Detroit Lions Weblog

3 Day Minicamp, Tigers Vs. Lions

There have been two recent Detroit Free Press articles that have caught my attention and I believe are worthy of comment. In a today’s paper,
Nicholas Cotsonika discusses the minicamp which begins today and will be open to the media. In lieu of the recent grievance filed by players on the team against the Lions, this minicamp will obviously be heavily scrutinized. I look forward to reading accounts of the three day camp and wonder if the recent grievance will have any lingering effects on how this camp is organized and ran.

Also of interest, as mentioned by Cotsonika, will be team offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. Martz, who has made no comments to the local media but did have a brief recent Sports Illustrated interview, remains an unpredictable wild card who will garner continued fascination with his eccentric, “outside of the box” persona. Hopefully, amidst all of this it will be apparent that the team is responding to and making improvements because of Martz’s guidance.

Drew Sharp recently speculated whether or not a prolonged run of success by the Tigers could possibly turn once passionately angry Lion’s fans into a more apathetic and disengaged bunch. On some levels I agree, that most fans will follow the Tigers if they continue to remain in the playoff race as the Lion season approaches.

Yet, I think that Sharp is ignoring the fact that those same fans generally flock towards the other successful local teams and don’t pay much attention when the team is in the dumps (like the past 15 years of the Tigers, for example). I also believe that the Lion’s and their fans have a distinct and unique inseparable relationship, along the lines of say, the movie “Fatal Attraction”. I believe that as much as many of us would like to be able to avert our gaze from the horrific car wreck that has been recent Lion’s seasons, many of us are completely unable to. I am a huge Tiger’s fan and my hope of hopes is that by some near miraculous turn of events that both teams could be engaged in synchronous meaningful and exciting games. That would be a rare feat.

“Big Daddy” Dan Wilkinson Released, “Dirty” Davis Signs One-Year Contract

The Lions have decided put an end to their waiting process with veteran Defensive Tackle Dan Wilkinson. Wilkinson, who was trying to decide whether or not he was going to retire, was released and probably will find a much more limited role on another team’s roster, if he doesn’t choose to retire. I think that the Lion’s depth at Defensive Tackle now becomes a much larger concern than it was perceived to be going into this offseason.

Sure, the Lions will feature Marcus Bell and Damian Gregory as backups and will also have versatile players like Cory Redding, Tyoka Jackson, and Jared DeVries who can all man the position. Shaun Cody will immediately assume a much more vital roster role and his future on-field success will mean a lot as the team makes the transition to a new defensive scheme. Hopefully, another team may yet release a veteran Defensive Tackle (preferably younger than Wilkinson) that could solidify help this position for the team.

The Lions have also re-signed veteran LB James “Dirty” Davis. Davis, who will likely serve in a more reduced role on the roster, will contribute on special teams and serve as a backup Weakside LB. Davis and Alex Lewis will provide much needed depth and a challenge to rookie Ernie Sims as he gains a foothold on the position.

The Grievance Three

Well, Well, Well, the cat’s are out of the bag. Shaun Rogers, Marcus Bell and NFLPA player rep James Hall were the three players behind the grievance that was recently filed with the league. Rogers, who was one of the players singled out in early drills for a lack of effort, is a little bit of a surprise participant to me. Even with his past motivational issues accounted for, Rogers could be well on his way to a special career if he remains focused and allows Marinelli’s tutelage to take hold.

Marcus Bell, a nice depth player who could become more important should “Big Daddy” Wilkinson retire, is a marginal player who may really struggle to make this roster now. He is not exactly a natural fit in the team’s new style of defense but can be a valuable contributor as a short yardage run stuffer. Hall should get a free pass, he is obligated to file any necessary grievances that may arise due to his position.

The bigger issue now becomes, in what was once considered a team strength both quality and depthwise, is the defensive line as good as we once believed it was? Subtracting Wilkinson, the team has Rogers, Bell, Shaun Cody and versatile players like Jared DeVries, Cory Redding, and Tyoka Jackson who could possibly play tackle in a pinch. Should Bell be released, I am not sure what options the team may have? Just something worth noting a month after the draft.

