Their respective knowledge and character is a major plus, but I can’t accept that Kelly will be noticeably better than Fernando Bryant and Bodden is new to the Tampa-2.

Darby, Cody, Moore, Bradley(?) and Redding might constitute a better D-Line rotation with the addition of another contributor, but I think you’re selling short the total package of Shaun Rogers. He has a knack as a playmaker, a rare commodity in the interior of a defensive line, in my opinion.

In regards to the draft picks, what do names like Jonathan Taylor, AJ Davis, Johnny Baldwin, and Artose Pinner represent to you? Let alone Mike Williams, Joey Harrington, Shaun Cody, Teddy Lehman, Boss Bailey and Charles Rogers? Matt Millen and the Lions collegiate scouting staff are horrible in their ability to evaluate talent. That third rounder from Cleveland will eventually get burnt in some way or another.

I am glad you are positive about the Lions current off-season, I am finding it increasingly difficult to accept that they are heading in the right direction.

That being said, these off-season acquisitions DO represent talent upgrades at their respective positions from last year.

Brian Kelly (if healthy) is better (at least in the T2 system) than either starting CB the Lions had last year: at the number two CB spot he’ll be solid.

Bodden is much, much better than any CB the Lions had last year, no matter what the system, but he appears to be especially well suited to the Tampa 2.

The Chuck Darby signing was also a talent upgrade over what the Lions had left at the DT position after trading Rogers for Bodden and a 3rd round draft pick. Darby, if healthy will do fine, and adding two other players to positions of need to replace Rogers (who is not really a full-time guy anyway), might actually be a talent upgrade when you consider the time on the field.

These free-agency signings are not big money guys, but they are upgrades at positions of need. They are players that when healthy are starters on most teams.

So, I think the Lions are doing quite well with these picks. Looking at what they have to work with, I’m very happy with the way things are progressing this off-season.

That’s my point. These players are veterans who will not represent upgrades, except in knowledge and character. If the Lions don’t find instant contributors in the draft, it will be a very long season.

Chuck Darby will be a starter.

Both are strong character guys and vocal team leaders.

These are excellent acquisitions.