Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Acquire RB Duckett, WR McDonald and CB Fisher

The Lions have been active in their process of filling out their roster this week.   First, they signed former Michigan State RB T.J. Duckett.   Duckett is a strong, bulldozing style of runner who is fleet enough of foot that he can break out of a pile and add up extra yards.   That being said, Duckett is a pure situational, short-yardage and goal line back who may find it difficult to find carries when both Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones are each healthy.  In his time with the Falcons, Duckett did score touchdowns effectively(and often) and at one point had not lost yardage carrying the ball for a significant period of time.   Duckett is not known for either his ability to catch the ball or block, though.

The Lions continued their unwavering commitment in becoming the St. Louis Rams North by acquiring two former Rams in WR Shaun McDonald and CB Travis Fisher.   Even with the acquisitions of so many former Rams players (Dre Bly, Blaine Saipia, Mike Furrey, Arlen Harris, Lamar Gordon, Aveion Cason, Tyoka Jackson, Fisher, and McDonald)  The Lions could still conceivably add two more former Rams in G Adam Timmerman and WR Kevin Curtis, who was one of the team’s primary targets for acquisition entering free agency.  McDonald’s signing immediately puts players like LeVale Ellis, Mike Williams and Eddie Drummond on notice.  I would not be shocked, if the Lions are able to sign Curtis, that Mike Williams will be released before the March off season “voluntary” workouts begin.  

McDonald is fluent in the Martz offense and should relish the opportunity to be a larger component of an offense than he was in St. Louis last season.   I am assuming that McDonald will serve as an inside receiver and potential kick returner.

The Lions also signed CB Travis Fisher, a position that is conspicuously vacuous with the trade of Dre Bly.   Irregardless of Bly’s shortcomings, the Lions were in big trouble if they had to rely completely upon Stanley Wilson, Jr, Keith Smith, and Fernando Bryant without any additional veteran competition.   Fisher has been an effective but injury-prone player who will at the very least give the Lions an adequate replacement for the departed Jamar Fletcher.  

MLive.com’s Tom Kowalski thinks that Fisher could eventually start alongside Wilson, Jr, since the Lions may choose to eventually release oft-injured Fernando Bryant.   He also believes that the Lions will continue to consider additional players at offensive guard, in lieu of the possibility that Damien Woody doesn’t return to the team in quality playing condition.

Cory Schlesinger signed with the Miami Dolphins this week.  We will miss you Sledge.