Detroit Lions Weblog

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.