Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Sign Special Teams Ace LB Landon Johnson, Pursuit of DL Anthony Hargrove and, gulp, CB/RS “Pacman” Jones Still on the Table?

Can “Pacman” Jones make it rain in Windsor? If Jim Schwartz and the Lions front office are sufficiently convinced that the talented, but troubled cornerback is serious about a return, the Lions are likely very interested.

Jones Has Fewer Dollars to “Rain” With Now!

Jones, a gifted playmaker, is still only 27 and, by all accounts, is in great shape and primed for a return. The Lions, not usually prone to Faustian deals with the devil, likely are in a position, even with the additions of CB’s Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade, where they have no choice but to extend Jones an offer.

Jones would also provide the team with a credible addition to their punt returns game, which has been a team weakness for several years now.

Jim Schwartz has coached Jones before, and has had considerable success with troubled, reclamation projects, to his credit (see Haynesworth, Albert). Many Lions fans will not be happy that the Lions are considering the addition of a grade-A turd like Jones, but to quote a friend, “if Idi Amin Dada could consistently make tackles while playing on the defensive line, sign him!”

Amin Looks Like a Defensive
Lineman to Me.

The Lions have until April 15th to consider signing (and giving a 3rd round draft pick as compensation for signing Hargrove) restricted free agent DT/DE Anthony Hargrove (and also formerly troubled), from the New Orleans Saints.

If the Lions add Hargrove and Jones, calculated risks that they may be, they will possess the faint outline of moderately good defense. At this point, I am not sure how the Lions can afford to not take the plunge, and roll the dice.

Johnson (59) Gives the Lions Some Much Needed Depth

The Lions also recently added MLB Landon Johnson, who will join the “Pain Train” (a.k.a. Jordan Dizon and Zach Follett) and Vinny Ciurciu as the team’s special teams coverage stalwarts.

Johnson also provides the Lions with some much needed depth (after the loss of Larry Foote) at inside linebacker, and conceivably, could allow the team to be able to shift DeAndre Levy around, when necessary.

In the end, as a long suffering Lions fan, I believe that the team’s personnel situation needs improvement, despite any objections that I could possibly have over the addition of “Pacman” Jones in the upcoming weeks. In the end, I guess I have an analogous level of restraint and integrity as that of the those strippers that Jones “rained upon” a few years ago. My bad.

Lions Appear Concerned About Their Personnel in the Trenches, Which Increases Draft Intrigue

The Lions are amid a busy few days, where it has become increasingly clear that they are serious about upgrading their personnel in the trenches, and could find themselves in a situation where they could be set at a few more positions as the draft approaches.

The Lions are visiting OT Russell Okung, after visiting his pro day and having dinner with him at the NFL Draft Combine, which indicates that they are very serious about considering selecting him in April. With a potential addition of Okung, the Lions could start the season with Okung at guard, if he proves unable to hold down the left tackle job, or if he does, move Jeff Backus to left guard and impressively solidify the Lions offensive line.

Do Ya Think Matthew Stafford Might Have a Vested Interest in the Massive Okung Being Drafted?

The Lions are also scheduled to visit with G Chester Pitts, who could provide a more immediate upgrade, but a less prudent and long term solution, at left guard than Backus would potentially be. Pitts is coming off of microfracture knee surgery, which may ultimately limit his ability to regain his reliable veteran form.

The interesting thing is, the consensus is that the Lions seemed to be on target for selecting either of two DT’s with their second overall draft pick, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy. Their transparent interest in Okung, which could be legit or the typical duck and dodge of a team who doesn’t fully want to betray their intentions, challenges the consensus, significantly.

The Lions could be considering Okung at two, or they could be developing a contingency plan based upon Sam Bradford being select by the Rams first overall. If the Rams take Bradford, and Jimmy Clausen is impressive in the least, then teams like the Browns, after trading Brady Quinn and releasing Derek Anderson, Redskins, and Seahawks could eventually make the Lions an offer that they are unable to refuse, to trade up and select Clausen.

