Wide Receiver

Kansas

6-3 210

40 time: 4.61

Draft board overall prospect rank: #61

Draft board wide receiver rank: #6

Overall rating: 76*

2/28/10: He’s a talented physical receiver, but receivers who run 4.61 40s normally have a lot of trouble gaining separation in the NFL. I was afraid his time would be bad, but I didn’t expect this bad.

1/17/10: A handful to take down in the open field and a great red zone presence, but he doesn’t run routes well, his 40 time and straight line speed are very poor, and his strong stats came in a weird offense that inflates stats. Still, he can be coached into being a good route runner and if he is, he’ll be a very dangerous wide receiver because he moves and breaks tackles like a running back in the open field. He may be a late bloomer as a wide receiver, but he has good upside and could contribute right away in a big way in a spread style offense.

            11/27/09: Dezmon Briscoe has good production, but two things working against him, a poor 40 time, and no experience in a pro style offense. His route running needs improvement and yes, his timed speed isn’t good, but the both could have been said about Michael Crabtree last year, plus some character issues regarding how much he felt he should have been paid. Briscoe has Crabtree esque skills. He has very good hands and amazing athleticism. He breaks tackles in the open field like a running back and catches the ball at its highest point. He establishes himself in the end zone well and provides a matchup problem for cornerbacks because of his size. He has two years of good production, albeit in a spread style offense, but he does have production and he has production in one of the tougher conferences in college football. He run blocks well for someone in college and can get a lot better because of his elite size. His route running and fundamentals need work, but there’s no denying that he could be an excellent wide receiver in the NFL if he works on things, but he could take some time in the NFL. He has first round potential and deserves to be one of the first wide receivers off the board, but he’ll probably go in the second round because he won’t amaze at the combine and he doesn’t play in a conventional style offense.

NFL Comparison: Justin Gage

 

Wide Receiver 

Oklahoma State

6-2 225

40 time: 4.52

Draft board overall prospect rank: #19

Draft board wide receiver rank: #2

Overall rating: 86*

3/30/10: Bryant’s measurables and workout in the positional drills, especially after basically a year off of football, were really impressive considering he was wearing brand new cleats that had not been broken in before. However, when you consider that the reason he did not have cleats is because he “forgot,” it’s hard to consider this pro day a success. He is known for having mental lapses on the field, and dropped a few catchable balls today, so forgetting something as important as your cleats cancels out the good that the strong workout did, especially when it’s something as important of your Pro Day after being suspended a whole year for something stupid. He really did not seem to get the importance of this day.

1/17/10: Suspended for something bizarre, but that shouldn’t hurt his draft stock too much. The character red flags are there and he doesn’t always seem to have his head in the game. He drops way too many passes and isn’t a good route runner, but he’s going to be an excellent #2 deep threat at the next level at worst. He has an amazing size, speed combination and is extremely dangerous in the open field.

Update (11/2/09):  Character issues yes, but what elite wide receiver doesn’t have character issues. When he’s right, he has elite wide receiver potential.

Suspension update: Bryant has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA for the rest of the season for allegedly lied to the NCAA about the activities that took place when we met with former NFL player Deion Sanders. I don’t get how going to lunch with Deion Sanders is something that gets you suspended for the season, but apparently if you lie about it, the NCAA doesn’t like it. This does hurt if he can’t play for the rest of the year because he will be sluggish, at best, going into the combine having missed that much time. Also, the fact that he lied about whatever he did goes with the reputation he has for not always having his head in the game, which leads me to believe that he could be yet another diva wide receiver. Oklahoma State will try to get Bryant reinstated.

6/13/09: Explosive receiver in an explosive big 12 offense, who also helps on kick and punt returns. The first name that comes to mind is Jeremy Maclin, the 19^th overall selection in this past NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. However, after explosive receiver, explosive big 12 offense, and kick/punt returner, the comparisons stop between Maclin and Bryant. Maclin runs a better 40 time. He ran a 4.45 at the combine and a 4.43 at his pro day while Bryant is likely to run in the low 4.5s maybe high 4.4s, which for a receiver is actually quite slow. However, after timed speed, the comparisons stop favoring Maclin and start favoring Bryant. Bryant is 2 inches taller and more of a red zone threat. In 2008, his true sophomore season, Bryant had 19 touchdown receptions as compared to Maclin’s 13, even though Maclin was a 3^rd year sophomore. Though Bryant runs slower timed, he is actually faster, quicker, and more explosive than Maclin in game situations. Bryant has way better hands than Maclin. One of the things I didn’t like about Maclin is the fact that he’s more of a track star wide receiver than a pass catching wide receiver, meaning he doesn’t have the hands to match his athleticism. Bryant does. Bryant is bigger and stronger which helps in run blocking and tackle breaking. Bryant’s offense at Oklahoma State is more of a pro style offense which means that Bryant isn’t going to have as long of a transition period as Maclin will. Maclin played in a true spread at Missouri, while Bryant plays in a pro style spread at Oklahoma State. The difference, and it’s a big one, the quarterback plays under center in a pro style spread as opposed to 90% of the time in shotgun as is the case in a true spread. Overall, Bryant is going to have a much more productive NFL career. Bryant I can see maturing into a #1 or #2 option. Maclin I can’t see being anything more than a Ted Ginn type speed burner receiver who keeps in the kick return game and on some of those fancy end around plays. Bryant is a better true old school esque receiver, who also can help in the return game and maybe on end arounds if needed, though he hasn’t exactly been used in that situation yet in college.

NFL Comparison: Braylon Edwards

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here 

 

Wide Receiver/Running Back 

Mississippi

5-9 172

40 time: 4.55

Draft board overall prospect rank: #82

Draft board overall running back rank: #8

Overall rating: 73*

2/28/10: Surprisingly, his 4.55 40 at 5-9 173 doesn’t hurt him that much in my book, but it has to hurt him some considering we were expecting a high 4.3, maybe low 4.4 at worse. However, this is one of those guys who is faster in pads than he is timed and stronger than his size. He should still catch on somewhere in the NFL as that Percy Harvin type player.

2/27/10: How do you bench 20 reps of 225 pounds when you are a mere 173 pounds? That is crazy! This little guy may be small, but he is tough, he is strong, he is committed, and he is damn fast as well. 

1/17/10: A blur of a football player who is a bit undersized. He has lined up at both running back and wide receiver in his career and had 1169 rushing yards and 520 receiving yards last season. He has also lined up as a wildcat so there’s going to be a spot in the NFL for him, though it is not going to be a conventional one. He will play the Percy Harvin role for a team, a slot receiver, return guy, and occasional 3^rd down back and wildcat and will be plenty valuable doing so.

            8/6/09: Speed thrills in the NFL so McCluster is going to get some looks in the mid rounds. He has great versatility and can play running back and wide receiver and had 600 yards of each last season. He can be a 3^rd down back and a slot receiver and maybe play some wildcat if he can learn to throw. He’s a poor man’s Percy Harvin and is less injury prone. He’s smaller than Harvin though. He could stand to put on about 10 or 15 pounds, but doing so could hurt his speed, which is pretty much the only thing he brings to the table of an NFL prospect. Though he has never had major injury problems in the past, his small frame leaves him susceptible to injuries. Even though he is small and one dimensional, his blazing speed makes him valuable to an NFL team, especially in the new wildcat era. His versatility also helps his draft stock a lot.

NFL Comparison: Poor man’s Percy Harvin

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here

 

Tulloch must have taken a pay cut to stay in Detroit and play for Jim Schwartz in a wide nine scheme again because 25 million over 5 years with only 11.2 million guaranteed is a steal for a player who ranked 7^th among middle linebackers on ProFootballFocus’ in Detroit’s scheme last season. The Lions did well to bring back 21 of 22 starters from a playoff team (only losing Eric Wright, who was overpaid by Tampa Bay). They’ll need another cornerback through the draft, an upgrade at safety, and some youth on the offensive line, but they’re in good shape for another trip to the playoffs in 2012.

Grade: A

 

By Dean Holden 

 

It’s finally time for the inevitable record prediction.

Despite being asked multiple times, I’ve avoided giving any concrete predictions on the season until now. Much like giving draft grades or making calls on free agent moves, it’s meaningless to do so until you get an initial idea of what the team looks like playing together.

Of course, then you have to make sure those guys stay on the team. A record prediction talking about Dre’ Bly making a resurgence would just be silly looking at it now, wouldn’t it?

But we’re past all that. The roster is full, and set for the time being. We have a decent idea of what the team looks like together, so I have no more excuses.

Therefore, here are my predictions for the Detroit Lions in 2010. Yes, the ones you can throw back in my face in three months when I’m wrong about everything.

Team Offensive MVP: Matthew Stafford

Yeah, I know. Big stretch. But the only thing that can derail this prediction is Stafford’s health. If he stays upright most of the season, Stafford looks primed to have a breakout season.

