Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Sign WR’s Marcus Robinson and Cliff Russell, RFA CB Keith Smith

The Lions continue to search for help at wide receiver, while their best possible option may be available (WR Calvin Johnson) to them in tomorrow’s draft.   That being said, WR Marcus Robinson, if he still has gas left in the tank, provides the Lions with another experienced, quality receiving option as they approach the 2007 season.   Russell is less of a sure bet to stick with the team.   CB Keith Smith provides the team with quality depth on special teams and a player who can compete for the nickel or dime role in multi-defensive back coverages.

The first hour-to-hour and a half of tomorrow’s draft should be riveting.   Apparently, the Raiders have begun preliminary contract discussions with QB Brady Quinn, and potentially (but not confirmed) with WR Calvin Johnson, and have not extended an offer to QB JaMarcus Russell.   Meanwhile, Falcons owner Arthur Blank, amidst rumors that his franchise QB has some involvement in neglecting and abusing dogs, as well as possibly sponsoring a dog-fighting ring, has issued an edict to his front office that they must draft Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson, who may be the salve necessary to offset the damage done by the troubled Vick to the organization in the past nine months.

The Lions have to be prepared for these scenarios: 1) The Raiders taking JaMarcus Russell (yeah!) 2) The Raiders taking Johnson (boo!) 3) The Raiders taking Quinn (wow!) 4) The Browns trading up to #1 for Quinn or Russell (yes!) or 5) The Falcons trading up to take Johnson.   The best case scenario, in my opinion, is that the Raiders take Quinn or Russell and the Lions swing a deal with Atlanta, as opposed to the Bucs or any other trade partner.

The Falcons have the best trade package to spare and appear to be the most committed to moving up.   Many talking heads believe that the Lions priority order (if they don’t draft and keep WR Johnson) is DE Gaines Adams, S LaRon Landry, MLB Patrick Willis or CB Leon Hall.   At #8, the Lions will not be able to pick Adams and most likely will not be able to select Landry, either.   Willis fits a very serious roster need and would eliminate all questions about the Lions LB corps.  Tom Kowalski believes that the Lions really like Hall, and may rank him higher than Willis.

In my eyes, the selection of Willis, along with a package of picks to either stay put or trade back into the first round is an ideal scenario.   Adams reminds me too much of Kalimba Edwards, in spite of all his athletic gifts, and the Lions do have a desperate need for a quality edge rusher.   Adams has a reputation for taking plays off, and maybe all of the team’s commitment to Edwards in recent years will finally pay off this season.   I have become a little afraid of the Lions taking Adams as high as second in the draft, that’s for sure.

I will attend the draft and look forward to gauging the reactions of fellow Lions fans in what promises to potentially one of the more interesting Lions draft days ever.