The Rams GM, Deep in His Preparation of Not Selecting a QB

Of course, under this midbending scenario, the assumption is that the Rams will stay with the first pick and select a QB, be it either Bradford or Clausen. The ultimate nightmare scenario would be the Rams deciding to trade back and take Clausen, while effectively giving off the impression that they have no intention of drafting a QB. This fantastic scenario would likely never emerge as reality, because it is abundantly clear that the Rams NEED to draft a Qb.

Not Being Judgemental(I Love Dogs), But Does This Man Look Like He Could Be an Imposing Presence on the Lions Offensive Line?

The other aspect of this line of thought is that the Lions are scheduled to meet with restricted free agent DE/DT Anthony Hargrove who, even with his tumultuous past, would upgrade the Lions defensive line and increase the likelihood that the Lions pass on either Suh or McCoy. The Lions can make Hargrove an offer, which the New Orleans Saints can choose whether to match, or not. If the Saints balk, the Lions would also send the Saints their third round draft pick, which if Hargrove comes cheaply enough, could be worth it.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika from the Detroit Free Press:

As it stands, Hargrove has only a one-year deal for $1.226 million on the table from the Saints.

Mayhew was asked last month at the NFL scouting combine about pursuing restricted free agents. He said the Lions wouldn’t be very aggressive. To acquire Hargrove, the Lions would have to sign him to a contract the Saints wouldn’t match, then give up a third-round pick. That’s not normally the kind of value play Mayhew makes.

But it’s awfully interesting that Hargrove is coming in for a visit Tuesday, isn’t it? One thing Mayhew has done since taking over last year is try to acquire young players who might be undervalued. They might have warts, but they have upside and can be had relatively cheap — an attractive combo for a team that desperately needs to add talent.

Hargrove has a lot of baggage. But supporters say he’s a great guy and a freakish athlete.

Would Adding Hargrove Be the Lions Most Pivotal Off-Season Move?

If the Lions acquire Hargrove, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility that they would still select Suh or McCoy, but it reduces that potentiality significantly. An argument can be made that by adding Hargrove, even with the painful surrender of a third round draft pick, and drafting Okung or even more improbably, S Eric Berry, it would make the Lions a much better team than if they stay the course and retain their third round draft pick.

Even after only winning two games last season, the work that Martin Mayhew has been doing to improve the team has been very impressive. The Lions aren’t, by any means, all that much closer to making the playoffs, but considering the NFL hinterlands that they have resided in for such a long period of time, they are make substantially huge steps forward, in a relatively brief amount of time.

Along with the news that the Lions are going to be busy evaluating their offensive and defensive lines, they officially announced their trade acquisition of CB Chris Houston for 2010 6th round draft pick and a conditional 2011 7th round pick, which is a lighter charge than was originally reported.

All things considered, even with the loss of MLB Larry Foote and their still weak cadre of cornerbacks, the Lions are doing and have done a magnificent job of bolstering their roster as the draft approaches. If they sign Hargrove, who is only 26, they could be in the best position that they have been in while entering a draft, with their options wide open and not at all imprisoned by personnel need, in nearly 20 years.

As Free Agency Nears Dormancy, Unseasonable Flurry of Trades Begins, Bringing Lions QB Hill

In the arch and staid world of the NFL, making player-for-player trades is a rare occurence, that is becoming increasingly more common, especially with the league entering the uncharted waters of an uncapped year, limiting the number of unrestricted free agents and altering the overall landscape of player movement significantly.

In the past week, many teams have become much more inventive in executing trades, something that Martin Mayhew has shown a particular acumen for, since he has become the team’s chief personnel executive.

New Lions Backup Shaun Hill Making a Pose That The Lions Hope He Can Re-enact, While Wearing a Headset

Martin Mayhew has done a particularly good job of using the back end of the Lions upcoming draft(s) as trade chips to fill personnel positions of need. In turn, the Lions have gained far more value in their acquisitions than they likely would have found with the players that would be available to them in rounds five, six, and seven (2011).