I know that’s a cliché, but if you watched Stafford in the preseason, you’d understand. Stafford looked like a completely different quarterback than the one who threw nine interceptions in the preseason last year. He was cool, confident, and exhibited good decision-making, which was one of his greatest weaknesses last season.

More importantly, management has put Stafford’s development high on their list of priorities, and consequently, he has been surrounded with weapons.

Stafford won’t be a Pro Bowler this year, but he is going to find himself on the map for it soon if he keeps himself healthy.

Team Defensive MVP: Kyle Vanden Bosch

I can’t speak highly enough of Vanden Bosch’s qualities as a leader. He plays harder than anyone else in football, and in leading by example, it rubs off on his teammates (you never heard about Albert Haynesworth failing conditioning tests in Tennessee, did you?). And that would be fine by itself, but he combines that with being a very good football player.

After a weak, injury-shortened 2009 campaign, Vanden Bosch again finds himself playing alongside a strong defensive tackle taking up two blocks in the middle. Those resulting one-on-one matchups outside should allow him to perform perform well enough be a strong candidate for both the Lions’ defensive MVP and the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.

Offensive Breakout Player: Jahvid Best

Another no-brainer (assuming I can’t make the Stafford pick again). And another pick which could be derailed by prevailing health concerns.

Of course, that’s what they said about Adrian Peterson.

Best isn’t Peterson, and concussions aren’t knee injuries, so don’t try telling me that, I already know. Best has an entirely different skill set, and will be a completely different style of running back.

But it will be good. Scott Linehan knows exactly what to do with a running back who is as dangerous in the slot as he is in the backfield, and he’s going to show us he hasn’t forgotten.

Defensive Breakout Player: Randy Phillips

Whaaaaa? Not Suh? Not DeAndre Levy? Not even Cliff Avril?

Nope, it’s Randy Phillips. The maturity and intelligence he showed in the preseason, as an undrafted rookie, are unbelievable. It didn’t matter who he was in the defensive backfield with, what the play was, or what string he was playing against, if there was a play to be made, Phillips made it.

It doesn’t look like Phillips will be starting in Week 1, but he will in Week 17.

And he’ll only get better from here. Louis Delmas might have a respectable running mate yet.

Record: 6-10 (3-3 NFC North)

There, I said it. Six wins. For the most part, I’m not telling which six. I don’t know, and neither do you. But what you might be more interested in is my predictions for the divisional games. Yes, I predict a .500 record against divisional rivals.

I don’t claim to know which games those will be… except that the Lions will beat the Bears at Ford Field. I’m tempted to claim they will beat the Bears twice, and it’s a possibility, but not a certainty.

The Lions will also bring either their Metrodome or Lambeau Field losing streak to an end this season, but not both. If I had to pick one, I’d say the Metrodome streak falls first. The Lions have played the Vikings too well for too long to not come away with a “W.”

In addition, the defensive line did well generating a pass rush and stopping the run against the Vikings last year, which makes you wonder what the revamped unit can accomplish this year.

The Lions have come a long way in two short years, and they enter the 2010 season with a lot to prove. They won’t do enough to make everybody believe they’ve truly moved toward respectability, because there are too many hardcore pessimists out there.

But they will put enough exclamation points on this season to make it one to remember, if you’re willing to wait on those playoffs.

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By Dean Holden 

The Detroit Lions lost to the New York Giants on Sunday by their second-largest margin of the season.

That margin was eight points.

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

The Lions are a 1-5 team, and it has been a frustrating 1-5. But for the same reason that they have been frustrating, they have also been a lot of fun to watch.

Four of their six games have been decided by a single possession, and another was a 44-6 blowout of the St. Louis Rams, whose win over the San Diego Chargers makes the Lions look better by comparison.

Not once in six games this season have Lions fans had to shut off their TV midway through the fourth quarter in frustration with yet another ugly Lions loss. Even the Minnesota game was a little closer than the 14-point differential implies.

If ever there was a time when the Lions should have lost by a wide margin, it was at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday.

The Giants were coming off a pair of demolishing victories over the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans and were riding high on their revitalized defense.

The Lions were also coming off a big victory, but they were also looking to avoid tying their own record for consecutive road losses. And then they played the second half with their third-string quarterback, Drew Stanton, a guy who was drafted three offensive coordinators ago.

In addition, the Lions were down about four or five linebackers—in case you hadn’t heard, Zack Follett is doing fine, has feeling and movement in all his extremities, and shows no evidence of spinal damage—and most of the starters who did play are dealing with some sort of lingering injury.

