Erik Coleman, Bobby Carpenter, Ashlee Palmer Will Compete For Starting Jobs Next Season

by Sean Yuille on Feb 26, 2011 3:45 AM EST in Detroit Lions News

The Detroit Lions' signing of safety Erik Coleman was not about adding depth, but rather bringing in somebody that can compete for a spot in the starting lineup. That is Jim Schwartz's explanation for the move, as he said that Coleman can start and maybe be a backup. A lot depends on Amari Spievey's development in the offseason. Schwartz explained that Spievey "did some things very, very well as a rookie and some things he played like a rookie." His development in the offseason will be key for what happens at safety, and I'm sure Coleman being on the team will serve as some motivation for the second-year player from Iowa.

Unlike safety, there isn't a whole lot of competition at outside linebacker right now. Depth is very thin for a variety of reasons, although the Lions are expected to add linebackers via the draft or free agency. Assuming depth is added at some point, there will be a number of players that can start for the Lions at OLB, including Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer.

"Guys like Bobby Carpenter, Ashlee Palmer, John Wendling, down the stretch those guys made a huge impact for us. I thought Bobby did an outstanding job, he came in, he learned our system, he knew all the spots, he knew all the special teams stuff and he made plays for us on the field,’’ Mayhew said. "He made a couple big plays on the passing game on third downs for us, we were happy with his performance we thought he did a good job.

"I see him certainly as a guy who competes for a starting job at outside linebacker for us, I see Ashlee the same way. Both those guys have played well enough and there’s enough good tape of those guys playing in our system to say those guys can be starters,’’ Mayhew added.

Carpenter played well during the Lions' winning streak, especially in pass coverage. Palmer, as Mayhew stated, improved greatly over the course of the season and went from being mainly a special teams guy to a potential regular starter down the road. Whether or not either of these players ends up in the starting lineup next season will depend greatly on who else is brought in, but at the very least they will be in the mix.

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these guys are really good epth players

but we need a difference maker at lb

by hasselhoff on Feb 26, 2011 7:45 AM EST reply actions

We still need upgrades at a lot of positions.

Whoever we draft may not be ready to start, especially with a shortened off season due to a lock out, until mid way through the season. So be ready to see the same team on the field in September that you saw in December 2010.

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 26, 2011 9:22 AM EST reply actions

I think after the way Palmer and Carpenter played

You have to atleast give them the chance to compete but we still need to look at a LB in the 1st 3 rounds who can also be a starter like Matthews.

"Show me someone with an offseason and I'll show you someone in last place"- Ndamukong Suh ( All Pro, Pro Bowl, Pepsi Rookie of the year, AP defensive rookie of the year, Sporting news rookie of the year,)

by The Profiler on Feb 26, 2011 10:43 AM EST reply actions

Well i have to agree with all of the above.

They are great depth, but will be the staters until someone can take there job. As most know i am pulling for Carpenter and really think he fits in here in Detroit, Palmer has the oppurtunity to be a hell of a player for us and you gotta love a UDFA story.

BOBBY " BOUCHER " CARPENTER for PRESIDENT...
CASEY MATTHEWS for VICE PRESIDENT...
P.C.P IS AN ADDICTION, GET HOOKED.

by SmittyJ on Feb 26, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

that is very scary....

by det32 on Feb 26, 2011 11:59 AM EST reply actions

Gosder Cherilus – T – Lions
Coach Jim Schwartz insists RT Gosder Cherilus was “on the right track” before a season-ending injury that required microfracture surgery.
“Goz was probably our most improved offensive player, particularly on the offensive line,” Schwartz said. The Lions will be on the lookout for offensive tackles early in the draft, but it may be too early to write Cherilus off in Detroit. He’s signed cheaply for two more years.

Alphonso Smith – DB – Lions
Coach Jim Schwartz gave CB Alphonso Smith a vote of confidence after the first-year starter struggled in the second-half of the season.
“He has tremendous ability to play the ball,” Schwartz said. “He had some up and downs, and needs to play more consistently. He’s a good young player, and he has that ability to do things at corner that you really can’t coach.” Smith should enter the 2011 season as the starter at right corner

The Lions will reportedly pass on cornerbacks at No. 13 overall if Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara is taken before they’re on the board.

Beat writer Tom Kowalski reports this citing “guys I’ve talked to” at the Combine. The Lions are reportedly too concerned about Colorado CB Jimmy Smith’s “off-the-field” question marks, “especially concerning work ethic” to draft him that high. Look for the Lions to draft a tackle or outside linebacker like Akeem Ayers if Amukamara and Patrick Peterson are gone

by det32 on Feb 26, 2011 12:03 PM EST reply actions

Bryant Johnson – WR – Lions
Lions GM Martin Mayhew was not happy with Bryant Johnson and Derrick Williams’ production as rotating third receivers last season.
“You know, it’s hard to surprise me. I expected that those guys would do better,” said Mayhew. “Bryant’s not so young so he needs to work harder to improve his game to be part of this offense next year.” Our guess is that Johnson won’t be on the 2011 roster, let alone “part of the offense.” The drop-prone 30-year-old is due a $3.2 million base salary.

by det32 on Feb 26, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

Palmer should start.

He is the 2nd best LB behind Levy on the team. he is only going into his 3rd year and he has a ton of upside.

by BennieBladesFan on Feb 26, 2011 12:30 PM EST reply actions

agreed

and I think Carpenter is better in coverage than he is being given credit for.

I like Wins, Cheese and I also Like Cookies. If you don't. Wow. :P

by joshsun on Feb 26, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

All are welcome to join the Carpenter bangwagon

But the sitting is limited.

This is the Motor City. And this is what we do...
P.C.P staffer since way back

by JCruize on Feb 26, 2011 12:31 PM EST reply actions

I wouldn't be surprised or too upset to see Carpenter or Palmer starting next year.

We will have to see how they do next year. I like those guys ok but we better have a back up plan.

"Some people watch adult videos on their computer. I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me aroused." - Jim Schwartz

by Eddie Apoc on Feb 26, 2011 1:00 PM EST reply actions