The Lions, thus far, have utilized their late round draft picks to acquire DT Corey Williams, CB Chris Houston and now, backup QB Shaun Hill. In adding Hill, the Lions have added another player who is intimately familiar with the plays and terminology of their offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan.

Hill is an 8-year vet who, while never starting when playing under Linehan in Minnesota, had a 10-6 career record as a starter while in San Francisco.

ESPN 2009 Fantasy Forecast for Hill:

After the 49ers got off to a 3-9 start in 2007, Hill took over and won two of his three games. And after a 2-6 beginning to 2008, Hill became the starter and went 5-3. Once again in ‘09, he enters training camp in competition for the starting gig, with former first-overall pick Alex Smith. Now, Hill doesn’t have elite arm strength, size or pedigree; plus, the Niners may wind up relying heavily on rookie receiver Michael Crabtree. He’s scrappy, accurate and relatively consistent, and even when he starts a game poorly, he’s got a proclivity for comebacks.

Drew Stanton Has the Look of a Career Third-Stringer

Hill gives the Lions a reasonably young, but experienced backup for Matthew Stafford, and likely seals Drew Stanton’s fate in Detroit. Stanton will never be given another reasonable chance to compete for playing time, while a member of the Lions organization. He will remain the team’s third string QB moving forward.

Another sound, relatively safe personnel move for Martin Mathew, which could eventually pay dividends, if the terrifyingly unfortunate becomes harsh reality and Matthew Stafford suffers another injury this season.

Dominic Raiola Excited About the Lions Off-Season Moves, G Chester Pitts Acknowledges Lions Interest

The Lions de facto team leader, as a long suffering member of the organization and a player who never seems to be at a loss for words, Dominic Raiola made statements to the Detroit News’ Tim Twentyman about his feelings regarding the Lions off-season, thus far:

“You know it is a little more exciting because they’ve made the effort to make this team a little more stable and a little more solid,” Raiola said from his home in Hawaii.

“They’re spending money and trying to make this a better place for people to come to, a more inviting place. With (Matthew) Stafford on the team and Calvin (Johnson) on the team, it’s a little more exciting around here and you can sense there’s a little more buzz to the offseason.”

Dominic Raiola is Cautiously Excited About the Lions Off-Season Additions

“I think you have to really just know that the coaches have a history with these guys and they know what they’re doing. I think the impressive thing is that I didn’t know of any other names they were going after if this failed. This was no-fail. They were going to get these guys no matter what,” he said.

“I’ve been lobbying for Vanden Bosch since the end of the season. You can’t begin to describe what he brings to the table. He is always going 110 miles per hour.

“I’m excited about Burleson, too, because he gives us a lot a balance. You can stick anyone in that No. 3 spot and he’ll be that much better because of Nate and Calvin. He just makes us a much more complete offense.”

Burleson, With His Knowledge of Linehan's Offense, Should Help Calvin Johnson Immediately

Raiola is right. Just short of adding help for the offensive line and finding another running back, the addition of a solid, dependable route-running wide receiver, with good hands, is an essential element of building a productive offense for the Lions.

“You go out and get the top (free-agent) guys you wanted this year and you keep implementing the system that you’ve been teaching us, and it has to get better, right?

“I know that stuff doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t happen in March or April — it happens starting in September — but this is where you build a foundation of things to come.”

As for the prospects of the Lions drafting fellow Nebraska Cornhusker Ndamukong Suh with the No. 2 overall pick, Raiola thinks it’s a no-brainer.

“I don’t think I need to lobby,” he said. “I think they know he’s special. If Suh is there, I don’t think there’s any doubt who they’ll take.”

With Subterfuge Accounted For, Suh Looks to be the Best Option for the Lions in April

That’s the crux of the situation. The Lions, if Martin Mayhew and company continue to draft well, will eventually become a contender, as the long as the team is built upon a sound foundation.