And still the Lions fought, making a game out of one that should have been a laugher. That may be cold comfort to fans that have had it up to here with moral victories, but for demonstrative purposes, let’s flip the situation.

Let’s say the Giants had lost Eli Manning for the entire Giants season except for one half, and they had to make do with Sage Rosenfels. And let’s say Rosenfels had played fairly well in his relief duty, but halfway through the Lions game, he breaks his arm, and the Giants have to play Rhett Bomar.

Do the Giants still win that game? Do they even keep it within eight points? And that’s with just one injury, not a handful to the defense as well.

I’m not trying to make the point that the Lions are a better, deeper football team than the Giants. It’s tough to make that charge with a 1-5 team.

I am, however, pointing out that the Giants, who were supposed to run away with this game, whose fans were talking about playing Dallas a week ago, escaped with a win at home.

The top-ranked New York Giants defense was 38 yards and a two-point conversion away from overtime with a 1-4 team playing a quarterback who, in his short career, has sat the bench behind the likes of Daunte Culpepper, Dan Orlovsky and J.T. O’Sullivan.

When Stanton came into the game, I was sure it was over. The announcers actually said it best when they mentioned Stanton’s lack of experience, poor decision making, errant accuracy and lack of agility in the pocket. Basically, Stanton’s only issues are all the essential elements of a quarterback.

And yet the Lions were step-for-step with the Giants for most of the game, and I enjoyed watching it. They were riddled with injuries, made stupid mistakes, took bad penalties and turned the ball over at the worst possible times, but they fought.

Perhaps the best example of this came in the third quarter, when the Giants needed seven offensive plays to earn a touchdown from the Detroit eight-yard line. The Lions fought hard with their backs against the wall, as has been their trademark. But then, it was only stupid mistakes and penalties that actually allowed the Giants to run seven plays inside the 10-yard line.

Here’s part of the drive summary from NFL.com (from the time the Giants entered the red zone).

1-10-DET 18 (9:46) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass incomplete short left to 88-H.Nicks (27-A.Smith). PENALTY on DET-27-A.Smith, Defensive Pass Interference, 10 yards, enforced at DET 18 – No Play

1-8-DET 8 (9:39) 44-A.Bradshaw up the middle to DET 6 for 2 yards (58-A.Palmer, 39-C.Brown)

2-6-DET 6 (9:06) 44-A.Bradshaw left end to DET 3 for 3 yards (27-A.Smith, 58-A.Palmer).

3-3-DET 3 (8:22) 10-E.Manning pass incomplete short left to 88-H.Nicks. PENALTY on DET-92-C.Avril, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 2 yards, enforced at DET 3.

1-1-DET 1 (8:13) 10-E.Manning pass incomplete short middle to 89-K.Boss (58-A.Palmer). PENALTY on DET-58-A.Palmer, Defensive Holding, 0 yards, enforced at DET 1 – No Play.

1-1-DET 1 (8:08) 27-B.Jacobs left guard to DET 1 for no gain (91-Sa.Hill, 49-Z.Follett).

2-1-DET 1 (7:31) 27-B.Jacobs left guard to DET 1 for no gain (99-C.Williams, 49-Z.Follett).

3-1-DET 1 (6:50) 10-E.Manning pass short left to 47-T.Beckum for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

Now, if you take away the dumb penalties, the Lions made two consecutive goal-line stands. This drive is indicative of what teams do when they have enough talent and lots of heart, but very little experience with winning football games.

Much of the game was like this. Against all odds, the Lions made great plays, then subsequently erased or offset them with penalties and turnovers. That’s half of what they need to do, and a lot more than they did last season or certainly the season before.

Previously, this was the team that would make one great play, then erase it with a penalty or turnover, allow it to snowball, make six or seven more mistakes, turn a three-point lead into an 18-point deficit, then appear to quit, just dying on the field.

In games like this, you can still see how this Lions team evolved from that one. They share a lot of the same traits: the losses, the untimely mistakes, the injuries. But it is not the same team.

No longer is this the team that gets down by a touchdown and goes into depression. No longer is it the team that rolls over and assumes the position when an opponent starts to gain momentum.

This is a team that fights, even when they appear to have their back broken. This is the team that trails by 18 with five minutes to go, but only loses by three. This is a team whose starting quarterback put on his helmet and was ready to come into the game, even though his throwing shoulder isn’t yet fully healed.

And right now, I’m having fun watching.

For all their faults, I love this these Lions—and not just because I’m regionally conditioned to love them. I love them because they finally look like what a Detroit football team should look like.

