Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Blake Griffin Slam Dunks: NBA Jam Style

Lions Free Agent Options (In Order of Need)


1.      Outside Linebacker (a good run stopper that is also decent in coverage, potential players that could push Deandre Levy outside are included) Possibilities include Stephen Tulloch (my preference), Paul Poluszny, Stephen Nicolas, James Anderson

2.      Cornerback (Shutdown corner with good speed and size) Possibilities include Nmandi Asomugha, Johnathan Joseph (my preference), Brent Grimes, Carlos Rogers

3.      Offensive Tackle/Guard (possible starter at RG, a developmental player to eventually replace Backus, provide depth) Possibilities include Jared Gaither (my preference at LT), Doug Free, Matt Light, Justin Blalock, Davin Jospeh (my preference at RG), Chris Chester, Evan Mathis(2nd)

4.      Wide Receiver (2nd or 3rd wide receiver that has good hands, speed) Possibilities include Sidney Rice, Lance Moore(close 2nd preference), Jacoby Jones (My preference), Steve Breaston

5.      Defensive End (developmental player to eventually replace Vanden Bosch, provide depth) Ray Edwards, Mathias Kiwanuka, Charles Johnson

6.      Running back (Power back, provide depth) Michael Bush (My preference), Mike Tolbert, Jason Snelling, Cadillac Williams

7.      Safety (good tackling safety with good coverage skills) Possibilities include Eric Weddle, Dawan Landry, Quintin Mikell

8.      Center (a developmental player to eventually replace Raiola, provide depth) Samson Satele, Lyle Sendlein

9.      Defensive Tackle (developmental player, provide depth, eventually replace Corey Williams) Tommie Harris (my preference), Albert Haynesworth, Brandon Mebane


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.

Comment 90 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

hill is the replacment for CW...

OLB
OLB
CB(if we dont get houston back.. if we do this will be lower)
power RB
OG depth
num 3 WR

somethink like that…

i am not very high on Tulloch any more.. i think the only reason we bring him up is b/c of JS

by det32 on Mar 5, 2011 1:01 AM EST reply actions  

Id put a #3 receiver higher. not having a consistent 3rd guy really brought us down last year offensively

by anthonymperri on Mar 5, 2011 1:05 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

it definitely was…alot of times we had to move scheffler to the 3rd wide and let’s face it he’s too slow for that…he’s a te

by anthonymperri on Mar 5, 2011 12:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

that was the idea.. they wanted sheff out there in the slot

thats why they went out and got him..

he will continue to line up there no matter who we get at WR

by det32 on Mar 5, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions  

lost cause

d32 is convinced we are not into a decent 3 wr set.I agree there is are times in the game for the 2 TE set,but not on the last possession and we are losing by 7 .

by randalljwhite on Mar 5, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions  

i still rather Sheff in there then Jones..

sheff has better hands

you can have all the speed in the world doesn’t mean you can catch

by det32 on Mar 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions  

you can have the best hands in the world but u gotta have the speed and quickness to get open consistently… jones would be better for that and he has pretty good hands anyway

by anthonymperri on Mar 5, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions  

awesome combine

Is what Jones had,snagging throws,looked smooth,fast,and on a bad wheel!! He’s already been signed to a huge endorsement deal,and you know those guys do their homework on who is gonna be an impact player in the league.

by randalljwhite on Mar 5, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions  

what he did in the season matter more then the combine

only thing that mtter in the combine is intervews and postion drills… with he did good in both.. but still not worth the 13th pick for THIS team

by det32 on Mar 5, 2011 4:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Not arguing but..

I think you are confusing the line up on the field as a “system” when it was more of a necessity due to lack of talent at the WR position.

by randalljwhite on Mar 5, 2011 5:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Nope..

Read up on lions system .. comments from NFL guys and they will tell you our team is DESIGNED to play a 2 TE System

by Libran on Mar 5, 2011 5:25 PM EST up reply actions  

dude ....

the FO wanted to run a 2 TE systems.. it was not b/c that the best we have..

we ran the TE set on purpose and will continue to run it like JS has said

by det32 on Mar 5, 2011 6:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Not Really

Check out the teams with winning records .. they have a quality TE that they go to at the end of games .. Steelers, Pats, Colts .. list goes on .. even Romo when he was playing better 2 years back …

Every team has a good #1 WR but the TE is the one who is their consistent target …

by Libran on Mar 5, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Lets see what the POD thinks

Just posted this question to the GP,I will defer to the masses.

by randalljwhite on Mar 5, 2011 6:04 PM EST up reply actions  

You cannot decide facts with Polls :)

It is what it is .. the facts .. and facts cannot be voted upon …

If you asked a question here if bears sucked .. majority will vote yes .. but they reached the NFC Championships .. right ?

