Outlining the Lions Needs and Best Ways to Fix Them
by detpistons3 on Apr 9, 2009 2:07 PM EDT
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PrintThe Lions are a project. There has been no team in worse shape than the Lions are in now in decades. We have been subject to poor management that has single-handedly drove this franchise into the ground and then continued to press on the gas even though it was clear there was no getting out of the ditch we got into. With Mayhew taking the wheel now, perhaps we can maneuver out of this hole. It all starts in this draft. Those expecting to make a Miami-esque turn around should get their heads out of the clouds, even after almost going 0-16 like a certain team did this year, they were still eons ahead of the Lions now. So where do Mayhew and Co. go about fixing this mess? No position can be called a strength, with the possible exception of Outside Linebacker, so let's delve into the Lions positional needs while finding the best ways to fix them.
Offense
Quarterback (Current Starter: Daunte Culpepper)
Overview: The man under center has always been a question mark for the Lions, who haven't had a franchise signal caller in decades. With the debacle of the quarterback position last year, the Lions just need stability. When Culpepper walked onto the Lions roster last year, he was 292 lbs. nearly 30 pounds more than he's used to playing at. Now however, reports have been saying Daunte Culpepper is in great shape. According to Detroit Lions center, Dominic Raoila, Culpepper is determined to make an impact this year, (courtesy of MLive.com)
"He looks like a new man, brand new,'' said center Dominic Raiola." He really took this re-signing serious and this job serious. He looks in great shape.
"It was a difficult place to put him in, coming in for half the year. I got to talking to him and he didn't know he was going to play football. I think that's unfair. The first year after all of us retire we're going to kind of live it up a little bit, the good life. He was out of shape and he knew that. He was heavy; he never played that heavy before. I don't know what he weighs now or what he weighed last year, but he looks great. You can see it - at least 20 pounds. He didn't lose muscle, he's been working.''
So Daunte should NOT look like this when the season starts
It appears Daunte is ready to get under center and be the stability the Lions need.
What the Lions Should Do: I have been one against drafting a quarterback. With so many needs, the Lions should shift their focus away from drafting a signal caller just because that's the conventional way of going about a rebuilding process. Look at Miami, Chad Pennington is their signal caller. I think a fit Daunte Culpepper is better than Chad Pennington. It seems as if the Lions are happy having Daunte throwing the passes. According to Calvin Johnson, he considers Daunte as a lock for the quarterback position next season.
When asked who he'd want throwing him passes this season, receiver Calvin Johnson smiled and said: "You guys are a trip, man. You're a trip. Daunte's our starter right now and we're working with Daunte and we're going 110 percent every day we're out here.''
Runningback (Current Starter: Kevin Smith)
Overview: With the drafting of Kevin Smith in the 3rd round of last years draft, the Lions seemed determined to move to a new style of Detroit football. Kevin Smith being the workhorse, we wanted to pound the ball down defenses throats. It worked to an extent last year. With KSmith working for 4.1 yards an attempt. Kevin Smith should be the runningback of the future, what he needs now more than ever, is a reliable O-Line to run behind. And, more than anything else, the kid wants to win.
What the Lions Should Do: Shore up the offensive line so KSmith doesn't have 11 helmets converging on him as soon as he gets the ball. I must mention runningback because the ability to run the ball will do wonders for our passing game.
Left Tackle (Current Starter: Jeff Backus)
Overview: In what is widely believed as the worst position for the Lions on both sides of the ball, there is no question in my mind that the Lions need to address this position as early as possible. Jeff Backus is possibly the most consistent Left Tackle in the league. He will consistently be mediocre no matter what happens. Left Tackle is one of the most important positions on the field, and it doesn't do to have a tackle that is serviceable at best.
Jeff Backus demonstrating a textbook Offensive Lineman Stance
What the Lions Should Do: Secure the Left Tackle that's going to be our left tackle now and into the future. No patchups, no placeholders, no journeymen. I want a franchise tackle NOW (sorry Sean). Draft Jason Smith. Draft Eugene Monroe. Draft Andre Smith. Draft Michael Oher. No 2nd tier lineman, I want studs.