They’re trying to pull themselves out of a historically bad stretch. They’re down in the dumps. They can’t seem to catch a break. They’re a national laughingstock, even though they’re not as bad as the jokes about them would indicate.

But they’re a tough, blue-collar group, they work hard, and they never, ever, ever, stop clawing themselves forward. They’re not that good now, but if you’re looking honestly, you can see the improvement. You can see everyone banding together towards a common goal, and you know that it won’t be like this for much longer.

Because the Detroit Lions are the team that often loses, but never dies.

This is a 1-5 team that has a lot of talent, a lot to learn, and most importantly, a whole lot of heart, every single week.

And strange as it may sound, right now, I wouldn’t trade this 1-5 team for any other in the National Football League.

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Debate the Lions Off Season in the Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Detroit Lions went 2-14 or 3-13 again. I wouldn’t be surprised if they won 5-7 games, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they won 8 or 9. It almost entirely will depend on Matt Stafford. Stafford wasn’t great as a rookie and the team went 2-14. That’s excusable though. He was a rookie. Even Peyton Manning struggled as a rookie. If Stafford rebounds this year and starts playing like a top 15 quarterback and the #1 pick he was, this team could be pretty good.

If 4^th round pick Jason Fox can step up and become the elite blindside protector this team has lacked for years, that will only help Stafford’s cause. As will a full season of Calvin Johnson, the addition of Rob Sims to their improving, but currently still mediocre, offensive front. Having a running back like Jahvid Best also helps, as does an improved defense. There’s a good chance he becomes one of the top 15 quarterbacks in the league this year and that could get them 6-8 wins.

Of course other players need to step up on this team for them to reach their full potential for this year (8 or 9 wins). Their defensive line is banking heavily on a strong rookie season from Ndamukong Suh, a bounce back year from Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams, and a breakout year from Cliff Avril. If everything goes right there, that’ll certainly help. This team ranked 21^st in the league in stopping the run last year (YPA), they could certainly be middle of the pack this year.

They’ll also be counting on a big year from 2^nd year players DeAndre Levy and Zach Follett at linebacker. Their secondary remains their biggest hole, but if Amari Spievey can step up as a rookie, unlikely because rookie defensive backs tend to struggle, that’ll help their cause. A lot of things have to go right for this team to win 8 or 9 games, and for that reason I don’t feel comfortable projecting this team to do so, but a lot of things have to go wrong (er, the same) for them to be as bad as they were last year. Even if Matt Stafford struggles as much as he did last year, I’ll have to say these off season additions add an extra win to their total. I’ll put my projection somewhere in the middle of their downside (2 or 3 wins) and their upside (8 or 9 wins).

Projection: 6-10 4th in NFC North

Power Ranking: 24

Last Season: 2-14

Draft:

#2 DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)

A left tackle like Russell Okung who is ready to come in right away and protect Matt Stafford’s blindside would have been perfect here. Their offensive line has been one of the worst in the league since as long as I can remember and all they have done to fix the line that has given up 40-50 sacks in each of the last 3 years is add a guard, Rob Sims. Okung would have been good for Stafford’s health longterm, his development as he attempts to avoid David Carr syndrome, and would have allowed Stafford to fully utilize his cannon arm to connect with one of the best deep threats in the game, Calvin Johnson. This is not a bad pick because Suh is a bad player. This is a bad pick because it doesn’t help the thing that will win the most games for them, their passing game.

Grade: C+

#30 RB Jahvid Best (California)

I actually like Best as a player which I why it’s hard for my to bash this pick. I had Best as my #1 RB. However, he doesn’t get Matt Stafford any more time in the pocket or help their passing game in the way that taking a left tackle could have. To make matters worse, they traded up to get him.

Grade: C+

#65 CB Amari Spievey (Iowa)

It’s hard to bash a pick that’s a great fit for their scheme and fills a huge need at cornerback, but I will, only slightly, because they could have taken a guy like Bruce Campbell, Jason Fox, or Jared Veldheer to play left tackle.

Grade: A-

#128 OT Jason Fox (Miami)

Best pick of the night for them. This actually makes all of their other BPA picks so much better. Fox has 2^nd round talent and can develop into a good blindside protector for Matt Stafford and if he does, I think they are draft day winners given all of the talented players they were able to get with their first 3 picks. If not, then this team is going to regret not taking Okung 2^nd. Still, I have to give them mad props for getting a huge value at a position of huge need and with one 4^th round pick, turning me from a hater of their draft to a lover of their draft.