Other than an impending Wilkinson retirement, the other hanging issue is whether the team is serious about re-signing former Lion Az Hakim, who is well-versed in the Mike Martz offensive scheme from his playing days in St. Louis. Personally, I think that Hakim is a serious disappointment who should be signed upon last resort. The team selected Brian Calhoun with it’s third round draft pick for a reason and he deserves a chance to prove that he can perform the slot receiver/return specialist role. The courting of Hakim also could be yet another sign that the team is not really happy with the performance of return specialist Eddie Drummond.

Backus Agrees to a One Year Contract

OT Jeff Backus agreed to a one year contract yesterday. The Lions will be unable to use the “franchise” tag on him next season so if they are unable to negotiate a long term contract he will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2006 season. As inconsistent as Backus as has been, he has been very dependable and durable. He will be a desirable free agent on the open market in the future if the team is unable to lock him up with a long term contract. Hopefully, he and the Lions can find a way to come to a mutual agreement.

Hasta La Vista, Joey!

The Lions and Dolphins have finally agreed upon the terms in which a trade of QB Joey Harrington to the Dolphins can be made. The Lions are probably glad to receive anything at all in return for Harrington, since it is edging ever closer to the days where they would have had to make the decision to release him outright and receive nothing in return.

For the Lions and their fans, it is a convenient and satisfactory close to this sad chapter in the team’s history. Harrington can assume his rightfully earned role in the dustbin annals of the team’s checkered Quarterback history alongside such also-ran’s and never-were’s like Andre Ware, Jeff Garcia, Chuck Long, Ty Detmer, et al. For the continued sanity of the local fans, I hope that Harrington’s stay in Miami is short and insignificant. Not that Harrington entirely deserves career failure, yet, I am not sure if Lions fans will be capable of stomaching the possibility of him achieving future success outside of this organization.

After reading the pathetic Mitch Albom interview in recent issues of the Detroit Free Press, Harrington’s “parting shots” as it were, any sense of sympathy or empathy I had towards Harrington are gone. The saddest part of the interview were his details of an imbroglio that Harrington had with Steve Mariucci about throwing the ball deeper on pass plays. If anything is more implicating of the limpid and gutless nature of these two hucksters, this anecdote makes it abundantly clear. (for more see Joey )

Even sadder still are the Detroit newspaper columnists who have so willingly and openly cast their journalistic credibility aside to serve as mouthpieces for these athletes. (also see Parker, Rob/Bly, Dre) Are we supposed to feel sorry for Joey, Mitch? What is the point in printing this interview? Unless Harrington achieves a modicum of future success in the league his feelings about his time in Detroit are moot. We can be sufficiently satisfied that the next failed hope has conveniently marched lock-step into place, right, Jon Kitna?

The Lion’s Grievance?

As has been well reported recently, some unnamed Lions players had the team’s NFLPA union reps (Terrence Holt, Corey Schlesinger, and James Hall are the player reps) file two grievances against their coaching staff for too much contact during pre-season minicamps and also a scheduling violation. The grievance was ruled in the players favor by the league and there were two days this week that the players were paid but didn’t have to report to the team’s Allen Park training facility.

In recent years, there have been similar situations that have arose with similar punishment. That being said, once the coaching staff roots out the parties involved in the grievance process it’s quite likely that these players will face an uphill battle in attempting to make the team’s roster. I don’t think there will be a witchhunt-type process initiated, but I do strongly believe, judging by recent comments by players like Dre Bly and Marcus Pollard, that many off the team’s current personnel is on board with the coaching staff’s decisions and are more than willing to put forth the work (by any means) necessary to help improve the team.

Many Lion fans have a much larger grievance that they would like to file that can ONLY be grosslt exacerbated by things like these recent grievances. Lion fans have been loyally supportive through thick and thin. If a few players want to file grievances, which is certainly within their rights, many fans may begin to decide to turn their attentions elsewhere. Football is a tough sport. Most of it’s participants enjoy physical contact. Even if career preservation is at stake, it is going to be hard for outsiders to perceive these grievances as anything but slothfulness and unwarranted sensitivity. The upcoming months will make it abundantly clear whether or not the team could have used the practice time that they lost as result of the grievances.

Lions sign Former 1st round CB Jamar Fletcher, Re-Sign RB Artose Pinner, Release LB Nate Wayne

The Lions signed veteran and former 1st round draft pick CB Jamar Fletcher. Fletcher, a former Dolphin and Charger, never has met his early expectations but could be a valuable contributor if given the opportunity. Fletcher likely will be in the mix as a nickel or dime back.

