Reginald D. Sherman's podcast is another example. It covers personal growth and faith, inspiring many with its content.
America's Most Influential Motivational Speakers
The world of motivational speaking in America is filled with key figures. They have inspired millions and changed how people face challenges and goals.
Tony Robbins: The Energy Amplifier
Tony Robbins is well-known in the motivational world. He is known for his endless energy and engaging stage presence. Robbins has helped many people take charge of their lives, beat obstacles, and reach success.
He teaches the power of mindset and the need to act quickly towards goals.
Brené Brown: Vulnerability as Strength
Brené Brown has changed how we see vulnerability. She shows it as a strength, not a weakness. Her TED Talks and books have touched hearts around the world.
She encourages people to accept their flaws and live truly. Brown stresses the value of courage, empathy, and connection in facing challenges and growing.
Les Brown: Overcoming Adversity
Les Brown's life story is inspiring. He was once called "educable mentally retarded" but now is a top motivational speaker. His journey shows the power of resilience and determination.
He motivates people to overcome their hurdles. He teaches the importance of a positive mindset and consistent action towards goals.
Simon Sinek: Starting With Why
Simon Sinek is famous for his insights on leadership and motivation. His "start with why" idea has inspired businesses and individuals. It encourages them to focus on their purpose and values.
Sinek's work shows how understanding motivations drives meaningful action.
These motivational speakers have inspired many and left a lasting impact on personal development. They empower people to aim for greatness and make a difference in their communities.
Historical Motivational Speeches That Changed the World
Some speeches have stood the test of time, inspiring and motivating people for ages. They have left a lasting mark on society, shaping cultures and driving change. This section looks at three speeches that have inspired many, then and now.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His call for racial equality and justice is remembered in his iconic phrase,
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
This speech sparked a movement, pushing for social change and fighting racial discrimination.
John F. Kennedy's "Moon Speech"
On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave his "Moon Speech" at Rice University. It was about the U.S.'s space exploration efforts. Kennedy's speech was not just about reaching the moon; it was about exploring and learning. He said,
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
This speech inspired a nation to aim for a big goal, showing the power of human achievement.
Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address
In 2005, Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, gave a speech at Stanford University. It has become one of the most celebrated speeches in recent history. Jobs shared three personal stories about connecting the dots, loving your work, and facing mortality. His speech ended with the inspiring words,
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"
— a message that has encouraged many to follow their dreams with courage and determination.
These speeches, from different times and places, share a common message: the power to inspire and bring about change. They show that the right words can have a lasting impact on the world.
How to Craft Your Own Motivational Speeches
Motivational speaking is more than just sharing a message. It's about sparking a fire in your listeners. To make a speech that hits home, start by figuring out your main message.
Identifying Your Core Message
Your core message is the heart of your speech. It gives your words meaning and purpose. First, you need to know what drives you and what you believe in.
Finding Your Authentic Voice
Finding your true voice is key to a motivational speech that connects. It's about being genuine and sharing your real experiences. As Reginald D. Sherman says, "Your authenticity is your greatest asset; use it to connect with your audience on a deeper level."
Connecting Personal Experience to Universal Truths
Linking your personal stories to universal truths makes your message powerful. This connection helps your audience see themselves in your words.
Structuring for Maximum Impact
The way you structure your speech matters a lot. A good structure helps your audience follow your story and get inspired by your message.
Start with a hook to grab your audience's attention.
Build your narrative around your core message.
Use stories and examples to illustrate your points.
Conclude with a strong call-to-action.
Delivery Techniques That Resonate
How you deliver your speech is just as important as what you say. Your tone, pace, and body language all affect how your message is received.
Delivery Technique
Description
Impact
Confident Body Language
Maintaining eye contact and using purposeful gestures.
Engages the audience and conveys conviction.
Varied Tone and Pace
Using different tones and pacing to add emphasis.
Keeps the audience engaged and interested.
Storytelling
Sharing personal anecdotes and stories.
Creates an emotional connection with the audience.
By focusing on these key points, you can create a motivational speech that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.
Overcoming Common Challenges in Motivational Speaking
To truly inspire, motivational speakers must first overcome common challenges. These can include internal fears and anxieties. They also face external factors like diverse audiences and the need to stay authentic.
Conquering Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety
Many motivational speakers struggle with stage fright and performance anxiety. Marisa Peer, a famous hypnotherapist, says overcoming negative thoughts is key. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can help reduce anxiety.
A study found that pre-performance routines can calm nerves. This shows that with the right approach, speakers can manage their anxiety.
