Detroit Lions Weblog

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.