- By all accounts, Daunte Culpepper looked impressive during the Lions' first practice under Jim Schwartz on Friday. He weighs less than he did as a rookie and his passes were described as having zip on them. Of course, there is only so much you can tell from a minicamp, but it is good to hear that Culpepper looked good. Even if the Lions pick a QB in next weekend's draft, Culpepper will still likely be the starter heading into the 2009 season. For that reason alone, I'm glad to hear he is not only in shape but also looking good throwing the ball.
- While there was much praise for Culpepper, the same can't be said for Drew Stanton and Drew Henson. Neither looked all that good, and Stanton especially struggled. If a QB is drafted, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if both Stanton and Henson were off the roster by the time training camp begins. The Lions probably are going to figure out that some of the free agent QBs out there are much better than Stanton and Henson will ever be, making it pointless to not sign a veteran. Culpepper is the only one guaranteed to stick around. Beyond that, the other QBs' roster spots are definitely up in the air.
- Grady Jackson, Daniel Bullocks, and Stephen Peterman didn't practice due to injuries, and Kevin Smith was "somewhat limited."
- On a positive note, safety Gerald Alexander practiced for the first time since fracturing a vertebra last October.
- The Lions signed cornerback Antonio Smith on Friday.
- Why does Paris Lenon still have a locker?
- Dave Birkett compiled a list of the draft prospects that visited the Lions.
- Photos from the first day of the Lions' minicamp.
- Western Michigan cornerback E.J. Biggers visited the Lions.
- The Jason Peters trade is official. The Eagles gave up a first- and fourth-round pick in this year's draft and a sixth-rounder in 2010. Peters was signed to a four-year, $53 million extension, meaning he will make $60 in the next six years.
- If you haven't seen the video of Matthew Stafford throwing footballs at plates on Jimmy Fallon's show, then click here.
- Ty from The Lions in Winter wrote a heart-felt letter to Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand. It's definitely worth a read.
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