2) Defensive secondary.
This won't be much of a battle, just some jostling.
Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly are pretty much entrenched at cornerback. Or as entrenched as newcomers can be.
At safety, it looks like it will be Dwight Smith and one of the young guys opposite him -- either Gerald Alexander or Keith Bullocks. Both young guys have shown they belong in the NFL and the Lions' near future at safety looks great.
And, finally, the secondary has depth. There's already an extra safety, and hat isn't including heat-seeking missile Greg Blue, who plays like a linebacker at safety.
You're got Travis Fisher at nickel and then Keith Smith and Stanley Wilson. Plus possibly Ramzee Robinson and maybe even Kalvin Pearson, if he isn't in jail.
The Lions didn't spend a draft pick on a player in the secondary (counting Caleb Campbell as a LB) for the first time since 2001.
So they guys that make it are pretty set, aside from Pearson's legal woes. If he stays fairly clean, he's the fourth safety and adds a special teams presence and is a young guy who can also play safety if needed. In not, the door is wide open for Blue to step into that same position.
Blue could make the team anyway if the Lions decide to keep an extra special teams body around, which they should, given their recent lack of success in that department. All of their top three safeties can play corner in a pinch, which may squeeze out the need to keep Robinson as a sixth CB. It's not unusual to keep 10 DBs, so that last spot could be Blue, even if Pearson manages to stay out of stripes.
Personally, I like what Blue did last year in the time he was given. He gave the Lions a big-time hitter in the secondary -- the kind Kenoy Kennedy was supposed to be. At worst, he'll add to your specials teams and be someone you can bring in on short yardage for some extra toughness up close to the line.
Starters: Bodden, Kelly, D. Smith, Alexander/Bullocks
Nickelback: Fisher
Top backups: Alexander/Bullocks, K. Smith, Wilson
Reserves/special teams: Pearson, Blue
Longshots: Robinson, Lemarcus Hicks
Next up: Quarterback
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Camp position battles, Vol. 1
1) Wide Receiver
Interesting that WR is one of the positions that the Lions seem to be set at.
That'll happen when you throw four first-round picks into the poition in a five-year span. Luckily, MM resisted this itch this year.
So, the Lions go into the year with yet another new offense to learn, although this one is -- aerially, at least -- similar to the one that Mad Martz ran last year (yes, I realize putting the words "Martz" and "ran" in the same sentence is a rarity).
Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are your top two is a no-brainer.
With the likelihood of seeing more fullbacks and tight ends on the field this season, the days of four-WR sets are going the way of Eddie Drummond.
So that leaves Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald battling for the leftovers. Two productive (and not very big) slot receivers, in an offense that will only sometimes employ a 3rd receiver.
That's a nice situation to be in, having some depth and protection against an injury.
But it's also a little expensive, given that McDonald (counting $1.675M against cap) and Furrey ($2.9M) are not exactly cheap, and neither is much of a return man.
But they are here, which makes WR on what is supposed to be a newly-minted running team one of the most sound positions from a personnel standpoint. Interesting.
The Lions will keep a fifth WR and maybe even a sixth if things fall right on special teams.
That leaves draft pick Ken Moore battling with DeVale Ellis, Brandon Middleton, Reggie Ball, Ron Bellamy and John Standeford. Not much of a battle there. The top two are obviously Moore and Ellis, both of whom have return expierience. Ellis is coming off a wasted year in IR, however, so it waits to be seen how his knee will rebound.
If Ellis is healthy, he and Moore could make for an effective return corps for the Lions, something the team has lacked since the days of Drummond's prime.
Position breakdown:
Starters: Williams, Johnson
Top backups: Furrey, McDonald
Reserves/special teams: Moore, Ellis
Longshots: Bellamy, Middleton, Ball, Standeford
Practice squad candidates: All the longshots
Up next: Defensive secondary
Interesting that WR is one of the positions that the Lions seem to be set at.
That'll happen when you throw four first-round picks into the poition in a five-year span. Luckily, MM resisted this itch this year.
So, the Lions go into the year with yet another new offense to learn, although this one is -- aerially, at least -- similar to the one that Mad Martz ran last year (yes, I realize putting the words "Martz" and "ran" in the same sentence is a rarity).
Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are your top two is a no-brainer.
With the likelihood of seeing more fullbacks and tight ends on the field this season, the days of four-WR sets are going the way of Eddie Drummond.
So that leaves Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald battling for the leftovers. Two productive (and not very big) slot receivers, in an offense that will only sometimes employ a 3rd receiver.
That's a nice situation to be in, having some depth and protection against an injury.
But it's also a little expensive, given that McDonald (counting $1.675M against cap) and Furrey ($2.9M) are not exactly cheap, and neither is much of a return man.
But they are here, which makes WR on what is supposed to be a newly-minted running team one of the most sound positions from a personnel standpoint. Interesting.
The Lions will keep a fifth WR and maybe even a sixth if things fall right on special teams.
That leaves draft pick Ken Moore battling with DeVale Ellis, Brandon Middleton, Reggie Ball, Ron Bellamy and John Standeford. Not much of a battle there. The top two are obviously Moore and Ellis, both of whom have return expierience. Ellis is coming off a wasted year in IR, however, so it waits to be seen how his knee will rebound.
If Ellis is healthy, he and Moore could make for an effective return corps for the Lions, something the team has lacked since the days of Drummond's prime.
Position breakdown:
Starters: Williams, Johnson
Top backups: Furrey, McDonald
Reserves/special teams: Moore, Ellis
Longshots: Bellamy, Middleton, Ball, Standeford
Practice squad candidates: All the longshots
Up next: Defensive secondary
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Move along, Favre, move along
Brett Favre, let it go.
You're already all too close to becoming Roger Clemens with this year-in, year-out retirement ludicrousness.
It hasn't ended too well for Clemens.
And neither will it for Brett Favre.
Walk away at the top of your game while you still can and have some of your dignity. Don't be Evander Holyfield, Joe Namath or Willie Mays and stay in too long.
NFL fans have been captivated by you and your boy-ish excitement for the game. Then, for seemingly the last five years, Packer fans had to deal with your off-season child-like behavior as No. 4 couldn't make up his mind whether or not to retire.
Because of this, you forced your franchise to prepare for your inevitable departure. They did this, and have three young, promising signal-callers ready, including Aaron Rogers, who has been patiently waiting for three years since he was a first-round draft pick to get this shot.
The future of the team is Aaron Rodgers, not Favre. They may be able to coax one more solid effort out of No. 4 -- but that could easily come at a cost of driving away their future franchise quarterback.
This is a very awkward situation for both the franchise and Rodgers, who has handled it with much tact and maturity.
Unlike someone.
This is getting as ridiculous as the moronic proceedings of Rich Rodriguez trying to get out of paying up to get out of his West Virginia contract to bail for Michigan.
At least Rodriguez knew when to give up.
Despite what you think, the Packers hold all the cards in this.
They can activate you, sit you on the bench and ask you to relay calls to Rodgers as the most expensive clipboard holder in the NFL.
Then, all you can do is wait for an injury or try to tear the team apart from within. It's your call.
You aren't getting traded. Just give that pipe dream up and accept that you are a lifelong Packer. You are a God in Wisconsin, but that reputation will assuredly take a massive hit if you force a trade or continue with this impetuous tirade of yours. You are a sure-fire Hall of Famer; don't sully that with one mediocre year in Baltimore or Tampa Bay.
There are very few teams out there close to being able to win it all that don't already have an established quarterback, so there's no better situation than the one you bailed out of on March 3.
And none of those other teams are going to offer much to rent an aging quarterback whose desire to play can change from day to day.
In the 2005 and 2006 campaigns, you threw 47 interceptions to just 38 touchdowns. Then, last year, it suddenly bumps up to 28 TDs and 15 picks.
Did you suddenly get better in your late 30s? No. The team around you was better because GM Ted Thompson has drafted exceptionally well, to the point where the Packers signed only one free agent this season -- a backup linebacker -- because they're deep enough that they didn't need to.
Thompson has built a solid all-around team that can win without you.
You retired. The Packers moved on.
Move along, Brett. Go gracefully and sell jeans.
You're already all too close to becoming Roger Clemens with this year-in, year-out retirement ludicrousness.
It hasn't ended too well for Clemens.
And neither will it for Brett Favre.
Walk away at the top of your game while you still can and have some of your dignity. Don't be Evander Holyfield, Joe Namath or Willie Mays and stay in too long.
NFL fans have been captivated by you and your boy-ish excitement for the game. Then, for seemingly the last five years, Packer fans had to deal with your off-season child-like behavior as No. 4 couldn't make up his mind whether or not to retire.
