OT: Lions offseason
Its the dead zone right now in college football, so why not talk some lions football. Free agency and the draft is coming on up soon. The lions have some obvious needs: CB, Safety, LB, O-line, even maybe a slot WR.
Many experts believe we will draft the lineman from Colorado. However, i have als heard that the DB from Colorado is making some noise and may be worthy of the the 13th pick. The lions may be in a position to also trade down and pick up a couple picks.
There are a number of free agents out in the market now that meet our needs: MLB A.J Hawk, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Safety Gerald Sensabaugh, DE Marcus Spears, LB/DE Vernon Gholston, WR Steve Breaston, WR Sidney Rice, LB Hunter Hillenmeyer, Safety Eugene Wilson, Satety Bob Sanders.
I have zero idea what our salary cap looks like and what the organization is planning to do during the free agency period. So you get to be the GM and decide who are the important FA's that the lions should/will pick up this offseason.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:29 PM ^
Steve Breaston. Pleeeeeeeease.
play this year, would kill their momentum bad
February 28th, 2011 at 8:29 PM ^
I am not thrilled with our options at 13. I would begrudgingly take an OT knowing we need one eventually. There is talk that Amukamara falls, and if that happens I would definitely take him. Reading Killer's article today http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/02/my_two_cents_theres_no_chance.html it looks like Smith is off the table. While the hype surrounding him began convincing me, the Lions really don't seem to ever draft character questionable players. So I would have to agree we would not go in that direction. I just hope someone that is rumored to go top ten falls to us like any other random draft year.
Speaking of free agents, I think Sidney Rice would be a great pick up. He sounds like exactly the kind of player the Lions want as a third receiver, one that stretches the field more. I would also take A.J. Hawk.
Most of those high profile guys though I think are out of the reach of the lions. I would love Asomugha, I just don't think he's coming here.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:37 PM ^
To say that you aren't thrilled with the 13th pick on February 28th is insane. Every year a guy will fall to about that pick that is a "top 10 lock".
13 is also the spot where the Eagles traded up to, giving up a whole lot to get there and select Brandon Graham. I think Julio Jones just jumped the 13th pick. He has always been viewed as a possession reciever but with the speed and athleticism he showed in Indy, I could see him cracking the top 10. Maybe Amukumara will fall, there have been questions about him being a shutdown corner on the big boys, but he would hold great value at 13.
If all else fails, I could see us trading down because a big d-lineman will fall and that's not something we're interested in.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:44 PM ^
Well, I'm not thrilled pre draft on the 13th slot. I'm not thrilled with the projected players available. I'm sorry I jsut don't want a wide receiver again. I know we could use one but please just not the 1st round. If someone falls like they always do, then I agree with you. I just don't see anyone trading with us. At least I wouldn't bank on it. It just never seems to happen. I wouldn't mind doing it though.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:30 PM ^
I like taking a left tackle at 13, but Tyron Smith >>> Nate Solder
February 28th, 2011 at 9:00 PM ^
either Tyron Smith or Anthony Castanzo. Not a big fan of Solder though.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:44 PM ^
not really into those guys you named, but you nailed the positions. i would have really liked to sign chad greenway and eric weddle before greenways franchise tag. now weddle and richard marshall and paul posluzny along with resigning houston. leaving a interior linemen and power running back and burner wideout for the offense, another corner ,an outside linebacker or two, for the d. maybe owen marecic and alex henery are some luxury picks if we had more than 5. seems like the guys you named had age(asomugha,wilson), off field problems(sensabaugh,spears) , injury(sanders,hillenmeyer), or just suck(gholston,hawk) problems, although hawk did pick it up when barnett(dirtiest player in the league) went down. i really like quan sturdivant and davon house for mid round picks who can help this defense, i really think we are only a player or two away, maybe three. for real this time, not like the other times that has been said over the years. we need a lot better production from our outside linebackers, and better push on 3rd and 1( im talking to you raiola)
February 28th, 2011 at 8:46 PM ^
Breaston would be nice for sentiment plus some help on third down.
<br>The offensive line is a priority but the team needs a shutdown corner. Either in the draft or via free agency, they need a top-flight DB or two above-average ones this year
February 28th, 2011 at 8:49 PM ^
They should go grab OT Damien Woody he was just released by the Jets today. Good addition to the OL.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:54 PM ^
Been there, done that haven't they? Woody was a Lion a few years back and they didn't re-sign him.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:05 PM ^
I thought it was because they couldn't resign him, not that they wouldn't? He actually performed well near the end. After he got his shit together that is.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:50 PM ^
I would take bruce carter injury and all at this point. 2nd round please? AJ hawk hasn't been terrible either. He's been mediocre but he was a bit better in a 4 3 scheme. Green bay has seemed to hemorrage some skilled players that just don't fit their scheme switch.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:01 PM ^
would be a great pick for the Lions in 2nd round. Best pure 4-3 OLB imo. Crazy athletic and can run sideline to sideline.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:50 PM ^
Patrick Peterson, please. Although I'd settle for Prince Amukamara
February 28th, 2011 at 10:30 PM ^
There's pretty much no way that he'll fall that far. We'd have to trade up to around number 5 for. I would be more than happy if we could settle for Amukamara though.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:54 PM ^
Jimmy Smith in 1st round: Dude is a stud and is the #1 CB that the Lions need
then Bruce Carter in 2nd round: ACL injury will push him to 2nd round but outstanding athlete who can play at WILL
then Allen Bradford in 3rd round: Underrated RB who is a great compliment to Jahvid Best
I would call it a great draft day for the Lions.
Btw, the scout(my friend) said that the draft is surprisingly deep than any other year. He has 23 players with 1st round grade which is way more than your typical draft which they usually net 7-8 players with 1st round grade. Just because there's no elite LT, QB or RB, doesn't mean the draft is weak.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:56 PM ^
Didn't Smith have like three or four positive drug tests at Colorado? Character issues? Can you say Charles Rogers
February 28th, 2011 at 9:03 PM ^
which is freshman year. Got MIP twice in his freshman year. Was clean since then.
BTW, if you take players off the board because they smoked green, the board would be 75% empty. I talked to the director of player personnel about it and that's what he told me. What matters is if he failed it early on and was clean since then, they'll take him in that spot.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:07 PM ^
Experts seems to think he's still bad news though. I already posted the link but an article on Mlive provides the details. Whether or not the issues are clear or true, the Lions have steered away from questionable characters in the past. I don't see why they would start now.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:12 PM ^
talked to other scouts at Indy about Jimmy Smith's issues. He seems to think that it's not a big deal.
Brandon Pettigrew got arrested for being involved in a bar fight yet the Lions drafted him. As long as the player's background checks out and the team thinks that he'll conduct himself in a professional manner on the off-field, I don't see any reason why the Lions would draft Smith especially if he's a top 10 talent.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:13 PM ^
If Amukamara falls do you still take Smith?
February 28th, 2011 at 9:15 PM ^
Smith is a better CB prospect than Amukamara who projects better at S in the next level.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:11 PM ^
We already have a compliment to Jahvid Best. His name is Kevin Smith.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^
Maurice Morris isn't that terrible either. We don't need a show stopper for a complimentary back. Mo morris has been decent enough to hold on to. Especially when we need major upgrades in other areas.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:06 PM ^
With the 1st round pick, take Amakumara. (If he's there) If not, I'd take the best LT available. As for FA, need a #3 WR. (Could probably fill that in the draft - Greg Salas/Hawaii comes to mind) I've heard they are interest in LB Stephen Tulloch from Tennessee. He is a MLB (I think) so I don't know if they would move Levy to OLB or put Tulloch at OLB. They also need a power back. Clinton Portis, Willias McGahee would be servicable or they could get one in the draft liek John Clay (Wisconsin). Would love to add Clay in the 3rd/4th round. Another note on the LB position, they could draft Casey Matthews. (Clay's younger brother) He's a "MLB" but I think he would make a seemless transition to the OLB position. Those are their main needs/concerns.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:08 PM ^
he's slow and fat. The fact that his backups are more productive tells you about Wisconsin OL and Clay.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:10 PM ^
Who cares if he's slow? We have a speedster in Best. He could be a goaline back/short yardage back.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^
if you can't run through the holes before it closes. Clay does not have that burst. All successful power back has the burst to get to the holes. Clay isn't one of them.
I'll take other backs who is just as strong as Clay and are better prospect than Clay.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:20 PM ^
He was somewhat bothered by injuries last season.
There are other bigger back that I like, like Jamie Harper (Clemson) and Stevan Ridley (LSU)
February 28th, 2011 at 9:15 PM ^
Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris anybody?
February 28th, 2011 at 9:18 PM ^
Kevin SMith is a bum plus he wants out of Detroit. Mo is a good backup but I'd rather go with a younger, bigger and more physical guy. Mo only wieghs like 215.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:45 PM ^
O-Line and defense. That's all we need to draft. Anything else can be filled out with free agency.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:09 PM ^
Whenever there is a Mathew draft him ASAP!!!!
February 28th, 2011 at 9:12 PM ^
Does anyone else think we should go after OJ Atogwe? He would be a massive upgrade at safety across from Delmas, he was released because the Rams didn't want to pay his salary, so he'd obviously have to take a cut. Hes from Windsor and he can literally see Ford Field from his backyard so it's not like they'd have to sell him on the area. He'd fill a huge hole in the secondary. Thoughts?