You can ask people who know systems .. or follow articles from when we started building the team .. what was the philosophy .. read quotes from experts .. etc …

by Libran on Mar 5, 2011 8:36 PM EST up reply actions  

he has pretty good hands anyway

what makes you say that?? he probley has the one of the worst set hands in the hole WR class

by det32 on Mar 5, 2011 6:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Hyperbolic garbage.

That is a flat untruth.

You take something like “sometimes he gets a little pre-occupied with his defenders and lets balls get too close to his bodies” and stretch it into “he has the worst hands in the entire class, he’s a bust.”

It’s ridiculous.

by Mavyrk on Mar 5, 2011 7:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Absolutely not.

Do you really think a wide receiver with terrible hands is going to garner that much attention? Last time I checked, those players were cornerbacks.

You’re way off base, he has good hands and he uses them well in all aspects of his game. The mental part of it is what causes drops, but that’s coachable and will come in time as he matures.

by Mavyrk on Mar 5, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions  

why not take 1A receiver?

Julio might be there,Burleson is really a slot/3rd anyways,kill 2 birds w/ one stone

by randalljwhite on Mar 5, 2011 1:11 AM EST reply actions  

I’d rather take a stud defensive player in a position of need than take the bpa who probably will be Julio at #13 or a d-linemen

by anthonymperri on Mar 5, 2011 1:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

i wouldn't call it a reach

if we pass on Julio, even though he will be the best player at his respect position. i’d even go so far as to say that we probably can ignore position of need here (except QB). however, it is essential that we factor in position value. unless of course Julio grades out MUCH higher than any other guys but I don’t think that is the case.

for example if a FB grades out at 8.0 and a CB grades out a 7.5. and these are the top ranked guys on the board, it is not really a reach to grab the CB.

Positions like OT and DE/DT require special body types that are intrinsically harder to find. Also, big drop off in speed for 1st round CBs after Amukamara. I don’t want to draft a 4.5sec CB with our #13 pick, where we have to move him to safety because he doesn’t have NFL recovery speed.

by x$pcents IV on Mar 5, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions  

I understand what your saying and I agree

I just took his statement as saying that the Lions would be drafting a LB or CB no matter what in the 1st round.

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

by JCruize on Mar 5, 2011 2:38 PM EST up reply actions  

defense

agree,we need to upgrade the defense .I pick Jordan or Watt then,if you choose D over BPA,our D-Line is our identity,it can help mask weakness at LB and CB.

by randalljwhite on Mar 5, 2011 1:26 AM EST reply actions  

Agree

Talent across the D Line will help all of the other def positions excel while playing at a higher level. And being young only helps to solidify that identity for years to come.

by tmane333 on Mar 5, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions  

ive read a fair amount about tying money up in another WR

but what about the D line? drafting another DL this high might mean they cant sign avril to a long term deal. we already have a good amount tied up in the DL.

i think drafting a WR to play opposite of CJ is a much better use of resources than drafting another DE to play part time until KVB leaves.

by haywood on Mar 5, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions  

Good point

I still believe that locking in our identity by solidifying our talent across the line puts us in a better position should players decide to leave or go down to injury. Where suring up the WR Corp is a good idea, there are only so many balls to go around. And if Stafford can maintain top form, he’s our identity and NOT the players catching the ball (no disrespect to megaton), but see Tom Brady.

by tmane333 on Mar 5, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

i dont think they NEED a star out there

we dont even need a guy to catch a ton of balls, just a guy the D cant forget about. id much rather draft a WR later or sign a reliable one in FA. but if it comes down to draft JJ or one of the DEs, id pick JJ every time because its just a better use of money.

id rather they actually get better on the back end than to try and mask it with DL play. thats why im hoping praying prince falls to 13. im not counting on it though.

by haywood on Mar 5, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions  

intrigued by Watt...

his size and athleticism and motor give him quite a ceiling. why not pull the trigger on him? probably better upside than carlos dunlap IMO, better run defender

by x$pcents IV on Mar 5, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

There are only 2 shutdown corners in the NFL and you listed one

We need a #1 corner with playmaking abillitys but to list a shutdown corner as a need realize Recis and Nnamdi ( who we won’t get) are the only two that come close to that categorey.

"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 Mar 5, 2011 1:36 AM EST reply actions  

Levy is our MLB. People just need to accept this fact.

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

by JCruize on Mar 5, 2011 5:31 AM EST reply actions  

Why?

