Lions on the Verge of Trading For Chris Houston
According to Adam Schefter's twitter, the Lions are on the verge of trading their sixth round pick and flipping fifth round picks with the falcons in return for CB Chris Houston. For those of you who don't know who he is, Houston was an exceptional cover corner with 4.3 speed coming out of Arkansas in 2007. He was taken as the number 41 overall by the Falcons. His rookie season he showed great promise and took the starting job opposite DeAngelo Hall. 2008 he grabbed two interceptions and 61 tackles. This year he came under some heat from the Falcons staff (I couldn't find a specific reason, rotoworld.com seemed to skip over that), and ended up on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. His skill set should make him an excellent fit in Cunningham's defense and probably a starter with the current corner situation.
I typically am not a big fan of trading draft picks, but the Corey Williams trade I really like, and addressing another huge need for a corner who is proven seems smart.
There was talks earlier today about a CB from STL, I think Jonathan Wade visiting also.
Overall a 5th round pick for a potential starter is great value. I am not used to this thinking in Detroit.
I'm not either, but the Lions can't just build through the draft at this point. There are too many holes to fill and the young players need established pros who have won before to show them the ropes.
Also, let's face it--the NFL isn't too forgiving when coaches lose 12+ games. They need to show improvement or the Fords may decide to start over (again, sigh).
In terms of trading draft picks, this is how I look at it. Who are the Lions going to draft with that 6th round pick? A starter? If the pick does turn out to be a starter, then it's usually the exception more than the rule(see Tom Brady). I'm all for trading LOW draft picks though... Not that Jerry Jones crap where he trades half his draft for a mediocre receiver.
doesnt sound too bad at all. I wouldn't mind seeing the Leo's signing Marlin Jackson but I doubt he'd be that interested
Jackson has set up appointments with Baltimore and Philly, and there are rumors Minnesota's interested too. I think he's probably not gonna make it past those three.
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he is undersized - but the lions have no CBs at this time so for a late round pick this is a good get.
Eh 5'11 I'll take it! Beggers can't be chosers
OMG JIM SCHWARTZ LOST TOO MANY GAMES LAST YEAR WE SHOULD GET SOMEONE BETTER FIRE SCHWARTZ...
Wait, what were we talking about? Sorry, I blacked out for a second.
But seriously folks, I like some of the moves they've been making. While the Bears spent uber-bucks on a splashy big-name free agent, the Lions are adding solid (if unspectacular) pieces and building a respectable team.
Jim Schwartz is the first Lion's coach I can remember that doesn't seem completely incompetent. It remains to be seen whether or not he can actually dig the Lions out of this mess, but so far he at least appears to be a smart guy.
He may be competent but he is no Wayne Fontes.
I think you meant--He may be competent AND he is no Wayne Fontes.
I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I love Wayne Fontes. He is such a big cuddly bear.
And he drafted Barry when no one else on the staff wanted to draft him.
got the Lions to the playoffs and even managed to win a game.
For that he will always have my respect.
Wayne Fontes took a ton of heat back in the day, but he did what no Lions coach in the past, what thousand(?) years was able to do, get them to the playoffs.
And he did it more than once!
Including that playoff win.
Wayne is a good coach, but don't you think with the talent he had he should maybe have been in a Super Bowl or three???
Wayne was the best.
I remember the last few years of the Fontes' era marked by the team struggling until about week 10, hearing that Fontes was on the hot seat, then getting hot and squeaking into the playoffs.
Personally, I thought Fontes was a much better coach than people gave him credit - sure he wasn't a great X's-and-O's guy, but that team did play hard for him, which is more than you can say for anyone who followed (save Schwartz).
And remember how they brought in Millen to get the franchise "over the top?"
With an offense centered around Mike McMahon...
...and think he could be a long-term solution given enough time (not unlike RR at M).
I'm sure I'm the last to nice this, but that's the best avatar pic...ever. My only regret is that I can only give you one +1.
make the right moves. If they can get a starting corner for a sixth round pick that is great value. If they can cap this very productive free agency with another solid draft us Lions fans have something to be excited about. A competent coach and GM that continue to make this team better.
NFL.com says its a 4th round pick plus swapping the 5th rounders
"The deal should be finalized on Monday. Atlanta is expected to receive Detroit's sixth-round pick and switch places with the Lions in round five."
Winningest AND Losingest coach in Detroit Lions history. No better epitaph has ever been written.
From ESPN Insider:
Houston is slightly undersized but has excellent foot quickness and agility to mirror receivers. He is best in press alignment when he can use his hands to disrupt the receiver coming off the line. He has quick hips to turn and run with receivers and can be very quick to close on the ball. He still struggles, at times, when in off coverage and has to recognize routes or read the quarterback's eyes to get a jump on the ball. He has a tendency to guess at times and will jump on routes too soon. He has a decent burst to make up ground when he gets behind receivers.
I think Chris Houston would be a good move. I have only got a chance to see him a couple of times, but looked very impressive to me. And he can do a good Deion impression.....
Lions......making bold decisive moves??? A plan????? To build the team???? OMG I must be in some freaking alternate reality!!
That said, this alternate world is a hell of alot better than anything the Lions have done in the last decade. Props to Jim Schwartz!
The Lions active during an off season? Pinch me!