Is Lions' Cornelius Lucas the next LaAdrian Waddle?
When he signed a contract with the Detroit Lions, Cornelius Lucas started hearing about LaAdrian Waddle's tale.
It was unavoidable.
Waddle was a forgotten aggression tackle which went undrafted a year ago coming out of Texas Tech. All he did was become one of the NFL's biggest surprises last period, showing up in 12 games and making eight beginnings.
Could Lucas adhere to a similar path?
He's an additional massive offensive tackle from the Big-12 that really did not hear his name called amongst the 256 gamers picked in this year's NFL Draft.
Nonetheless, he's anticipated to compete for the No. 4 aggression tackle job as a rookie with the Lions. At least, he needs to make the team's technique squad to give him a long time to establish.
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The Lions seriously think they could possibly have an additional sleeper, similar to Waddle.
"I became aware of his tale again and again once again," Lucas said of Waddle. "I would like to have the exact same tale, possibly even do it much better.".
Part of the factor for the Lions' interest in both Lucas (6-foot-9, 328 pounds) and Waddle (6-6, 321) is their dimension. They are the team's two largest offending tackles.
Waddle will certainly need to beat out five-year pro Corey Hilliard, which is coming off an injury-plagued period, for the starting right-tackle area.
Lucas is going to compete with converted tight end Michael Williams, a seventh-round draft pick last year, and others for a back-up part on the 53-man lineup.
"He's obtained a great upside as a result of his length and dimension," instructor Jim Caldwell said of Lucas. "He's a smart guy, he's a ready worker.
"He's truly one of those people that for many years you're going to see some development, and positive advancement.".
So why had not been he prepared?
Lucas was forecasted at one factor as a feasible mid-round selection, however he experienced a stress fracture in his left foot regarding two weeks before the NFL Combine.
Surgery was complied with by a two-month recuperation period, during which most college gamers were participating in specific exercises to try to boost their resume for the draft.
"I feel like groups were questioning just how healthy and balanced I went to the moment," Lucas claimed.
His height makes pad-level-- obtaining reduced enough for the essential leverage in making blocks effectively-- a potential concern in the NFL.
The Lions didn't end up making use of a draft tease him, yet it apparently was a consideration.
Lucas claimed he obtained about 6 or 7 free-agent deals, however he felt rather of a commitment to Detroit.
Bobby Johnson, the Lions' assistant offensive-line train, remained in contact with Lucas during the draft, starting in the 4th round.
"They showed one of the most passion," Lucas stated. "It had not been such as some final bargain.".
Within approximately 15 mins after the draft, Lucas had reached an arrangement with the Lions.
Still, at the time, it was a consolation prize at best.
Enjoying the last few rounds of the draft was surprisingly annoying for Lucas. He was a little shook up by not obtaining selected.
Chip on his shoulder?
"I would certainly have to say that it's additional like a bolder due to the amount of I prepared and the amount of I wanted to be composed," Lucas said. "That's something I think of every morning, every evening. That's simply going to fuel me.".