Acquiring players through free agency and via trades, is a patchwork, quick fix exercise. Even if the Lions add help at running back, or sign a guard like Chester Pitts, who says the Lions have interest in him (and is rumored to be meeting with the team Wednesday), in the long run, they will need to continue to strike it rich with young players, like Ndamukong Suh.

Lions Sign CB Wade, Trade For CB Houston, Still Meeting With CB Lito Sheppard? D-Line Remains in Flux

As expected, the Lion signed CB Jonathan Wade and completed a trade for CB Chris Houston with the Atlanta Falcons. Houston is likely pencilled in as one of the starters, but Wade, Kevin Hobbs, Jack Williams, Brian Witherspoon, Eric King and recent acquisition and ex-CFLer, Jonathan Hefney, will all battle for the other starting spot, assuming the Lions don’t sign, trade or draft a starting cornerback, which I believe they will they do, as the season rapidly approaches.

Jonathan Wade, Another Member of The Cult of the Dreadlocked DB?

Rumors are increasing that the Lions are one of the teams who are preliminarily involved in the pursuit of recently released CB Lito Sheppard, whose pedigree, much like former Lion, Phillip Buchanon, is likely inflated, at this point. That being said, Sheppard should represent an immediate personnel upgrade, should he decide to join the Lions.

Beyond Sheppard, or re-signing Phillip Buchanon or Will James at a reasonable price, there are few defensive backs remaining who could provide much assistance for the Lions secondary. As each day passes, chances increase for the team devoting a 2nd or 3rd round draft selection on a cornerback, in hopes of finding another starter at that position.

Sammie Lee Hill is Anxious to See Who He'll Line Up With Next Season

The Lions defensive line remains in flux. Even with the acquisitions of DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and DT Corey Williams, the Lions have also released DE’s Dewayne White, DE Jared DeVries, and DT Grady Jackson. This leaves DE/DT Turk McBride, DE/DT Andre Fluellen, DT Sammie Lee Hill, DE Cliff Avril, DE Jason Hunter, DE Copeland Bryan, DT’s Landon Cohen and Joe Cohen, along with longshots DT’s Matthias Askew and Terrance Taylor on the Lions roster, all fighting for playing time.

In all likelihood, White and DeVries might have had a difficult time making the Lions roster, anyway. Given DeVries’ versatility and toughness, I would not be surprised to see the wily vet return, once he has fully healed from last season’s injury.

Much like their secondary, the Lions possess a rag-tag bunch of depth guys, beyond Hill, Williams, and Vanden Bosch. Assuming they take either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy with the second pick, and Avril and Hunter can hold serve, the Lions will certainly have an improved defensive line.

Ultimately, I would like to see the Lions look at some productive veteran help to bolster the team’s defensive end personnel, if that player should become available. At this point, Adewale Ogunleye is the closest player on the current market to boast the pedigree to potentially fit that bill. Needless to say, having more confidence in Cliff Avril as a consistent edge rusher would make the Lions defensive line situation much clearer than it currently is.

The Lions Need Avril to Become More Than Kalimba, Part Deux

It is clear that Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz made addressing the team’s vast defensive woes an off-season imperative, as it rightfully should be. The Lions are not going to become a top-flight defense overnight, but becoming credible and average could make them significantly more competitive than they have been with an utterly awful defense during past seasons.

Vanden Bosch Likes Fellow ‘Husker Suh, Matt Bowen Acknowledges the Solid Job Done By the Lions Front Office

With a trade for DT Corey Williams already on the ledger, plus another in the works for CB Chris Houston, along with the free agent addition of Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions clearly have been working very hard to improve their defense, even if they are losing defensive contributors from last season like MLB Larry Foote and CB Phillip Buchanon.

Martin Mayhew continues to give proof that he possesses an imeasurably higher acumen for executing the “art of the deal” than Matt Millen ever possessed while running the organization. It makes you wonder if opposing front offices made sport of abusing the clearly overmatched and out-of-his-element, Matt Millen. The results would seem to indicate as much.

