Detroit Lions Weblog

Hakim, Marion bid adieu

The Lions released two players on Monday, Az Hakim and Brock Marion. Hakim, one of two horrible Millen early free agent wide receiver signings (the other being Bill Schroeder), never could remain healthy and play consistently enough to warrant his pay. Hakim will remain an exciting athletic talent who has been incredibly resillient after his numerous injuries. There is no question that Kevin Johnson will be a major roster upgrade.

Brock Marion was also released. He appeared a step too slow at most times last season and missed a lot of tackles. I have also heard reports that he was not a good citizen in the Lion locker room. Terrence Holt is the heir apparent to the position, but I would not be surprised to see the Lions pick up another free agent at the position, should one of value become available.

It is significant that the Lions would release capable contributors like Marion and Hakim, in recent years they may have been forced to make due with players like this on the team. Now, they have generated the depth and increased the overall quality of their roster to the point that they are not forced to keep players of Marion and Hakim’s ilk. Again, without being overly optimistic, the Lions front office staff has done a fine job of putting the team into a position where they should be very competitive for years to come.

Lions make statement with this year’s draft

The Lions sent shock waves through the football world by defying conventional wisdom and selecting Mike Williams on Saturday. Williams, projected by Mel Kiper as the best player in the draft, had fallen to the Lions and they could not resist selecting him as the best remaining player in the draft. The fact that they have utilized three straight number one draft picks on Wide Receivers sent some noted football talking heads into convulsions. Their were outcries of over the long-term damage this was going to do to their salary cap. How could the Lions front office ignore their need for defensive playmakers, was another commonly heard clarion call. I was at Ford Field Saturday and many fans were noticeably disappointed. I think that for once, Matt Millen and Steve Mariucci have made the correct decision.

In my eyes, Williams was one of the two best players for the Lions to consider in the draft. (The other being Derrick Johnson) Williams, with his strength and agility will be the sure-handed inside receiver who will punish would-be tacklers in the secondary and should solidify their deficiencies in converting 3rd downs and scoring in the “red zone”. Williams also provides an insurance policy for the potential continued fragility of Charles Rogers. I do believe, that Lion fans will be greatly disappointed if the Lions coaching staff does not utilize this wealth of talent to their benefit. If the offensive play-calling is still as tepid and unaggressive as it has been in recent seasons, their will be an outcry of fans calling for the heads of Steve Mariucci and Ted Tollner. No one player will benefit more from the selection of Williams than Kevin Jones. If the Lions spread the field with more three wide receiver formations, Jones will have more running lanes in which to carve up opposing defenses. I wonder if Williams might not become a Tight End down the road, even if Matt Millen has denied the likelihood of that happening. Salary Cap implications aside, (will his salary be out of whack with what a NFL Tight End gets paid?) I think Williams lack of speed and large frame may necessitate him eventually converting to the position. His skills should translate well to the position if a switch is necessary.

Many analysts, have been critical of the Lions trading up four spots to select Defensive Linemen, Shaun Cody when they very well have been able to select him where they were scheduled to draft. Few prognosticators questioned the value of his versatility or his ability to make plays and rush the passer. I like the pick. Cody, will mix in nicely with Corey Redding and Jared DeVries into their defensive line rotation. He will allow Dick Jauron to make decisions to utilize each players strengths and not over-expose their weaknesses, at least in theory. Also, with Big Daddy Wilkinson’s age, the team had to consider finding a long term replacement for him. It is apparent that the Lions had Cody graded very highly if they moved up to select him, especially over his Oklahoma counterpart, Dan Cody, who is a natural edge rusher. If Shaun Cody is able to effectively rush the passer from the middle of the defense, he will provide the organization with an even more difficult to find commodity, a differential pass rusher who plays defensive tackle. I am very excited about this selection even if it doesn’t remedy any immediate needs. I am also concerned that by selecting Cody, the Lions have been blinded from Kalimba Edward’s poor performance because of his injury history and his still exciting combination of size and speed. At this point, I believe Kalimba Edwards is the second most disappointing player on the roster (Harrington would be the first, of course).

The Lions third round selection was Stanford cornerback, Stanley Wilson. Many analysts are also critical of Wilson because he seems to be a poor tackler and is a high-ceiling player due to his speed and size, but is still not all that accomplished with his coverage techniques. I again, like the Wilson pick. I think though he is a project, he has exhibited a lot improvement each season. The Lions don’t seem to need an immediate contributor in their defensive backfield, even with it’s apparent weaknesses. They have the depth that they want and once the top 3 corners came off the draft board, they knew that any remaining players would probably not be able to contibute immediately. With the hopefully continued improvement of players like Andre Goodman, Chris Cash, and Keith Smith, Wilson can be a useful special teams contributor who with coaching and valuable experience may be developed into a future contributor on the defense.

