Comments on: Lions Acknowledge Need at RB, Is McCoy the Most Efficacious Pick at #2?

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:58:16 +0000

Dave M–The Lions conceded last season that Backus could be moved to another position, if they had chosen Jason Smith. In this case, I think sliding him to right tackle, if Okung were ready to start at left tackle, makes the offensive line signicantly better. Cherilus appears better suited to play guard, at this point.

Renegade–you are correct about the defense surrendering so many points. Here’s the thing, upon the selection of Matthew Stafford, building a solid dependable fortress around him needs to become organizational job one. Later round defensive draft picks can make productive contributions (Sammie Lee Hill, DeAndre Levy) and this a draft deep with defensive line talent, too.

Mike–Thanks for the positive statements. The Lions defense can only improve next season, and if they add an offensive and defensive lineman, as well as help for their secondary with the first 3-4 rounds thing should be noticeably better, given the successful Lions draft last year.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:49:22 +0000

Great piece Steve. I can’t disagree with any of it. It ill be a tough decision on draft day with so many needs. I will make one pitch for it to be defense though…..how many games will we ever win when we start Q1 down 21 to 0? I think we need talent, but we need to spread it around a little too. That said….I’m still a left tackle guy (or guard if thats the real issue) if a guy is good enough to be taken at #2.

By: Renegade

Renegade — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:36:47 +0000

243 sacks.

Here’s another number: 1000 points surrendered in 2 seasons (’08-’09, ‘09-’10) by the defense.

This team needs help everywhere.

By: dave m

dave m — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:23:02 +0000

I wouldn’t mind a LT either, but if you read Schwartz/Mayhew quotes they say they like Backus… enough said. They’re not going to lie about a guy who has 1 year left on his contract (now that the Lions season is over) just so they don’t hurt his feelings. Schwartz has been giving it to us straight about the lack of talent all season, I don’t think he would have a problem singling Backus out if he was doing poorly. Moreover, there is a reason that Backus was never pulled from a game and every other lineman (except Raiola) were.

A DT or a trade down is the pick.