Wide Receiver (Current Starters: Calvin Johnson / Bryant Johnson)
Overview: This position is occupied by the best player on our team, Calvin Johnson. Bryant Johnson has reliable hands and could flourish next to Calvin Johnson because of the attention he garners from safeties and corners. But after that, who do you throw to? A slot receiver is needed so our options aren't limited to two receivers.
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What the Lions Should Do: Invest a 6th rd pick on a Wide Receiver that can return punts as well. He'll likely only attract one defender so if he can get slight separation and catch a damn ball he'll do just fine. If we can pick up a journeyman wide receiver (could we possibly trade for Tory Holt?), the Lions should do it if the price is right.
Tight End (Current Starter: Michael Gaines)
Overview: This position has never been a strength for the Lions, and now more than ever they need a reliable tight end to stretch defenses and block for Kevin Smith.
What the Lions Should Do: In what is an unusually strong class of tight ends this year, the Lions should have no trouble picking up a serviceable one that can block and catch. The Lions shouldn't get too caught up on tight end though, considering the more pressing needs all around.
Defense
Defensive Tackle (Current Starters: Grady Jackson / Andre Fluellen)
Overview: Even before the trade of Corey Redding, this position was still a weakness. Schwartz has made it known he wants this position a strength rather than a liability. With good D-Tackles holding down the trenches, linebackers are free to roam around and make tackles rather than focusing on stuffing the run up the middle. Grady Jackson is a good space-eater, but at 36, he can't be considered a long-term fix. Fluellen showed flashes of potential last year, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets the start at first even if we draft a D-Tackle.
Grady Jackson and his strict offseason workout regimen
What the Lions Should Do: Invest a draft pick in a young D-Tackle that can stuff the run and rush the quarterback. We should wait no longer than round 3 to grab one and develop him. Evander Hood and Ron Brace look to be good options and exactly what Schwartz looks for in Defensive Tackles.
Defensive End (Current Starters: Dewayne White / Cliff Avril)
Overview: With Dewayne White as the main rusher of the quarterback and Cliff Avril the rookie in progress, this position is solid as far as the Lions defense goes. But we may want to secure a good pass rusher as Cliff Avril only had 5 sacks and Dewayne White with 6.5 (though he did only play 12 games).
What the Lions Should Do: If one of the top tier Defensive Ends drops to their 20th or 33rd pick, they should grab him, if not they should just stand pat.
Middle Linebacker (Current Starter: Jordon Dizon)
Overview: The biggest need on the Lions defense is also one of the most important. The Mike backer is the quarterback of the defense. They keep everybody together and make sure everybody is doing their job right. Obtaining a good Middle Linebacker is important because the Mike is essential to keeping everybody in check. Good defenses often have the best Middle Linebackers in the game. Think Bears with Brian Urlacher, or the Ravens with Ray Lewis, even the Steelers with James Farrior and Larry Foote. The fact is, in order to build up our defense, we need to get a great Middle Linebacker who is a leader and can adequately stuff the run.
What the Lions Should Do: The most important thing when looking for a Middle Linebacker is intangibles. A leader in the middle will help organize our young defense. A 1st or 2nd round pick should be invested in this vital position.
Cornerback (Current Starters: Anthony Henry / Phillip Buchanon)
Overview: The Lions greatly improved this position through trade and free agency and at the moment this position is solid. However, some red flags appear in our two cornerbacks, Phillip Buchanon has a miniscule frame at 5'11, 186 lbs. We may want to get bigger with our #2 corner. And Anthony Henry is 32 years old. We should secure our cornerback of the future sooner rather than later. Furthermore, drafting a good corner will allow Anthony Henry to slide to Free Safety, fortifying two secondary positions at once.
What the Lions Should Do: With a strong Cornerback class, it would be wise to grab a Corner with one of our early picks. Vontae Davis, has elite skills but character issues, it may be prudent to take a gamble and nab him with the 20th. There's no question he can be a shutdown corner, if he can grow up.
Recs are always Appreciated :)
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.
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Well written
It took me a while to get through everything, but well argued. If Anthony Henry stays out at corner, what are you’re thoughts on Safety? I like Bullocks, but I’m worried that Alexander will be a little gun shy after that vertebrae injury.