Because of this, you forced your franchise to prepare for your inevitable departure. They did this, and have three young, promising signal-callers ready, including Aaron Rogers, who has been patiently waiting for three years since he was a first-round draft pick to get this shot.
The future of the team is Aaron Rodgers, not Favre. They may be able to coax one more solid effort out of No. 4 -- but that could easily come at a cost of driving away their future franchise quarterback.
This is a very awkward situation for both the franchise and Rodgers, who has handled it with much tact and maturity.
Unlike someone.
This is getting as ridiculous as the moronic proceedings of Rich Rodriguez trying to get out of paying up to get out of his West Virginia contract to bail for Michigan.
At least Rodriguez knew when to give up.
Despite what you think, the Packers hold all the cards in this.
They can activate you, sit you on the bench and ask you to relay calls to Rodgers as the most expensive clipboard holder in the NFL.
Then, all you can do is wait for an injury or try to tear the team apart from within. It's your call.
You aren't getting traded. Just give that pipe dream up and accept that you are a lifelong Packer. You are a God in Wisconsin, but that reputation will assuredly take a massive hit if you force a trade or continue with this impetuous tirade of yours. You are a sure-fire Hall of Famer; don't sully that with one mediocre year in Baltimore or Tampa Bay.
There are very few teams out there close to being able to win it all that don't already have an established quarterback, so there's no better situation than the one you bailed out of on March 3.
And none of those other teams are going to offer much to rent an aging quarterback whose desire to play can change from day to day.
In the 2005 and 2006 campaigns, you threw 47 interceptions to just 38 touchdowns. Then, last year, it suddenly bumps up to 28 TDs and 15 picks.
Did you suddenly get better in your late 30s? No. The team around you was better because GM Ted Thompson has drafted exceptionally well, to the point where the Packers signed only one free agent this season -- a backup linebacker -- because they're deep enough that they didn't need to.
Thompson has built a solid all-around team that can win without you.
You retired. The Packers moved on.
Move along, Brett. Go gracefully and sell jeans.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
More Lions UDFAs
DT Shemiah LeGrande, Hofstra
Undersized DT (6-0, 288) that several teams had in for pre-draft workouts, including the Giants and Colts. Ran a 4.97 in the 40. Rated the No. 75 DT in the 2008 Draft by Pro Football Weekly. Wasn't incredibly productive at a mid-major. Had 38 tackles as a senior (5 for losses of 29 yards; second on team) and two sacks (tied for team lead).
Projection: A massive longshot.
S Justin Sanders, Illinois
Will get a tryout with the Lions; hasn't signed a contract. 6-1, 202-pound safety came to Illinois after playing at Northeast Mississippi CC. Father, John, played safety in the NFL for six years (three years each with New England and Philadelphia). Had 57 tackles as a senior (4 for loss of 31 yards), three sacks, one interception and 8 pass break-ups. Had 19 tackles and one INT as a junior at Illinois. Recorded 35 tackles, one interception and forced five fumbles as a sophomore at the Juco level. Posted 40 tackles, 10 pass deflections, two sacks and two interceptions in his first year of junior college. Has only one year of starting experience at the major level under his belt.
Projection: Camp body, if he makes it that far.
UDFA's so far:
RB Allen Ervin, Lambuth College
LB Tyronne Pruitt, Boston College
LB Brian Bradford, Towson
S Bobbie Williams, Bethune-Cookman
QB Mark Nicolet, Hillsdale College
LS Jonathan Weeks, Baylor
DT Shemiah LeGrande, Hofstra
S Vince Gliatta, Youngstown State
S Justin Sanders, Illinois (tryout)
QB Eric Sanders, N. Iowa (tryout)
Undersized DT (6-0, 288) that several teams had in for pre-draft workouts, including the Giants and Colts. Ran a 4.97 in the 40. Rated the No. 75 DT in the 2008 Draft by Pro Football Weekly. Wasn't incredibly productive at a mid-major. Had 38 tackles as a senior (5 for losses of 29 yards; second on team) and two sacks (tied for team lead).
Projection: A massive longshot.
S Justin Sanders, Illinois
Will get a tryout with the Lions; hasn't signed a contract. 6-1, 202-pound safety came to Illinois after playing at Northeast Mississippi CC. Father, John, played safety in the NFL for six years (three years each with New England and Philadelphia). Had 57 tackles as a senior (4 for loss of 31 yards), three sacks, one interception and 8 pass break-ups. Had 19 tackles and one INT as a junior at Illinois. Recorded 35 tackles, one interception and forced five fumbles as a sophomore at the Juco level. Posted 40 tackles, 10 pass deflections, two sacks and two interceptions in his first year of junior college. Has only one year of starting experience at the major level under his belt.
Projection: Camp body, if he makes it that far.
UDFA's so far:
RB Allen Ervin, Lambuth College
LB Tyronne Pruitt, Boston College
LB Brian Bradford, Towson
S Bobbie Williams, Bethune-Cookman
QB Mark Nicolet, Hillsdale College
LS Jonathan Weeks, Baylor
DT Shemiah LeGrande, Hofstra
S Vince Gliatta, Youngstown State
S Justin Sanders, Illinois (tryout)
QB Eric Sanders, N. Iowa (tryout)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Undrafted free agents
Undrafted free agents who have reportedly signed with the Detroit Lions:
WR Darrell Blackman, North Carolina state
Not too tall (5-10), but ran 4.55 and 4.45 in the 40. Elusive in the open field. Main asset is as a return specialist, but could be an option down the road as a slot receiver. Needs to work on routes and blocking and isn't a deep threat in the passing game. Has has some injury issues, but none too major. Has some RB experience.
Projection: Could make the team or practice squad as a returner. Not much of an option as a WR at this point, but could develop. An excellent gamble on a UDFA.
S Bobbie Williams, Bethune-Cookman
Has solid NFL size for a safety at 6-0, 214 and ran the 40 in 4.54. Has a little kic return experience. Finished career with 187 tackles (7.5 for losses), 12 pass breakups, 15 interceptions, two forced fumbles, one blocked kick. A tough run defender and a big hitter capable of holding his own in zone coverage but he'll have problems in man coverage. Was projected as a seventh-round pick.
Projection: If Kalvin Pearson's legal problems force him out and Caleb Campbell and Greg Blue is moved to LB, Williams has a shot. Otherwise, the numbers work against him, and he'd be playing in camp to make the practice squad, which is a very real possibility.
QB Eric Sanders, North Iowa
Three-plus-year starter at UNI, he completed 75.2 percent of his passes (2,842 yards, 17 TD, 6 INT) as a senior, 67.9 as a junior (1,934, 15, 7) and 68.3 as a sophomore (2,929, 23, 5). Also started 7 games as a freshman (1,307, 15, 5). Ran for 1172 yards and 13 TDs. Ran a West Coast system at North Iowa, which accounts for the high completion percentage. Lacks ideal size (6-1, 200), has average speed (4.80-40) and arm strength isn't standout.
Projection: Since the Lions don't run the WCO, it's curious why they signed this particular QB, other than to have another arm in camp.
SS Vince Gliatta, Youngstown State
6-1, 220-pound free safety was a second-team Gateway Conference pick after notching 66 tackles (41 solo, 10.5 for loss), two sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interceptions. Also returned a blocked punt for a TD. Former QB who transferred from Penn State. Tough and showed good instincts. Not a burner.
Projection: Practice squad at best.
LB Brian Bradford, Towson
Recorded 328 tackles at Towson. A smart, instinctive football player who rarely takes a false step to the ball. Lacks great size (6-2, 235) and strength, but knows how to play this game well and is very tough. Finished second in FCS with 149 tackles as a senior. Added 13.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception and a blocked field goal in 11 games.
Projection: Has plenty of competition at LB, but could be a surprise. Likely a practice squad contender.
LS Jonathan Weeks, Baylor
Team captain at Baylor, which was 3-8 last year. Only 5-foot-10, but stout at 258 pounds. Four-year starter at long snapper for the Bears. Former walk-on who worked his way into a scholarship, then was picked as a captain by his teammates.
Projection: Insurance for Don Muhlbach.
WR Darrell Blackman, North Carolina state
Not too tall (5-10), but ran 4.55 and 4.45 in the 40. Elusive in the open field. Main asset is as a return specialist, but could be an option down the road as a slot receiver. Needs to work on routes and blocking and isn't a deep threat in the passing game. Has has some injury issues, but none too major. Has some RB experience.
Projection: Could make the team or practice squad as a returner. Not much of an option as a WR at this point, but could develop. An excellent gamble on a UDFA.
S Bobbie Williams, Bethune-Cookman
Has solid NFL size for a safety at 6-0, 214 and ran the 40 in 4.54. Has a little kic return experience. Finished career with 187 tackles (7.5 for losses), 12 pass breakups, 15 interceptions, two forced fumbles, one blocked kick. A tough run defender and a big hitter capable of holding his own in zone coverage but he'll have problems in man coverage. Was projected as a seventh-round pick.
Projection: If Kalvin Pearson's legal problems force him out and Caleb Campbell and Greg Blue is moved to LB, Williams has a shot. Otherwise, the numbers work against him, and he'd be playing in camp to make the practice squad, which is a very real possibility.
QB Eric Sanders, North Iowa
Three-plus-year starter at UNI, he completed 75.2 percent of his passes (2,842 yards, 17 TD, 6 INT) as a senior, 67.9 as a junior (1,934, 15, 7) and 68.3 as a sophomore (2,929, 23, 5). Also started 7 games as a freshman (1,307, 15, 5). Ran for 1172 yards and 13 TDs. Ran a West Coast system at North Iowa, which accounts for the high completion percentage. Lacks ideal size (6-1, 200), has average speed (4.80-40) and arm strength isn't standout.
Projection: Since the Lions don't run the WCO, it's curious why they signed this particular QB, other than to have another arm in camp.
RB Allen Ervin, Lambuth
Small-college runner who put up big numbers. Measured up at 5-11, 224 and ran a 4.57 in the 40 with 23 reps of 225, 37-inch vertical and 10-8 broadjump. Led the NAIA in all-purpose yardage. Impressed scouts with his toughness between tackles and breakaway speed. Needs more moves. Mike Mayock listed him among his top three draft snubs.
Projection: Doesn't have much of a shot, unless injuries hit in training camp. Could be a practice squad candidate.
QB Mark Nicolet, Hillsdale
Has decent measurables (6-foot-2, 220, 4.75 in 40). Can scramble well. Threw for 3,335 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior.
Projection: Not gonna make it.
LB Tyronne Pruitt, Boston College
A teammate of Lions first-round pick Gosder Cherilus at BC, Pruitt is 5-11, 222. He didn't stand out a lot at BC and isn't a top-notch athlete. Had only 40 tackles (30 solo) as a senior for the Eagles. Most memorable moment was recovering an on-side kick against Virginia Tech to set up BC's game-winning TD in a 14-10 victory.
Projection: No shot.
SS Vince Gliatta, Youngstown State
6-1, 220-pound free safety was a second-team Gateway Conference pick after notching 66 tackles (41 solo, 10.5 for loss), two sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interceptions. Also returned a blocked punt for a TD. Former QB who transferred from Penn State. Tough and showed good instincts. Not a burner.
Projection: Practice squad at best.
LB Brian Bradford, Towson
Recorded 328 tackles at Towson. A smart, instinctive football player who rarely takes a false step to the ball. Lacks great size (6-2, 235) and strength, but knows how to play this game well and is very tough. Finished second in FCS with 149 tackles as a senior. Added 13.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception and a blocked field goal in 11 games.
Projection: Has plenty of competition at LB, but could be a surprise. Likely a practice squad contender.
LS Jonathan Weeks, Baylor
Team captain at Baylor, which was 3-8 last year. Only 5-foot-10, but stout at 258 pounds. Four-year starter at long snapper for the Bears. Former walk-on who worked his way into a scholarship, then was picked as a captain by his teammates.
Projection: Insurance for Don Muhlbach.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Lions eschew glamour picks for actual football players
Matt Millen may be happy with a little criticism this time around.
So many people are not happy with Detroit’s draft — and that’s not a bad thing.
As Lions fans recall, far too many people were happy with the glamour picks Millen made instead of getting real football players. At the same time, Green Bay fans were disappointed by Ted Thompson’s no-name picks.
Look how that turned out.
With or without Brett Favre, the Packers are the class of the NFC North, rivaled only by the resurgent Minnesota Vikings. Detroit has a condo in the basement and the lease doesn’t run out soon enough.
Thompson didn’t make popular picks, but they worked out more often than not. Millen seemed to try to appease the fans more than the coaching staff.
The Packers are so set they only signed one free agent this off-season. One!!!
The Lions, meanwhile, are left desperately trying to fill void after void through free agency, often because high draft picks didn’t pan out (i.e., Joey Harrington, Boss Bailey, Teddy Lehman, any number of wide receivers) or their talent was outweighed by other negative factors (that means you, Shaun Rogers and Mike Williams).
Millen seems relegated to errand boy for Rod Marinelli, and the "Millen-elli" picks have been much better than those by Millen alone. The coach tells him what players he wants and Millen’s only job is to get in the vicinity so Marinelli can make the pick.
That’s why you aren’t seeing the glamour picks.
Marinelli wants players who live, breathe and eat football. Players who are mean, and guys with character (with the exception of new addition and recently arrested Kalvin Pearson).
Gosder Cherilus, Jordon Dizon and the rest of the Lions’ draft fits that mold. No character red flags. No pot smokers. No bums who eat their way out of the league.
And who doesn’t like the name "Gosder"? Reminds you of a demon from Ghostbusters. Maybe he can stay out of the fridge better than Rogers.
Detroit’s defense was abysmal last year. Peyton Manning played more defense.
The secondary was addressed primarily in free agency with Dwight Smith and Brian Kelly signed and starting corner Leigh Bodden acquired in the trade that unloaded Rogers’ lazy bum on the Browns.
The defensive line — which lost its biggest impact player in Rogers — will have three new faces from the draft, including a pair of third-round picks.
Linebacker was partially handled through the draft and part in free agency. After dumping their own busts in Bailey and Lehman, reclamation projects Alfred Fincher, Gilbert Gardner and Buster Davis — all picked in the third round or higher by other teams, then let go — have been brought in to compete. Second-round pick Dizon has a very good shot at starting early.
Popular picks don’t necessarily make good picks.
Just ask all the so-called experts who gave Millen good grades on his drafts when he was selecting glam guys like Charles Rogers, Harrington, Williams and Bailey.
So many people are not happy with Detroit’s draft — and that’s not a bad thing.
As Lions fans recall, far too many people were happy with the glamour picks Millen made instead of getting real football players. At the same time, Green Bay fans were disappointed by Ted Thompson’s no-name picks.
Look how that turned out.
With or without Brett Favre, the Packers are the class of the NFC North, rivaled only by the resurgent Minnesota Vikings. Detroit has a condo in the basement and the lease doesn’t run out soon enough.
Thompson didn’t make popular picks, but they worked out more often than not. Millen seemed to try to appease the fans more than the coaching staff.
The Packers are so set they only signed one free agent this off-season. One!!!
The Lions, meanwhile, are left desperately trying to fill void after void through free agency, often because high draft picks didn’t pan out (i.e., Joey Harrington, Boss Bailey, Teddy Lehman, any number of wide receivers) or their talent was outweighed by other negative factors (that means you, Shaun Rogers and Mike Williams).
Millen seems relegated to errand boy for Rod Marinelli, and the "Millen-elli" picks have been much better than those by Millen alone. The coach tells him what players he wants and Millen’s only job is to get in the vicinity so Marinelli can make the pick.
That’s why you aren’t seeing the glamour picks.
Marinelli wants players who live, breathe and eat football. Players who are mean, and guys with character (with the exception of new addition and recently arrested Kalvin Pearson).
Gosder Cherilus, Jordon Dizon and the rest of the Lions’ draft fits that mold. No character red flags. No pot smokers. No bums who eat their way out of the league.
And who doesn’t like the name "Gosder"? Reminds you of a demon from Ghostbusters. Maybe he can stay out of the fridge better than Rogers.
Detroit’s defense was abysmal last year. Peyton Manning played more defense.
The secondary was addressed primarily in free agency with Dwight Smith and Brian Kelly signed and starting corner Leigh Bodden acquired in the trade that unloaded Rogers’ lazy bum on the Browns.
The defensive line — which lost its biggest impact player in Rogers — will have three new faces from the draft, including a pair of third-round picks.
Linebacker was partially handled through the draft and part in free agency. After dumping their own busts in Bailey and Lehman, reclamation projects Alfred Fincher, Gilbert Gardner and Buster Davis — all picked in the third round or higher by other teams, then let go — have been brought in to compete. Second-round pick Dizon has a very good shot at starting early.
Popular picks don’t necessarily make good picks.
