As the NFL draft rapidly approaches, it will be interesting to see how the worst run franchise in the NFL will continue to build on the lack of success that has made them famous over the regin of NFL super genious, Matt Millen. The second pick in the draft has produced some of the biggest draft day disasters in NFL history, (see Ryan Leaf and Tony Mandrich), and with a track record of bad picks and shaky personel decisions; the Lions should be poised to add to the second pick draft bust legacy.
While the drafting process is clearly an inexact science, there are some teams that seem to consistently draft correctly, and others that seem to consistently draft incorectly. Teams that make drafting a bust a part of their April NFL ritual, seem to making the following errors:
1. Putting way to much value in to combine statistics: 40-times, bench press, shuttle time, etc. are all important. However, while running, jumping, and strength are all parts of the game; this isn't a track and field competition. You also have to ask, "How good of a football player is this guy?" No one has to worry about how fast a guy gets down the field if he can't catch the ball when he gets there.
2. Not taking the Best Available Player: While the best available player is clearly an overused draft day term, it is still an important philosophy to having a successful draft. Making position a priority over talent is an excellent path to drafting a bust.
3. Drafting the Hometown Hero: While this might be a great way to end up having your draft pick featured as a #### Enberg moment on Super Bowl Sunday, it is also a good way to draft a bust. Just ask the Lions how well local talent Charles Rodgers worked out over Andre Johnson.
While the Detroit Lions have not publicly stated that they will not draft WR Calvin Johnson with their second pick, the opinion seems to be that they will not draft their 4th 1st round wide receiver in the last 5 years, especially when it is not viewed as an area of need. Not taking a potential Hall of Fame Receiver will not make up for taking Charles Rodgers and Mike Williams. The Lions need great players, and Calvin Johnson is the best player the Lions could draft this year.
The Lion already have Roy Williams who is much better playmaker than Calvin Johnson. why would they waste another top pick on WR to get another bust like Mike williams or Charlie Rogers?? They have a lot more pressing needs than another overhyped WR.
I'm glad you brought that point up Texas. The good offenses in this league have only one good receiver??? The Colts have Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. The Bengals have Chad Johnson and TJ Whose your Mama. Most good offenses have 2 good receivers, because it prevents your star playmaker from being double teamed every play.
My point is that when you have the 2nd pick in the draft, you have many needs and only one pick. Take the best available player. While there is never a sure thing, anyone that knows anything about the draft says Calvin Johnson is the safest pick in the draft. The Lions can't afford a bust this year. Taking the best player will never fail you.
Last edited by StreetCred on April 17th at 1:35 PM.
I live in Chicago, but am originally from Wisconsin. I am a disgruntled Green Bay Packer fan that has a second favorite team, the NY Jets. My favorite sports are Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Hockey and soccer are at the bottom of my list. I would rather watch the Spelling Bee than either of those sports. My favorite athletes of all time are Brett Favre and Michael Jordan. While I like debating many sports, NFL Football is by far my favorite topic to discuss.
In 2008 I was runner up to Boltbacker21 in Mike Greenspire's NFL Blogger Competition. In addition to this blog I am also the Senior NFL Writer for the Fantasy Football Maniaxs. The address is http://www.fa ntasyfootball maniaxs.com. I hope you enjoy the blog and check out the website for any fantasy football needs.