February 28th, 2011 at 9:16 PM ^
Would love to see him get signed, but hard to think about free agency with the NFLPA and the owners going at it like they are.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:02 PM ^
The Lions recently signed Erik Coleman. He played for the Jets for 4 years and then with Atlanta for 3 I believe. He was the Falcons starter at the beginning of last year before he got hurt, then his back-up played really well so he was expendable.
He is a good veteran player who was brought in to compete for the starting spot, and Schwartz said he believes he can be the stater. I still think that Amari Spievey will become a good safety once he learns how to play the position. He is physical and has good ball skills but just switched last year. Still would like to see them bring in competition at every position, which is something I think Mayhew will try and do.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:13 PM ^
Best pass blocker of all the OTs. Gotta keep Stafford healthy. Backus would probably be better served at OG anyway.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:15 PM ^
at RT, not at LT. There's concern about his athleticism against pass rusher which is why he projects better at RT in the next level.
Backus played at pro bowl level this past season. He'll stay at LT until he retires.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:25 PM ^
Carimi is not a LT. (At least he's not projected to be) I like Tyron Smith (USC) and Nate Solder (Colorado). I know Solder didn't put up many reps (21, I believe) at the Combine but that's not a big worry for me nor should it be for anyone.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:45 PM ^
This kid will be the best left tackle in the draft. I remember Mike Mayock saying that Jake Long would struggle at Left Tackle in the NFL and now hes a perennial probowler. Tyron Smith has never played left tackle and Nate Solder is just a physical speciman but on tape gets beat all the time. Carimi is the most pro ready left Tackle in the bunch and his height and length plus good technique will allow him to be a starting LT in the league for years. Do not take Mike Mayocks word on offensive lineman. He is a good evaluator of the quarterbacks, and defensive backs. Last year he said Gerald McCoy is a better DT than Suh.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:18 PM ^
I love the sentiment that Backus will move to guard and everything will just go smoothly. Doesn't work that way.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:29 PM ^
For the past 5-7 years I have been on the "please draft an O-linemen in the first round" bandwagon. However, I can't get on it this year. I actually think that the Lion team we have in front of us could compete for a wildcard spot IF they get some key players.
They need a CB and an OLB. It sucks that for the first time in forever, there probably isnt going to be a great OLB propect sitting in the early teens. However, take a CB (Smith) and wait till round two for the OLB.
Please no LT, not this year.
PS the idea of getting another top safety also intrigues me, but the Lions really need to go CB.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:44 PM ^
For the first time in years, "best player available" is not the right strategy, which is sweet but makes the 13th spot less than optimal. I think we should and will go CB and OLB in the first two rounds (the order will depend on who is on the board). Offensive tackle and then maybe a fat back or possession reciever in the later rounds sounds good. As for all the safety talk, I really think Spievey will be solid alongside Delmas. He showed flashes last season and will only get better, considering he was new to the position last year.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:59 PM ^
the Lions should take the best player avaiable at #13, they still need talent. If a OT is the BPA, then by all means, take him and have him be an eventual replacement for Backus. A CB may still be a BPA. The Lions may take a DE and have him play in the rotation before replacing KVB.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:33 PM ^
Replacing KVB? That just inked 4 year 26million dollar deal... I think it's safe to say they plan on him starting for some time.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:58 PM ^
older. They will need an eventual replacement. Better to have a player ready to move into the starting role rather than having an unproven rookie. DE is pretty deep and it could very well be a BPA.
February 28th, 2011 at 11:53 PM ^
I'd bet my money he finishes out the last 3 years of that deal. I agree it'd be great to have someone step in with some experience but a player in the first round to start in 3 years? With the DE position it requires less mentoring in general too. Plus, KVB was playing some great football before the injury.
February 28th, 2011 at 10:49 PM ^
So you think if the best player available is a WR, TE, or RB we should take them? If so, that's absolutely ridiculous. I agree that OT would be an acceptable pick, but we have a much bigger need at OLB and CB. As for your comment about the defensive line, apparently you didn't watch the games too closely last year, because they generally dominated the line of scrimmage despite having a terrible secondary and linebacking core behind them. And KVB, who you for some reason want to replace, goes 100% every play and still has 3 years left on his contract. Are the Lions great? Absolutely not. However, best player available is no longer an option.
February 28th, 2011 at 11:00 PM ^
TE and RB won't be BPA. If Julio Jones is BPA, the Lions may take him and have him at #2 WR and move Burleson to slot WR. They can finally cut that Bryant Johnson.