Just ask all the so-called experts who gave Millen good grades on his drafts when he was selecting glam guys like Charles Rogers, Harrington, Williams and Bailey.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Who to draft?
The Detroit Lions haven't gotten to the point where it can simply draft the best player available.
That's the reward for drafting well; you don't have massive holes to fill down the road.
Like every year, the Lions have massive holes to fill.
Positions of need, ranked in order:
1) Linebacker: A starting trio of Paris Lenon, Ernie Sims and Alex Lewis simply will not do in the NFL. Sims is great, but past that the rest is simply "meh". Lenon lacks burst. He defends the run fairly well, but isn't the free-ranging MLB the Cover 2 needs. Lewis simply can't be counted on. He's always hurt, and has been inconsistent when he does play. After those three, you've got reclamation projects in buster high picks Alfred Fincher, Buster Davis and Gilbert Gardner, plus Anthony Cannon. There is potential in this group, but Rod Marinelli is all about production, and aside from Sims, none of these guys have consistently gotten it done on the NFL level.
Picks: Penn State MLB Dan Connor would be a reach in the first round, so the Lions may have to wait to address their biggest need until the second round, unless they trade down. Jerod Mayo could be the pick if the Lions stay at No. 15. Curtis Lofton would have to fall to reach Detroit's current pick in the second, but Shawn Crable could be there in the second or third.
2) Defensive line: As it sits right now, your starting front four for the Honolulu Blue and Silver woudl be DeWayne White and Ikaika Alama-Francis at end and Corey Redding and Chuck Darby at tackle. IAF clearly has the potential to start in the NFL, but is he ready? Not quite yet. Darby is a solid vet, but counting on a 32-year-old injury-prone journeyman to start is risky, even if you know him well. The backups at end are Corey Smith and Jared DeVries, with Shaun Cody and Langston Moore at DT. A decent group, but not standout. And the Cover 2 needs a consistent push from the front four. Will Langston Moore and Darby provide that push up the middle? Will Cody ever live up to his draft status? This unit needs at least one more body who WILL get to the quarterback. Not just somebody who has potential.
Picks: Detroit could benefit from DE Quentin Groves' falling stock and move around in the second to get him.
3) Offensive line: Shocking, I know. The Lions haven't drafted an offensive lineman in the first round since Jeff Backus. And that turned out well. The team has an above-average left tackle being paid like one of the best in the game. The time has come for Millen to address the line with something other than band-aids and invest in the trenches. See what Bill Parcells is doing in Miami? He knows what he's doing, Matt. You build a team from the lines out, not around wide receivers and quarterbacks. Edwin Mulitalo isn't getting any younger and George Foster isn't getting any smarter. The Lions' line got Kitna nearly killed last year, and the biggest off-season addition is a guy who wasn't even in the league last year? C'mon. Detroit must pick a lineman in the first three rounds.
Picks: With their multiple third-round picks, the Lions could go for Kansas OT Anthony Collins, Nebraska OT Carl Nicks or Oregon State OG Roy Shuening or Pitt OG Mike McGlynn. Shuening and McGlynn are maulers that Marinelli will love.
4) Runningback: All the Mendenhall talk is rediculous. Put together a line first, and any semi-decent RB can run for 1,000 yards. In a draft deep at RB, there's absolutely no need to go after one in the first two rounds. on the other hand, nobody is impressed by a RB committee of Tatum Bell, oft-injured Brian Calhoun and Aveion Cason, either. Detroit will have to pick one, but it shouldn't be too early.
Picks: In the third round, fast backs Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte and Kevin Smith should be there. Forte may be the best fit to complement Bell.
5) Special teams: Even when the Lions were God-awful, they could rest their hats on their special teams. Guys like Mel Gray, Desmond Howard and Eddie Drummond at least gave them a shot at staying in a game they otherwise didn't deserve to be in. This current Detroit Lions group could use that luxury of a big-play threat on special teams, as well as some improved blocking and coverage. Detroit's special teams have slipped dramatically over the past couple years. Look for a wide receiver or cornerback with exceptional return skills to be taken in the middle or late rounds.
6) Tight End: Look for Detroit to draft a TE in the later rounds. They've been searching for a solid TE for years, and when they found one in Dan Campbell, he suddenly gets hurt. Campbell's injury status makes him a guy you can't cound on it 2008-09. Anything he adds is gravy. That makes it Michael Gaines, Casey FitzSimmons guys like Sean McHugh and journeyman blocker John Owens. When they draft a TE, it'll be a big one, like Tennessee's Brad Cottom (6-7, 277; if they go TE in 3rd round), Toledo's Chris Hopkins (6-5, 273; 5th-6th rounds), West Texas A&M's Kolo Kapanui (6-3, 271; 7th round) or SE Missouri State's Joe Tuineau (6-7, 288; free agent) to aid in the power running game that Marinelli wants.
Pick: If Cottom is there in the fourth round, Detroit should snap him up.
7) Quarterback: Don't let the re-signing of Dan Orlovsky fool anybody into thinking the Lions wouldn't look at another QB. With Jon Kitna getting up there and Drew Stanton showing once again that he can't healthy, if a QB slips into the middle rounds the draft, don't be surprised if the Lions bite. Orlovsky is on a one-year deal, so letting him go doesn't cost Detroit a thing.
8) Defensive secondary: Miraculously, this now seems to be the strength of this year's Lions defense. Don't rejoice quite yet. The other units could stink if not addressed, so it's by default. But the addition of Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly at corner and Dwight Smith at safety give the Lions not only depth, but flexibility at those positions. With D. Smith, Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks, the Lions have three safeties they can count on to cover tight ends and backs out of the backfield; something Kenoy Kennedy couldn't be counted on for. And with depth at CB in the likes of Travis Fisher, Stanley Wilson and Keith Smith and at safety in Greg Blue, the unit looks solid on paper. But don't rule out a CB selection yet. If the right someone falls, Marinelli could be hard-pressed to turn down a CB in the second round.
9) Wide Receiver: The one position that is fairly settled, aside from all the trade rumors surrounding Roy Williams and Shaun McDonald. Going to a more run-based offense makes a well-paid fourth WR a luxury the Lions don't need, so McDonald could be an ex-Lion by the weekend. I doubt Roy is going anywhere. If the Lions can get some draft picks to actually pan out so they don't carry so much dead cap space, then paying him what he's worth isn't going to be a problem. The cap is only going up, so the space will be there. Detroit might take a flier on a WR late, but likely only if he has return capabilities.
Lions mock:
Round, player, position, college
1) Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
2) Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
3a) Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
3b) Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska or Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
4) Brad Cottom, TE, Tennessee
5) Dexter Jackson, WR/KR, Appalachian State
6) Gary Guyton, OLB, Georgia Tech
7) Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
That's the reward for drafting well; you don't have massive holes to fill down the road.
Like every year, the Lions have massive holes to fill.
Positions of need, ranked in order:
1) Linebacker: A starting trio of Paris Lenon, Ernie Sims and Alex Lewis simply will not do in the NFL. Sims is great, but past that the rest is simply "meh". Lenon lacks burst. He defends the run fairly well, but isn't the free-ranging MLB the Cover 2 needs. Lewis simply can't be counted on. He's always hurt, and has been inconsistent when he does play. After those three, you've got reclamation projects in buster high picks Alfred Fincher, Buster Davis and Gilbert Gardner, plus Anthony Cannon. There is potential in this group, but Rod Marinelli is all about production, and aside from Sims, none of these guys have consistently gotten it done on the NFL level.
Picks: Penn State MLB Dan Connor would be a reach in the first round, so the Lions may have to wait to address their biggest need until the second round, unless they trade down. Jerod Mayo could be the pick if the Lions stay at No. 15. Curtis Lofton would have to fall to reach Detroit's current pick in the second, but Shawn Crable could be there in the second or third.
2) Defensive line: As it sits right now, your starting front four for the Honolulu Blue and Silver woudl be DeWayne White and Ikaika Alama-Francis at end and Corey Redding and Chuck Darby at tackle. IAF clearly has the potential to start in the NFL, but is he ready? Not quite yet. Darby is a solid vet, but counting on a 32-year-old injury-prone journeyman to start is risky, even if you know him well. The backups at end are Corey Smith and Jared DeVries, with Shaun Cody and Langston Moore at DT. A decent group, but not standout. And the Cover 2 needs a consistent push from the front four. Will Langston Moore and Darby provide that push up the middle? Will Cody ever live up to his draft status? This unit needs at least one more body who WILL get to the quarterback. Not just somebody who has potential.
