Lions Sign Draft Pick Jason Fox, Release Marko Mitchell

by Sean Yuille on Jun 25, 2010 1:02 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Offensive tackle Jason Fox became the first Lions draft pick to officially sign with the team when he was inked to a three-year deal earlier today. Typically the Lions have waited until closer to training camp to sign their draft picks because that allows them to have more players on the roster, but with nothing going on for the next month, they might as well start getting them signed.

In order to make room on the roster for Fox, the Lions released wide receiver Marko Mitchell. Mitchell was claimed off waivers from the Redskins last month, and many believed he could compete for a spot on the roster thanks to his height. As it turns out, though, Mitchell is the first roster-limit casualty, with many more to come as the rest of the draft picks are signed.

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I'm surprised out of all the WRs on the bubble he was the first

Brian Clark, Eric Fowler, Northcutt, Bryant Johnson, Michael Moore, Contrevius Parks, Tim Toone…

Hard to believe that Marko is the worst of that batch, but who knows.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jun 25, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

1 down, 5 to go

"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 25, 2010 5:29 PM EDT reply actions

Northcutt

I hear it in my head…he will be cut

Louis Delmas is gonna lay the MAC down on your candyass
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by The Profiler on Jun 25, 2010 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

I think Mitchell

probably provided the least upside and possibly they wanted to give him a chance as a vet to sign on with another team before training camps start. Here’s who I think makes the cut…

Calvin Johnson
Nate Burleson
Bryant Johnson
Derrick Williams
Dennis Northcutt
Tim Toone (if he proves to be an adequate special teams player)

Many people dislike Northcutt and BJ, but they both showed potential, and if BJ is only on the field in certain situations he can be effective. And Northcutt showed he could catch the ball over the middle and get open for some effective midrange routes. Nothing amazing, but hopefully D. Williams solidifies as our slot wr this season and then Bryant Johnson can be our no.4 WR next season with a possible round 1-3 WR drafted to develop.

by lions_sucker on Jun 26, 2010 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Not sure about potential with Northcutt

He’s got to be at least 32 or 33, maybe older. His primary tool in the NFL was his speed and quickness and that isn’t really there anymore. Plus he’s making way too much money for what he does for us.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jun 26, 2010 2:25 AM EDT up reply actions

with Northcutt...

I agree he makes too much, but if we cut him, what do you suggest. Sure, it would be awesome if Michael Moore was a diamond in the rough udfa, but that’s not realistic, but it would be awesome if he could come in and be a solid no. 3 WR. And as a GVSU student, it would also be awesome if Fowler made the roster, but he’s been practice squad material for the past 3 years, don’t see what would turn on now.

by lions_sucker on Jun 26, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Lions Sucker

What games did you watch last year that you saw Northcut and BJ actually get open and catch balls in?? If they got open I saw a lot of dropped balls. These 2 should have been the first 2 cut!

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Jun 26, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm excited about Fox...

I really think he will be one of the draft picks that stands out. He will provide the depth and competition at Tackle that the Lions have been looking for.

by CLF on Jun 26, 2010 7:43 AM EDT reply actions

Good signing!

Cross your fingers on his health, but an undervalued pick to say the least!

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by bonehead1 on Jun 26, 2010 10:48 PM EDT reply actions