Draft 2010 What is the biggest need?

by Puntordie on Oct 31, 2009 1:54 AM EDT Comment 69 comments

We all know the Lions can again do BPA (Best Player Available) in the 2010 draft but what do you think the biggest needs are?

What do you think is the biggest need for the Lions. I think in 2010 we will be drafting around the 5th or 6th pick. Therefore it has to be DL S or LT.

Eric Berry looks intriguing. Suh or McCoy or Okung would also be possibilities

What position do you prefer?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit's main writer, Sean, or the site in general. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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The biggest need?

Although I’m of the school that it’s a little early to be talking draft, i guess it’s D-line. Or maybe D-line. Did I mention D-line? That’s it. End of discussion.
Berry and Suh seem like Calvin Johnson-esque can’t-miss picks. The problem is, i think Suh and Berry will probably be gone by the time we pick. If we were lucky enough that either of those guys fell to us, I’d pick either in a heartbeat. Don’t ask “if you had to choose between them…” because it would never happen.
I don’t know enough about McCoy or Okung to judge them yet. Anyone think they’re as good as the aforementioned guys?

by TX Lion on Oct 31, 2009 4:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

McCoy is a shade behind Suh, especially against the run.

Here are their scouting reports from Walterfootball.com:

Suh: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010nsuh.php

McCoy: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010gmccoy.php

Matt McGuire compares them to Richard Seymour and Kevin Williams respectively. How would you like to pick between them? In the little that I have seen them, Suh was absolutely dominant against Missouri and McCoy looked great against Texas.
Okung is pretty much the consensus best Left Tackle in college. I don’t think anyone is saying he is an Orlando Pace or Walter Jones, just that he does everything very well and is durable and ready to be a starting LT from day one. And he has some upside.
Report: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2010rokung.php

by NorthLeft12 on Oct 31, 2009 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

CB's

Berry would be nice if we can get him, but our corners get torched every week. Well, those that are well enough to play.
We have so many wholes though, you really cant go wrong anywhere.
OT, RB, QB, DT, DE, SS

Maybe we can luck up and get that guy from Central Michigan at QB too. We already saw what happens when Stafford is hurt.

Right now we are only solid (so to speak) at LB.

by ABN_MI_fan on Oct 31, 2009 4:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I absoutly have a man crush on EB but...

If one of the big DTs or OLs is that with the first pick, we can’t take Berry, and he wont be there when we pick again.

Sad, but true

And, Dan Lefevour….although I am super glad to here you reference him…..he will be gone by the end of the first day baring injury…so he is out also.

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would say best player availible in each round like this..

First 3 rounds we should get a OL, DT and a CB and obviously once we get one positon, we don’t draft another unless it is a no brainer…like if we somehow get Shu with the first pick, and McCoy is there at like 15 and we could trade up….

But honestly, if we take a “best availible” approch on those three postions, we can’t go wrong. (I hope)

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i would say draft

Taylor Mays, the safety out of USC first, then draft a OT in the 2nd, then a corner in the 3rd. I think we have some good, young DT’s in Hill, Fluellen, and Cohen, and they should improve a lot throughout this year, and next offseason. So I think we shouldn’t draft a DT. You can usually get decent corners in the 3rd round.

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Update:

After actually reading scouting reports, I want the Lions to go with Eric Berry.

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again...I love Eric Berry

But how can we justify going for a Safety in the top 10 picks when we have MUCH bigger needs…we need one of the stud DTs

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We already have

Hill, Fluellen, and Cohen. Fluellen and Cohen are 2nd year players, but they are essentially rookies since this scheme is so different from marinelli’s scheme, so they have a lot of upside still. They have both been bulking up, and next year both of them and Hill should be decent DT’s.

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

conerback

Is our biggest weakness. You can have the best passruch but it doesn’t matter if you can’t cover. I wouldn’t reach just to draft a corner. Second would be LT in my book because backus in not a LT.

by lions09 on Oct 31, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Backus

ain’t even an offensive lineman.

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that we need some help at CB

But I do not see any corners being worth a high 1st round pick…..

by KDawg on Oct 31, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Biggest Need: Talented football players.