Technique
Description
Benefit
Deep Breathing
Slow, deliberate breathing to calm the nervous system
Reduces physiological symptoms of anxiety
Visualization
Mentally rehearsing a successful performance
Boosts confidence and mental preparedness
Positive Self-Talk
Using affirmations to counteract negative self-talk
Enhances mental resilience and positivity
Connecting With Diverse Audiences
Connecting with diverse audiences is a big challenge. Speakers need to understand and adapt to different backgrounds and cultures. This can be done by conducting thorough audience research and tailoring the message to resonate with everyone.
Maintaining Authenticity Under Pressure
Staying authentic is key, but it can be hard under pressure. Speakers must be true to their message and values. They should be vulnerable and honest with the audience, sharing personal stories that show the message's truth.
By tackling these challenges, motivational speakers can inspire and motivate more effectively.
The Role of Motivational Speeches in Leadership
Effective leadership often depends on inspiring and motivating teams, even when things get tough. Motivational speeches play a big role in this. They can lift spirits and refocus teams on their goals.
Inspiring Teams Through Difficult Times
Leaders face many challenges, like big changes and keeping team morale up during hard times. Motivational speeches can be a light of hope and strength. They help teams stay motivated and focused on their goals. For example, leaders can share stories of overcoming tough times, like Les Brown does.
Creating Shared Vision and Purpose
Leadership is also about creating a shared vision and purpose for the team. Motivational speeches help make this vision clear and real for everyone. Simon Sinek's idea of "starting with why" is key here. It shows how important it is to know the reason behind what we do.
Leadership Aspect
Role of Motivational Speeches
Outcome
Inspiring Teams
Uplifting and refocusing teams during challenges
Enhanced team morale and resilience
Creating Shared Vision
Articulating a clear and relatable vision
Unified team direction and purpose
Building Trust
Fostering transparent and honest communication
Increased trust and credibility among team members
Building Trust Through Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is key to building trust between leaders and their teams. Motivational speeches that are honest and open can really help build this trust. This leads to a more united and working together team.
By using motivational speeches well, leaders can inspire their teams and make a big difference in their organization's culture and success.
Motivational Speeches: Their Impact on Personal Transformation
Motivational speeches can change lives, starting a journey from inspiration to lasting change. This journey is complex, involving a change in mindset, behavior, and purpose.
From Inspiration to Action
The journey from inspiration to action is key in personal transformation. Motivational speeches spark the change, making people rethink their goals and dreams. Reginald D. Sherman's podcast shows how faith-based strategies keep people focused on their goals.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall," said Nelson Mandela. This quote shows the importance of resilience that motivational speeches teach.
Creating Lasting Change
Creating lasting change needs more than just inspiration. It requires hard work and a clear plan. Motivational speeches that talk about persistence and resilience help people overcome obstacles.
Combining Speeches with Practical Implementation
For real change, motivational speeches must be paired with practical steps. This includes setting goals, building a support network, and learning and reflecting on oneself.
By doing this, people can turn the inspiration from speeches into real, lasting change.
Digital Revolution in Motivational Content
The rise of digital media has changed the motivational content world. Now, there are many formats and channels to choose from.
This digital change has made it easier for people to find inspiration. They can get motivated whenever they want. Digital platforms have spread motivational messages far and wide. This has created a global community of people looking to grow personally and professionally.
TED Talks and Their Global Impact
TED Talks have become a big deal in the world of digital motivation. With thousands of talks online, they cover everything from science to personal growth. They are a top choice for those seeking inspiration.
TED Talks have a big impact because they share ideas from experts all over the world. This has made knowledge more accessible. It also gives a voice to many different people.
Social Media as a Motivational Platform
Social media is also key for sharing motivational content. Influencers and motivational speakers use it to share inspiring stories and quotes. They reach a huge number of people.
Social media lets people interact and build communities. It's a place where people can share their stories and get motivated by others.
Podcasts and Audio Motivation
Podcasts are becoming more popular for motivational content. They let listeners get inspired on the go. Many motivational speakers and thought leaders use podcasts to share their insights.
Podcasts are great for motivation because they feel personal. Listeners can connect with the speaker and really take in the message.
Platform
Key Features
Impact
TED Talks
Diverse topics, expert speakers
Global reach, idea sharing
Social Media
Interactive, community building
Wide audience, engagement
Podcasts
Audio content, on-demand
Personal connection, flexibility
Measuring the Effectiveness of Motivational Messages
Motivational messages can change lives. But, figuring out how well they work needs a careful look. We must see both their quick and lasting effects.
Short-term vs. Long-term Effects
The short-term effects show right away. People might clap, get involved, or say nice things. But, the real test is how they last over time.
The true measure of their effectiveness is if they lead to lasting changes or keep people moving toward their goals.
Behavioral Changes and Habit Formation
Seeing people change their ways is a big sign of success. Motivational messages can help people start new habits or change old ones. This can really improve their lives at work and at home.
Success Stories and Case Studies
Success stories and case studies show us how well these messages work. Looking at real examples helps us see their power.
Motivational speakers often share stories of overcoming big challenges. These stories can motivate others to face their own hurdles. By studying these stories and their results, we can make messages that really make a difference.
Cultural Perspectives on Motivation and Success
Cultural views on motivation and success are complex and varied. As the world connects more, it's key to grasp these differences. This helps in sharing motivational messages with different groups.
American Dream vs. Global Success Narratives
In the U.S., the American Dream focuses on personal success and moving up. But, globally, success stories differ. In many Asian cultures, family or community success is more important than personal achievements.
Culture
Success Narrative
Key Values
American
Individual success and upward mobility
Independence, self-reliance
Asian
Collective achievement and family honor
Family, community, harmony
Scandinavian
Social equality and community welfare
Equality, social justice
Adapting Motivational Messages Across Cultures
To motivate different people, messages must fit each culture. It's important to know the local values and success stories. For instance, a speech on personal success might work in the U.S. but needs a family or community twist in other cultures.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Universal Themes That Transcend Boundaries
Even with cultural differences, some themes are universal. These include the value of perseverance, hard work, and hope. Motivational speakers who use these themes can reach people everywhere.
By understanding and valuing cultural differences, we can make motivational messages that inspire everyone around the world.
Conclusion: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Inspiration
Motivational speeches have a special power. They inspire people to reach their goals. This article has shown how motivation works, what makes speeches powerful, and how inspiration changes us.
These speeches can spark passion and help us bounce back from tough times. They also lead to positive changes. By knowing how to craft inspiring content, speakers can connect deeply with their audience.
Using inspiration, we can reach our highest goals and help others do the same. By following the advice in this article, we can motivate others to do their best. This way, we all grow and succeed together.
Inspiration is a key to personal growth. By using it, we can build a community that is motivated, empowered, and successful.
FAQ
What makes a motivational speech effective?
A good motivational speech tells real stories that touch the heart. It also gives a clear call to action. This inspires people to take steps towards change.
How do motivational speeches impact personal growth?
Motivational speeches can spark personal change. They push people to go from feeling inspired to actually doing something. This change can last over time with consistent effort.
What role do motivational speeches play in leadership?
Motivational speeches are key for leaders. They inspire teams and share a common goal. This builds trust and makes leaders more effective.
How have digital platforms changed the way we consume motivational content?
Digital tools like TED Talks and social media have made motivational content more accessible. Now, people can find inspiring messages from all over the world.
Can motivational speeches be tailored to different contexts?
Yes, motivational speeches can fit many settings. This includes work, school, sports, and personal growth. Each area has its own needs and ways to approach.
What are some common challenges faced by motivational speakers?
Speakers often face challenges like stage fright and connecting with different audiences. But, with practice and experience, these can be overcome.
How can the effectiveness of motivational messages be measured?
To measure the impact of motivational messages, look at short and long-term effects. Check for behavioral changes and success stories. This gives insight into their effectiveness.
Are motivational speeches culturally sensitive?
Yes, motivational speeches can be culturally sensitive. They can be tailored to fit different cultures. This involves finding universal themes and being aware of cultural differences.
Who are some of America's most influential motivational speakers?
In America, influential speakers include Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Les Brown, and Simon Sinek. They are known for their inspiring messages and unique styles.
What is the science behind motivation and inspiration?
The science of motivation and inspiration involves how our brains react to inspiring content. It includes the release of dopamine and how motivation leads to action.
How can one craft a motivational speech?
To craft a motivational speech, start with a clear message. Structure it for impact and use delivery techniques that connect with the audience. Authentic storytelling and emotional resonance are key.
With The NFL Combine Now Completed The Board Has Begun To Shift Yet Again.
Some players showed off their athleticism and are flying up boards, while others got exposed and are beginning to crash down them. With free agency still looming however and pro days and team visits still on the horizon anything can happen as teams begin to firm up their draft boards. With this mock draft posting the day of the start of free agency, we realize that this work may very well become irrelevant in a matter of hours based upon what moves the Lions front office makes and when.
