Where The Lions Roster Stands: Offensive Tackle

by Sean Yuille on Jun 30, 2011 11:42 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Previously: Quarterback, Running Back, Fullback, Wide Receiver, Tight End

Returning from last season: Jeff Backus, Gosder Cherilus, Jason Fox, Tony Ugoh

Currently a free agent: Corey Hilliard (I believe he is a restricted free agent)

New to the team: Johnny Culbreath (he was picked by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft)

The starting spots at offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions aren't all that interesting. Barring an injury, Jeff Backus will be Detroit's starting left tackle for the 11th season in a row. And barring Gosder Cherilus not being able to recover from offseason knee surgery, he will be the starter at right tackle.

The interesting thing to watch will be the battle between the backups for roster spots. Corey Hilliard played his way onto the 53-man roster during last year's preseason, and I would expect him to return as a backup. I would also expect Jason Fox, who is finally healthy, to return and continue his development. That could leave Tony Ugoh on the outside looking in if the Lions only keep four tackles, but, of course, things can always change with injuries.

As for Johnny Culbreath, the Lions' seventh-round draft pick, he is a prime candidate for the practice squad. He is a player considered to have a lot of upside, but he is very raw and will probably take some time to develop.

Need going forward?

Like most positions on offense for the Lions, they seem to be set at offensive tackle. I could see an undrafted free agent being brought in as a camp body, but unless the injury bug bites Detroit's offensive tackles, this position is in pretty good shape depth-wise.

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Be just out luck Culbreath will end up on another roster if that happens

I hate putting players like that on PS cause other teams can take them. I am suprised Randy Phillips who played well in preseason never got snagged..luckily.

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." Mario Andretti

PCP 4 LIFE

by The Profiler on Jun 30, 2011 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

Phillips

You are right about him, I thought for sure he would be gone if they didn’t put him on the full time roster. I thought Speivey played ok, but I thought for sure Phillips would have stolen the second safety spot.

I pity the fool!
-Mr. T

by Phreaking Mohican on Jul 1, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

It was health concerns that scared teams away from Phillips in the draft.

When he cleared waivers and was signed to the PS, those same fears were pervasive.

Phillips should make the roster with Delmas, Spievey, Coleman, and Wendling. That is, if he’s had a productive offseason.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 1, 2011 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't worry about it, Prof.

Culbreath is nowhere near as polished as Murtha was when Miami snatched him up. Dude is probably at least a couple years from being a productive pro.

by motown313 on Jul 1, 2011 12:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

culbreath might move to the gured spot and he can play both ot spots but as use say is a little raw but ican sea him macking the this team this year and being use licke fox was last year to start with and who knowes if he has great canp he might get more playing time this year

by kwfords on Jul 1, 2011 1:11 AM EDT reply actions

I'd say you're spot on Sean

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

by Hyperion Ecta on Jul 1, 2011 7:04 AM EDT reply actions

The Colts traded a 1st round pick to draft Ugoh in the 2nd round in 2007. He was supposed to be the LT of the future.

It didn’t work. His pass blocking was OK, but his run blocking was horrible. The Colts tried to move him to LG, and moved Charlie Johnson to LT. Johnson injured a foot in Week 1 of training camp so Ugoh had to move back to LT. When Johnson returned, Ugoh was cut.

Colts GM Chris Polian called Ugoh “a botched experiment.”

I don’t know if it was a Colts blocking schematic failure on running plays—yet.

Ugoh, IMO would be a better OG project.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 1, 2011 8:37 AM EDT reply actions