Lions will go with Best Player Available……..although how you would decide between guys like Suh and Berry is beyond me. That’s why they get paid the big bucks. They being Mayhew and Schwartz.

by NorthLeft12 on Oct 31, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Have the Lions send me a check

I’ll pick Berry.

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Oct 31, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what if Rolando McClain is available???

Does anyone think that a ILB talent like McClain would be to good to pass up? Lions could convert to a 3-4 defense? The two linebackers that were drafted this season for the Lions played in a 3-4 in college. JP played it in SF. And we all know Foote played in it at Pitt.

S. Hill is a big gap-filler. Hunter, Fluellen, and Cohen are big DE’s. I think Arvil could be very good as a OLB in a 3-4. With his size and speed. The thing is. Where would that leave Sims?

by JCruize on Oct 31, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I should have mentioned that McClain plays in a 3-4 as well

by JCruize on Oct 31, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sims

would be moved to saftey. Great against the run, sucky against the pass. Better than whoever is playing next to Delmas now.

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oooooooorrrrrrr,

Sims could be trade bait for extra draft picks. Could probably get a 2nd and some lower rds for him.
just sayin’

by JazzyBBP on Oct 31, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would love a 2nd for Sims now that Levy is looking legit..however

Doubt he will bring it, considering A. Boldin was being offered for one, Sims going for that seems unlikley

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, true

by JazzyBBP on Oct 31, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm sure

the cowboys might give up a 2nd and more

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think we can get a 2nd for him as well

but i posted that on another forum i read and the said i was drinking kool aid

allso said sims and a 5th to a team picking in the 20s for a 1st (that i addmit might be asking to much but one can hope) and a team i named that might be up to it was the eagles

the we get
1st S Eric Berry
1st(one from trade) LT Trent Williams (some mock have him going in top 5 some have him going about 25 or so) so he might not be there

Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??

by det32 on Oct 31, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seems like Trent Williams has slid in recent mock drafts

Most of the mocks I’ve seen with Williams listed top-5 were from the beginning of the season, ………..so he may be available around 25, depending on how he does in the all star games/Combine.

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Nov 1, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thats good ..... let him keep sliding into the second round

by JCruize on Nov 1, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Marquand Manuel has done well

And he has not been making many mistakes according to Gunther Cunningham.

by KDawg on Oct 31, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

trade down, get extra pics

and get a corner in the first, and also the second or third

by n4ry4 on Oct 31, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

it is more likely that the Lions get one in the second round...

I see T. Lindley, Kentucky or Syd’Quan Thompson, Cal falling to the second round. I doubt the Lions would trade down.

by JCruize on Oct 31, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree JC, there should be a few good corners or safeties available in the second or third rounds.

Arenas, Wilson, Lindley, Dowling, Warren, and Ghee at CB and Jones, Allen, Jones, Williams, Stuckey, Burnett, at Safety.

Any of those guys should be an upgrade over what we have.

by NorthLeft12 on Oct 31, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Syd’Quann could very well be availible around 2rd 5th pick-ish

And, if we get a DT or an OL in the first round, and him in the 2nd…thats a HUGE deal..

He is an excellent CB and one of the best return men in college football

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they go Dline.....

….if the can….Sammie Lee Hill has played great in his two games……They need a nother guy to go along with him……But it defeintly looks like Hill is going to be a longtime lion playing that DT position…..We just need a stud to go with him……However I think Berry wil be the next Ed Reed….Ive seen him play twice this year……hes a amzing to the ball…..So its a tough call

by BennieBladesFan on Oct 31, 2009 10:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ok, Ok Guys...

If the Lions take Berry with the 1st pick (I am assuming it will be 4th-8th) then I trust the management to have a sleeper in mind (or a plan to trade up) to get a OL/DL…….

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Oct 31, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think given last year's draft..

