Detroit Lions Weblog

Artose Pinner #4 RB on Depth Chart?

Bill Emkow, who writes MLive.com’s Highlight Reel, reflects on a June 16 Sporting News column in regards to the loaded Detroit Lions backfield. The article states that Pinner has been demoted to #4 on the depth chart and that recent ‘06 Free Agent Signee Arlen Harris, who is very familiar with Mike Martz’s offense (and lofty expectations) from his time in St. Louis, has a distinct advantage in the numbers game involved in filling out the final Lion’s roster.

Pinner, who was drafted in the 4th round of ‘04, has been a workmanlike, capable backup. His lack of explosiveness and somewhat limited skill set probably spells future doom for him as a Lion, though. That being said, with several other teams searching for quality depth in their backfield, I believe the Lions should take a proactive approach and see if they can garner a 6th or 7th round draft pick for Pinner’s services rather than releasing him at the end of training camp.

The same weblog also goes on to speculate about what kind of season Kevin Jones could conceivably have as a weapon in the new Mike Martz offense. I shudder to think, to be honest. If there was one player who was more underutilized by the previous regime, I wouldn’t believe it. Jones, who had an excellent rookie year, often was forgotten in the second half of most games. Even during the first half of most games, the ground game was abandoned early and almost seemed an afterthought in the dink ‘n’ dunk-go-nowhere offensive scheme of last season. This mishandling of an obvious personnel strength was nearly criminal in my eyes. I am excited about the future prospects of Jones in this offense and am confident that Martz will not commit the same mistakes as past coaches.