Grade: A

#213 DE Willie Young (NC State)

Yet another steal in terms of talent, Young is undersized, but Jim Schwartz has had success as a defensive coordinator with undersized players before and Young will, at the very least, be a very solid nickel rusher and, in this pass heavy league, that’s a great value in the 7^th round.

Grade: A

#255 WR Tim Toone (Weber State)

Hard to bash this pick because it was the last in the draft and I’ve never actually heard of the player, but Toone was statistically very good at Weber State, though he is a bit undersized and doesn’t fill a huge need (front 7 depth).

Grade: C-

Overall:

There are some ugly grades on their report card, but if Jason Fox pans out, as a whole, this draft class could be one of, if not the strongest of this year. This could be the draft that starts the Lions as a true playoff contender in the future. On that potential, I have to give them a solid grade.

Grade: B+

Key undrafted free agents:

OLB Ryan Stamper (Florida)

WR Mike Moore (Georgia)

FB Matt Clapp (Oklahoma)

TE Richard Dickson (LSU)

Positions of need:

 

 

Offensive Tackle:

Despite the fact that head coach Jim Schwartz said he deserved a few Pro Bowl votes, Jeff Backus actually was one of the worst left tackles in the league this year in terms of sacks allowed. Lions fans can only hope that Schwartz realizes this and decides to target a left tackle early in the draft. Matt Stafford sustained both a knee and a shoulder injury as a rookie because of all the hits he took and we’ve seen what too many sacks early in a players career can do, David Carr, Joey Harrington, or even what too many sacks late in a players career can do, Marc Bulger, Matt Hasselbeck. Backus would be a decent left guard, in fact, he could possibly be an above average left guard, but they would need a new left tackle. If they draft one early, they can shift Backus to guard and upgrade two offensive line positions at once.

Drafted Jason Fox (#128)

Defensive End:

The Lions, as a team, had 26 sacks last year and no player had more than 5.5. Cliff Avril had 5.5, but he doesn’t have the size to be an every down defensive end, so, if they secure a left tackle early, they’ll want to shift their focus on their pass rush. If the Rams draft Jimmy Clausen first and Ndamukong Suh falls to the Lions at 2, they can draft him and that would help their pass rush as well, but they need a true #1 defensive end. After having a quarterback and protecting him, getting to the opponents quarterbacks is the most important thing in the NFL. An elite pass rusher will help their struggling secondary a lot.

Signed Kyle Vanden Bosch, Drafted Willie Young (#213)

Cornerback:

Speaking of struggling secondary, the Lions pass defense was once again one of the worst in the league last year and it will continue to be that why until they secure an elite #1 cornerback. They have more important needs, but they can’t go into next year with this years group of cornerbacks and expect to make the playoffs.

Traded for Chris Houston, Signed Jonathan Wade, Drafted Amari Spievey (#66), Signed Dre Bly

Defensive Tackle:

Drafting Sammie Lee Hill in the middle rounds last year was a smart move and he looks like someone who will be a part of their defensive tackle rotation for a long time. Now they need a pass rushing defensive tackle that can compliment him inside. There’s a good chance that they are able to get Ndamukong Suh early, but Gerald McCoy could also be on their radar at 2 if they can’t get Suh, though I think taking any defensive tackle, other than Suh, over a left tackle, at 2, would be a mistake.

Traded for Corey Williams, Drafted Ndamukong Suh (#2)

Safety:

When you are as bad against the pass as the Lions were in 2009, you can’t blame it all on the cornerbacks. Their safeties need to take some of the blame as well, though the safety position ranks below the cornerback position in terms of positional value.

Signed CC (Can’t Cover) Brown

Offensive Guard:

The Lions don’t just need one upgrade on their offensive line, they need multiple. Drafting a left tackle and moving Backus to guard would be 2, but they still would need a major upgrade at right guard. Their interior offensive lineman were so bad last year that Kevin Smith simply couldn’t get anywhere without a big lineman destroying him.

Traded for Rob Sims

Running Back:

Speaking of Kevin Smith, he might not be ready for the 2010 season with an ACL tear, but even if he isn’t, they could use one more running back. This is now a two running back league. Aaron Brown did not prove himself in his limited opportunities last year and they really lack a breakaway speed threat either way.

Drafted Jahvid Best (#30)

Wide Receiver:

Calvin Johnson is a freak, but after him they don’t have much at wide receiver. Getting Matt Stafford someone else to throw to can only help him, but they do have other more important needs.