Mayhew and Schwartz have more than a few sleepers in mind…(i.e Levy, Hill, Brown, and Follet)

by JCruize on Oct 31, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1,000,000,000

by BennieBladesFan on Oct 31, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BPA

In my opinion Berry is the most talented defensive player. However, the higher we pick the greater the likelihood they will pick a DL or LT. First round will be easier because they will pick the best player at the time.
Round 2

Ideally a corner back but I can see it going with a DL pick. if Berry is picked in round 1 they will be hesitant to go with a corner. A running back that would compliment Kevin Smith would be an interesting pick.

Round 3

Offensive lineman or a DE

by Puntordie on Oct 31, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would love Miquale Lewis from Ball St in like the 5-6th round

But, i have a feeling that he is going to run about a 4.3 40 and will be gone by then haha

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Oct 31, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the Raiders'll

take him 3 rounds early then

by beef99 on Oct 31, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BPA on O-line or D

We are trying to develop a foundation for a team that’s hopefully a perennial playoff contender, so take the BPA at any of these positions. We won’t take a QB, RB, or WR. These are all guys who are ranked in the top 15 for both Mel Kiper and Scouts Inc. I’ve been impressed with the guys Mayhew and Schwartz picked in last years draft so who ever they choose I’ll support. The good thing is it looks like there are lots of guys who fill positions of need at the top of the draft.

DL: McCoy, Dunlap, Suh,
Secondary: Hayden, Berry, Mays
LB: McClain
LT: Okung

by Stones1981 on Oct 31, 2009 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t see a QB or a TE taken at all in the 2010 draft. Probably keep Stanton and sign a vet for the back-up spots. I’m pretty sure Gronk will be on the 53-man roster next year. I’d like it if Heller is resigned. Sorry Fitzsimmons, you’re the odd TE out.
If the FO can resign Foote (he wants to be here!), then a LB taken before the 2nd rd prolly won’t happen either. Foote, Levy and Sims would be a helluva LB corp, just need to add depth. JP may resign, but he’d have to take a paycut
Lets get some big monsters to build both lines

by JazzyBBP on Oct 31, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

*I don't see the LIONS taking a QB or a TE

I should’ve proofread. DOH!

by JazzyBBP on Oct 31, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understood what you meant.....

but “by the Lions” would have been a proper disclaimer….lol. I don’t know Jazzy…..I think the Lions might very well take a shot on another QB later in the draft next year. Imagine if Dan LeFavour fell to the 4th or 5th round or so (or maybe even later….who knows)…..I would love that. That boy good!

At TE, on the other hand, I agree with you. It would not make sense for the Lions to draft another TE. I see Heller, Grew, and Big Dan being on the 53 man roster next year, just like you said. Casey Fitzsimmons will likely be cut or outright released at the end of the season…..but then again, who knows?

I also do not see the Lions drafting a LB early in the draft. I think both Foote and Peterson will re-sign. I also think we will keep Levy and Sims (but Sims may very well be used as trade bait, as he does not seem to fit the new system as well as Levy…..we’ll see). Sims is still a solid cover linebacker, and he is fast and young. Maybe we keep all of them.

I can see the Lions drafting a LT, a DT, a CB, and maybe a S early in the draft. If I were calling the shots, it would go in this order:

1) LT if Okung is there. If not, BPA between DT and S (not corners because this should be a high first round draft pick, and talented DTs and Safeties are hard to come by….especially guys like Mays)

2) BPA between the remaining positions of need. Assuming we drafted Okung, I would be looking at who the best available DTs and DBs are in round 2. If one of the better corners are still available, and the stock of DTs is average….maybe we draft a corner in round 2.

3) Assuming we drafted a CB in round 2, now I would be looking at the BPA between DTs and Safeties again (and since I feel we need DTs more than Safeties, I would be looking to draft a DT here if one wasn’t selected in round 1 or 2).

4) BPA…..at this point drafting a positional need is less important than getting the best player available at any position of need.

Honestly it is too early to really know what could happen. What I said above could go in many different ways. What I think is pretty certain, however, is that the Lions should be looking to address needs at LT, DT, CB, and S. What order they go in depends on who is available, where we draft, and what trades can be made up or down.

by KDawg on Oct 31, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kdawg..

Do you really like Mays better than Berry?

