Detroit Lions Weblog

R.I.P. Ray Oldham, Lions sign QB Orlovsky, CB Wilson, CB Ty Law returns

Former Lion Defensive Back Ray Oldham has passed away. He was a member of the secondary in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Our thoughts go out to his family.

The Lions recently signed two 2005 draft picks: QB Dan Orlovsky and CB Stanley Wilson, Jr. Wilson has the most immediate chance to contribute to the team with his incredible athhletic ability and size at corner. Orlovsky is a project who will battle for the third string QB position with undrafted free agent, Todd Mortensen.

Matt Millen has always kept veteran (aka washed up?) defensive backs on his speed dial to fill roster openings. In his tenure, he has signed the likes of Brock Marion, Otis Smith, Doug Evans, Eric Davis, Robert “Beetle” Bailey, and Todd Lyght just to name a few. With the recent signing of R.W. McQuarters and the team’s continued interest in Ty Law the trend continues. Law, coming off of a serious foot injury, still remains tantalizing because of his leadership skills, playoff experience and playmaking abilities. I can’t fault the Lions for considering the signing of Law with the potential impact he could make in the regular season and even more importantly, in the post-season should the Lions be fortunate enough to make the playoffs. It remains to be seen if Law will retain the abilities that made him so effective in big games and what role he would play in an already packed Lions secondary.

Law is also still drawing interest from teams like the Jaguars, Jets, and his former team, the Patriots, who will all remain a factor in his pursuit by the Lions. One wonders if the asking price will remain too high for the Lions to sign Law, with all of the interest he is still receiving. If the Lions are able to sign Law it will not come without some risk. They will most certainly have one of the deeper secondaries in football with Law’s addition. Yet, if Law doesn’t posess the same playmaking abilities and skills coupled with the Lions continued inability to develop a more consistent pass rush, the signing will be in danger of being a serious bust. Either way, by signing Law or not, Matt Millen deserves to be commended for his continued attempt to return the team to NFL respectability this offseason.