Exclusive Rights Free Agent Artose Pinner also re-signed with the Lions today. Pinner, who is rumored to be very unhappy in Detroit, is a major surprise to have re-signed with the team given the selection of RB Brian Calhoun on Saturday.

LB Nate Wayne was released today as a result of the signing of Fletcher. The Lions are pretty deep with bodies at OLB so it’s no surprise that his services were no longer needed.

2006 Draft Day at Ford Field

I was given a great opportunity by a very generous friend (Thank You SleePac) on Saturday. I was given tickets, South Club level passes, and complimentary concessions coupons for this Saturday’s draft party at Ford Field. Last year’s event had a lot more attendees, largely due to a Tiger’s game getting snowed out. The beautiful weather, Pistons and Red Wings playoff games, and the poor performance of last year’s team all probably contributed to what appeared to be a lower turnout.

The draft moved surprisingly quick during the 1st round and the Lions were on the draft board before we knew it. Their was a palpable tension as Michael Huff was drafted by the Raiders at #7. Many Lion’s fans were joking about whom the Lions may take. I heard mentions of Matt Leinart, Winston Justice, and Brodrick Bunkley among others. I was hoping that the team might successfully trade down and select either Chad Greenway or Ernie Sims. I think that there was a noticeable shock when the Lions selected Sims. Fans who had gathered for the ESPN broadcast feed, chanted “Fire Millen” upon Sims selection. At least one pundit, Jeff Reynolds , from Pro Football Weekly seems to have liked the Lion’s selection.

I also had the honor of getting Dexter Bussey and Shaun Cody’s autographs. Bussey, is a legend for people in their mid-30’s like myself who watched him perform so steadily for so many years in Detroit. Cody, an exciting prospect, was extremely patient and amiable as I told him that I looked forward to him playing next season. I also asked him whether or not “Big Daddy” Wilkinson would likely return this season. He even was even kind enough to compliment my beard (I have a very long beard).

For hardcore football fans, I recommend this event especially if it can be coupled with so many other events like a Tiger’s game (watched the last 5 innings) and the hockey playoffs (we watched the Wings at an Irish bar near Greektown called The Cock & Bull).

Do You Wonder Why the Lions Have Been Terrible?1999-2005 Draft Recap Part Two

2004 DRAFT
RD 1 Traded to Cleveland
RD 1 Roy Williams WR Texas
RD 1 Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech
RD 2 Traded to Kansas City
RD 2 Teddy Lehman LB Oklahoma
RD 3 Keith Smith CB McNeese St.
RD 4 Traded to Kansas City
RD 5 Alex Lewis LB Wisconsin
RD 6 Kelley Butler OT Purdue

Roy Williams and Kevin Jones have Pro Bowl-caliber talent. It a testament to the failure of the previous coaching staff that neither have met their potential yet. Jones in particular was sorely underutilized by the previous regime. Williams seems to have motivational issues but has shown flashes of brilliance. Teddy Lehman is expected to become the team’s Middle Linebacker after playing on the weakside in the last two seasons. Lehman has the athletic ability to drop back into coverage in the new Tampa-2 zone defense to help shore up the middle of the field between the safeties, a weak spot in the defensive scheme. It still remains to be seen that Lehman will have developed the necessary upper body strength to meet blockers in hole and win the battle at the point of attack. Keith Smith showed considerable potential in his first season but appears to have regressed a bit last year. Smith may have difficulty playing the role of a physical jammer at CB in the new zone defensive scheme. Seemingly Alex Lewis fits well as Weakside LB in the Lions scheme and showed flashes as a rookie. With the selection of Ernie Sims it is debatable what Lewis’s future role may be. Butler has become a starter, who struggled last season, and will face stiff competition from T’s Courtney Van Buren, Barry Stokes, and ‘06 draftee Jonathan Scott.

Players Still on NFL rosters: 6/6
Legitimate Contributors: 4/6 (Jones, Williams, Lehman, Butler)
Players whose performance has equaled or exceeded their value of where they were drafted: 5/6 (Jones, Williams, Lehman, Butler, Lewis)

Grade C+ If Jones, Williams, and Lehman meet expectations this grade could rise significantly. Butler was a steal at his draft slot, but has yet to develop into the player the team has hoped for. Smith and Lewis’s future roles are debatable, although both will receive ample opportunity to gain a roster spot. If there is one player on the team who should benefit from the new offensive coaching staff it should be Kevin Jones who should find some more space to run if the QB’s and O-Line perform like I believe they might be able to in the new Mike Martz designed offensive scheme.

2005 DRAFT
RD 1 Mike Williams WR USC
RD 2 Shaun Cody DT USC
RD 3 Stanley Wilson, Jr. CB Stanford
RD 4 Traded
RD 5 Dan Orlovsky QB UCONN
RD 6 Bill Swancutt DE Oregon State
RD 7 Johnathan Goddard LB Marshall

Mike Williams selection last season has added considerable tinder to the firestorm that has surrounded Matt Millen’s tenure. Williams, who missed one complete season of football prior to his ‘05 selection, came to the team raw, out of shape, and somewhat lacking in focus. Williams selection would have been controversial even if his selection hadn’t followed the selection of two more first round WR’s in preceeding seasons. Williams’s development could make or break the tenure of Millen after the failures of Harrington and C. Rogers. Shaun Cody should continue to develop into a major contributor, especially if “Big Daddy” Dan Wilkinson retires as expected. Stanley Wilson, Jr. contributed virtually nothing as a raw third rounder last year. That being said, Wilson could flourish in the new defensive scheme with his size and athleticism. Dan Orlovsky may be the odd man out in the new offensive scheme. The Lions like his apparent leadership ability but it is debatable whether he can consistently make the throws necessary to become a NFL starter. Bill Swancutt has been a capable special teams performer who may struggle to get into the D-Line rotation. Swancutt is a high effort player so he should ingratiate himself with the new coaching staff. Goddard is playing linebacker for the Colts and may have fit as a WLB in the new defense if given the opportunity.(He was released at the end of training camp last year)

Players still on NFL rosters: 6/6
Legitimate Contributors: 1/6 (Cody)
Players whose performance equaled or exceeded the value of where they were selected in the draft: 3/6 (Cody, Swancutt, Goddard)

Draft Grade D if Williams and Wilson, Jr. can develop as contributors this grade could come up a bit. Williams was misused by the previous staff and will have develop a stronger focus and get into better playing shape to have future opportunities. Wilson, Jr. is a wild card. He contributed little last year but with his athletic ability he could contribute greatly in upcoming seasons. Cody has the ability to excel in the new defense but will have to add bulk to be more of a physical, run stuffer on the inside if he is going to be an every down performer. Orlovsky and Swancutt’s futures are dubious, however both appear to have the desirable character and work ethics that could allow them to hang on long enough to develop into future contributors.

Overall Stats:
Players Still on NFL rosters: 39/51
Players Who have been Legitimate Contributors: 21/51
Players who have equaled or exceeded their draft value: 28/51

1st round Busts: 4, possibly 5 (Mike Williams?) out of last 7
Rounds 4-7 Successes(Draft Steals): 0, Potentially Kelley Butler OT otherwise the bottom of the Lions draft has contributed little to the team but players like Kriewaldt, Boone, Glenn, Murphy, McMahon and Owens have hung on elsewhere. Alex Lewis and Bill Swancutt still have a chance to develop into steady contributors.

Overall Grade:D The team’s record speaks for itself. It is hard for an already struggling franchise to overcome busted draft picks, coaching and schematic changes, and grossly underachieving talent. It is an even larger testament to the team’s front office failures in the league with the most parity of all of the major sports that the Lions have been a miserable failure who hasn’t even received a vague sniff of the playoffs in nearly 10 years. Any wonder why fans chanted “Fire Millen” after Ernie Sims was selected in 2006 draft? They have lost all confidence in the team’s ability to scout and develop it’s talent, which is so crucial in developing a winnning franchise.

To Millen’s defense, the previous front office actually did a much worse job than he has so he has faced a considerably daunting situation to overcome. Still his blustery demeanor, embarassing coaching hires, and poor drafts make all of the criticism he receives necessary and warranted. The failure to draft a potential franchise QB (Matt Leinart or Jay Cutler) when that choice fell unexpectedly into his lap may be the final mark of failure (the creme de la creme?) during his checkered tenure. I am glad that they didn’t choose either player, but, invariably if the Lions drafted these Qb’s they would have assumed their place in a long line of QB failures (Harrington, Ware, Long, et al) since Bobby Layne left the team in 1957. Since they were drafted by other franchises, it is INCREASINGLY likely that they will become Pro Bowlers, Hall of Famers, or at the very least consistent performers to build around. The Lion’s fans lament continues…….

Do You Wonder Why the Lions Have Been Terrible?1999-2005 Draft Recap Part One

The Lions have been nothing short of awful over recent seasons. It is obvious that when you have been as unsuccessful in drafting and developing players as the Lions have been in the last 10 years you deserve to be placed among the league’s doormats. This team has been particularly ineffective in making the right selection in the first round, which is where the most precious of treasures should be available to be mined. In all fairness to Matt Millen, he is not responsible for the atrocious drafts of 1999 and 2000 that set the franchise back leading into his tenure. If a criticism can be levied towards Millen, he is obsessed with drafting players from the big-time, football factories (Texas, USC, et al) as opposed to selecting players from smaller programs that could have an equal opportunity to succeed in the NFL.

1999 DRAFT
RD 1 Chris Claiborne LB USC
RD 1 Aaron Gibson OT Wisconsin
RD 2 Traded to Miami
RD 3 Jared DeVries Iowa
RD 4 Sedrick Irvin RB Michigan State
RD 5 Ty Talton S Northern Iowa
RD 6 Clint Kriewaldt LB Wisconsin-Stevens Point
RD 7 Mike Pringley DE North Carolina

Other than DeVries and Kriewaldt, none of these players have contributed much for the Lions. Claiborne has become a journeymen who likely will cling for his dear life to remain on a NFL roster in ‘06. Aaron Gibson likewise has been bounced around the league from team to team. Gibson is on Buffalo’s roster currently. Irvin’s career ended prematurely due to a serious knee injury. Kriewaldt is an excellent special teams player and has provided capable depth for the Lions and Steelers. DeVries has been valuable for the Lions because of his versatility and his ability to produce when given the opportunity.

Players still on NFL rosters:3 or 4/7 (Claiborne (?), Gibson, Kriewaldt, DeVries)
Legitimate contributors:2/7 (Kriewaldt, DeVries)
Players whose performance has equaled or exceeded the value of where they were drafted: 2/7 (DeVries, Kriewaldt)

Grade D (2 first round picks and absolutely nothing to show for it. These are supposed to be building blocks for future success.)

2000 DRAFT
RD 1 Stockar McDougle OT Oklahoma
RD 2 Barrett Green LB West Virginia
RD 3 Reuben Droughns RB Oregon
RD 4 Traded to Philly
RD 5 Todd Franz CB Tulsa
RD 6 Quinton Reese DE Auburn
RD 7 Alfonso Boone DT Central State(Ohio)

Stockar McDougle was one half of the bookended disappointments selected in back-to-back seasons by Bobby Ross. He still has not developed into a solid NFL contributor with all of his physical gifts. Barrett Green was a New York Giant last season who missed most of the season due to injury and was subsequently released. Reuben Droughns flourished in Denver and has since done quite well with the Browns. I wonder if the Lions would have liked to have had Droughns in ‘02 0r ‘03. Todd Franz is still active on a NFL roster and Alfonso Boone has been a solid contributor for the Chicago Bears in their line rotation.

Players still on NFL rosters: 4-5/6 (McDougle, Green (?), Franz, Boone, Droughns)
Legitimate Contributors: 2/6 (Boone, Droughns)
Players Whose Performance has equaled or exceeded the value of where they were selected: 2/6 (Droughns, Boone)

Grade C McDougle and Green were costly picks but the value of Droughns and Boone balances their failure. Unfortunately neither player was able to contribute for the Lions.

2001 DRAFT-Millen Year One
RD 1 Jeff Backus OT Michigan
RD 2 Dominic Raiola C Nebraska
RD 2 Shaun Rogers DT Texas
RD 3 Traded to Giants
RD 4 Traded to Giants
RD 5 Scotty Anderson WR Grambling
RD 5 Mike McMahon QB Rutgers
RD 6 Jason Glenn LB Texas A & M
RD 6 Traded to New England

The 2001 draft may have been the best the Lions have had in nearly 15 years. Backus and Raiola have started for a few years and Shaun Rogers is a Pro Bowl player. Mike McMahon and Jason Glenn still are on NFL rosters and McMahon has started games in 3 of his 4 seasons. Scotty Anderson showed promise but was maddeningly inconsistent.