Signed Nate Burleson, Drafted Tim Toone (#255)

 

Free Agency:

QB Daunte Culpepper

RB Cedric Peerman (exclusive rights)- resigned 1 year

WR Adam Jennings (restricted)

WR Marko Mitchell- Signed with Vikings

TE Will Heller- resigned with Lions 3 years

TE Casey Fitzsimmons- retired

TE Jake Nordin (exclusive rights)- tendered

TE John Madsen

OT Jon Jansen- resigned with Lions 1 year 850K

OT Corey Hilliard (exclusive rights)- tendered

G Daniel Loper

G Damien Cook

G Manuel Ramirez (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

 

 

C Dylan Gandy (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

DE DeWayne White

DE Jason Hunter (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

DE Jared DeVries- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

DE Copeland Bryan (restricted)- resigned

OLB Zach Follett (exclusive rights)- tendered

MLB Larry Foote- signed with Steelers 3 years 9 million

MLB Cody Spencer (restricted)

CB Phillip Buchanan- signed with Redskins 1 year 1.5 million

CB Will James- signed with 49ers 1 year

CB Anthony Henry

CB Kevin Hobbs

CB DeAngelo Smith (exclusive rights)- resigned 1 year

CB Brian Witherspoon

S Daniel Bullocks

S Ko Simpson (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

S Kalvin Pearson

Offseason moves:

Lions cut S Marquand Manuel

Lions sign OLB Isaiah Ekejiuba

 

 

Lions cut S Daniel Bullocks

Lions sign CB Dre’ Bly

Lions waive WR Marko Mitchell

Lions waive TE John Madsen

Lions sign TE John Madsen

Lions sign S C.C. Brown

Lions claim WR Marko Mitchell

Lions re-sign S Daniel Bullocks

Lions claim G Trevor Canfield

Lions acquire TE Tony Scheffler (Denver) and a 7th rounder (Denver) for OLB Ernie Sims (Philadelphia)

Lions cut CB Kevin Hobbs

Lions cut S Kalvin Pearson

Lions waive CB Brian Witherspoon

Lions cut G Daniel Loper

Lions re-sign C Dylan Gandy

Lions announce retirement of TE Casey FitzSimmons

Lions re-sign DE Jared DeVries

Lions re-sign S Ko Simpson

Lions trade DE Robert Henderson to Seahawks for 2010 7th-rounder

Lions acquire G Rob Sims from Seahawks for a 2010 5th-rounder

Lions re-sign G Manuel Ramirez

Lions re-sign G Daniel Loper

Lions re-sign DE Jason Hunter

Lions re-sign CB Kevin Hobbs

Lions re-sign RB Cedric Peerman

Lions re-sign DE Copeland Bryan

Lions re-sign CB DeAngelo Smith

Lions acquire QB Shaun Hill from 49ers for 2011 7th-rounder

Lions acquire CB Chris Houston from Falcons for 2010 6th-rounder and exchange of 2010 5th-rounders

Lions sign CB Jonathan Wade

Lions sign WR Brian Clark

Lions cut DE Dewayne White

Lions re-sign TE Will Heller

Lions acquire DT Corey Williams and 2010 7th-rounder from Browns for 2010 5th-rounder

Lions cut DT Grady Jackson

Lions sign DE Kyle Vanden Bosch

Lions sign WR Nate Burleson

Lions re-sign OT Jon Jansen

Lions cut CB Phillip Buchanon

Lions tender SS Daniel Bullocks

Lions tender S Ko Simpson

Lions tender G Daniel Loper

Lions tender RB Cedric Peerman

Lions tender OLB Zack Follett

Lions tender G Corey Hilliard

Lions tender TE Jake Nordin

Lions tender CB DeAngelo Smith

Lions tender DE Jason Hunter

Lions tender CB Kevin Hobbs

Lions tender C Dylan Gandy

Lions tender G Manuel Ramirez

Lions cut DE Jared DeVries

 

13. DT Nick Fairley A-

Lions GM Martin Mayhew probably jizzed in his pants when he saw he had the choice between Fairley, Robert Quinn, and Prince Amukamara. I think Quinn and Amukamara filled bigger needs, but if Fairley was tops on their board, which he obviously was, I can’t fault them too much. Adding Fairley with Ndamukong Suh at defensive tackle, with Sammie Lee Hill and Corey Williams as depth guys, and Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril at the ends, gives them one of the best defensive lines in the league. Somewhere Jay Cutler has preemptively sprained his knee.

