The annual Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is a fixture for college football fans. It’s also a destination event for the scouting staffs of NFL teams.
The Detroit Lions are confirmed to have a scouting presence at Saturday’s game at the Texas State Fair [Editor update: Lions general manager Bob Quinn is among the attendees]. Here are some of the players the Lions and their scouts figure to have some interest in watching:
Collin Johnson, WR, Texas – a bigger (he’s 6-6/220) version of Kenny Golladay, Johnson is returning from injury to play in the rivalry. He destroyed Oklahoma in both meetings last season.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma – exceptional hands and body control, and his ability to vary speeds effortlessly while being physical helps him create space despite not being overly fast or quick.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma – if the Lions are looking for a developmental QB, the Alabama transfer has shown he’s capable of following in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray in the Sooners offense.
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma – an attack dog of an ILB who wins with football IQ and physicality. Sure sounds like someone that Lions coach Matt Patricia would appreciate…
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas – he’s an underclassman but has shown he can dominate when he remembers to use his proper technique.
Malcolm Roach, DT, Texas – Roach nearly declared for the 2019 draft and fits the role in the Lions defense A’Shawn Robinson plays, should the Lions choose to let Robinson hit free agency. Feisty leader whose contributions do not show up on the stat sheet.
