TWIST: Can Kadyn Proctor's NFL-READY Power CONVINCE Brad & Dan to Pass Over Monroe Freeling?
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The Locked On Lions podcast dives deep into the Detroit Lions' upcoming NFL Draft decision at pick 17, focusing on the polarizing offensive tackle prospects Caden Proctor and Monroe Freeling. Host Matt Derry explores the trade-offs between immediate impact and long-term upside, citing insights from draft expert Dane Brugler. Proctor, a massive Alabama tackle who lost weight and is ready to play immediately, is praised for his power and explosiveness, but questioned for consistency. Freeling, a younger, more athletic Georgia prospect with a near-perfect RAS score, is seen as a higher long-term ceiling but requires development. The discussion weighs whether the Lions should prioritize immediate help—favoring Proctor—or build for the future with Freeling, especially given the team's recent signing of Larry Borum as a stopgap. The episode also features a fiery segment on Alex Anzalone's departure, where he claims Dan Campbell wanted him back but financial constraints prevented a reunion. The host analyzes the front office's drafting record, particularly noting concerns about Brad Holmes' performance in selecting interior linemen, while also highlighting the team's strong picks at skill positions. The show concludes with a ranking of NFL coaches, placing Dan Campbell at number eight, and a call for listener feedback on draft strategy.
Caden Proctor is a ready-to-play, high-power tackle with immediate impact potential but concerns about consistency.
Monroe Freeling offers superior long-term upside and athleticism, but requires development and has a steeper learning curve.
The Lions may be evaluating whether to draft for immediate need (Proctor) or long-term building (Freeling), with Larry Borum as a short-term stopgap.
Brad Holmes' drafting record shows strength in skill positions but mixed results with interior linemen, raising questions about his evaluation of offensive and defensive interior talent.
Alex Anzalone's departure was financially driven, not performance-based, and he remains critical of the front office despite Dan Campbell's expressed interest in keeping him.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
The Draft Countdown: Proctor vs. Freeling at 17
“If you're drafting for this season, you'd take Proctor. But he thinks Freeling long-term can be better and that he's still a raw athlete.”
Caden Proctor: Power, Size, and the Consistency Question
Derry analyzes Proctor’s physical profile, his weight loss from 390 to under 360 pounds, and his SEC performance. He references the Rose Bowl game and notes Proctor’s average showing, while emphasizing his readiness to play right away and the Lions’ history of favoring Alabama talent.
Monroe Freeling: The Raw Athlete with a Learning Curve
“He's a young player and I know that the athletic score is great, but like his combine was really up and down because of the position drills.”
The Lions’ Strategy: Draft and Stash vs. Immediate Impact
Derry debates the Lions’ potential strategy of drafting Freeling and stashing him while using Larry Borum as a stopgap. He argues that fans want immediate improvement and questions whether the team should prioritize long-term development over short-term results.
Alex Anzalone’s Departure: Bitterness, Finance, and Loyalty
“It literally just came down to finances and what they could and couldn't afford. The front office made decisions of where they want to invest their money. It wasn't in me.”
“It literally just came down to finances and what they could and couldn't afford. The front office made decisions of where they want to invest their money. It wasn't in me.”
“If you had zero questions about Proctor in terms of consistency and just trusting he's going to get there in terms of reaching his full potential, he'd be a top five lock in this draft lock.”
“I would feel better about Proctor playing immediately, but I would feel better about Freeling long-term.”
Host
Guest
Detroit Lions
organization
Locked On Lions
organization
Alex Anzalone
person
Caden Proctor
person
Dan Campbell
person
Brad Holmes
person
NFL Draft
other
Monroe Freeling
person
Dane Brugler
person
Alabama Crimson Tide
organization
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