyre (Fox Sports activities), Jacob Camenker and Joe Rivera (Sporting Information)
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon – Adam Rank (NFL.com), Anthony Treash (PFF), Ben Linsey (PFF), Josh Edwards (CBS Sports activities)
Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati – Mel Kiper (ESPN), Tori McElhaney (AtlantaFalcons.com)
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame – Rhett Lewis (NFL.com)

Thibodeaux was the belle of the ball final week, however this week, issues have shifted again in favor of Walker. Possibly it has to do with the rumors Jacksonville is all for Walker, thus main others to imagine the Lions ought to be too. Or possibly the shine of the Lions attending Thibodeaux’s professional day has worn off.

Regardless of the purpose, Walker to Detroit—if Hutchinson is off the board—is re-gaining some momentum.

As at all times, there are a number of different gamers getting projected to Detroit, together with defensive backs Sauce Gardner and Kyle Hamilton, and naturally, the quarterback discuss won’t ever go away—although the variety of projections is shifting away from the Lions taking a quarterback at No. 2 to them touchdown on a signal-caller at No. 32.

Quarterback focus at No. 32

Malik Willis, Liberty – Two analysts projecting him at No. 2 above, Brian Bosarge (Draft Countdown) at No. 32
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh – Adam Rank (NFL.com), Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports activities)
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati – Bruce Feldman (The Athletic), Evan Silva (Set up the run), Josh Edwards (CBS Sports activities), Cam Mellor (Professional Soccer Community), Jason McIntyre (Fox Sports activities)
Matt Corral, Mississippi – Lance Zierlein (NFL.com), Tankathon (employees), Jacob Camenker and Joe Rivera (Sporting Information), Andrew Wilbar (Behind the Metal Curtain)
Sam Howell, North Carolina – Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports activities, No. 34), Ian Cummings (Professional Soccer Community, No. 34)
Carson Robust, Nevada – The thirty third staff (employees, No. 97)

Ridder’s inventory has been on the rise of late and that’s mirrored right here as he has the best quantity of projections to Detroit on the place. The Lions have been linked to Ridder for the reason that NFL Mix, when he reportedly met with the group, however don’t learn an excessive amount of into conferences, as a result of additionally they reportedly walked away from the Senior Bowl very excessive on Willis and in addition will probably be bringing in Pickett for a top-30 go to.

Of observe, whereas Howell and Robust had been linked to the Lions this week, neither landed in Detroit as a first-round choose.

Trades

Commerce choose No. 2 to Giants for No. 5, then commerce choose No. 5 to Saints for No. 16, Lions choose Jermaine Johnson (EDGE, Florida State) – Vinnie Iyer (Sporting Information)
Commerce choose No. 32 to Atlanta, and obtain picks No. 43, 114, 190 – Brad Spielberger (PFF)
Commerce choose No. 32 to Seattle and obtain choose No. 40, 2023 third spherical – Ben Linsey (PFF)
Commerce choose No. 32 to Seattle and obtain choose No. 40 and “in all probability” a fourth-rounder – Nate Davis (USA Right now)
Commerce choose No. 32 to Jets and obtain picks No. 35 and 111 – Joe Broback (Professional Soccer Community)

A brand new dynamic to mock drafts this week—as analysts try to hold issues contemporary—is numerous commerce situations. Projecting trades is almost unattainable, however I included it as a reminder of the worth of the thirty second choose and the fifth-year possibility it carries.

I additionally figured it’d make for a wholesome debate about which one was greatest within the remark part beneath. Personally, I’d take Linsey’s suggestion.

Picks No. 32 and 34

Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama – Sawyer Hicks (DraftID)
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas – Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports activities)
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State – Dane Brugler (The Athletic), The thirty third staff (employees), Tori McElhaney (AtlantaFalcons.com), Mike Fanelli (Fantasy Professionals), Luke Easterling (Draft Wire, No. 34)
George Pickens, WR, Georgia – Bryan Fischer (Anthon Sports activities)
Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan – Rhett Lewis (NFL.com)
George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue – Will Brinson (CBS Sports activities)
David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan – Mel Kiper (ESPN, No. 34)
Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State – Keith Sanchez (Draft Community, No. 34)
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah – Keith Sanchez (Draft Community)
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia – Josh Edwards (CBS Sports activities), Brian Johannes (The Huddle Report), Andrew Wilbar (Behind the Metal Curtain, No. 34)
Leo Chanel, LB, Wisconsin – Anthony Treash (PFF, No. 34)
Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State – Joe Broback (Professional Soccer Community)
Andrew Sales space, CB, Clemson – Andrew Erickson (Fantasy Professionals)
Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington – Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports activities, No. 34)
Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn – Omar Kelly (Solar Sentinel)
Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida – Mark Maske (Washington Submit)
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan – Luke Easterling (Draft Wire), Ian Cummings (Professional Soccer Community), Harris Oates (DraftID), The thirty third staff (employees, No. 34)
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia – Mel Kiper (ESPN), Jacob Infante (Windy Metropolis Gridiron), Dane Brugler (The Athletic, No. 34), Brian Bosarge (Draft Countdown, No. 34)
Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor – Anthony Treash (PFF)

So, that’s 19 gamers over 5 completely different positions—not together with quarterbacks—that analysts suppose the Lions might be all for at picks No. 32 and 34. I feel this speaks to how unsettled this draft class is at each degree.

Prime projections this week embrace Dotson, Hill, Cine, and Dean—who was my choice with the thirty second choose within the Pleasure of Detroit group mock draft.

No. 66

Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU – Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports activities)
Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis – Ian Cummings (Professional Soccer Community)
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky – Andrew Wilbar (Behind the Metal Curtain)
Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson – Josh Edwards (CBS Sports activities)
Quay Walker, LB, Georgia – Brian Bosarge (Draft Countdown)
Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State – Luke Easterling (Draft Wire)
Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia – Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports activities)
Leo Chanel, LB, Wisconsin – Dane Brugler (The Athletic), The thirty third staff (employees)

No. 97

Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M – Ian Cummings (Professional Soccer Community)
Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee – Brian Bosarge (Draft Countdown)
Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson – Luke Easterling (Draft Wire)
Cole Unusual, IOL, Chattanooga – Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports activities)
Josh Pascal, EDGE, Kentucky – Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports activities)
Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri – Dane Brugler (The Athletic)
Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama – Andrew Wilbar (Behind the Metal Curtain)
Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois – Josh Edwards (CBS Sports activities)

One other new wrinkle in mock drafts this time of 12 months is analysts increasing past the primary two rounds, with some even taking over all seven. Apparently, the identical technique for pairing the Lions up with an offensive ability participant or any degree of defender stays true within the third spherical as nicely.

I’m not in love with many of the offensive pairings—I just like the gamers, simply not at all times the match or after they had been projected—however the defensive projections are holding my consideration. Nabbing a linebacker at No. 66 is sensible if the Lions go at No. 32/34, and the gamers projected work for me, particularly Walker who I feel might be in play at 34 relying on how issues fall. Moreover, if the Lions go on a security early, give me Joseph at choose No. 97 all day.

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Detroit, MI

Motown Museum to host annual Founder’s Day celebration on May 19

Published

6 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

Motown Museum to host annual Founder’s Day celebration on May 19

DETROIT, MICH (WXYZ) — The Motown Museum is welcoming the community to its annual Founder’s Day celebration from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Community vendors, performances from Hitsville NEXT program participants and appearances by special guests will be highlights of Founder’s Day, which is a Motown Museum tradition. Entertainment on the museum’s immersive Rocket Plaza will culminate the day of celebration and give the local Detroit community the opportunity to experience the Motown magic together.

Founder’s Day is an annual, free and open to the public celebration hosted by Motown Museum in honor of Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum’s late founder who made commemorating the Motown legacy in Detroit a reality for the world. The event will kick off the 2024 summer performance series on Rocket Plaza, which will be packed with captivating concerts and unique community gathering events that will make Rocket Plaza and Motown Museum the place to be for live music and outdoor entertainment in Detroit.

Two-for-one Motown Museum tours will also be available on Founder’s Day. Interested participants should plan to purchase Motown Museum tours through the box office on the day of the event. Motown Museum Campus Rocket Plaza (in front of Hitsville U.S.A.) is located at 2648 W. Grand Blvd., in Detroit, MI (48208).

For more information on Motown Museum, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org

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Detroit, MI

Mock Trade Presents Possible Path to Hawks Star for Detroit Pistons

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Mock Trade Presents Possible Path to Hawks Star for Detroit Pistons

When the Atlanta Hawks landed the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft at the lottery last weekend, many assumed that they were officially headed toward a rebuild. With that, all eyes are now set on the star backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.

Even before Atlanta landed the No. 1 pick, there was a league-wide assumption that one of the two guards might get moved. If one or both are indeed available, the Detroit Pistons would be wise to inquire, as they could benefit from a big move.

The chances of the Pistons seeking out a trade for Trae Young seem slim, considering Cade Cunningham is in the picture as the team’s starting point guard for the future.

Perhaps, a pairing of Cunningham and Murray could be beneficial to Detroit.

Recently, Bleacher Report put together multiple mock trades that make sense for Atlanta’s top pick. In one of the hypothetical deals presented, there is a framework that shows the Pistons’ potential path to not only Murray — but the first pick as well.

In the mock deal, the Pistons would ship out Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and the fifth-overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. For Atlanta, they move off of Murray, while going back four spots.

Dec 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) drives on Detroit / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

“Burning a chunk of cap space on this package shouldn’t bother Detroit, either. Murray is likely far better than anyone whom the Pistons can realistically sign, and this deal has them taking on under $15 million additional salary, leaving them plenty of maneuverability for both free agency and other trades.”

Whatever the Pistons have been doing clearly isn’t working. Is this a deal that would instantly turn Detroit into a contender? Probably not, but it would allow the Pistons to get a look at Cunningham sharing the court with an All-Star caliber player.

Before Murray landed in Atlanta, he averaged 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists with the San Antonio Spurs. His pairing alongside Trae Young wasn’t as great on the court as it was on paper, but he still maintained a high level of play.

Over the past two seasons, Murray averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He knocked down 52 percent of his twos and drilled 36 percent of his threes on six attempts per game. Not only was Murray productive, but he was available for all but 12 games over his two-year run with the Hawks so far.

The Pistons have money to spend in free agency, but convincing an All-Star caliber player to join a 14-win squad would take a ton of effort, which would probably result in striking out. If the plan is for the Pistons to acquire a player near Murray’s tier, striking a trade might be their best bet.

It wouldn’t be easy for Detroit to cut ties with their homegrown prospects like Ivey and Thompson, but there’s always major risk involved in getting a blockbuster deal done. And the Pistons certainly don’t get any worse in this scenario.

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Detroit, MI

Detroit Tigers rookie Colt Keith takes ‘big step in right direction’ with 4-hit game

Published

20 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Detroit Tigers rookie Colt Keith takes ‘big step in right direction’ with 4-hit game

PHOENIX — Detroit Tigers rookie Colt Keith scored from second base on Javier Báez’s single to snap the 20-inning scoreless streak in Friday’s 13-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, but to do that, he first had to get on base in the second inning.

Keith smacked a two-strike changeup from right-hander Ryne Nelson into center field for a single.

It was his first of four hits.

“I felt like I finally loosened up,” said Keith, who hadn’t produced more than two hits in a single MLB game before his first four-hit game, in his 37th big-league game. “I let my muscles, my swing, my work just take over. I feel like I’ve been tense the whole season, and today was a big step in the right direction. I’m loosening up and getting my timing, and I feel like I had really good bat control. It was a really good day.”

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Keith finished 4-for-5 with four singles, playing a key role in Friday’s pummeling of the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. He drove in two runs, but he also led the Tigers by scoring three times.

His batting average in 2024 jumped from .171 to .197.

“These guys are putting in a lot of work,” manager A.J. Hinch said, “and they’re taking a lot of questions about their offense, about our offense. Guys want to see results, too. They will trust that the process is right, and they’re doing the work and their routines, and all the things are going to lead to better times, and then they want to see it in the game.

“Especially for Colt. These are all new. He’s never been at this ballpark. He’s never played at this level. He’s arguably never struggled. I think him seeing some hits fall should do a lot for his confidence going into tomorrow.”

The 22-year-old, who signed a six-year contract extension before his MLB debut, has 24 hits, 21 strikeouts and 10 walks in his 133 plate appearances. He has a long way to go until he gets those numbers where he wants them to be, and he remains in search of his first home run (after hitting 27 in the minors in 2023), but his 16.4% strikeout rate indicates quality plate appearances, with a steady approach despite the lack of results.

He makes contact at a high rate when he swings at pitches inside the strike zone.

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The difference between his .192 batting average against fastballs and .317 expected batting average against fastballs — as well as his .212 slugging percentage on fastballs compared his .563 expected sluggging percentage — describes him as an unlucky hitter, suggesting better times are coming soon.

Eventually, Keith will hit for contact and power.

He hit .306 last season in 126 games with Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.

“I’ve been getting more and more comfortable every day,” Keith said. “The last couple games, I feel like the nerves are starting to calm down, and I’m not getting these in big situations anymore. Today, I came out and I felt like normal. I wasn’t stressing about things I can’t control. I just went out there and made sure my timing was on time. I felt good, felt loose and got some hits.”

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The hits didn’t stop after the second-inning single.

Keith, a left-handed hitter, connected with an inside cutter from Nelson for an RBI single in the third inning. He was trying to for a flyball, but instead, he shot the ball down the first-base line, past the diving first baseman and into right field.

“I was actually trying to hit it in the air,” Keith said. “I was a little late, but luckily, I was trying to hit it in the air. If I had the timing had before, I would’ve gotten jammed, probably a broken bat. But I was able to get out in front. I ended up hitting it on the ground, not doing what I’m supposed to do, but I got a base hit.”

It’s about time Keith had a little luck on his side.

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He continued to pile on, hitting another outside changeup from Nelson — just like the hit in the second inning — for an RBI single in the fifth inning and hitting an outside sinker from right-handed reliever Matt Bowman in the sixth.

Keith didn’t carry the Tigers, as there were six players with multiple hits, but the first four-hit performance of his career was part of a crucial team breakthrough on offense following back-to-back shutouts by the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park.

“It’s definitely great,” Keith said. “I feel like today was a good start to get in a groove and keep playing.”

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

Listen to our weekly Tigers show “Days of Roar” every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

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