The three remaining Lions draft selections were QB Dan Orlovsky, DE Bill Swancutt, and DE/LB Jonathan Goddard. They are all long shots to have any sort of immediate impact as contributors. With Orlovsky, the Lions aquired a classic prototype pocket-passer, who should perform well in a West Coast offensive system, even if he lacks the desired mobility of most successful West Coast QB’s. Orlovsky, single-handedly brought the Connecticut football porgram to division one respectability with his performance. Orlovsky had poor workouts and his stock drop considerably before the draft. I belive that Orlovsky will make the team and possibly in a couple of years exhibit the potential to be a reliable backup.

I really like DE Bill Swancutt’s selection. He has been described as a “poor man’s David Pollack.” He is an overachiever, who, when faced with doubts over his physical potential and has responded by continually performing well in the face of low expectations.

Jonathan Goddard, is a long shot to make the team. He could be an undersized pass rushing specialist or an outside linebacker. Either way his selection is a message to Kalimba Edwards to either contribute immediately or start considering another profession. Goddard’s track record as a pass rusher makes him very intriguing.

Draft, Trades and Player Acquisitions move into overdrive.

With all of the the player trades and the trading of draft spots by teams prior to Saturday’s draft, this draft could prove to be one of the craziest drafts yet. I don’t think the moves are finished yet, either. I am certain that one of the first four teams to draft will trade with Washington ( to get two first round picks) and I would not be surprised if San Francisco finds a way to slide down and still take Aaron Rodgers. Luckily, the Lions, Matt Millen and the front office staff have had a remarkably efficient offseason where they have either made noticeable upgrades at positions of need or added quality depth where it was needed. Matt Millen deserves a lot of respect for targeting players and finding a way to make these moves happen.

First off, it looks if the Lions will be receiving OG/OT Kyle Kosier from the Niners in exchange for this year’s seventh round draft pick. Kosier will compete for the starting right offensive tackle job, but will more than likely fill the utility role that was once filled by Matt Joyce. It appears likely that the Titans will match the Lions offer sheet to Titans MLB Brad Kassell, but we may not find out until later this evening.

Matt Millen in recent days has re-signed Andre Goodman, Victor Rogers, and Vernon Fox. The way in which Goodman was abused by opposing receivers last season makes me wonder about that signing. Goodman has played well at times and is very young. He was repeatedly overmatched in coverage last season though. I am hopeful that the Lions do not have to overexpose Goodman as he continues to learn at the position. The signings of OT Rogers and S Fox are great moves. Fox will continue to be a capable special teams contributor and Rogers will remain in the competition for the starting right Offensive Tackle job.

The Lions also have signed a capable veteran receiver in Kevin Johnson to fill the role of third receiver and slot receiver. Johnson started his career in Cleveland and was very productive. He has had a significant drop-off in production in recent seasons and has been a malcontent at various points in time, at least with Cleveland. He didn’t perform all to spectacularly in his recent stints with the Jaguars and the Ravens, either. Johnson, is an excellent route-runner with good hands. I have no doubt he could fill the role of third receiver and allow the team to jettison Az Hakim. Yet, I wonder whether or not he will be happy in this limited role. The Lions are hoping to trade Az Hakim and Brock Marion for late round draft picks in this draft. I am very skeptical that any team would give any potential prospects that would be selected in the draft for two guys who are capable vets, yet have little to offer as far as immediate assistance to a club.

Killer Kowalski feels that the Lions have a serious interest in Derrick Johnson, DE/LB David Pollack, CB Carlos Rogers, FS Brodney Pool and QB Adrian McPherson. In regards to Johnson, I believe he would be the best player in the draft for the team to select. Pollack would be able to be a pass-rushing specialist, but also may have to be shifted to outside linebacker due to a lack of size. He is a football player in the truest sense of the word, and his toughness and effort would be highly desirable by the Lions. Rogers and Pool, would be excellent picks, but are projected further down in the draft so their selections would come as a result of the Lions trading down. McPherson, is moving up on many draft boards, even with his past character issues. It is believed the Lions would hold interest in him as a 3rd round pick. Their is a growing belief that he may not make it into the third round though. I am still very surprised than an obvious choice like Jason Campbell, who has familiarity with at least one version of the West Coast offense, has not been associated with the Lions.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a new release on CD that has had an impact on me recently. The Magnolia Electric Company are a band who are lead by Jason Molina who formerly helmed Songs:Ohia. The album, What Comes After the Blues, has a nice touch of countryish rock that appears to have a bit of a Neil Young influence. Yet, Molina sings with a little more vulnerability and seems to be searching for redemption, whereas the always confident Young seems to always carry a measure of assurance in his voice. It is rarity to hear such beautiful Americana with nary a hint of hayseed pastiche. It is even more gratifying to hear a record in this vein that seems genuine and influenced by the past but yet capably avoiding being pigeonholed as a rehash by pot-smoking hacks (effectively touching upon the genre without sounding like the Eagles!). This album comes with my highest recommendation.

