Its evident that history is knocking on Detroit's door and apparent the lions are poised to set abysmal football history. Regardless, I am very proud to be a Lion. I believe our first victory as a team is getting rid of Matt Millen and the second will be chosing the right GM.
For a start, Operation clean house is in effect and the following guys have to go; Shaun Cody, Chuck Darby, Dwight Smith, Alex Lewis, Jared Devries, Jon Kitna, Eddie Mulitalo, Andy McCollum, Travis Fisher, Kelly Brian, Moran Norris, Casey Fittzsimmons, etc...."They are cancers to the team and you can't win with them" - Mike Singletary
The scouting department have to go too and the fans need to be given the opportunity to partake in the rebuilding process.
As for the draft, the question remains who should we draft number one this year? Some fans believe we should pick Matthew Stafford with first pick: he has a great arm and we should consider the stats he put up in college....but I disagree.... stats can only say so much about a player {Matt Leinart} ......I believe we should concentrate on potential, upside for growth and development, leadership and drive to win....... perfect example, Tom Brady drafted in the 6th round, Superbowl MVP and 3 time NFL champion. his college stats did not indicate any of the above criteria.
If I were the GM today, after reading through the fanposts and reviewing all the options available to me, this is how I will revamp this team:
A. Jeff Backus will be moved from LT to LG period.
B. Draft the following players:
1. OT - Michael Oher >Andre Smith> Eugene Monroe,
1. MLB - James Laurinaitis {considering his stock is dropping}
2. NT - BJ Raji>Vince Oghobaase
3. C -Jonathan Luigs>Eric Wood>Max Unger>Antoine Caldwell
3. CB - Joe Burnett > DeAngelo Smith>Domonique Johnson
4. LG- Curtis Crouch>Louis West>Steve Rehring.
5. TE - Anthony Hill>Brian Mandeville.
7. S - Emmanuel Cook
Special consideration is given to Brandon Graham**.
C. The following players will be invited to camp to competite for a roster spot; T- Jonathan Scott [T to G], K- Dave Rayner or FAs, LB- Leon Joe, C- Carroll Madison, and other Undrafted players and free agents.. like the Colts conduct every off season that produced the likes of M. Bullit, Devin Aromashodu to mention a few.
D. The new look roster would like this
QB - Orlovsky > Culpepper > Stanton
RB - Kevin Smith > FA1 > FA2 [Heath Evans]
FB - Jerome Felton
WR - Calvin Jonhson > FA> FA > FA >FA
TE - Gaines > Draft Pick
LT - Michael Olher > D Cook
LG - Jeff Backus > [Rookie Draft Pick]
C - D. Riaola > [Rookie Draft Pick]
RG - [Tra Thomas] > Jonathan Scott
RT- Gosder Cherilus > FA
LDE - Andre Fluellen > Corey Smith > Ika Alama-Francis
NT - BJ Raji > FA [Red Byrant]
UT - Cory Redding > Langston Moore > Landon Cohen
RDE - DeWayne White> Cliff Avril > FA
MLB - James Laurinaitis> FA
ROLB - Ernie Sims > Darnell Bing
LOLB - Jordan Dizon > Ryan Nece > FA
CB - Leigh Bodden > FA > FA > FA > FA
SS - Daniel Bullocks> Emmanuel Cook
FS - Greg Alexander> Greg Blue
K - J. Hanson
P - N. Harris
Likely Free Agent aquisitions: Tra Thomas G, Jonathan Vilma MLB (Considering his returning from a serious injury) or Keith Brooking (versality & veteran leadership), Dunta Robinson CB, Jarrad Page S,
E. Team Projects - Brandon Graham [DE / LB], FA, FA ..... to round out the team at 53 players....
Likely players, I want to attract include
DT - RED Bryant via trade from Seatttle to shore up the NT position.
LB - Ralph Alston from Raiders for his Special teams play.
I am open to trading Culpepper and Ika Francis Alama for picks.
I am expecting at least a 7 win season in the first year...
Please review and your comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks.