Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions sign DE/DT Tyoka Jackson, Re-sign Restricted Free Agents FitzSimmons and Redding, Huff’s stock rising….

The Lions signed veteran Tyoka Jackson to provide additional depth in their defensive line rotation. Jackson has worked with Marinelli in Tampa and was also a long-time member of the Rams under Martz. He provides some additional insurance if “Big Daddy” Dan Wilkinson decides not to return to the team.

The Lions have also re-signed TE Casey FitzSimmons and DE Cory Redding. FitzSimmons, who has never fully blossomed, appears to have a lot of potential and I think Mike Martz will be more capable of finding a method to draw quality performance from FitzSimmons. Redding, who is very reliable and durable, may have to play more Defensive Tackle this year should “Big Daddy” Wilkinson retire. The Lions desperately a more consistent rush of the edge, a trait that is not one of Redding’s stronger suits. Redding is a valuable contributor in a lot of other aspects of the game, though.

It appears that Michael Huff’s draft stock is rising. The chances of him being available when the Lions draft at #9 may be slipping. It wouldn’t surprise me that the Lions attempt to trade up for Mario Williams, A. J. Hawk or Michael Huff. It also wouldn’t surprise me if they attempted to trade down if they were unable to draft one of those three players. Obviously the team’s recent comments about having an interest in possibly drafting a QB would be a transparent smokescreen to try and goad someone into trading for their spot or trading above them to get their desired player(s) and the player(s) the Lion’s want actually may fall to them as a result.