Detroit Lions Weblog

Some Post-Sims Trade Clarification

From all reports, it sounds like the Lions have had designs on adding a second, starting caliber tight end to their offense during the entire off-season, at least according to some post-trade assessments made by various experts (Cotsonika, Kowalski), which explains their acquisition of Tony Scheffler from the Broncos yesterday.

The Lions want to utilize more double-tight end formations, meanwhile, occasionally splitting out one of the two tight ends, Indy Colts/Dallas Clark-style, to occupy safeties who might otherwise play over Calvin Johnson in double coverage, or at least cheat in his direction in their defensive alignment.

I also believe that the Lions will diminish the role of fullbacks in their offense, and utilize either Brandon Pettigrew, Scheffler or Will Heller as a H-Back, when the situation dictates it. It will be interesting to see how well either Scheffler or Pettigrew takes to that role, since it is already established that Heller is a more than capable blocker who would thrive in that role.

Will Heller Earns His Living as a Tenacious Blocker, as Pictured Here

If neither Pettigrew nor Scheffler take to their blocking roles, then the Lions offensive intentions will become much more transparent to their opponents, to the Lions detriment, since they will be forced to play Heller in clear running situations.

If the Lions utilize more single back sets, I wonder if drafting a big, punishing back, like Toby Gerhart or LeGarrette Blount, would be their most prudent decision? If they are going to eventually have only a single back to protect Stafford, it had better be a big back who is dogged in his blitz pick-up, and determined to keep his QB clean at all costs.

Will Effort Like This Make Gerhart Desirable to the Lions? Can He Avoid Becoming Steve Owens Re-Incarnated?

I believe that the Lions would benefit from having a punishing inside runner, who draws the safeties towards the line of scrimmage, opening up the play action passing game, allowing Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford to connect vertically. This would be a crucial that Scott Linehan’s offense would need to flourish, in my opinion.

The larger issue still remains, since the Lions have created another defensive need at linebacker, by trading Ernie Sims, whether they will add another defender via the draft, look at an internal option, or add a veteran free agent?

Gunther Cunningham indicated at an event for season ticket holders recently that he is a firm believer in Zack Follett’s ability to take the starting job vacated in Sims’ trade, going as far as to say that he would “kill” Follett if he doesn’t eventually win the job.

Follett is in G. Cunningham's Sights, Can He Do the Job?

Whether Follett wins the job, or not, the Lions are quite likely to investigate the availability of former Titans LB Keith Bulluck or ex-Dolphins LB Akin Ayodele, either of whom who could easily slide into a starting role.

I am of the opinion that the Lions needs in the secondary, offensive and defensive lines, and running back all supersede the need for an additional linebacker, at this point.

With just over 24 hours until the draft, with the Rams draft intentions still under a shroud of secrecy, the Lions are in a holding pattern, weighing their various contingency plans in Thursday’s draft.

The Rams recnet trade of DL Adam Carriker to the Redskins has made this writer begun to experience some nervous handwringing. The potential selection of Ndamukong Suh by the Rams, rather than Sam Bradford, has become a much more real possibility, as a result.

Sam Bradford Eludes a Would-Be Tackler. Hopefully, He Does Not Elude the Rams Clutches Tomorrow

With all luck, the Lions will eventually be selecting Ndamukong Suh, and filling several of their other personnel needs capably, in one fell swoop over the next few days.