Friday Notes: Lions Sign Pair of Players

by Sean Yuille on Apr 17, 2009 2:56 AM EDT in Notes Comment 15 comments

As noted in a FanShot yesterday, the Lions signed wide receiver Ronald Curry and fullback Terrelle Smith to one-year deals. Curry visited earlier this week and helps upgrade the wide receiver position. Regardless of whether or not Matthew Stafford is drafted, the Lions needed to improve their receiving corps behind Calvin Johnson, and this offseason I think they have accomplished that goal. As for Smith, he seems like someone that could become a starter. He and Jerome Felton will probably compete for the starting fullback job this summer.
Matthew Stafford participated in a chat on ESPN.com yesterday.
Stafford also made the rounds on TV, doing interviews for both ESPN and NFL Network. Although I am strongly against the Lions drafting him, I will admit that Stafford seemed very level-headed and down to earth. If he does end up being the Lions' pick, I do think he will be a good person to have representing the franchise. Again, I hope he isn't picked, but if he is I think I will be able to deal with it after the initial anger wears off.
The Lions apparently looked into centers Alex Mack, Eric Wood, and Max Unger and are considering them for their second-round pick.
Eastern Michigan offensive lineman T.J. Lang visited the Lions and worked out for the team. He is a versatile lineman who is watching his stock quickly rise.
The Lions hosted Michigan's Carson Butler for a visit recently. His pro day was run by the Lions' tight ends coach, and apparently they are interested in Butler, who is expected to be a late-round pick. Butler was switched to defensive end midway through last season based on the fact that he was beat out by a freshman at tight end and because he never seemed to buy into the program. Mel Kiper has been someone talking up Butler and how much potential he has, but I just don't see it. Butler was a terrible blocker, and although he has great athleticism, it says a lot when a freshman beats you out. Also, he beat the crap out of a Michigan student back on St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. The worst part is that the student he beat up wasn't the one he was even looking for. It was a big mistake that resulted in the student being sent to the hospital.
Cris Collinsworth is going to replace John Madden as NBC's color commentator.

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Comments

I am glad

We got Curry. He has potential to be a great WR and if we do draft Stafford he will have some decent WRs to throw to. I don’t think he would be such a bad pick, but I do agree we should look elsewhere with the #1. If Culpepper looks as good as he does why not just give him a shot at #1 and draft someone like Freeman later so we can groom him for a few years.

by lionsfan22 on Apr 17, 2009 9:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Fallon

Stafford was also on the Jimmy Fallon Show last night. Fallon threw dinner pl;ates in the air and Stafford had to shoot them down with footballs. He hit all but one. Pretty cool. I couldn’t find a link anywhere though.

by giggy09 on Apr 17, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I found the video

Here it is

I has a blog

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." ~Groucho Marx

by Jettero2112 on Apr 17, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

That was freakin awesome!!!!

by msivits on Apr 17, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet, Thanks!

I bet Kiper was drooling over this little bit of scout film. Kipers such a douche bag…

When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894

by Leapin Lion on Apr 17, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stafford's a bright kid

He actually reminds me quite a bit of Jay Cutler, though not quite as tough and quite a bit smarter. There’s no question that he’s got all the physical tools, and he’s got all the mental potential as well. I’ve seen some film of him where he makes very quick and correct decisions . . . the problem is that his production on the field hasn’t matched that potential . . . could it be coaching?

Peace
Ty

http://thelionsinwinter.blogspot.com

by ty@thelionsinwinter on Apr 17, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Or a real crappy O-line

by msivits on Apr 17, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ty, it sounds like you are softening...

to Stafford being drafted? Can it be so? Weren’t you hard on the Curry wagon for a while? Sorry, I haven’t had time to check your blog in some time.

by DrewsLions on Apr 17, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is receiver actully becoming a strength?

3 quality Younger players have been signed, im optimistic.with the receiveing crop. GL Madden, never been a fan of his other than the Video Game. Am however a fan of Collinsworth.

When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894

by Leapin Lion on Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

PLEASE draft Unger or Mack

I’d rather see us draft one of those two than a T #1…

Take Curry #1, a DT/DE 1a, then grab either Mack or Unger @ 33… start him @ G

PLEASE dont take stafford!!

by Nate D on Apr 17, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If ...

We take a guard I would rather take Duke Robinson, if he is available, and I think he might be at 2-1.

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 17, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stafford is growing on me...

His pro day went great. The private session with the Lion’s coaches went great. Plus he’s obviously good at washing the dishes.

I’m not going to be too pissed if hes drafted here, I’m sure he’ll be better than Harrington. Plus I think the coaches will do everything to make him a franchise player.

Curry #1 though please.

(I would like to see him hit plates from farther than 15 yards. And would also like to see Sanchez do the same thing. That would make up peoples minds.)

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 17, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AHAHA you've got it...

The next combine event should be plate smashing! That would be freaking sweet and I guarantee the Combine ratings would Triple! Patent that stuff now big walt!

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 17, 2009 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"I'm sure he'll be better than Harrington"

Famous last words…

I remember saying “I’m SURE he’ll be better than Batch! Hell, he’s being drafted #3 overall for a reason!”

by Nate D on Apr 17, 2009 4:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Joey H

I’m sorry but the kid got a raw deal in Detroit, never understood why a team like the Vikings didn’t take a chance on him… I’ll catch some heat for his but so be it…

by msivits on Apr 17, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs