For the first time in years the Lions are going to go defense first in the NFL draft. The last time they did they drafted LB Ernie Sims. It has worked out well so far. This year it appears that Florida DE Derrick Harvey will be the Lions pick at no. 15. If Harvey is drafted before the Lions pick, Tennessee LB Jerrod Mayo will be the pick.
The Lions have signed veterans at CB and S in Brian Kelly and Dwight Smith. They also traded for Cleveland CB Leigh Bodden. The Lions biggest defensive needs are at DE and LB. The Lions need a DE opposite of DeWayne White. White played very well when he wasn't hurt and made a lot of big plays in 2007. The Lions need a DE opposite of White to help him out, something Kalimbust Edwards never could do.
If both Harvey and Mayo and drafted before the Lions get to pick at 15, then it may be one of two RBs. The Lions released Kevin Jones in the off season so they will be looking at a RB anyway. The plan may be to wait until the 2nd or 3rd round for a RB. If the Lions are forced to draft a RB in the first round it will be either Oregon's Jonathan Stewart or Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall had a freakish 9 yards per rush last year.
Next up on Matt Millen's to do list is logic! The logic that every "football guy" has. "You win games in the trenches" Something the Lions have not done since Matt Millen has taken over. Matt Millen has not drafted an offensive lineman in the first two rounds of any draft since 2001! That year he drafted LT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola and both have been starters since 2001. Logic tells me that lineman drafted after the first two rounds is not Millen's expertise and he should refrain from doing it again.
Since the 2002 draft the Lions only have two starters from their 1st and 2nd round picks. Six of the 12 picks aren't even on the team any more and two aren't even in the league at all! This is just since 2002. Two starters from 6 drafts.
Those in the know in football and in most sports know the real deal is that you free agency is used to cover mistakes you have made in the draft. Well the Lions have made so many mistakes in the draft that the salary cap wouldn't even really allow them to do that.
bob...not sure Harvey will be there. The Pats and Panthers have both shown lots of interest. If he falls to that point, I do think the Lions will sweep him up quick.
bob' So Millen's got a to do list ? Where's it list his resignation on that list of exercises I ask ? As he's been the primary reason that the Lions have su*cked to high heaven. Marinelli has come in and righted the ship of sorts. But why the hell did they hire Martz when most knew it was a none start right off the bat ? Millen is absolutely clueless. He makes George W Bush seem insightful and that's saying a lot !
In my mock (and in consideration of the Lions' GM) I've got them filling their glaring need at RB in the first round followed by a good DE in the second... This could easily be reversed as both positions are deep in this draft...
Here's hoping the Lions pick up some instant help in the draft and continue their rise from obscurity...
Whaddya think now. Bet none of ya'lle even heard of these two players. Cherilus and Dizon? Who? At least they drafted need an OL and an LB...but did you see all those RB's get drafted? I thought thats why they traded back to #17...
Flint Michigan -
Ask me a question about your team by email- bob260505@yah oo.com
Three time defending (division 2) four square champion
1993 United States Hacky-Sack Champion (runner up in 92 and 94) - finishing move "the Stall"
MVP of 1986 Whiffleball World Series - WWS was played in the side yard and had longer home runs.
2006 1st place league Champion fantasy baseball, 2003 and 2004 second place in fantasy football, 2003 second place in fantasy baseball and hockey, The last person out in Dodgeball in a record 17 of 22 games played in 1992 and led the gym class with over 175 kills in 92 - 93 (averaged 8.18 kills per game)
bob260505@yah oo.com
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