2005 Mock Draft-Rounds 1 & 2

Here is my current mock draft three days before the draft:

Round 1
1) Niners Aaron Rodgers QB
2) Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB
3) Browns Cadillac Williams RB
4) Bears Braylon Edwards WR
5) Bucs Alex Smith QB
6) Titans Antrel Rolle CB
7) Vikings Mike Williams WR
8) Cards Cedric Benson RB
9) Skins Pac Man Jones CB
10) Lions Derrick Johnson LB
11) Cowboys Shawne Merriman DE
12) Chargers David Pollack DE
13) Texans Alex Barron OT
14) Panthers Troy Williamson WR
15) Chiefs Carlos Rogers CB
16) Saints Thomas Davis S
17) Bengals Erasmus James DE
18) Vikings Marcus Spears DE
19) Rams Khalif Barnes OT
20) Cowboys Reggie Brown WR
21) Jaguars Jammal Brown OT
22) Ravens DeMarcus Ware LB
23) Seahawks Travis Johnson DT
24) Packers Justin Tuck DE
25) Broncos Mark Clayton WR
26) Jets Fabian Washington CB
27) Falcons Shaun Cody DL
28) Chargers Justin Miller CB
29) Colts Dan Cody DE
30) Steelers Chris Spencer C
31) Eagles Heath Miller TE
32) Pats Brodney Pool S

Round 2

33) Niners Matt Roth DE
34) Browns Charlie Frye QB
35) Eagles Darryl Blackstock DE
36) Bucs Ciatrick Fason RB
37) Titans Matt Jones TE
38) Raiders Kevin Burnett OLB
39) Bears Marlin Jackson CB
40) Saints Mike Patterson DT
41) Lions Jason Campbell QB
42) Cowboys Terrence Murphy WR
43) Giants Kay-Jay Harris RB
44) Cards Alex Smith TE
45) Panthers Elton Brown OG
46) Chiefs Mark Bradley WR
47) Texans Roddy White WR
48) Bengals Luis Castillo DT
49) Vikings J.J. Arrigton RB
50) Rams Josh Bullocks S
51) Packers Kyle Orton QB
52) Jaguars Corey Webster CB
53) Ravens Marcus Johnson OG
54) Seahawks Barrett Ruud LB
55) Bills Courtney Roby WR
56)Broncos Andrew Walter QB
57) Jets Anttaj Hawthorne DT
58) Packers Stanley Wilson CB
59) Falcons Cro Thorpe
60) Colts Channing Crowder LB
61) Chargers Fred Gibson WR
62) Steelers Ronald Bartell CB
63) Eagles Adam Terry OT
64) Pats Roscoe Parrish WR/KR

The Lions would be very fortunate to end up with Derrick Johnson and Jason Campbell. I have heard little mention of the Lions potentially selecting Campbell. With the front office and coaching staffs predilection towards players with prior West Coast Offense experience, Campbel would fit the bill. He was exposed to the ideas after new Auburn Offensive Coordinator, Ron Borges, was brought in. Campbell made great strides as a Quarterback and leader in the process. Johnson is the biggest defensive playmaker in the draft and would hopefully be a difference-maker in the NFL.

Titans MLB Kassell signs Lions offer sheet

The Lions have continued to make wise decisions this offseason. Brad Kassell, Titans Restricted Free Agent Middle Linebacker, has recently signed an offer sheet from the Lions. The Titans have a week to match the Lions offer. Since the Titans are the most financially strapped team in the entire league, their is a very good chance that Kassell will become a Lion. Kassell would not cost the Lions a draft pick because he was selected as an undrafted free agent. Kassell could potentially replace Earl Holmes, or provide them with even more quality depth in their linebacking corps. The perplexing part of this signing is that if the Lions were to select Texas Outside Linebacker Derrick Johnson with their first round pick, it would increase the necessity that Teddy Lehman learn to play Middle Linebacker, make the position very crowded on the depth chart. The addition of Kassell would make probable the eventual release of at least one of the following: Earl Holmes, Wali Rainer, “Dirty” Davis, or Donte Curry.

I have contributed another article to the Fantasy Football Experience website. Lion’s Draft Wish List I question whether the Lions will be fortunate enough to have Derrick Johnson or Mike Williams available at the #10 pick. That being said, if either player is available they would be excellent additions to the roster.

Joey Harrington-Overly Confident?

With just over a week until the 2005 NFL draft is held, the Joey Harrington-No-Longer-StartingQb-or-Lion cauldron has begun to bubble. There have been some rumors that Joey will be traded along with the Lions selection in the draft in order for the Lions to draft Alex Smith of Utah. This rumor took new life when it was discovered that the Lions had attempted to conceal their recent visit with Smith.

