Detroit Lions Weblog

Kitna Takes the Helm, Draft Picks signed (3rd-7th), LB’s

Rod Marinelli’s decision to name Jon Kitna as the Lion’s starting QB on the first day of training camp was no surprise. Yet, Marinelli’s decision to proclaim his starter was a shrewd decision on his part. There was little question who was likely lead this team, but by eliminating the mystery it puts the onus upon Jon Kitna to assert his strong leadership role that he must now assume. He will establish a model to follow and is the only QB on the current roster with the acumen to be thrust into the role of directing the challenging, voluminous offensive scheme of Coordinator Mike Martz. In my eyes, Kitna could solidify this wayward organization along the lines of Steve DeBerg, Earl Morrall, or how Brad Johnson has impacted the teams he played for in recent seasons.

The Lions inked all of their draft picks from their third through seventh rounds of the 2005 draft. As glad as I am that they have signed RB/KR Brian Calhoun, OG/OT Jonathan Scott, OG Fred Matua, DB Dee McCann, and LB Anthony Cannon it is essential that Tom Lewand gets expected starters LB Ernie Sims and FS Daniel Bullocks into camp and ready to contribute. The signing of Sims in particular looms large, because of injuries to LB’s Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey.

The Lions have to be particularly concerned about the injury histories of MLB Teddy Lehman and SLB Boss Bailey. With all of their athletic potential, both of them have been continuosly injured and unable to get onto the field. I really have to wonder how much they can continue to depend on either one of them to be productive. The prospects of having players like Paris Lenon, “Dirty” Davis, Alex Lewis and Donte Curry as starters is a cause for genuine concern. All of these players can contribute, but the Lions need to have their most talented players ready to play. There may be no more important playing group than the Lb’s as the Lions transition into the Tampa Cover-2 zone defense. The expectations that will be placed on them in this defense will be much greater.