Picks: Detroit could benefit from DE Quentin Groves' falling stock and move around in the second to get him.
3) Offensive line: Shocking, I know. The Lions haven't drafted an offensive lineman in the first round since Jeff Backus. And that turned out well. The team has an above-average left tackle being paid like one of the best in the game. The time has come for Millen to address the line with something other than band-aids and invest in the trenches. See what Bill Parcells is doing in Miami? He knows what he's doing, Matt. You build a team from the lines out, not around wide receivers and quarterbacks. Edwin Mulitalo isn't getting any younger and George Foster isn't getting any smarter. The Lions' line got Kitna nearly killed last year, and the biggest off-season addition is a guy who wasn't even in the league last year? C'mon. Detroit must pick a lineman in the first three rounds.
Picks: With their multiple third-round picks, the Lions could go for Kansas OT Anthony Collins, Nebraska OT Carl Nicks or Oregon State OG Roy Shuening or Pitt OG Mike McGlynn. Shuening and McGlynn are maulers that Marinelli will love.
4) Runningback: All the Mendenhall talk is rediculous. Put together a line first, and any semi-decent RB can run for 1,000 yards. In a draft deep at RB, there's absolutely no need to go after one in the first two rounds. on the other hand, nobody is impressed by a RB committee of Tatum Bell, oft-injured Brian Calhoun and Aveion Cason, either. Detroit will have to pick one, but it shouldn't be too early.
Picks: In the third round, fast backs Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte and Kevin Smith should be there. Forte may be the best fit to complement Bell.
5) Special teams: Even when the Lions were God-awful, they could rest their hats on their special teams. Guys like Mel Gray, Desmond Howard and Eddie Drummond at least gave them a shot at staying in a game they otherwise didn't deserve to be in. This current Detroit Lions group could use that luxury of a big-play threat on special teams, as well as some improved blocking and coverage. Detroit's special teams have slipped dramatically over the past couple years. Look for a wide receiver or cornerback with exceptional return skills to be taken in the middle or late rounds.
6) Tight End: Look for Detroit to draft a TE in the later rounds. They've been searching for a solid TE for years, and when they found one in Dan Campbell, he suddenly gets hurt. Campbell's injury status makes him a guy you can't cound on it 2008-09. Anything he adds is gravy. That makes it Michael Gaines, Casey FitzSimmons guys like Sean McHugh and journeyman blocker John Owens. When they draft a TE, it'll be a big one, like Tennessee's Brad Cottom (6-7, 277; if they go TE in 3rd round), Toledo's Chris Hopkins (6-5, 273; 5th-6th rounds), West Texas A&M's Kolo Kapanui (6-3, 271; 7th round) or SE Missouri State's Joe Tuineau (6-7, 288; free agent) to aid in the power running game that Marinelli wants.
Pick: If Cottom is there in the fourth round, Detroit should snap him up.
7) Quarterback: Don't let the re-signing of Dan Orlovsky fool anybody into thinking the Lions wouldn't look at another QB. With Jon Kitna getting up there and Drew Stanton showing once again that he can't healthy, if a QB slips into the middle rounds the draft, don't be surprised if the Lions bite. Orlovsky is on a one-year deal, so letting him go doesn't cost Detroit a thing.
8) Defensive secondary: Miraculously, this now seems to be the strength of this year's Lions defense. Don't rejoice quite yet. The other units could stink if not addressed, so it's by default. But the addition of Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly at corner and Dwight Smith at safety give the Lions not only depth, but flexibility at those positions. With D. Smith, Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks, the Lions have three safeties they can count on to cover tight ends and backs out of the backfield; something Kenoy Kennedy couldn't be counted on for. And with depth at CB in the likes of Travis Fisher, Stanley Wilson and Keith Smith and at safety in Greg Blue, the unit looks solid on paper. But don't rule out a CB selection yet. If the right someone falls, Marinelli could be hard-pressed to turn down a CB in the second round.
9) Wide Receiver: The one position that is fairly settled, aside from all the trade rumors surrounding Roy Williams and Shaun McDonald. Going to a more run-based offense makes a well-paid fourth WR a luxury the Lions don't need, so McDonald could be an ex-Lion by the weekend. I doubt Roy is going anywhere. If the Lions can get some draft picks to actually pan out so they don't carry so much dead cap space, then paying him what he's worth isn't going to be a problem. The cap is only going up, so the space will be there. Detroit might take a flier on a WR late, but likely only if he has return capabilities.
Lions mock:
Round, player, position, college
1) Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
2) Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
3a) Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
3b) Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska or Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas
4) Brad Cottom, TE, Tennessee
5) Dexter Jackson, WR/KR, Appalachian State
6) Gary Guyton, OLB, Georgia Tech
7) Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Reclamation projects
After giving up on two of their own first-day linebackers, the Detroit Lions have turned to a trio of other teams' high-pick castoffs.
The newest is Alfred Fincher, a college rommate of Dan Orlovsky's.
Fincher had a total of 20 tacles in three seasons since the Saints drafted him in the third round in 2005. In none of his three seasons in the NFL has the middle linebacker out of UConn registered double-digit tackle totals.
Joining Gilbert Gardner and Buster Davis, the Lions now have three third-rounders who can be considered busts.
At least Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman got to see the field. Fincher, Gardner and Davis have 126 tackles in a combined seven seasons in the NFL. In a total of seven seasons, Bailey and Lehman made 408 stops.
So, in essence, the Lions traded two disappointments who at least marginally produced for three who never have.
Granted, a guy has to have talent to get drafted in the third round. But Matt Millen doesn't exactly have a great history with third-round picks (Stanley Wilson, Andre Goodman, Brian Calhoun, etc.). Or really any selection of a linebacker other than Ernie Sims. Which is odd, considering Millen used to play the position.
Or maybe Rod Marinelli is just giving up and assuming Millen will never be able to draft a quality LB unless it's in the top 10.
Of course, Millen has an almost equally bad history in selecting CBs in the draft (Wilson, Goodman, A.J. Davis, etc.), so it's no wonder he went and signed Brian Kelly and dealt for Leigh Bodden.
Regardless of whether Millen will get them a good one or not, the Lions will be looking at linebackers early in the draft.
The newest is Alfred Fincher, a college rommate of Dan Orlovsky's.
Fincher had a total of 20 tacles in three seasons since the Saints drafted him in the third round in 2005. In none of his three seasons in the NFL has the middle linebacker out of UConn registered double-digit tackle totals.
Joining Gilbert Gardner and Buster Davis, the Lions now have three third-rounders who can be considered busts.
At least Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman got to see the field. Fincher, Gardner and Davis have 126 tackles in a combined seven seasons in the NFL. In a total of seven seasons, Bailey and Lehman made 408 stops.
So, in essence, the Lions traded two disappointments who at least marginally produced for three who never have.
Granted, a guy has to have talent to get drafted in the third round. But Matt Millen doesn't exactly have a great history with third-round picks (Stanley Wilson, Andre Goodman, Brian Calhoun, etc.). Or really any selection of a linebacker other than Ernie Sims. Which is odd, considering Millen used to play the position.
Or maybe Rod Marinelli is just giving up and assuming Millen will never be able to draft a quality LB unless it's in the top 10.
Of course, Millen has an almost equally bad history in selecting CBs in the draft (Wilson, Goodman, A.J. Davis, etc.), so it's no wonder he went and signed Brian Kelly and dealt for Leigh Bodden.
Regardless of whether Millen will get them a good one or not, the Lions will be looking at linebackers early in the draft.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What next?
Perhaps the best thing the Detroit Lions have done in free agency is not overspend on free agents.
Some will argue they haven't spent at all, but the team has aggressively addressed one of its most pressing needs -- the defensive secondary -- while not emptying the bank.
Newcomers Dwight Smith, Leigh Bodden, Brian Kelly and Kalvin Pearson will join returnees Travis Fisher, Keith Smith, Stanley Wilson, Daniel Bullocks, Gerald Alexander and Greg Blue to form what could be the team's deepest secondary since the days of Bennie Blades, Ray Crocket, Melvin Jenkins and William White.
That's the good news.
The bad news is the almost total lack of attention paid to a less-than-stellar linebacking corps.
Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman were allowed to walk via free agency, which didn't upset many Lions fans. The two have been massive disappointments since being second-round picks in back-to-back seasons.
The leaves Detroit with standout Ernie Sims -- and that's about it -- at linebacker. Paris Lenon is average at best at middle linebacker. Buster Davis has potential, but when a team gives up on a third-round pick before they play a game, that's a warning sign that the complete package is not there. The only other LBs on the roster are Alex Lewis and Anthony Cannon. If the season started today, which luckily it doesn't, Lewis would be the defacto starter at SLB.