I also thought the picture of Backus looked like he got kicked in the groin, or he was taking a dump. I couldn’t decide which.
That's a good point
If Henry does remain at corner, I would be worried about Bullocks being left at safety without a little insurance, a late round pick on a safety like Chip Vaughn or Courtney Greene could provide some depth at the position in case Alexander gets injured again. But if we draft a corner with one of our early picks, he can start at corner and shift Henry to safety which would make it all a moot point.
Is that you????
in the photos with Jeff backus on the photobucket account??
If so, my wife might have some competition!
That was a woman?
When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894
by Leapin Lion on Apr 17, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I would...
agree with everything, except that I think DT is more of a necessity than CB. A good pass rush and run defense up front will help out our corners/safeties tremendously.
by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 9, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions
Disagree with your take on the D Line.
I am having a hard time understanding why a number of posters and pundits are putting defensive ends ahead of defensive tackles. Detroit is actually in pretty good shape at the end position compared to our tackles. Two of Hood, Jerry, Brace, Moala, Magee, Scott, Marks, and Baker are essential to getting some youth and athleticism into our interior line.
I would use #20 and #33 or #65 to get them.
Teams were running wild on us because of the sorry state of the DTs. I don’t care who the MLB was [and we had a bad one], he would get steamrolled by the offensive linemen who were not being slowed down by our line.
No way Holt comes to the Lions
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Does-Holt-s-on-camera-rant-signal-end-for-Lineha?urn=nfl,58946
Otherwise, very deep analysis.
Good post
The order of needs for me go:
OFF- QB, OG, OT, TE, WR, C, RB, FB
DEF- DT, MLB, CB, S, DE, OLB
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
I agree H.E. 100% on offensive, needs Defense needs I would put S before CB.
"Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." - Henry Ford
by diehard.lionsfan@yahoo.com on Apr 10, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I see Henry moving to Safety so I thought Corner would be a bigger need
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 10, 2009 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions
OG before OT?
I kind of feel that if we got an upgrade at OT then we can move our current OT to OG and get an upgrade there also. Two upgrades for one.
Depends on where you are
I don’t see Backus for 16 games, but I saw him for 2 and to me his biggest problems were A-he had no LG and 2 he made too many false start penalties.
If you don’t grab a OT at #1 overall (which I think is still a bad move, QB is a better choice), the drop off of OT’s available at #20 or later on isn’t as good. But the availabilit of guards, like Duke Robinson at #33 is incredible.
Robinson if he played tackle would be a Top 10 pick. He is a real road grader LG and a good pass blocker for his size. If you got a LG, it would make Backus that much better. Plus, moving him to OG might sound like a good idea, but how many years has the guy been playing LT? It would take him awhile to learn the position. I know you guys aren’t exactly in need of a quick patch up, you are building up.
But if you take the OG and Backus still sucks at LT, next year your could always draft the LT if he’s there, then you’d have an elite left side of the line.
To compare, Duke Robinson has every bit the talent and Steve Huchinson at LG, and look what he has done…
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 10, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
It's Common Knowledge
That a mediocre OT can be turned into a pretty good guard. If we draft the OT we need we do upgrade two positions
Overall IMO Our needs are :
1. DT – This is #1 because we need 2 if we are thinking long term.
2. MLB
3. OT
4. CB
5. PR/KR/WR
I disagree
Middle Linebacker is more important than DT, we already have Andre Fluellen as a young DT, we can wait in the later rounds to pick up another young DT. But we have no young guys at the Mike (Jordon Dizon definitely doesn’t count. And OT is also more important than DT because we haven’t had a good Left Tackle in ages.
Fluellen is unproven and I don't count him as being adequate at this point.
Fluellen didn’t get much time last year. If he is good we still need another DT. I put DT ahead of MLB because I believe Fluellen will bust simply based on who scouted and drafted him which means we potentially need two DT’s. I think there are a lot of opportunities to upgrade DT and I personally think upgrading this position would make as much or more of an impact as MLB and so I decided in my mind it was a higher need. But I agree that MLB is a must in this draft and that Paris Lenon is terrible.
