Lions Claim Kicker Justin Medlock

by Sean Yuille on Jun 16, 2010 5:07 AM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

The Lions are set to add kicker Justin Medlock to the roster today if he passes a physical. Medlock was claimed on Tuesday, a day after being let go by the Redskins, which had originally signed him back in February.

Medlock is from UCLA and started his career in 2007 with the Chiefs. His career in Kansas City only officially lasted one week into the regular season, however, as he was replaced by one-time Lion Dave Rayner following a shaky opening-week performance. The 2008 offseason led Medlock to sign with the Rams, but he was let go because St. Louis signed Josh Brown as the team's starting kicker.

Left again without a team, Medlock opted to go to the CFL in April 2009. He played extremely well for the Toronto Argonauts and ended up receiving an opportunity with the Redskins earlier this offseason as a result. After being waived and left without a team again, however, Medlock assumed he was headed back to the CFL, but for now he is a member of the Lions.

What exactly does this move mean? Probably nothing. The Lions often bring in a second kicker for the offseason to take some of the load off of Jason Hanson. Although Hanson struggled a bit last year, his job as the starting kicker is not in jeopardy. Some could argue that his job as the kickoff man is in jeopardy, mainly because Hanson's power on kickoffs has seemed to decrease. I don't think the Lions have enough room on the team to take a kickoff specialist, especially since there is already a long snapper, but I'm sure Medlock will get a look at the very least.

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As much as I love Hanson

I think it’s time to get somebody young and fresh who can still kick it to the endzone on kickoffs. I couldn’t say for sure, but I bet it costs us maybe 5-10 yards each time we kick off because of the relatively short length of the kicks.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jun 16, 2010 7:30 AM EDT reply actions

Medlock would not be your man.. lol

by tomahawk44 on Jun 16, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

by BennieBladesFan on Jun 16, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Westie

I think you’re wrong. In 2009, most, if not all of Hanson’s kicks came down inside the 5 or were touchbacks. Anything returnable was exaspirated by bad special teams, inflating any statistics. Thank you Stan Kwan.

by dylan415 on Jun 16, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Not to mention....

He had his knee scoped 2weeks before the season and never missed a game.

by CLF on Jun 16, 2010 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

CHAMP-ionship!!!

Haha Im sorry i just couldnt resist haha.

by Liontotheextreme on Jun 16, 2010 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

still the best fantasy football commercial ever

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Jun 16, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

It definately is that

We can another name thats hard to pronounce “the house of spears” thats not a bad nickname for the Lions den. This Kicker will lead us to the promise land haha

by Liontotheextreme on Jun 16, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

What happened to that college kicker who can kick 65 yard field goals?

I don’t remember his name but bring him in if he is available and get him groomed to replace hanson.

by Usmarine0341 on Jun 16, 2010 2:17 PM EDT reply actions

I know a great kicker for colorado that used to be awesome

Mason Crosby for the Packers or were you talking about this last years draft

by Liontotheextreme on Jun 16, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

He will be gone by last cut date

if somone needs to cover for hanson we will get somone proven probably. Hanson will be the guy though a agreee a BIG leg kickoff guy would be a nice bonus if we had the room.

Louis Delmas is gonna lay the MAC down on your candyass
Follett and Suh IN YO FACE!!!

by The Profiler on Jun 16, 2010 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

See ya Jason

Thank you for years of loyal(and well paid) service, but the time is here for you to see the writing on the wall and retire gracefully.

Sorry, but IMHO J.H. has got to be one of the most overrated players in Detroit history. Not all of his own doing.

1. Go kick in with a brutal crosswind in 15 degree temps a game that means something, ala New England.

2. Make some pressure kicks in a game that means something period. Plenty of times he’s choked in minor and rare semi-pressure situations when presented the chance.

3. JH has padded his stats kicking in a dome with no wind, while down by 24 and the other team not giving a sheet what he does.

by delusional on Jun 16, 2010 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

8-8 50 yeards kicks in 08-09 season was not overratted

O.J. Atogwe and louis Delmas best safety duo in the league

by DetroitLions 4 life on Jun 16, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

My best memory of him was when it was either 5 or 6 field goals and single handedly won the game

by Liontotheextreme on Jun 16, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember him winning that game solely that was awesome

by Usmarine0341 on Jun 16, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

You're delusional

by Kalzilla on Jun 16, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

delusional

Yes you are delusional.

by dylan415 on Jun 16, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Delusional

Is one way to put it. One of the most overrated players in Lions history…do your homework guy Its a very long list and hanson is down there with the spielmans and sanders.

Louis Delmas is gonna lay the MAC down on your candyass
Follett and Suh IN YO FACE!!!

by The Profiler on Jun 16, 2010 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry

“8-8 50 yeards kicks in 08-09 season was not overratted”

Sorry buts that’s were I disagree. Indoors, and meaning nothing in a 0-16 season, that’s all I can say.

I admit I haven’t checked how many of his made 50 yarders are home or away, but I’ll eat my shorts if 75% of his made 50 yarders weren’t made at home.

by delusional on Jun 16, 2010 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Most kickers in the NFL if kicked 16 kicks from over 50 yards would be right around 50%

Maybe less…

http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/

by CapitolLions on Jun 16, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

As far as I can tell, and this is just a quick look..

He had kicks from over 50 away from home at Houston, San Francisco, Chicago & Indianiapolis.

"Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind." - Pride Leader, Sean Yuille, wielder of the Ban Hammer.
2010 Wests Tigers : Current record - 7-5 : Current Position - 5th : Last game - Defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 19 - 12

by Hyperion Ecta on Jun 16, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

3 outdoor stadiums

Good one Hyper.

by dylan415 on Jun 16, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

good day mate

and Check MATE

Louis Delmas is gonna lay the MAC down on your candyass
Follett and Suh IN YO FACE!!!

by The Profiler on Jun 16, 2010 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions

add Carolina to that list...a 52 yarder....

if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin

by JCruize on Jun 17, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Medlock BOOMS KOs

If i remember Justin Medlock usually hits his KOs (kick offs) about 5 yds into the end zone.Hanson hits his to about the 10 yd line and they are low line drives ,that get returned for good yardage.Medlock wont start over Jason but he will push him enough this yr and next year he will be the kicker.

by ralphgoblue on Jun 17, 2010 8:15 PM EDT reply actions