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Nov 1, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd pretty much agree with that drafting order.......BPA at a position of need

Of course, if we don’t take a Okung in the 1st Round, that adds LT as a possibility for susequent rounds.

1) BPA S/LT/DT……….IMO, Berry if he’s there.

2) BPA LT/DT/CB (assuming we picked Berry)……Terrence Cody if he slides this far, otherwise a CB (would say LT, but with Backus’ contract, not sure the Lions want to tie up 2nd Round money to a LT just yet).

3) BPA LT/DT/CB……..a CB if we took Cody in Round 2, otherwise (assuming Lions took a CB) a big fat run-stuffing DT here.

4) BPA LT/CB/DE……guessing another CB here (we need 2)(Remember the year we took both Andre Goodman and Chris Cash in the same draft?) BPA might also be a underrated LT (cheap complement to Backus) or a fast undersized pass-rushing DE to complement the big fat DT’s.

"What we’d like to evolve to," Gunther Cunningham explained last week, "is to have two giant defensive tackles and two real fast defensive ends — then you can do anything you want."

I believe Gunther when he says this. An unguarded comment in the middle of the season carries a lot more weight than the typical misdirection comments you see in the offseason right before the draft.

5-7) BPA LT/CB/DE/WR/QB……….This might be a little late for a DE, even a small fast one like Avril (who went in the 3rd). Lions might find a bargain here, or pick one in the 3rd or 4th instead, or stick with the guys they got. My guess is we stick with our guys, and fill in whatever we haven’t picked up to this point…….assuming we took S, DT, CB,CB, these picks could be a lot of things…..whatever catches our eye.

After writing that, the main things that stand out (besides the 3rd & 4th Round CB’s) is that LT and DE fell through the cracks. That could well happen, just like it did in the 2009 Lions draft, for much the same reasons. We’ve still got Backus, Avril, and White (along with some other occasionally useful DE’s). Backus is getting paid big money through 2012, and Avril/White have ALMOST been getting to the QB. The addition of another big fat DT, plus Sammie Lee Hill’s continued development, should help our pass rush without having to draft more DE’s.

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Nov 1, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There's also reportedly a nice supply of decent CB's that are projected for Rounds 2-4

We could cash in on that. Personally, I’d love to see us take defensive players with our first 4 picks, including 3 DB’s. As much as I despise Backus (and his big boat anchor of a contract), our CB’s/Safeties (except for Delmas) are worse than our LT’s/DE’s.

In the coming weeks, I’d like to keep an eye on big fat DT’s and good, fast cover CB’s.

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Nov 1, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

By the looks of today's 1st half.....

We should put some WRs in there somewhere…..get some guys that can catch the GD ball.

by KDawg on Nov 1, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Late round possession WR's?

Classic #2 WR’s……big dudes with hands.

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Nov 2, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care.....

If they can catch the ball and run a route…..they are the guys I want. :o)

by KDawg on Nov 2, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No, but I figured Mays should be mentioned too

by KDawg on Nov 1, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

1st – OL or DL best available
2nd – OL or DL best available (if the took one in 1st take other here)
3rd – CB best available

"If your not with us...
you're with the terrorists!!"

by alpha lion on Oct 31, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I love that idea

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Nov 1, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

after additional thinking....

I read about backus’ contract and I am changing my opinion..

I would like to see in the following positions addressed in the first 3 rounds: S, DT, CB
in rounds 4-7 I would like to see: DE, OL, WR (WHO CAN CATCH A GD BALL!!!), and perhaps another CB.

The order in which they are picked is going to depend on who is available and whether the lions will get a good value for the pick (unlike what the raiders do). If they do this it will go along way to improving the team.

"If your not with us...
you're with the terrorists!!"

by alpha lion on Nov 1, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.....

Sadly so. Backus’ contract hamstrings us. I really don’t see the Lions wanting to pay Backus big money for 2 more years to be a guard AND pay big money to a new LT(especially with no idea if Backus is any good at guard), so the thought of sliding Backus over to guard and drafting a 1st-Round LT seem impractical at the moment. The Lions would probably prefer to continue to go cheap at guard and spend their money elsewhere, like on the defensive line and secondary. Bottom line, don’t bet the farm on us picking Oklahoma State LT Russell Okung. More and more, I’m coming to the conclusion that it ain’t gonna happen.

