Lions on the Verge of Trading For Chris Houston

Submitted by DGDestroys on

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.

Niag

March 7th, 2010 at 8:33 PM ^

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.

Zone Left

March 7th, 2010 at 9:06 PM ^

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).

Stephen Y

March 8th, 2010 at 7:03 AM ^

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.

BiSB

March 7th, 2010 at 8:47 PM ^

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.

TTUwolverine

March 7th, 2010 at 8:55 PM ^

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.

bronxblue

March 7th, 2010 at 11:04 PM ^

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).

goody

March 7th, 2010 at 9:27 PM ^

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.

Steve Lorenz

March 7th, 2010 at 10:32 PM ^

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.

Scott Howard

March 8th, 2010 at 6:47 AM ^

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.....

cadmus2166

March 8th, 2010 at 9:23 AM ^

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!