No Lions Player is More Emblematic of the Failed Millen Era Than Big Baby

The National Football Post’s Matt Bowen, a former NFL player, wondered if the Lions made the best decisions in acquiring players upon the opening of free agency, even with the big splash made by the Chicago Bears after signing DE Julius Peppers:

But it’s hard not to ignore what the Lions did.

Because on the opening weekend of free agency, when there wasn’t as much buzz and action due to the uncapped 2010 season, Jim Schwartz and Detroit made some solid moves.

And that’s what free agency is about — improving your roster.

and later:

The NFP’s Michael Lombardi talks about it all the time, as the best teams in the league are built from their offensive and defensive fronts.

Now, we can’t start throwing parades in downtown Detroit after one day of free agency, but if you’re keeping score and looking at teams that made some plays in the market, you have to acknowledge what Schwartz did with the Lions.

They improved their roster yesterday, and for a coach like Schwartz, the first step to winning is creating a winning depth chart — and upgrading in key spots.

It is nice to see that observers are taking notice that an organization with a 2-30 record in it’s last two seasons appears to at least have a plan and a direction, as opposed to the bumbling that has ruled the day during the last ten or so years, which has marked their extended run of futility.

Chris Spielman Must Respect the Efforts of Martin Mayhew to Rebuild the Lions Defense

Pro Football Weekly’s Eric Edholm believes that the Lions have made some head way in rebuilding their defense, or at least are taking steps in the right direction:

In the course of 24 hours, the Lions made two moves to help bolster their defense, starting with the front four. First, they traded for Browns DT Corey Williams (reportedly for a mid- to late-round draft choice), a player who was stout in a 4-3 system in Green Bay but struggled to fit in Cleveland’s 3-4 scheme, and later signed DE Kyle Vanden Bosch.

First, the moves improve the personnel and depth up front. And they could ease the transition for a potential top pick at defensive tackle — either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy — with better bodies around him. It should be noted, though, that the team has sought to trade this No. 2 pick and add draft choices, and the team’s spending spree lends some credence to that plan. Vanden Bosch will be paid $10 million in the first year, and salary cap or not, that’s a lot of money. Their top pick could demand guaranteed money in the $35 million range.

I am not much of a fan of trading down, since the impact of Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, or even Russell Okung remains so lustfully tantalizing. The argument is, that the Lions could add two or more players who could also provide an immediate impact, in a draft that is incredibly rich in defensive line talent, at a significantly lower price.

I am going to go against the objective, stats and performance-based approach, which is supposed to a be a more sustainable and less sentimental model for success, and go on record that given the film I have seen (I know, I am not a pro scout!) that the Lions would be foolish to pass on either Suh or McCoy, or whomever is available to them at pick#2(Funny thing is, Suh’s stats are better, too).

The Detroit News’ John Niyo agrees:

If the Lions really want to make this investment in Kyle Vanden Bosch pay off, they need to go help the guy they brought in to help.

And that means investing millions more — tens of millions, actually — in the foundation of their defense by drafting Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh with the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft.

There’ll be plenty of talk for the next six weeks about the Lions’ myriad options at the top of the draft. Trading down remains a possibility, though it’s still a longer shot than most fans seem to acknowledge. They could select a left tackle in Russell Okung, or a playmaking safety like Eric Berry.

But I don’t think the signing of Vanden Bosch or, more important, the trade for defensive tackle Corey Williams, change much, if anything. Not after hearing snippets of Jim Schwartz’s free-agent sales pitch.

“Coach Schwartz said we were going to build the defensive line,” Vanden Bosch said. “A point of emphasis was bringing guys back from last year, adding pieces, but being a dominant defensive line.

“You can do a lot of things with a good front four. You can be a good run defense, you can be a good pass defense, just because you can get pressure or get sacks. And a lot of it is a good guy in the middle. Not necessarily a big guy to eat up blocks, but a guy who’s dynamic, a guy who’s a playmaker, a guy who can get in the backfield and just disrupt things.”

Suh Pities the Fools Who Pass on Drafting Him in April

Even new Lions and fellow former Nebraska Cornhusker DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, got in on the act and provided his perceptions of the considerable potential of DT Ndamukong Suh:

“I saw him in the spring game two years ago and then any chance I got this year to watch him,” Vanden Bosch said. “I’m not a scout. … But for a young kid, he uses his hands maybe better than any college kid I’ve ever seen. He just instantly locks out guys that are 350 pounds and he sheds ‘em. And he’s got a good feel. He’s just a football player, you know? He’s a physical specimen. But he’s a football player. He makes plays, he sheds and escapes and he’s always around the ball.”

Vanden Bosch has made his his living playing alongside another talented DT, Albert Haynesworth, whom Suh closely resembles in style of play. Upon the trade of “Big Baby” Shaun Rogers, a void was created, that could be ably filled in April, along with a better defense to match.

Lions Visiting With, Trading For Cornerbacks?

As anyone who has read my most recent previous entry well knows, I am very concerned about the Lions secondary moving forward, and despite the obvious improvements that they have made to their front seven during the early days of free agency, that personnel group needs to take considerable precedent for Martin Mayhew prior to the ‘10 season.

There is now a flurry of reports regarding the Lions and a pair of young, high-upside, cornerbacks who could very well help immediately:

from Pro Football Talk:On Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons signed veteran cornerback Dunta Robinson to a free-agent deal. With Robinson under contract, they no longer need cornerback Chris Houston.

And so, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they’re trading Houston. To the Lions. For a sixth-round draft pick and a flip-flop of fifth-rounders.

It’s a dramatic free fall for the second-round pick from Arkansas, who has started 37 regular-season games and every 2008 contest — including a playoff loss to the Cardinals.

Chris Houston (#23) Looks Very Much Like a Lions DB in This Picture

Besides a potential trade for Houston, there are numerous reports that the Lions will visit with recently released former Rams CB, Jonathan Wade:

from MLive.com:Jonathan Wade, a third-round pick in 2007 for the St. Louis Rams, will visit the Detroit Lions tomorrow.

Wade, who was released by the Rams, could add some depth for the Lions, who have lost their top three cornerbacks from last year. Detroit cut Phillip Buchanon and Will James and Anthony Henry left via free agency.

Wade started just six games in his three years with the Rams, including four starts last season. He didn’t have any interceptions in those games, but had one interception in each of his first two seasons.

Neither player will resemble a Hall of Famer like Lem Barney, nor will they likely even exceed the Bryant Westbrook-level in performance, but, that being said, each player does possess some upside and could be better than the aging, feckless stiffs that the Lions have utilized in their secondary during recent seasons.

This all comes after the Lions had been previously connected with the San Diego Chargers in a potential trade for disappointing, but talented DB Antonio Cromartie, who was ultimately traded to the New York Jets.

Never, Ever, in a Million Years, Did I Think I Would Make a Backhanded Compliment of Bryant Westbrook's Play as a Lion

If the Lions actually add both players, that leaves them with Wade, Houston, Kevin Hobbs, Jack Williams, Eric King, Brian Witherspoon, and former CFL player and off-season addition, Jonathan Hefney, hardly a formidable group. In fact, King, Williams and Witherspoon all had their seasons end with significant injury, in 2009, which only adds to my concern.

Veteran journeymen Lito Sheppard was recently released by the Jets, and it would seem (at least) prudent for the Lions to bring him in for a look, as well.

The Lions Should Take Note of What a Fantastic Defensive Back (Lem Barney) Looks Like

The Lions have been poor in their secondary for so long that is difficult not to be overwhelmingly optimistic about the team’s personnel, with each successive acquisition. The general sentiment among many fans is that the Lions secondary absolutely could not perform any worse. Yet, during recent seasons the situation continues to remain dire.