OT is a need. Jeff Backus isn’t an all-pro, he isn’t even a starter on a lot of teams. However, many people in the NFL have been quoted as saying that Jeff Backus is a “Good” LT. I doubt anyone would say that our MLB’s or DT’s are “good”.
Plus, as I have said multiple times, our offense already puts up enough points to win games. Yes we need to eventually upgrade OT and if the opportunity is there and we believe in the pick, I say we pull the trigger. However, the real problem the Lions had last year was the 21 point first QTR deficit bug that we caught. We simply played every game from behind and never had a chance to play the style of game that we wanted.
In all honesty, any position on defense should probably be ranked higher than OT, aside from OLB. Our defense makes me vomit.
Fluellen was part of the DT group that got trampled in 2008
Why do people think he will do any better in 2009? At least Alma-Francis had a sack and over twice as many tackles. He actually earned a start under Seargent Major Marinelli.
It is erroneous
To assume he will bust simply because Millen drafted him. Yeah Millen is an idiot I don’t need to get into that, but he drafted Calvin should we release him? He drafted Cliff Avril, who actually looks decent. He drafted Gosder Cheerios, who is a monster at runblocking. Millen hit on some of his draft picks, and I think Fluellen is one of them.
Fluellen actually put up numbers despite playing very little. REmember the game against Tennessee where he posted up 5 tackles? That’s a performance I can live with. If managment had given him more playing time (I think he only played in 8 games, don’t quote me though) he could’ve came into his own as a solid starter
My take on Fluellen
He was taken about 100 picks too early. Seriously. He would’ve fallen to the 6th round and the Lions still could’ve gotten him. I think he was the 17th rated DT
Calvin was a 1st round projection to everyone and rated very highly.
Fluellen was injury prone in college, inconsistent, and out most of his senior year. So basically they were going off of what they saw in the workouts and tapes from his junior year, which if you go back and look at his scouting reports, were lackluster at best. Millen pulled the trigger way too early and without reason because he liked to make picks on instinct so he could try to make himself look like a genius. The problem was that his instincts were terrible.
Avril was luck and besides, Avril was rated high on a LOT of boards. When they were interviewing coaches several were quoted as saying he was one of the building blocks of the team and was sought after by their team as well.
Comparing a Calvin Johnson pick to Andre Fluellen is ridiculous.
Good Replies Jazzy and Matt
dp3, I don’t automatically assume every Millen pick is a failure. As Jazzy and Matt point out this guy was a huge reach, four or five rounds too early. He hardly played and at a position where the Lions were horribly weak. What does that say?
I would like the Lions to take an objective look at their roster and determine where they need a significant upgrade. Anyone who would choose DE over DT did not watch the Lions last year or look at their stats.
stattford we need….we need to build a team around him…we could of did it with stantond if they gave him the time or day and maybe we could of got arron curry instead
by xxheadhunter12xx on Apr 10, 2009 7:09 PM EDT reply actions
IMO of this draft and Fluellen
My personal opinion if he falls and theres a good chance that he will is to take Peria Jerry with #20. If you’ve seen his film, he at least gets in the backfield even though he’s shorter than Schwartz may like. Fluellen can be good and a few times made halfway decent plays and no i wouldn’t right him off. Millen DEF over reached last year on a few players but anyone that simply writes the players we got last year is ridiculous. Dizon is moved to outside to be backup which is his natural position while gaining weight. Francis is on his last chance so is Stanton if you think about it. People have a lot to prove but shouldnt be written off. Even though I want Jerry, when was the last time we drafted a CB in the first round??? (Terry fair )
by Liontotheextreme on Apr 11, 2009 1:21 AM EDT reply actions
Nobodys talking about this guy...
DT Jarron Gilbert is like 6’5" 288 lbs and he might be there at #33. He’s athletic and with that frame he could be the next Albert Haynesworth.
He's got potential, but I think Hood, Jerry or Brace are better options
Also, I think he’d be a reach at #33, maybe if we were to wait to #65.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 12, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
is he the one that pulling the SUV as part of his training?
by Curse of Bobby Layne 50 Years Strong on Apr 22, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's my take...