With a draft that isn't exactly loaded at the position, Detroit's ignoring of a position of such obvious need is perplexing.
Perhaps the Lions have an agreement with a veteran guy like Al Wilson or Sheldon Quarles as an emergency plan, but that's risky in its own right.
The crop of free agent LBs left is also thin. Once you get by guys like Baltimore's Nick Greisen, the Jets' Victor Hobson, Pittsburgh's Clark Haggans, there's not much left but stop-gap veterans and fringe younger guys. The Lions have supposedly shown some degree of interest in Tennessee's Gilbert Gardiner, a four-year vet who has started 12 games, but isn't a starting-caliber NFL linebacker. He washed out as the Colts' strongside 'backer and Indy fans don't seem unhappy that he's gone.
The Lions also need a running back, a defensive end and an offensive tackle in the early stages of the draft, and could be tempted to take a corner if the right guy falls into their lap. The second day needs to yield some athletes who can at least contribute on special teams, an area where Detroit was horrible for the most part last season.
With a limited amound of cash available under the cap, the Lions must fill at least one more hole before the draft, preferably LB with a guy like Hobson.
Some will argue they haven't spent at all, but the team has aggressively addressed one of its most pressing needs -- the defensive secondary -- while not emptying the bank.
Newcomers Dwight Smith, Leigh Bodden, Brian Kelly and Kalvin Pearson will join returnees Travis Fisher, Keith Smith, Stanley Wilson, Daniel Bullocks, Gerald Alexander and Greg Blue to form what could be the team's deepest secondary since the days of Bennie Blades, Ray Crocket, Melvin Jenkins and William White.
That's the good news.
The bad news is the almost total lack of attention paid to a less-than-stellar linebacking corps.
Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman were allowed to walk via free agency, which didn't upset many Lions fans. The two have been massive disappointments since being second-round picks in back-to-back seasons.
The leaves Detroit with standout Ernie Sims -- and that's about it -- at linebacker. Paris Lenon is average at best at middle linebacker. Buster Davis has potential, but when a team gives up on a third-round pick before they play a game, that's a warning sign that the complete package is not there. The only other LBs on the roster are Alex Lewis and Anthony Cannon. If the season started today, which luckily it doesn't, Lewis would be the defacto starter at SLB.
With a draft that isn't exactly loaded at the position, Detroit's ignoring of a position of such obvious need is perplexing.
Perhaps the Lions have an agreement with a veteran guy like Al Wilson or Sheldon Quarles as an emergency plan, but that's risky in its own right.
The crop of free agent LBs left is also thin. Once you get by guys like Baltimore's Nick Greisen, the Jets' Victor Hobson, Pittsburgh's Clark Haggans, there's not much left but stop-gap veterans and fringe younger guys. The Lions have supposedly shown some degree of interest in Tennessee's Gilbert Gardiner, a four-year vet who has started 12 games, but isn't a starting-caliber NFL linebacker. He washed out as the Colts' strongside 'backer and Indy fans don't seem unhappy that he's gone.
The Lions also need a running back, a defensive end and an offensive tackle in the early stages of the draft, and could be tempted to take a corner if the right guy falls into their lap. The second day needs to yield some athletes who can at least contribute on special teams, an area where Detroit was horrible for the most part last season.
With a limited amound of cash available under the cap, the Lions must fill at least one more hole before the draft, preferably LB with a guy like Hobson.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Kennedy next on chop block
The expected came and the hoped-for went out the window.
The Detroit Lions released Kenoy Kennedy, the team's starting strong safety last year. Many had hoped the team would be able to get a low draft pick out fo the still-productive veteran who would fit better in another system.
Instead, the Lions cut him and got nothing, just like they did for Kevin Jones and Fernando Bryant (Kalimba Edwards has no trade value).
Kennedy (6-1, 218) signed with the Lions as an unrestricted free agent in 2005 and spent the last three seasons in Honolulu Blue and silver. Over his eight years in the league, the strong safety has played in 115 games (99 starts) and has recorded 626 tackles (456 solo), 6.0 sacks (42 yards), 10 interceptions (153 yards), 46 pass defenses, five fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles and 32 special teams tackles. In 2007, Kennedy played in 16 games, starting 15, as he finished the year with 91 tackles (61 solo), two interceptions, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Kennedy notched a career-high 127 tackles (84 solo) in 2005, his first year in Detroit, as he led the team in tackles. Kennedy tied a career-high in interceptions (2) in all three seasons with the Lions.
But Kennedy's coverage skills left something to be desired and Gerald Alexander, Daniel Bullocks and Dwight Smith all have him beat in that category. Kennedy also never was the feared hitter that the Lions thought they were getting from the former Bronco.
Kalvin Pearson and Greg Blue will fight it out for the fourth safety spot. Both are also good on special teams, so it is possible they both make the team.
The Detroit Lions released Kenoy Kennedy, the team's starting strong safety last year. Many had hoped the team would be able to get a low draft pick out fo the still-productive veteran who would fit better in another system.
Instead, the Lions cut him and got nothing, just like they did for Kevin Jones and Fernando Bryant (Kalimba Edwards has no trade value).
Kennedy (6-1, 218) signed with the Lions as an unrestricted free agent in 2005 and spent the last three seasons in Honolulu Blue and silver. Over his eight years in the league, the strong safety has played in 115 games (99 starts) and has recorded 626 tackles (456 solo), 6.0 sacks (42 yards), 10 interceptions (153 yards), 46 pass defenses, five fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles and 32 special teams tackles. In 2007, Kennedy played in 16 games, starting 15, as he finished the year with 91 tackles (61 solo), two interceptions, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Kennedy notched a career-high 127 tackles (84 solo) in 2005, his first year in Detroit, as he led the team in tackles. Kennedy tied a career-high in interceptions (2) in all three seasons with the Lions.
But Kennedy's coverage skills left something to be desired and Gerald Alexander, Daniel Bullocks and Dwight Smith all have him beat in that category. Kennedy also never was the feared hitter that the Lions thought they were getting from the former Bronco.
Kalvin Pearson and Greg Blue will fight it out for the fourth safety spot. Both are also good on special teams, so it is possible they both make the team.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Lions cut DE Edwards and RB Jones
Kalimba, don't let the door hit you on the way out.
As for KJ, the Lions better have someone else lined up as a replacement (Michael Pittman, Chris Brown, etc.).
The Lions cut ties with both severans today.
Edwards has been a perennial disappointment, even after Marinelli gave him a big contract in his first year as coach. The supposed sack artist painted an ugly picture, especially on running plays.
Jones was never able to stay healthy and when healthy, was hit and miss. He didn't seem to be able to take the pounding as an every-down back, but didn't like sharing time.
LIONS INK PEARSON
The Lions also signed former Buc S Kalvin Pearson today when Tampa Bay did not match the offer sheet the Lions signed him to a week ago.
Pearson is a standout on special teams and will also serve as a backup safety in a suddenly deep defensive backfield. Incumbent starter Kenoy Kennedy is likely on the trading block or soon to be cut. Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks are the future at safety in Detroit, and Dwight Smith provides a great insurance policy over the middle. Greg Blue showed flashes last year, but may be the odd man out unless Detroit chooses to keep five safeties.
As for KJ, the Lions better have someone else lined up as a replacement (Michael Pittman, Chris Brown, etc.).
The Lions cut ties with both severans today.
Edwards has been a perennial disappointment, even after Marinelli gave him a big contract in his first year as coach. The supposed sack artist painted an ugly picture, especially on running plays.
Jones was never able to stay healthy and when healthy, was hit and miss. He didn't seem to be able to take the pounding as an every-down back, but didn't like sharing time.
LIONS INK PEARSON
The Lions also signed former Buc S Kalvin Pearson today when Tampa Bay did not match the offer sheet the Lions signed him to a week ago.
Pearson is a standout on special teams and will also serve as a backup safety in a suddenly deep defensive backfield. Incumbent starter Kenoy Kennedy is likely on the trading block or soon to be cut. Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks are the future at safety in Detroit, and Dwight Smith provides a great insurance policy over the middle. Greg Blue showed flashes last year, but may be the odd man out unless Detroit chooses to keep five safeties.
Lions free agency thus far
Some have criticized the Lions for not being active enough in the free agent market. But the Lions biggest off-season move was the trading of Shaun Rogers for an established CB in Leigh Bodden. Detroit hasn’t been throwing around big money in free agency, which is fine by me in a fairly weak free agent class and a year in which the draft is strong at positions the Lions need (RB, OL, DE, etc.).