I am particularly excited about the addition of a former second round draft pick in Houston, for the relatively low cost of a 6th-round draft pick (and a fifth round draft position swap). Houston also possesses a lot of game experience, which shoould not be discounted.

The Lions will consider strongly adding secondary help in the upcoming draft, too. At this point, the Lions current secondary is clearly undermanned. Hopefully, the Lions will continue to make acquisitions that aid the team’s long, arduous march towards respectability, starting with the potential additions of Jonathan Wade and Chris Houston.

Lions Extraordinarily Busy During First Day of Free Agency

The Lions were very aggressive within the first 24 hours of NFL free agency. The Lions signed veteran DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, who previously thrived within Jim Schwartz’s defense with the Titans, signed WR Nate Burleson, re-signed veteran OT Jon Jansen, and traded for former Packers stalwart DT, but a substantially more disappointing player while playing within a Browns 3-4 defense, Corey Williams.

All of this comes after several days of rumors suggesting that the Lions were going to deal for embattled, talented-but-disappointing Chargers DB Antonio Cromartie, who was eventually traded to the Jets. The Lions did release veterans CB Phillip Buchanon and DT Grady Jackson, which with the acquisition of Williams, made Jackson extraneous.

Restauranteurs Throughout the Detroit Area Are Flying Their Flags at Half-Mast Today, After the Lions Released the Svelte Jackson

The Lions secondary is in dire shape, at this point. William James is a free agent, and with the decision to jettison Buchanon, and after losing out on dealing for Cromartie, the Lions will have to devote some significant attention to the team’s debatably weakest personnel group, as the draft rapidly approaches.

Corey Williams Hopes to Flourish With the Lions

Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch provide the Lions with a veteran presence along their defensive front, which mixed with the youth of players like Cliff Avril (Kalimba Part Deux?), Sammie Lee Hill, and Jason Hunter, and considering the potential future draft selection of either Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh, makes the Lions front seven substantially improved.

Lions Head Coach Schwartz Aggressively Recruited Vanden Bosch, Entering Free Agency

There is some thought that the Lions may have set themselves up to go in a different direction than defensive tackle at pick #2, or opened up the opportunity to consider trading down and acquiring additional draft picks, after the trade for Williams (at the bargain basement price of the 2010 fifth rounder that they received from the Broncos last year, and receiving the Browns 2010 seventh round pick in addition to Williams).

In my opinion, it is clear that the Lions have considerably opened up their available options entering the draft (they likely aren’t finished, either) but I am also of the mind that the Lions should not stray from continuing to bolster the front seven of their defense, especially considering just how weak their secondary still appears to be, which can not be entirely “fixed” in the remaining off-season.

Burleson Will Not Wear Jersey #81 in Detroit

The most polarizing decision that the Lions made was to overpay for Nate Burleson, in an attempt to provide franchise WR Calvin Johnson with a companion who alleviates some of the attention that opponents direct towards Johnson on game day.

Personally, I like the signing of Burleson. He has good hands, has been a much more proven, reliable receiver than last season’s addition of Bryant “Don’t Call Me Criminally Underwhelming” Johnson, who was a miserable performer last season. Add the fact that Burleson is intimately familiar with Scott Linehan’s offense from his days with the Vikings, and the Lions may actually have something positive brewing.

Statistics—–Rec Yards Y/R TD Long R/G Y/G
Nate Burleson 63 812 12.9 3 44 4.8 62.5
‘09

Nate Burleson 263 3547 13.5 27 68 2.9 39.4
9 yr. Career

Bryant Johnson 35 417 11.9 3 36 2.3 27.8
‘09

Bryant Johnson 210 2675 12.7 9 58 2.7 34.7
7 yr. career

The Lions still have a lot of work to do. They need help along their offensive line, desperately need a gamebreaking, feature running back, a veteran backup QB and in case I didn’t make it clear enough, THE LIONS SECONDARY DESPERATELY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED!

Martin Mayhew, Giving Thought to Adding Additional Help in the Lions Secondary?