Jerome Felton Released

by giggy09 on Aug 30, 2011 10:29 AM EDT

Per the Detroit Lions' twitter feed:

DetroitLionsNFL #Lions confirm the release of FB Jerome Felton.

What does this say about our run game? Does this mean the Lions are comfortable with someone else taking the short yardage carries? Does this mean the rumors about Chester Taylor are true? Or maybe we're planning on bringing an extra TE into formations to help protect Stafford. I'm not sure. Just trying to spark some conversation. But I liked Felton and thought he was pretty solid. Upset to see him go.

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.

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Could mean that Clapp won the job

Or that they plan on having 4 TEs and using one of them as a hybrid FB

by WestsideLionsFan on Aug 30, 2011 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

well

the Will Heller stuff might be true but it could be because we will keep brown and harrison.

by DetroitSports2013 on Aug 30, 2011 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

I thought Felton had a lot of chances to establish a spot on the roster here.

The bottom line for me is that he did not deliver as a runner, or a blocker.

This offence is a pass first, second, and third, with the odd run thrown in to keep the defence a little off balance. Next year may be a little different when Leshoure comes back and perhaps some changes on the OLine get made. An extra RB like Aaron Brown is more valuable to the Lions than a Fullback.
I personally don’t believe the Lions will take four TEs on the roster. Felton’s spot will go to the fifth RB [if you include Logan].

"Filling a need doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good player," said Schwartz. "It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that best fits; it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that’s better than what you have already."

by NorthLeft12 on Aug 30, 2011 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Did not 'deliver'?

HA!… more like the offense doesn’t have the snaps for a FB, period.

The Lions will not have a ‘FB’ listed on their roster… If they do, it’ll be Heller for requirement reasons.

Bottom line for me… The coaches and FO decided that a FB was not needed and a wasted roster space.

Felton will get picked up quick and will have a decent carreer.

by CLF on Aug 30, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Last year in the preseason the Lions tried Felton in a jumbo package.

In the regular season he had some opportunities as a blocking back and a RB too. He just did not make any plays that I could remember.

I agree with the decision to release him.

by NorthLeft12 on Aug 30, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

1-2 touches a game and 2-5 plays/game

is good enough reason for a release, for me.

I just don’t believe it was a performance release…. but more of a “sorry, kid… you don’t fit our offense” release.

by CLF on Aug 30, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I think you're right CLF.

by Hyperion Ecta on Aug 31, 2011 4:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I suppose you are being sarcastic.

Did DWill get as many touches or plays in as Felton over the last three years? I doubt it.

It is up to the player to make some plays when they get a chance and force the coaches to use them more.

by NorthLeft12 on Aug 31, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Is Dwill the only WR?

by CLF on Aug 31, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with you NL

Felton never showed me a reason he should make the team other than he was our only FB. He just wasn’t a playmaker or a great blocker and I would much rather open up that roster spot for someone like Aaron Brown.

by Suhper Megatron on Aug 30, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry the dude lost his job, but YES!, he sucked

by HouseofSpartans on Aug 30, 2011 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

+1

just pass me the damn ball

by Christopher Moriarty on Aug 30, 2011 10:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Felton just did not fit in

As I have said in other threads, the Lions are taking a Bill Walsh West Coast spin on their offense. They ar3 passing the ball in short and medium routes to compensate for the inconsistent run game. Sure, we saw them try to run in preseason in order to evaluate players. They will continue to run the ball maybe 20 times per game during the season as well. But they will pass probably 60% to 65% of the time. They will run the ball enough to keep the opponents from playing all pass defenses.

In this system Felton was a square peg. He did OK with the Lions but he was not stellar. The fact that they had to release him, instead of trade him, is a testament to the fact that he did not stand out. If you are going to get mediocre play from your fullback position there simply is no need to keep a fullback specialist. You can get mediocre fullback play from an H back just as easily. Since the Lions see the fullback as primarily a blocking and receiving position, Heller makes a lot of sense there.

I think this move is good for the Lions and for Felton as well. It will allow Felton to try getting onto a roster where they actually use a fullback and he can get enough snaps to get into a rhythm.

I never met him, but he was family to me... R.I.P. Tom Kowalski We will all miss you.

by TuffLynx on Aug 30, 2011 12:29 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Finally, a balanced and well thought out post.

Its a shame when the only post someone can come up with is… “he sucked, good riddance” without looking at the full picture.

…. When D. Will gets released… that’s another story… lol… he wasn’t even mediocre…lol.

by CLF on Aug 30, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Hate to be a dick

but when d will gets released can we please have a POD party! we can run a highlight reel of his best drops and blown routes.plenty of beer and laughs.

by Michael21 on Aug 30, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

LMAO I second that

by Usmarine0341 on Aug 30, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I had to rec that

by Usmarine0341 on Aug 30, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

OK

then its set in stone we will all meet in detroit and drink fortys out of brown paper bags in a parking lot!Yeah its that kind of party!

by Michael21 on Aug 30, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

hahahah I’ll see if i can pull some strings..i think i’d have better chance’s getting dwill to come though!

by Michael21 on Aug 31, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

well, he's on to the next chapter

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4898/jerome-felton
Panthers claimed FB Jerome Felton off waivers from the Lions.
The Eagles and Vikings also put in claims, but Carolina was awarded Felton with the worst 2010 record. The fit is odd with Tony Fiammetta considered locked in as the Panthers’ starting fullback. Felton may only be a slightly better bet as a lead blocker, and isn’t going to get any carries in Carolina. Sep 1 – 12:42 AM
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
______________________________

I also can’t see that as a good fit for him. I find it very curious the Vikings put in a claim! It has to have been an effort to milk out as much info as possible. I can’t see them opting to ever actually play Felton over Gerhart. I think if the Eagles had gotten him he’d have gotten closer to the carries he’s wanted.

My bet is he’s back on the market this weekend.

Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul

by Ee Oulo on Sep 1, 2011 1:36 AM EDT reply actions