Who can blame the Lions for exploring all of their options? I am not as firm a believer as most are that Alex Smith will be succesful as a NFL Qb? (Can you say system Qb?) Furthermore, I believe that given the opportunity, Joey Harrington may yet succeed in Detroit. The fact that the Lions are looking at other options makes you wonder, yet, Harrington’s larger concern should be who will be playing Right Offensive Tackle this coming season and will they do it capably enough that he will not be butchered by opposing D-linemen.

Harrington, as always, is undaunted by the rumors that continue to swirl. He even referred to Garcia as a “safety net” in a recent interview. Honestly, I think he realizes how grave is situation is in Detroit. I also believe that he may soon come to the realization that no matter how well he performs, he will never be fully accepted by Lion fans. The penultimate challenge for Harrington, in my eyes, will be winning over the coaching staff who seem so devoutly resolute in his lack of abillity to QB the team. Until he does this, the perennial Lions Qb battle will resume, as well as the uncertainty and despair that go along with it!

Lions Re-sign CB Cash, LB Rainer

The Lion’s front office continues to perform a yeoman’s job this offseason in free agency. Going into the draft, this is the deepest and most talented roster they have fielded in the Millen era. That being said, the Lions are still a 6-10 team who have numerous positions that can and should be upgraded. Still, the team will have a number of different choices they can make with their pick at #10. In years past, with their lack of depth and with the additional economic pressures of the salary cap-era accounted for, the team would have been forced to draft more for immediate needs. With the signings of players like Cash and Rainer, Millen can really seize the opportunity he has been given this upcoming season in the poor NFC Central Division.

With just over 2 weeks until the draft (April 23rd), it is really unclear what direction the Lions may been heading with their first round pick. They have mentioned that they will be seeking to draft a mid to late round QB to develop as a 3rd stringer. They have also mentioned that they believe that the draft is a deep draft for offensive lineman and it is their belief that a quality linemen could also be added in the mid to late rounds who may not be of the quality to start immediately but could provide needed depth.

With the premium placed on pass rushing Defensive Ends and Kalimba Edwards inability to remain healthy and perform up to expectations, Defensive End would appear to be a likely 1st round draft choice. Erasmus James has had several scouts question his durabilty (extensive injury history), lack of experience, and the fact that he appeared to slow down as the season progressed last year. Many of the DE’s who are highly touted are DE/LB tweeners better suited as Linebackers for the 3-4 defense (Shawne Merriman, David Pollack, Justin Tuck, DeMarcus Ware) or are bigger Defensive Ends are who also more suited for the 3-4 (Marcus Spears, Chris Canty). That leaves the Lions with some desirable options in conventional 4-3 Defensive Ends like the pernicious Matt Roth (Lion fans would love this guy, the coaches had to be careful so that he didn’t hurt his teammates in practice) and USC’s Dan Cody who could be selected later in the draft.

Speaking of the draft, their are three players who would reside at or near the top of my wish list to fall into the Lions laps: WR Mike Williams, LB Derrick Johnson and QB Jason Campbell. Williams and Johnson will probably unavailable, unless the Lions decide to trade up. Campbell projects as an late 1st round or early 2nd round selection, again highly unlikely a player the Lions will be able to draft. Conventional thinking, it would appear, has the Lions selecting DE Erasmus James, DE/LB Shawne Merriman, OT Alex Barron, or if they trade down, TE Heath Miller.

Lions additional Running Back depth with signing, considering 49ers RFA Kyle Kosier

The Lions have made another nice addition to their roster with the signing of free agent running back, Jamel White. White, who split his time between the Bucs and Ravens last season, could be a valuable third down back and might pick up some carries if the Lions were to sustain any injury to the other running backs on their roster. White, having added some experience in the West Coast offense with Tampa, became more desirable to the Lions this offseason. This doesn’t bode well for the future of Artose Pinner with the team in my eyes. White is more versatile and has proven to be a capable back when given the opportunity to play in past seasons. Pinner, a risky 4th round pick after sustaining inury in the Senior Bowl, seemed to fall out of favor with the coaching staff as the season progressed. The signing may also be an indicator of plans to utilize Shawn Bryson a little differently next season, since he normally performed the role of 3rd down back last season.

The Lions are also planning to meet with 49ers Restricted Free Agent Guard/Tackle Kyle Kosier. It has become increasingly apparent that this coaching staff somehow wants to resurrect their past rosters with the continued acquisition of players who they have formally coached or have acquired a basic intimacy with the West Coast system. Kosier, would provide the Lions with additional depth on the line and could conceivably fight for the vacant starting right tackle spot with Kelly Butler and Victor Rogers. If Kosier didn’t win the starting job, he may supplant a player such as Matt Joyce,who has been a capable backup in the past.