44. WR Titus Young A-

Again, value over need getting a late first round value in Titus Young in the mid 2^nd round. It’s not like they didn’t need someone like Young, a dynamic slot receiver who can provide depth and contribute on special teams, but they needed a left tackle, cornerback, or a safety more than anything here.

57. RB Mikel Leshoure A

Again, value over need getting a late first round value in Mikel Leshoure in the late 2^nd round. I think Leshoure is a better value at 57 than Young was at 44 and he also fills a bigger need as Jahvid Best can’t carry the load. They’ve had to rely on Maurice Morris down the stretch as their feature back for two straight years. That’s bad. Nothing wrong with this pick at all.

157. OLB Doug Hogue B

Hogue was actually a reach at this point by my board, but they are filling a need and there’s no doubt he was best available on their board. That’s just how they operate and how they have operated in the last 3 years since their new regime took office.

209. OT Johnny Culbreath B+

Another reach by my board, but they desperately need a left tackle. Jeff Backus might be decent now, but he’s in a contract year and he’ll be 34 at the end of next season. They have Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard in the mix, both of whom they do like. Culbreath gives them another potential future left tackle in the mix. He wasn’t in my top 300, however, so he is a minor reach, but it’s the 7^th round and it fills a major need so I’ll let it slide.

Overall:

Their biggest holes going into this draft (in no particular order) were cornerback, safety, outside linebacker, and offensive tackle. They didn’t draft a linebacker until the 5^th round or a tackle until the 7^th round and they didn’t draft a single defensive back, but considering they only had 5 picks and they got excellent values with their first 3 picks, who also do fill somewhat of a need, this was still a very, very good draft. Fairley gives them another dynamic defensive lineman. Leshoure and Titus Young give them two more explosive offensive playmakers. If Matt Stafford can stay healthy next year, this could easily be a playoff team.

Grade: A-

 

 

Maybe last offseason DeSean Jackson was worth this amount, 5 years, 51 million with 15 million guaranteed, but even then it was a stretch. In 2010, he had 47 catches for 1056 yards and 6 touchdowns. Last season he had 58 catches for 961 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also butted heads with the coaching staff at times and gave 75% in protest of not being given a long term deal.

Maybe this long term deal will motivate him to become the player he once was now that he’s secure in Philadelphia, but he’s a very moody player. If he’s willing to give less than 100% for one reason, why wouldn’t he give it now that he has 15 million guaranteed? This is a risky deal and an unnecessary risk. They would have been much better off trading him or making him prove it another year under the franchise tag, which he seemed fine with and willing to sign.

Grade: C

 

 

Defensive End 

Georgia

6-3 266

40 time: 4.72

Draft board overall prospect rank: #8

Draft board defensive end rank: #1

Overall rating: 91*

1/21/10: Great combination of size and speed, and more important an excellent motor and initial explosiveness. He had 12 sacks this year and was also strong against the run at 275 pounds. The only thing stopping him from being a top ten pick lock is the fact that he won’t transition well to a 3-4 scheme, though I wouldn’t be surprised if a team tried to convert him to a 3-4 rush linebacker, though that’d be a mistake. He still has a good shot of going in the top ten and I think he has top ten talent at a possession of huge value in the NFL. 

                11/18/09: Derrick Morgan is my top pass rusher in a weak pass rushing class. He has a great combination of size, physicality, and agility, quickness, and speed. He has a good pass rushing arsenal as well and has 12 sacks this season, improving on last year’s decent total. He gets into the backfield a lot and wreaks havoc with his combination of size and speed. He has average straight line speed, but is a crafty pass rusher and that makes up for that. He has good size against the run and isn’t blocked back easily. He has size to play on the left side and also the agility and mobility to play on the right side against left tackles. He has an excellent motor and has still a lot of upside as a 20 year old junior. He has good leverage and a good initial burst off the line which helps in both pass rushing and run blocking. He plays controlled and does not overpursue. He uses his hands well and has good extension on his arms to push off of offensive linemen to force holds or double teams. He doesn’t disengage from blocks that well and once a good, strong offensive lineman locks onto him, he doesn’t break away easily and he doesn’t have a great second burst or recovery after being knocked down. He is sluggish in coverage and doesn’t fit a 3-4 scheme as a rush linebacker for that reason and also because he is not fast enough. Rush linebackers are normally speed rushers, while Morgan is more well rounded as a pass rusher. He is as close to a first round lock as any defensive end and could be the first defensive end off the board, which may mean he’s a top ten pick when it’s all said and done because of the need for pass rushers in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Justin Tuck

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here