What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.

by GRLion on Nov 2, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think our biggest need is CB

But since there doesn’t appear to be a prospect worth taking in the top 15 then I’d go with either Okung, Suh, McCoy or Berry. Preferrably, I’d like to trade down, get another 2 or so picks and pick up one of the top corners in the middle of the first round. Then we focus on the lines and the secondary.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 31, 2009 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't agree

CB is a need but you don’t need to get one in the first round. If we pick before # 4s it will be DL or LT. If we pick 5 or above we can pick Safety or another position.

by Puntordie on Oct 31, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good question

We’ve all been thinking it. With a 1-5 start we’ve all set our eyes to the offseason and to improving. Our biggest need in my opinion Either Defensive line or Secondary, I’m leaning more towards the defensive line than anything. Our secondary certainly isn’t good but it’s like the rest of our defense, lacking depth. If this were my team I would take the best available athlete on the defensive side of the ball with our first 3 picks as opposed to drafting for “need.” Everything is a need and our offense has proved that it can put up numbers with CJ and Staff on the field. Personally I think we also need a Running back. Smith is okay, but he lacks the big play ability in my opinion, good short yardage back, and fights for every yard but I don’t see him being a premiere back.

by rmatheny on Nov 1, 2009 1:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We need to draft

DE first. A real pass rush stud.
2nd rd. I’d target a speedy cover CB.
3rd. OL preferably a pass blocking OT
4th Best DB available
5th, 6th, 7th – Best available, we need more depth at WR, DB, and OL / DL. Maybe even a QB as I’m sure Dante and / or Stanton will move on…

So with a good Pass rusher and a shut down corner, we should be able to improve on opposing QB’s passer rating. Get another nice lineman, and maybe find a gem at WR and Stafford should blossom in year 2.

by Brefstink on Nov 1, 2009 11:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

OL

we really need this first cuz our running game and passing game will be some much better with protection and running room. Russell Okung

by David7 on Nov 1, 2009 1:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

LIons needs

1. Someone who can tackle.
2. Someone who can catch.
3. Someone who can block.
4. Someone who can return.
5. Someone who can cover.

by rbanner on Nov 1, 2009 4:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

you know, this post is pretty accurate

We are hurting in every facet except throwing. Staff did very well today I thought, however see #2 on this list………it cannot only be CJ that can catch a frickin ball

"If your not with us...
you're with the terrorists!!"

by alpha lion on Nov 1, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd put it in this order

Cover, block, tackle, catch, return.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Nov 2, 2009 5:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tackle, block, tackle, catch, tackle, cover, tackle, return, tackletackletackle
Did I mention defenders who can tackle? I think some solid tacklers would be a good start.

by JazzyBBP on Nov 2, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lions are hard to judge

Because I never see them on T.V. its hard for me to judge individual performances of the Lions. This is the reason I am not sure if replacing Backus is a primary need or not.

However, I know we lack talent on the defensive side of the ball.

With the loss to St.Louis we will be picking in the top 5. Probably even the top 3

my thoughts now are

Rounds
1) Best defensive lineman
2) Best DB S or corner
3) OL

by Puntordie on Nov 1, 2009 4:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

NOW ITS A NUMBER TWO WR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by londonlion on Nov 1, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Eric Berry Question.

If you ask me and im picking between 2-6 I have to go with Eric Berry. He’s the best player in the 2010 draft by far, all the scout compare him to Ed Reed and thats very high praise.
I fully understand our defensive line problems but Sammy Lee Hill has proven to be a great young pick up at the DT position. DE is probably the biggest need for the defense because when you can get good pressure on the QB the secondary will play much much better. Eric Berry is the best S prospect since Ed Reed and is a total game changer that can play S , CB or KR-PR. Paired with Delmas would be a nasty combination and with the draft being so deep in defensive line help, this would be the best option.

by HackerBlitz82 on Nov 1, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs