Where The Lions Roster Stands: Safety

by Sean Yuille on Jul 15, 2011 4:28 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Previously: Quarterback, Running Back, Fullback, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Cornerback

Returning from last season: Louis Delmas, Amari Spievey, Randy Phillips

Currently a free agent: John Wendling (he was tendered as a restricted free agent but will likely be unrestricted), C.C. Brown

New to the team: Erik Coleman (he was signed before the NFL lockout began)

The Detroit Lions' group of safeties is headlined by Louis Delmas. Many are pegging him to have a breakout season in 2011 and become one of the best safeties in all of the NFL. A nagging groin injury slowed him down a bit in 2010, but he is now fully healthy, according to his agent.

The other starting safety spot will likely be claimed by either Amari Spievey or Erik Coleman. Spievey switched to safety last season and improved over the course of the year. Coleman signed with the Lions prior to the NFL lockout after spending three seasons with the Falcons.

The other safeties that could be in the mix next season are Randy Phillips and John Wendling. Phillips signed as an undrafted free agent last year and looked pretty good in the preseason. He spent most of the regular season on the practice squad and is a candidate to make the jump to the 53-man roster full time this year. Wendling is set to become a free agent, but the Lions would like to bring him back for his excellent special teams play.

As for C.C. Brown, well, he is likely done in Detroit.

Need going forward?

While the Lions could perhaps use an upgrade at the starting spot opposite Delmas, they have bigger needs to worry about this offseason. I think they can get by with Spievey and Coleman, so the only move I foresee happening is a signing to add a body for depth during camp. Other than that, I think the Lions are pretty much set at this position.

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I may be wrong

But I smell another great edition to the POD podcast in the next week or two. Hopefully we’re talking lockout ending and roster moves.

by fiendishdr.wu on Jul 15, 2011 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

Safety

I am happy with what we have at the safeties. Delmas need i say more. Spievey will get better this year he started to grow right in front of our faces as the year went on. Phillips is more than capible of filling in for a few games if need be. Last we have Coleman who will keep Spievey honest and push for the starting spot good vet that could fill in or step in for either Delmas or Spievey.

" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32

by SmittyJ on Jul 15, 2011 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

Hoping to see Phillips on the roster as well

Probably as a backup for now. Just glad to know the chances of us seeing C.C back on the field is slim this year.

"I think the biggest thing for us and the city is that the mind-set is changed. We are not the same old Lions that have lost." - Ndamukong Suh

PCP 4 LIFE

by The Profiler on Jul 15, 2011 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

Wendling as well

He was a huge reason the Lions ST was above passable last year. And who knows, maybe he translates all that physical talent into a capable safety as well.

by sJe on Jul 15, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

I really liked what I saw from Phillips last year in the preseason..was shocked no one picked him up from our PS

by TheForceOfFollett on Jul 16, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

After watching Spivey in college

I was very excited when the Lions picked him up. I was a little nervous about him being a corner because the Hawkeye system doesnt turn out too many (if any) solid NFL corners. Thier style of play is physical but doesnt lend itself to the NFL game. But we they moved him back to safety I was happy for him. I thought this is a place where he can succeed. I was happy to see him win over some Lions fans near the end of the season. I think he will just get better and better over time. With Spivey and Coleman standing opposite Delmas I think we are in pretty solid shape here with a few solid backups in the wings as well. Safety is not a worry spot for me in the 2011 season.

by IowaLion on Jul 15, 2011 5:34 PM EDT reply actions

Amari got me by seasons end...

I wasnt the happiest of fans when we took him and really thought the worst when Jim moved him to safety but he really proved me wrong. Keep up the hard work Spievey, i truely believe he will have a bright future in Detroit.

" Maybe for a writer...but i am sure most of you can tell i am not a writer". det32

by SmittyJ on Jul 15, 2011 11:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I think Safety is alright at the moment

Delmas has one spot while Coleman/Spievey man the other.

by Hyperion Ecta on Jul 16, 2011 1:47 AM EDT reply actions

+1

Not much more that needs to be done here. Spievey should look alot better with another year in this system and delmas should be on his way to the pro bowl!

by big smoove on Jul 16, 2011 8:36 AM EDT via mobile reply actions