Defense is the largest glaring need this team has, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who disagrees with that….So I’d like to see the Lions draft more defensive players than offensive players this year…. and on that terrible defense the worst position we have is DT, so I say we NEED to draft a DT with one of the first 3 picks… preferably with the #20 but if we reach on Raji, you won’t hear me screaming bloody murder at the TV. MLB is also a need, but I’d rather that be used on the best available in the 3rd round or if the drop off is too big use the 2nd rd pick on him…. which brings me finally to my number one concern…. the Offensive line…. this is the core of any and every team. No team has ever won a super bowl with an average o-line… and no team makes the playoffs with a below average line. The O-line drives the game, eats clock when you want it to, and let’s QB’s pick apart defenses if they need to… and HELPS the Defense by letting them rest…. it’s hard to get into a 21 point deficit if the other team only has the ball 2 times in the first qtr, and you drive and score during that time…. so with this draft being the best and deepest draft class for O-line in a while, get 2, one with the 1st overall pick, and another deep in the draft (maybe 4th) Make this a team strength for the 1st time in my lifetime as a lions fan (barry sanders turned avg linemen into pro-bowlers, none of those guys made a pro bowl without barry)… Culpepper is not the answer, but this team is too much of a project already, don’t draft a QB this year, wait till next year if you have to, but build the rest of the team, so you have a chance to have success with the rookie you draft next year (if Culpepper is a complete bust.) then you’ll have maybe an Atlanta situation next season… these are my thoughts…. bash them if you feel like it… but think about it for a minute first….
Solid Thoughts
I can’t disagree with any of it.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 11, 2009 6:34 AM EDT up reply actions
"No team has ever won a super bowl with an average o-line… "
Pittsburgh’s line was mediocre at best this year and they won the SB. They had trouble running, and Big Ben got sacked a lot more than he should have
No they didn't
The Patriots have had a above average to elite O-Line forever. They weren;t as good as they are now, but they were well above average
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 19, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Furthermore
They’ve all been with each other for awhile. Think of it like a college team. A team with an elite O-Line that hasn’t ever played with each other will always be worse than an average O-Line that’s played for four years together
I disagree on only one point
You said that DT was our greatest need on defense, I disagree in it being the MLB but you also mentioned that. Dt we have people even if there aging but we dont have ANYBODY at MLB right now. No one because we haven’t resigned Lenon which is good in my opinion and only got a lot of tackles because no one else tackled. The only one you could count is Cody Spencer and who the heck is that lol. Our lb crew consists of all OLB so we need one early but i would agree it would prob be the second round and im a big fan of James Laurinitus. But I agree with everything else
by Liontotheextreme on Apr 11, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions
But even a great MLB
is nothing without a DT or 2. Ray Lewis seemed to vanish when 1000 lbs or Sam Adams and TOny Siragusa left, but now that they have Haloti Ngata he’s back again. Yea you need a MLB, but it doesn’t matter who he is if you don’t have DT’s.
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 11, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
What we do
Take Jason Smith number one to protect Donte
Take Maybin at 20 to get to a QB
Take James Laurinaitis at 33 to stop the run
Trade back into the 2nd and take Pat white to Back up Donte
There it is Done Deal!!!!
And its far from even Possible
cuz Maybin will be long gone by #20.
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 21, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i wanna puke
first off smith isnt the best tackle in the draft,take the best tackle at 1,maybin isnt going to be at 20 but if he is grab him,pls no buckeye lb here…..hopefully a usc lb will be here.and seriously u think u have to move into 2nd to get pat white,come on
3 picks in the first 33
1 take monroe 20 take best d player 33see 20
Not really
Just because they haven’t opened negotiations yet doesn’t mean they won’t. I would be very surprised if Schwartz and co. don’t give consideration to a offensive lineman
They will
But not Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe…..The number one pick is either going to be Stafford or Curry.
Changing my tune
ok im changing my tune just a little bit here are my first 3 rounds:
1-Curry work him in at middle between sims and peterson
20-Maybin at teamin up with Avril will be crazy good
33-Fili Moala to help out Grady Jackson and help stop the run
65-Pat White to compete with Donte
82-Loadholt to help our run game
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