So with that in mind I decided to try a more fun concept. This time ground rules were that none of the writers could pick the same player throughout the draft or pick the same position in the same round. This will hopefully give fans a bunch of different strategic looks so they are more prepared based on what happens in free agency. I let my guest writers this week Cory Hayes and Brandon Knapp go first so let’s see how we all did:
To open the first round Brandon went with his old standby (and not so secret man crush) Taco Charlton. While he gets ribbed every now and again for it, there are fairly many reasons to like Taco. He’s a power player with a large frame which he uses to bull rush and push offensive linemen out of his way. The thing that makes Charlton special though is he also brings with that frame some freaky athletic traits and a rare speed to size ratio. If he can learn to harness his raw ability with some pass rush moves and stay consistent with his effort both on and off the field he could be a major asset coming off the edge.
Cory went with the new highly anticipated product out of Temple Haason Reddick. In college he played defensive end and in high school he was a safety but in the NFL he fits right in the middle as a 4-3 linebacker. Reddick showed at both the combine and the senior bowl that he has great speed and movement skills, tearing up the testing and positional drills. While he has a lot of potential he’s still very raw and needs to development to play the position in the NFL. Harnessing all of that athleticism into one position that he can focus on and dedicate to learning completely could have phenomenal results for the team that decides to bet on him. Considering that Detroit has been heavily tied to Reddick through the offseason this is a name to definitely keep in mind.
Finally my choice was Sidney Jones the cornerback from Washington. Jones is potentially the most pro ready corner in the draft, with ability in both man and zone schemes. He’s got phenomenal ball skills, great technique and just about everything you could possibly want out of a cornerback. The one negative you could put on him though is size and physicality. While he has great length he has a fairly thin frame and can get boxed out or shoved at the line by bigger physical receivers. If he can add on weight without losing speed in an NFL strength program he would be a major asset in the secondary.
In the second round Brandon went with cornerback Tre’davious White, one of the stickiest cover guys in the draft. He is just one of many great potential corners that could slide to the mid/late second round due to the depth of talent in this class. White is not very physical with receivers, but he can out jump and out position them on a regular basis. Showing that he can go toe to toe against top talent on numerous occasions. There are also concerns with his deep speed, but if you’re considering him as a CB2 he will have over the top safety help regardless. With some refinement in his technique he might make for one of the best corner pairings in the league with Darius Slay.
Corey’s pick here was defensive tackle Caleb Brantley. The Florida senior is a compact but powerful penetrator in the interior capable of filling a three-tech role while also having the bulk to anchor as a nose tackle. With his body type and quickness it’s hard not to make Aaron Donald comparisons, creating gaps with a hard punch and sliding into them. He will need to keep developing pass rush moves for the next level and get more disciplined as his work ethic has been questioned and he tends to bite on hard snap counts. In Detroit however he has the potential to be a long term difference maker in the middle of the defense to help fill the gaping hole left by Ndamukong Suh.
With my pick I grabbed Zach Cunningham the linebacker from Vanderbilt. While I have had the Lions taking him at 21 in the past, concerns surrounding his weight for the position and tackling have dropped him down boards a little after an only OK combine. Make no mistake though he is still an asset and at a phenomenal value in the mid to late second round. Cunningham offers the full package at mike linebacker, with phenomenal coverage skills, run defense, blitzing, and leadership skills. If a team with a good development staff brings him in and gets him coached up the right way he’s a long term starter at the position with top ten potential.
Brandon’s selection for the 85th pick was middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. out of Northwestern. Walker Jr. was another perceived first round option for Detroit going back to September of last year, however his value has sagged significantly after a poor season caused primarily by some poorly advised weight gain. If he drops back down to just under 235 lbs, Walker has sideline to sideline speed combined with one of the highest football IQ’s in this draft, above average cover skills, and quality leadership ability. I believe he would be by far the best value linebacker of the draft at this pick if you get the guy from two years ago as opposed to the player that showed up last season.
Rasul Douglas, Cory’s selection, is another guy who’s value has sagged a little of late mainly due to his see sawing pros and cons list. He’s one of the second tier corners of this year’s draft with huge size for the position but some technical flaws. At 6’2, 209 lbs, he engulfs smaller receivers, however there are concerns especially after the combine about his ability to run with them. While he plays the ball well in toss up situations, he also doesn’t play up to his size from a physicality perspective. In a zone scheme he has the potential to be very successful in a CB2 role if he ups his physicality, acting as a turnover specialist that teams target in order to turn away from a high end CB1.
I decided to go for one of the most intriguing players in the draft here in my opinion; Adam Shaheen. Consider this guy from the tiny Ashland University the JJ Watt of tight ends. He’s an absolute monster at 6’6 and almost 28 lbs, but he’s also capable of running a sub 4.8 40, a number guys 30-40 lbs lighter then him were running. He also has deceptive shiftiness and hands at the top of routes, showing traits that he’s capable of being a two way guy at the next level. While he needs to work on his blocking technique all rookie tight ends need to do that entering the NFL. If you can teach him how to do that well, which shouldn’t be hard to do at his size and agility watch out because you have a top five NFL tight end in just a few years time.
Brandon had Noah Brown here, the raw but talented possession receiver fit for the Lions WR3 role. While Brown doesn’t have a whole lot of production coming out of Ohio State after breaking his leg, sitting behind a bunch of positional depth over the years and then being under utilized last season, he still has a lot going for him. He’s got prototypical size for the outside at 6’2, 220 lbs and long arms, a powerful physical play style, good body control, and strong hands. If he can develop to run cleaner routes and gain some separation to actually fit the ball in he’s built to be a poor man’s Anquan Boldin. Considering the legacy that man has that’s by no means a slight.
Cory went with one of my favourite picks here, Samaje Perine. The Oklahoma power runner is coming off a season where he broke the Sooners career rushing record and then went to the combine and put up an absurd 30 reps on the bench press. Combined with a speedy 4.65 40 for someone at 233 lbs and solid change of direction drills, Perine showed he is the real deal for the next level. While it would be nice if he had a little more wiggle to him, as a featured role player he fits perfectly as a power run element. He would be the ultimate banger that Detroit needs to pick up tough yards in short situations.
Finally I had Derek Rivers the edge rusher out of Youngstown State. He was a very productive player against lesser competition in his small conference, and NFL scouts love seeing big production. Rivers combines great speed with a wide array of pass rushing moves that can help him get the job done. A true technical specialist he will slowly pick linemen apart by testing things out on them before exposing weaknesses he finds throughout the game. He needs to get better at some technical aspects of the position outside of pass rushing such as run support, but if he can harness his pass rushing talents and not be completely exposed against the run he will make a team very happy in the mid rounds, even in just a rotational role.
Brandon’s selection in the fifth was James Conner, an absolute battering ram of a runner. At 6’2, 235 lbs, Conner plows through contact between the tackles and gets yards out of nothing every time he’s headed north-south. While he’s probably never going to be versatile enough to be a three down guy in today’s NFL, he’s the perfect goal line/short yardage specialist to pair with an explosive lighting backfield. A leader known for his toughness and perseverance, Conner beat both a torn MCL and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the same time and returned to the field without missing a full season. If he continues to get burst and agility back and returns to the form he had as a world beating freshman, the Lions would get hands down the steal of the draft at this pick.
Cory’s pick of Trey Hendrickson from Florida Atlantic is certainly a fun one. The defensive end didn’t get considered much coming from an awful college program, however when he showed up at the East-West Shrine game and started bullying offensive linemen to the point of borderline humiliation. He plays with a swagger coming to take somebody’s lunch on every snap and then letting them know he did it after the fact. He has good size for a bigger 4-3 defensive end but he needs to improve his run support to get on the field at the next level. Overall he’s a good guy to stash in the rotation and hopefully start down the road.
Ryan Glasgow is a home town favorite and my pick for the Lions in the fifth. The brother of Lions left guard Graham Glasgow, he is a no nonsense, hard working, run stuffing defensive tackle. Currently at the next level he’s an anchoring nose tackle but with time developing his leg strength he can turn himself into a bit of a pocket pusher, something that would be great to have paired with A’shawn Robinson in the heart of Detroit’s defense. He has to work on his body a bit to get to become an every down guy as well as develop some more pass rush or at least pocket disrupting ability. End of the day though Ryan is a great fit in Detroit both with attitude and family in mind.
Brandon took Cooper Rush here as the Lions developmental third quarterback Detroit has been looking for. Rush won’t wow anyone with his physical ability but he more then makes up for that with his football IQ. He has great anticipation, play recognition skills, and the ability to fit a ball into tight spaces with generally consistent accuracy. The key for him will be throwing mechanics and arm strength at the next level. If he can get both those improved he might make himself worth something for the Lions someday, namely from a team looking for a career backup.
Cory’s pick of Jessamen Dunker from Florida may not be a household name but it’s a developmental guy that should be kept in mind. The tough guard is an incredibly raw athlete with good feet and size but very poor overall technique. He often gets beaten on plays when the other team makes a nice move that he’s unprepared for and he can get tipped off balance relatively evenly. This also causes him not to play up to the strength he shows in the weight room, occasionally falling off blocks and exposing his quarterback. He’s a player that you sit down for a few years and then bring him back in when necessary as he comes from a zone scheme which is what they’re building and he has so much to learn still.
I took the falling Dede Westbrook in the sixth round, the speedster out of Oklahoma. He has been falling of late due to concerns over his size and durability as well as alleged domestic violence cases however his on the field ability is clear. Westbrook flies on the outside, runs precise routes, and does a great job of adjusting to balls being thrown in difficult places. The worry with his play is that he can’t deal with press so that should be addressed in team workouts. He can step in immediately however and offer Detroit a deep threat compliment that spreads the field for other guys to work underneath.
Brandon went with Josiah Price here as the Lions future at the tight end two spot. The big tight end out of Michigan State is primarily a blocker but can do little things when asked in the receiving game, mainly as a safety outlet. He doesn’t move very well, which is a bit of a knock, but it’s rare that traditional blocking guys do. If he shows development in his technique across the board he could be a highly underrated asset to a Detroit team that needs what he can do so long as expectations are measured.
Cory went with Dareus Rodgers the wide receiver from USC with this pick. While Rodgers has obvious ability as a receiver with good hands and ball skills, it’s tough to say what his NFL role is. I would think he’s a possession guy due to his lack of deep speed but he needs to improve his physicality and route running to succeed in that position at the next level. He also needs to work on his blocking skills in order to effectively help in the run game. The long and short of it is he’s a developmental receiver that needs to work on a lot of things but sure handed players are tough to find and that’s a great starting point.
Finally I went with Josh Dobbs the quarterback out of Tennessee. While Dobbs could potentially be gone before here, teams could let him slide to this late point in the draft based on what they’re looking for in a developmental player. While he has a tendency to spray the ball, Dobbs has phenomenal athletic intangibles and all the right traits to be a successful quarterback. If he can get the chance to rebuild his throwing motion and technique from scratch with a team willing to work on him he could be a huge value pick here. Considering the Lions have had multiple meetings with him at this point you could Detroit is definitely interested.
Brandon went with Isaac Asiata from Utah here. The monstrous 325 lbs guard is generally a power scheme guy but has the potential flexibility to fit as a right guard in a zone look. He’s a player that’s all power, who will dominate against anyone who tries to bullrush him head on, however he will need to work on his positioning and footwork to prevent shiftier guys from getting the best of him on a good pass rushing move. He’s definitely someone worth looking at as a developmental guy who can set a firm anchor in the pass game and bust holes open to assist with the run.
Cory went with Montae Nicholson out of Michigan State. Nicholson has all the traits to be a great player at the next level. Before he steps on the field he’s a physical freak for the position, with crazy speed for his size, explosiveness, and has the awareness to get anywhere on the field at any time. Last year’s tape though is rough. Playing on a bad Michigan State team hurt Nicholson mentally to the point where he suffers from confidence issues and it showed. He was indecisive in almost every level of his game and will need rehabilitation to get to playing the right way. That said though if the Lions find a way to get him in the seventh they’ve picked up a potential Kam Chancellor talent so that’s a fair risk in my opinion.
I pulled out De’Veon Smith the power runner out of Michigan in the seventh round. He’s a big pro style power back that can get north-south in a hurry with quick feet but no frills or fanciness whatsoever. He’s got strong vision, identifies his hole, and hits it with regularity, but the key will be whether he can generate his own push at the next level. He’s had issues in college at getting stuffed up if there’s no running lane and will not be able to create for himself with agility or speed at the next level. If he can demo through a blocked up line then he will be an asset, otherwise he’s a less dynamic Dwayne Washington with pass protection ability.
Chris is the founder of everything you see here. A former radio presenter and Detroit native, he now resides in sunny California – and like so many of us, he found himself marooned on an island devoid of other Lions fans. After spending a few years in the Detroit Lions Reddit community he decided to start the Detroit Lions Podcast. Its become the #1 Detroit Lions podcast, and regularly ranks with the top podcasts in Detroit. With a mixture of pre-recorded shows, live & recorded phone-ins, and live post-game broadcasts - this is his slice of Honolulu Blue heaven.