Players still on NFL rosters: 5/6 (Backus, Raiola, Rogers, Glenn, McMahon)
Legitimate Contributors: 4/6 (Backus, Raiola, Rogers, McMahon)
Players whose performance has equaled or exceeded the value of where they were selected: 5/6 (Backus (borderline), Raiola, Rogers, Glenn, McMahon)

Grade B- Backus and Raiola have had their ups and downs but have been durable, reliable players. Rogers still hasn’t touched the ceiling of his abilities. Rod Marinelli’s tutelage could dramatically improve the grade on Shaun Rogers. McMahon and Glenn have performed at their expected level of capability but time could be running out for both of them.

2002 DRAFT
RD 1 Joey Harrington QB Oregon
RD 2 Kalimba Edwards DE South Carolina
RD 3 Andre Goodman CB South Carolina
RD 4 John Taylor DE Montana
RD 5 John Owens TE Notre Dame
RD 6 Chris Cash CB USC
RD 6 Luke Staley RB BYU
RD 7 Matt Murphy TE Maryland
RD 7 Victor Rogers OT Colorado

With the selction of Harrington, the Lions made their most polarizing draft selection in the entire history of the organization. The sad saga painfully continues as the team and Harrington jockey to garner benefit from Harrington’s ouster. Kalimba Edwards has flashed big-time potential but has been inconsistent. Goodman has started games but was also the player most likely to get burnt deep for the Lions. Taylor was a major mistake, Owens and Murphy have been solid NFL contributors, just not for the Lions. Cash also started games but didn’t have the overall athletic ability to survive his numerous injuries. Luke Staley was a very risky pick due to his injury history. Victor Rogers has all of the physical talent and none of the tenacity to make it in the NFL.

Players still on NFL rosters: 5-6/9 (Harrington, Edwards, Goodman, Murphy, Owens, Rogers (?))
Legitimate Contributors: 3/9 (Harrington, Edwards, Goodman)
Players whose performance has equaled or exceeded the value of where they were selected: 4/9 (Edwards, Goodman, Owens, Murphy)

Grade D the ramifications of selecting Harrington will have a long term residual effect for the Lions especially if Harrington is successful elsewhere. Only the Lions would select a player this high in the draft and subsequently hire coaches who don’t support the player enough to cultivate that players latent talent. Edwards and Goodman have contributed and hopefully the new coaching staff can wring every ounce of untapped talent out of the inconsistent Edwards.

2003 DRAFT
RD 1 Charles Rogers WR Michigan State
RD 2 Boss Bailey LB Georgia
RD 3 Cory Redding DE Texas
RD 4 Artose Pinner RB Kentucky
RD 5 Terrence Holt S South Carolina
RD 5 James “Dirty” Davis LB West Virginia
RD 6 David Kircus WR Grand Valley State
RD 7 Ben Johnson OL Wisconsin
RD 7 Blue Adams CB Cincinnati
RD 7 Brandon Drumm FB Colorado
RD 7 Travis Anglin WR Memphis

Charles Rogers has been one of the biggest disappointments in the history of the organization and shows few signs of being able to be focused and committed enough to change his R. Jay Soward-like downward career trajectory. This has been an EVEN more colossal failure than the selections of players like Gibson, McDougle and Harrington. Bailey has exhibited potential but his injury history has derailed him. Redding has been very solid and dependable. Pinner has been dependable and unspectacular and wants to try to gain another opportunity from outside of the organization. Holt and Davis have contributed but seem to have untapped potential that may never be met. Kircus, Adams, and Johnson all reside on NFL rosters but have little chance into developing into anything beyond special teamers and backups.

Players still on NFL rosters: 9/11 (Rogers, Bailey, Redding, Pinner, Holt, Davis, Kircus, Adams, Johnson)
Legitimate Contributors: 5/11 (Bailey, Redding, Pinner,Holt, Davis)
Players whose performance has equaled or exceeded the value of where they were selected: 7/11 (Bailey, Redding, Pinner, Holt, Davis, Adams, Johnson)

Grade D Bailey and Redding’s future performances could improve this grade in the future. The colossal failure of Rogers is a black eye on the organization and is particularly hurtful considering his local ties and the fact that the team still selected him even though it was well reported within Michigan that he may have had character issues. Pinner, Holt, and Davis are fighting for their NFL futures this season and all could still develop into solid, steady contributors under the right circumstances, potentially on other NFL rosters.