What the Lions have added so far: DT Chuck Darby (3-year deal); S Kalvin Pearson (signed to 3-year, $3.5M offer sheet), Tampa Bay; CB Leigh Bodden (trade w/3rd round pick for Shaun Rogers), Cleveland; CB Brian Kelly (3-year deal), Tampa Bay; TE Michael Gaines (4 years, $10M), Buffalo; S Dwight Smith (2 years, $5M), Minnesota; OG Corey Hulsey (1 year deal), Oakland; Re-signed CB Travis Fisher (3 years, $9M), RB Tatum Bell (1 year, $1.6M), OT George Foster (1 year, $1.1M), CB Keith Smith (2 years, $5M), TE John Owens (1 year), RB Aveion Cason (1 year).
Players lost: LB Teddy Lehman (Tampa Bay), LB Boss Bailey (Denver), QB J.T. O'Sullivan (San Francisco), RB T.J. Duckett (Seattle), CB Fernando Bryant (released), DT Shaun Rogers (traded to Cleveland), OT Damien Woody (Jets).
So let’s go over each of the additions and subtractions so far:
SUBTRACTIONS
DT Shaun Rogers
We all know about the attitude and weight problems, but meeting this man in person tells you a lot. I’ve interviewed him at training camp a couple years ago and ran into him at a Detroit restaurant during the off-season last year. The difference was unbelievable. The man is absolutely massive and doesn’t look like an athlete at all. His lack of motivation beyond dollars is sad, and a strip club run-in with the law (where no charges were pressed) just adds to making it easy to paint Rogers as a character problem.
LBs Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman
A pair of second-round picks who had tremendous potential but never really panned out, in part due to injuries. Boss just never seemed to get it and his speed was offset by a lack of instincts and occasional inability to play within the defensive scheme. Lehman often over pursued plays, but was a solid tackler when healthy, which wasn’t too often. The Lions haven’t replaced these two in free agency, which leaves the Lions’ line backing cupboard bare aside from Ernie Sims and the always-promising-but-usually-not-delivering Alex Lewis. Anthony Cannon, Paris Lenon and Buster Davis are the only other LBs left on Detroit’s roster. The Lions will almost assuredly be selecting a LB in the first rounds, unless they plan to fill out the position with injury risk guys like Al Wilson.
QB J.T. O’Sullivan
Mike Martz somehow thinks this guy can start in San Fran because he knows his system a little. Sullivan was OK as a second- or third-stringer, but was only minimally impressive when he actually played in the regular season. Martz’ ego to develop his own QB in SF rather than work with the one he’s given (former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith) just shows you how far gone he is in some ways.
RB T.J. Duckett
Seattle threw some serious dollars at this part-time who can thrive in a thunder-and-lightning system with a faster back complementing him. The Seahawks did just that by also signing Julius Jones, a guy the Lions could have paired with Duckett, but chose not to, instead settling for a RB corps that includes fumble-prone Tatum Bell, unknown Brian Calhoun and third-down back Aveion Cason now that the Lions have cut Kevin Jones. Detroit’s RB situation is not in a good spot, and I look for Detroit to select a runner in the first three rounds of this year’s draft.
CB Fernando Bryant
Bryant was an enigma in Detroit. An above average corner when occasionally healthy, he was thrust into a system that didn’t suit his skills. The Lions dumped Dre’ Bly, but not Bryant before last season. Bryant actually adapted and played solidly (again, when helthY0, but his predilection for getting dinged up meant he usually missed at least a few plays every game with some sort of boo boo. It was frustrating, because he was clearly Detroit’s best CB when healthy. Not known for his tackling ability, he actually was the most reliable CB in run support in the Tampa 2. But his habit of getting hurt and his high price tag led to his departure.
OT Damien Woody
After getting benched for his poor conditioning, Shaun Rogers’ dream workout partner soon found some motivation because he knew he was going to be cut. He put in just enough effort to be an average RT for the last part of the season and con the Jets into giving him a big contract. He’ll likely fatten up again and show up to lazy and unmotivated by mid-season.
ADDITIONS
CB Leigh Bodden (6-1, 193, 26)
He may just have stumbled upon the deal by accident, but credit Matt Millen with knowing a good deal when he sees it. He dealt a problem man-child in Shaun Rogers for what seems to be a definite answer at one cornerback spot, something the Lions have sorely lacked in recent history. Bodden is coming off a career year with six interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 88 tackles. And at only 26 years old, he’s just coming into his prime.
CB Brian Kelly (5-11, 193, 32)
Has had some durability issues creep up in the last two years after being remarkably healthy prior to that (played all 16 games in 7 of 8 seasons from 1998-2005). Played in only 13 games in last two years, including 11 in 2007. His experience in the Tampa 2 and lower price tag seems to be the main things that differentiate him from the guy he’s replacing, Fernando Bryant. Age is a bit of a concern at a position where speed is a must.
S Dwight Smith (5-10, 201, 29)
The Detroit native has never played in fewer than 14 games in a season, so is fairly healthy. Had four interceptions (one for a TD) last year and is 29, a reasonable age for a starting (or top backup) safety. Is a guy who can play some corner as well, giving the Lions three such safeties on the roster (joining Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks), and that kind of versatility can‘t hurt and is something Marinelli seems to covet. And taking a starter away from a division rival never hurts.
DT Chuck Darby (6-0, 297, 32)
Don’t expect this guy to replace Shaun Rogers, just because he agreed to terms shortly after Big Baby was dealt away. Darby is no Rogers. He’s more of a run stopper who doesn’t generate much of a pass rush, evidenced by his season-high of 3.5 sacks in 2006. He has 12 sacks in 7 seasons. Oh yeah, he played in Tampa Bay under Marinelli. Shocking. That said, he has three years of experience as a full-time starter (57 starts total), including on Seattle’s Super Bowl team in 2005.
TE Michael Gaines (6-4, 277, 27)
The Lions are making a major shift away from former offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s pass-happy offense to a more physical run-oriented offense. One of the things needed for such a scheme is strong play from blocking ends. Gaines isn’t the biggest pass-catching threat, but at 277 pounds is a great blocker. Pairing Gaines and Dan Campbell on the ends, the opposition will never know which one is staying in to block or going out, since they are essentially the same guy. The move to a power running game should be a good one, given the popularity of the Cover 2 defense, which can be prone to a strong running game, and the fact that the opposition still has to respect Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson out wide by keeping the safeties back.
S Kalvin Pearson (5-10, 200, 29)
A backup and special teams ace who spent a year out of football before Tampa Bay picked him and he played in 46 of 48 games the last 3 seasons. Doesn’t have an interception in his career, but has made 94 tackles, 80 of which were solo. Detroit signed Pearson to a 3-year, $3.5 million offer sheet with $1.1 million guaranteed on March 5 and Tampa supposedly isn‘t going to match it. The former undrafted free agent won’t cost Detroit a draft. The Lions can definitely use help on special teams, a unit that was sorely looked over last year and the results on the field reflected it.
OG Corey Hulsey (6-4, 325, 30)
You probably didn’t know who this guy was before the Lions signed him. That’s not a good sign. Worked with Detroit’s new offensive coordinator, Jim Colletto, in Oakland. He didn’t play in the NFL last season, which says a lot, given that Colletto was the line coach in Detroit last year and the Lions didn’t ink him last year when some injuries hit. The 325-pounder is a good run blocker, but weak in pass protections and isn’t very athletic. The Lions interestingly released backup utility guy Blaine Saipaia not long after signing Hulsey. Saipaia is a Martz guy, and the Lions have been trying to unload some of those (trade rumors are swirling about Shaun McDonald). Still, Hulsey has 40 NFL games and 17 starts under his belt. But 12 of those starts came in his rookie season 7 years ago.
RETURNEES
Travis Fisher was brought back at a somewhat hefty price tag for a nickel back at $3 million a season for three years, while Keith Smith reportedly got as much to re-sign as safety Dwight Smith did to come here ($5 million for two years). Matt Millen must think Keith Smith can be something more than a dime back and could even compete with Fisher to move up to start next to newcomer Leigh Bodden. Cason and Ownes are purely depth signings and might not make it out of camp. Bell was brought back after Detroit’s failed attempts to woo Julius Jones, Warrick Dunn or any other capable runner to carry the ball in what will supposedly be a RB-friendly offense next season. Bringing back Foster is a sign that Detroit will be using a simpler system on the line next year, one that won’t require him to think too much before the snap and may reduce his habit of jumping the gun. His size could be nice for a power running game, and he came with a cheap contract.
What the Lions have added so far: DT Chuck Darby (3-year deal); S Kalvin Pearson (signed to 3-year, $3.5M offer sheet), Tampa Bay; CB Leigh Bodden (trade w/3rd round pick for Shaun Rogers), Cleveland; CB Brian Kelly (3-year deal), Tampa Bay; TE Michael Gaines (4 years, $10M), Buffalo; S Dwight Smith (2 years, $5M), Minnesota; OG Corey Hulsey (1 year deal), Oakland; Re-signed CB Travis Fisher (3 years, $9M), RB Tatum Bell (1 year, $1.6M), OT George Foster (1 year, $1.1M), CB Keith Smith (2 years, $5M), TE John Owens (1 year), RB Aveion Cason (1 year).
Players lost: LB Teddy Lehman (Tampa Bay), LB Boss Bailey (Denver), QB J.T. O'Sullivan (San Francisco), RB T.J. Duckett (Seattle), CB Fernando Bryant (released), DT Shaun Rogers (traded to Cleveland), OT Damien Woody (Jets).
So let’s go over each of the additions and subtractions so far:
SUBTRACTIONS
DT Shaun Rogers
We all know about the attitude and weight problems, but meeting this man in person tells you a lot. I’ve interviewed him at training camp a couple years ago and ran into him at a Detroit restaurant during the off-season last year. The difference was unbelievable. The man is absolutely massive and doesn’t look like an athlete at all. His lack of motivation beyond dollars is sad, and a strip club run-in with the law (where no charges were pressed) just adds to making it easy to paint Rogers as a character problem.
LBs Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman
A pair of second-round picks who had tremendous potential but never really panned out, in part due to injuries. Boss just never seemed to get it and his speed was offset by a lack of instincts and occasional inability to play within the defensive scheme. Lehman often over pursued plays, but was a solid tackler when healthy, which wasn’t too often. The Lions haven’t replaced these two in free agency, which leaves the Lions’ line backing cupboard bare aside from Ernie Sims and the always-promising-but-usually-not-delivering Alex Lewis. Anthony Cannon, Paris Lenon and Buster Davis are the only other LBs left on Detroit’s roster. The Lions will almost assuredly be selecting a LB in the first rounds, unless they plan to fill out the position with injury risk guys like Al Wilson.
QB J.T. O’Sullivan
Mike Martz somehow thinks this guy can start in San Fran because he knows his system a little. Sullivan was OK as a second- or third-stringer, but was only minimally impressive when he actually played in the regular season. Martz’ ego to develop his own QB in SF rather than work with the one he’s given (former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith) just shows you how far gone he is in some ways.
RB T.J. Duckett
Seattle threw some serious dollars at this part-time who can thrive in a thunder-and-lightning system with a faster back complementing him. The Seahawks did just that by also signing Julius Jones, a guy the Lions could have paired with Duckett, but chose not to, instead settling for a RB corps that includes fumble-prone Tatum Bell, unknown Brian Calhoun and third-down back Aveion Cason now that the Lions have cut Kevin Jones. Detroit’s RB situation is not in a good spot, and I look for Detroit to select a runner in the first three rounds of this year’s draft.
CB Fernando Bryant
Bryant was an enigma in Detroit. An above average corner when occasionally healthy, he was thrust into a system that didn’t suit his skills. The Lions dumped Dre’ Bly, but not Bryant before last season. Bryant actually adapted and played solidly (again, when helthY0, but his predilection for getting dinged up meant he usually missed at least a few plays every game with some sort of boo boo. It was frustrating, because he was clearly Detroit’s best CB when healthy. Not known for his tackling ability, he actually was the most reliable CB in run support in the Tampa 2. But his habit of getting hurt and his high price tag led to his departure.
OT Damien Woody
After getting benched for his poor conditioning, Shaun Rogers’ dream workout partner soon found some motivation because he knew he was going to be cut. He put in just enough effort to be an average RT for the last part of the season and con the Jets into giving him a big contract. He’ll likely fatten up again and show up to lazy and unmotivated by mid-season.
ADDITIONS
CB Leigh Bodden (6-1, 193, 26)
He may just have stumbled upon the deal by accident, but credit Matt Millen with knowing a good deal when he sees it. He dealt a problem man-child in Shaun Rogers for what seems to be a definite answer at one cornerback spot, something the Lions have sorely lacked in recent history. Bodden is coming off a career year with six interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 88 tackles. And at only 26 years old, he’s just coming into his prime.
CB Brian Kelly (5-11, 193, 32)
Has had some durability issues creep up in the last two years after being remarkably healthy prior to that (played all 16 games in 7 of 8 seasons from 1998-2005). Played in only 13 games in last two years, including 11 in 2007. His experience in the Tampa 2 and lower price tag seems to be the main things that differentiate him from the guy he’s replacing, Fernando Bryant. Age is a bit of a concern at a position where speed is a must.
S Dwight Smith (5-10, 201, 29)
The Detroit native has never played in fewer than 14 games in a season, so is fairly healthy. Had four interceptions (one for a TD) last year and is 29, a reasonable age for a starting (or top backup) safety. Is a guy who can play some corner as well, giving the Lions three such safeties on the roster (joining Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks), and that kind of versatility can‘t hurt and is something Marinelli seems to covet. And taking a starter away from a division rival never hurts.
DT Chuck Darby (6-0, 297, 32)
Don’t expect this guy to replace Shaun Rogers, just because he agreed to terms shortly after Big Baby was dealt away. Darby is no Rogers. He’s more of a run stopper who doesn’t generate much of a pass rush, evidenced by his season-high of 3.5 sacks in 2006. He has 12 sacks in 7 seasons. Oh yeah, he played in Tampa Bay under Marinelli. Shocking. That said, he has three years of experience as a full-time starter (57 starts total), including on Seattle’s Super Bowl team in 2005.
TE Michael Gaines (6-4, 277, 27)
The Lions are making a major shift away from former offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s pass-happy offense to a more physical run-oriented offense. One of the things needed for such a scheme is strong play from blocking ends. Gaines isn’t the biggest pass-catching threat, but at 277 pounds is a great blocker. Pairing Gaines and Dan Campbell on the ends, the opposition will never know which one is staying in to block or going out, since they are essentially the same guy. The move to a power running game should be a good one, given the popularity of the Cover 2 defense, which can be prone to a strong running game, and the fact that the opposition still has to respect Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson out wide by keeping the safeties back.
S Kalvin Pearson (5-10, 200, 29)
A backup and special teams ace who spent a year out of football before Tampa Bay picked him and he played in 46 of 48 games the last 3 seasons. Doesn’t have an interception in his career, but has made 94 tackles, 80 of which were solo. Detroit signed Pearson to a 3-year, $3.5 million offer sheet with $1.1 million guaranteed on March 5 and Tampa supposedly isn‘t going to match it. The former undrafted free agent won’t cost Detroit a draft. The Lions can definitely use help on special teams, a unit that was sorely looked over last year and the results on the field reflected it.
OG Corey Hulsey (6-4, 325, 30)
You probably didn’t know who this guy was before the Lions signed him. That’s not a good sign. Worked with Detroit’s new offensive coordinator, Jim Colletto, in Oakland. He didn’t play in the NFL last season, which says a lot, given that Colletto was the line coach in Detroit last year and the Lions didn’t ink him last year when some injuries hit. The 325-pounder is a good run blocker, but weak in pass protections and isn’t very athletic. The Lions interestingly released backup utility guy Blaine Saipaia not long after signing Hulsey. Saipaia is a Martz guy, and the Lions have been trying to unload some of those (trade rumors are swirling about Shaun McDonald). Still, Hulsey has 40 NFL games and 17 starts under his belt. But 12 of those starts came in his rookie season 7 years ago.
RETURNEES
Travis Fisher was brought back at a somewhat hefty price tag for a nickel back at $3 million a season for three years, while Keith Smith reportedly got as much to re-sign as safety Dwight Smith did to come here ($5 million for two years). Matt Millen must think Keith Smith can be something more than a dime back and could even compete with Fisher to move up to start next to newcomer Leigh Bodden. Cason and Ownes are purely depth signings and might not make it out of camp. Bell was brought back after Detroit’s failed attempts to woo Julius Jones, Warrick Dunn or any other capable runner to carry the ball in what will supposedly be a RB-friendly offense next season. Bringing back Foster is a sign that Detroit will be using a simpler system on the line next year, one that won’t require him to think too much before the snap and may reduce his habit of jumping the gun. His size could be nice for a power running game, and he came with a cheap contract.
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