No one in the organization has said that. No one. I have yet to see a single statement from ANYONE in the Lions actual organization (no, that does not include Ralphie’s contacts) say anything about Levy being stuck at MLB forever until we retire his number and Canton does to.

You, and everyone else saying this, need to accept the fact that your Ray Lewis 2.0 is just as expendable and hopefully as flexible as anyone else on the squad. Levy can easily be moved, if in fact the coaching staff was ok with not only switching but STARTING Amari Speivey in a position much different from his own that he never really played.

/rant

i have a signature now. it sets me apart from all of you schmuck blogger types. thank you for reading it.

by Nate D. on Mar 5, 2011 7:50 AM EST up reply actions  

Schwartz and Gun have both said that

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

by JCruize on Mar 5, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions  

To be fair

they also said he is a team player and would play any postion they ask him to. which tells me while he is the MLB they aren’t ruling out moving him outside at some point.

"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 Mar 5, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Agree

He’s our MLB until someone unseats him. Even if we got Tulloch, they both played inside and out so the coaches would decide what’s best for the team.

by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Mar 6, 2011 3:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

I somewhat agree

But I think that Levy has become the new Backus to the Lion’s fanbase. He has done nothing but prove that his is one of the best young Mikes in the League. But everytime a FA middle linebacker hits the market. First thing people want to do is sign the guy and move Levy to the outside. Would have Tulloch known enough to bate and drop into coverage fooling Flynn for a goaline pick to save the Lions win against GB? Would have Tullooch have made that great pick 6 in Miami to seal the Lions victory? Who knows. But we know that Levy did it.

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

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2011 5:47 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah but to be fair...

It’s not like we’re moving Levy to placekciker. He can still bait and intercept and whatnot when he’s playing OLB.

by Mavyrk on Mar 6, 2011 6:01 AM EST up reply actions  

Well to be fair

He is the one calling the before the snap coverage adjustments. He is Gun’s quarterback out there.

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

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah.

But I don’t remember anything in the NFL bylaws that says only the MLB can be the one that does that. Otherwise, what the hell would 3-4 teams do?

by Mavyrk on Mar 6, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Well just going off what the 49ers do since I watch them every Sunday

Willis will usually make his calls while lining up on the center. Than move to his designed spot.

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

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I can't EVER remember

on any team that a OLB was the play caller, it just does not work. Because the players on the other side of the field will never hear him when the crowd gets going.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions  

i got no problem with Levy in the middle

I like him and I agree he is wrongly used as the cape goat and it seems there is always someone better. I’m just saying we need 2 linebackers no matter how we do it we have to upgrade the OLB spot and Levy would be an upgrade. I never wanted Tulloch I hope we draft someone. Tulloch is getting to much discussion JUST because he played for schwartz. We can’t sign every FA that comes out of Tennesee just because Schwartz knows the guy. That dosen’t mean he’s the right guy.

"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 Mar 6, 2011 9:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

+1 on Levy

It’s not that I don’t like Levy at the ILB position, but he was the best looking OLB we have seen in a long time in Detroit when he played only a small handful of games 2 years ago.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah and Levy is the best looking MLB have have had in long time as well.

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

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions  

best linebacker sense Speilman IMO

"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 Mar 6, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Well if you don't count Ernie of Boss I suppose

LOL

"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 Mar 6, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions  

I know

Levy is good but the fact he is still so young in deveolpment makes it very sad

"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 Mar 6, 2011 6:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Profiler

I some times can’t tell when your being sarcastic. But I think in this case you are being sarcastic.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Ernie and boss

yes very sarcastic

"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 Mar 6, 2011 6:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Who was that 1 LB that we had drafted

back towards the end of the Barry/Speilman era, that was a VERY good looking young guy and towards the end of the year he got hurt and never played again. Ricky or something along those lines. . . .He was colored I remember he was going to be a damn fine LB until he got injured, and I think it was the same year that Utley went down, but I am most likely wrong about the year. Ricky Williams maybe? ? ?

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 6:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Found it

Reggie Brown! that guy was going to be a stud, until he F’ed himself up. I don’t think we have drafted a LB in the first round since him. Maybe Claiborn.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 6:59 PM EST up reply actions  

And both stunk!!!!!

So we learn that we don’t draft LB’s at the #9 position……

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 7:03 PM EST up reply actions  

lmao

Don’t give up bro. . . . Just don’t give up.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 7:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed Bishop

Levy IS the best looking ILB we have seen since Chris. To be honest we have not had a real ILB since him.We had a couple of average ILB’s at that position since him but not 1 that looks as good as Chris.

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I miss Chris. He just looked like a MLB

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

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions  

+many

How many lumps you want Doc?

by davis0169 on Mar 6, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Spielman just looked the part too

before the snap he was already making his presense. A monster I still say on a better defense like the Steelers possible HOF talent.

"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 Mar 6, 2011 6:38 PM EST up reply actions  

"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 Mar 6, 2011 6:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Tulloch was Schwartz's MLB for only one season, 2008

it not like he was there for six years or something.

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

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah not like Vanden Bosch where he is one of his "guys"

"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 Mar 6, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions  

absolutely

I would love to keep Levy in the middle and use Tully on the outside. Instincts are instincts and his are great.

by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Mar 6, 2011 2:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

I think Levy has earned the MLB spot

I just wanna see him ina full season.

RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 7, 2011 4:22 AM EST up reply actions  

we need to upgrade mainly through the draft or we’ll be broke signing some of these guys!

by MICHIGAN MAN on Mar 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST reply actions  

But if we get to pick, i’ll take posluszny, joseph, and light! The rest via draft.

by MICHIGAN MAN on Mar 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST reply actions  

Would Jones(GB WR) fit the bill as a good #3?

He wasn’t tenderd by GB.

COP:"Do you know why I pulled you over Mr. Dunn ?" ME:" Was I speeding officer?" COP:"A lil bit, but I really wanted to see a SORRY ASS DETROIT LIONS FAN UP CLOSE!" He gave me a ticket for 50 in a 45 zone. So I ask him his team. COP: DA BEARS HAHAAHAHAA

by M10 LIONS FAN on Mar 5, 2011 12:53 PM EST reply actions  

has real drop issues

potential, yes. But I say too big of a risk

"His lateral agility is unprecedented. Reports claim he has literally been seen in two places at once."- Mav

by rames on Mar 5, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions  

My needs list

CB
OLB
WR
C
G
HB

RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 5, 2011 7:16 PM EST reply actions  

I like this post

but some of the FAs you list as developmental seem to be passed that stage
and are more “starter quality”
that being said. if they got one of those CBs or LBs that would fill needs.

In the draft, I am hoping the LIONS take the best player available regardless of position with the first pick if they are not able to trade down and that player doesn’t fit a more obvious need

by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Mar 5, 2011 9:04 PM EST reply actions  

im not saying that these guys are for depth, im listing starters, but i am saying they need to sign some guys for depth but im not going to list them because theyd be too hard to find

by anthonymperri on Mar 5, 2011 11:43 PM EST reply actions  

IMO .. Needs

LB 1
LB 2
CB
WR 3
RB 2
OL Starter
OL Backup

So about 7 players .. and .. IF we are lucky enough with health, we will surely make the playoff …

by Libran on Mar 5, 2011 11:47 PM EST reply actions  

My FA needs

LB- big name guy like Lawson, Tulloch, Mcintosh, Rudd
LB- smaller Mayhewed signing a la Phonz, Lojack
CB- Joseph or Rodgers if we can’t sign Houston
WR- Breaston or Santonio
RB- power back Bush or Mclain

  I think the FO will build our OLine through the draft at this point not FA. I wanted Stroud but the Pats snagged him. Safety Agowe(?) too.

by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Mar 6, 2011 3:58 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

OJ signed with the skins

by det32 on Mar 6, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

yes he did

I was saying wanted like stroud, past tense. Thank you though.

by Home in Cleveland, Heart in Detroit on Mar 6, 2011 1:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Development DT to replace Corey Williams

Sammie Lee Hill

"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 Mar 6, 2011 9:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's blog that is your source for everything Detroit Lions.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Matthew Stafford & Will
Dylan_small
POD's Offseason Open Thread
Mikel-leshoure2_medium_small
Top 10 Fanpost!

Recent FanPosts

Mikel-leshoure2_medium_small
AOL SportingNews' Bad Attempt At Ranking 32 NFL Coaches
Lion_facepalm_small
Last Rookie Contract numbers
Small
Bold predictions (offense)
Small
Broyles - Value AND Reach?
Small
All other fans hate and disrespect the Lions and their faithful fans (us)
Calvin_dallas_small
Stafford Stats Stand Strong
Desolationrowlarge_small
The 3-4 Look
Index_small
Calvin Johnson v.s. Fitzgerald
Small
Titus Young trade bait?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Managing Editor

Pod_small Sean Yuille

Writers

Detroit-lions_small simscity

Untitled-2_small Latif Masud

41li1jpy5il Mavyrk