LT

TEAM EFFORT… the Lions have their core together… now they will spread out and strengthen more weaknesses… best off season in a while… most of the dead weight is getting cut. We still have work to do… more moves will be made

First, it might be a few years before Stafford fully matures and the Lions can fully complement him and put a defense together. We’ll have chances during those building years (possibly even this year) to replace Backus. I think his best days are either peaking or possibly behind him. They will have to replace him at some point. Raiola will be around for a while… and that’s fine with me. He’s a decent player and we have bigger fish to fry.

Second, it’s about playing within the system and it’s the coach’s/GM’s job to find out if these guys can do what they expect them to do or replace them. We’ll find out soon enough if all the lip-service that Schwartz has been giving to Backus is real or not. If it’s not, they’ll draft Okung. If Okung is really a top-tier franchise left tackle, I think I wouldn’t mind the Lions going that route if Suh is off the board.

We all have to keep in mind how much this staff values Stafford. He is the prize jewel of Allen Park and they will keep his progression in mind with every move they make. I know we all think it’s a slam-dunk that the Lions will take Suh or Berry or even McCoy, but the closer we get to the draft, the more I think Okung makes sense for this front office. I guess we’ll see.

But to answer your question… yes, I think the Lions could win a Super Bowl with Backus and Raiola. To do that, Cherilus needs to play like he’s capable, they need to find a stud left guard and – of course – the key is Stafford becoming GREAT. If he does, I think Backus and Raiola are “good enough”.

Colts made it this year with Charlie Johnson, Cardinals made it with Wayne Gandy, neither of whom are elite level tackles. IMO Backus is much better than Johnson, so yes they could definately make it there with him.

I mean, anything can happen but at the moment I don’t see Backus being our Superbowl LT. You never know though.