Not only did the Lions make the no-brainer selection, by drafting Ndamukong Suh, but when there was a possibility that the Lions might miss on their targeted running back, Jahvid “The Jet” Best, Martin Mayhew got aggressive, and jumped back into the first round, by orchestrating a trade with intra-divisional foe, Minnesota, and enabling the team to get their man.

Jahvid the Jet, The Lions Best Post-Barry Gamebreaker?

The Lions, with the additions of Rob Sims, Nate Burleson, Tony Scheffler, and Jahvid Best have become a pretty good offense this off-season, assuming that the team’s principals (Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson) stay healthy and improve at a reasonable and expected rate from last season’s level of play.

There are also some concerns about the nasty concussion suffered by Best last season, but the Lions apparently got medical clearance from their staff to select a player that they clearly eyed lasciviously from afar, since it was no secret that the Lions had targeted him from the get-go.

I don’t for a second believe that Mayhew is finished, either. If he can find a willing partner, I would not be surprised in the least to see him jump back into the second round to nab an offensive tackle or cornerback, especially if a particualrly enticing player remains improbably undrafted.

Would These O-Linemen Projects Have the Allure Necessary for the Lions to Select Them?

The Lions could provide themselves with some Gosder “Don’t Call Me False Start Foster” Cherilus insurance (if he falters), and potentially a devlopmental heir apparent for Jeff Backus, who isn’t getting any younger, by selecting one of the many remaining offensive line talents such as Charles Brown, Bruce “Evil Dead” Campbell, Rodger Saffold, Vladimir Ducasse, or local small college product, Jared Veldheer.

In fact, I would strongly advocate the Lions pursuing more offensive line help, since there are a few players with a surprising high amount of value still remaining.

Would a Player Like CB Brandon Ghee, Who Wants to Play With Louis Delmas, Encourage the Lions to Jump Back Into the Second Round?

There are also desirable defensive backs like Brandon Ghee, Chris Cook, Jerome Murphy, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and Dominique Franks who all could appeal enough to the Lions for them to make the expenditure necessary to jump back into the second round and grab them, meanwhile addressing a serious personnel need.

Best Gives the Lions an Element That Their Offense Has Sorely Missed

I was recently on record indicating that the Lions should grab a bigger, more punishing back for their single-back sets that they are likely to begin implementing this season. This fact, along with Best’s concussion history (there are some “red flags” raised about his future in the NFL), doesn’t deter me from believing that the the Lions likely took the best available (and most complete) running back available in the draft this season.

Best may never become an every down, workhorse style of back, but that era of running back is fading into the horizon and becoming a distant memory. Best will give the Lions a home run threat, who is capable of scoring in a number of different ways, and at any time. Kind of like a running back, who casts an increasingly larger shadow over the entire Lions organization, as it’s greatest player of all-time.

Ultimately, time and luck will determine the Lions potential chances of future success, but after last night, we can credibly discuss potential future success for this organization, without a hint of irony, for the first time in many years. Many thanks to the Lions front office and scouting staffs, for your efforts!

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.

Of course, the 900-lb elephant in the room is Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth, whom the Lions and Jim Schwartz would gladly add to the mix, if the disgruntled star can engineer his way out of D.C., at an affordable price.

These Children Are Excited For the NFL Draft, and More So For the Lions Upgrading Their Defense

It goes without saying, but the Lions desperately need to upgrade their defense. However, with the upcoming draft being very rich in defensive line talent, does the Lions reticence about indicating their intentions for the upcoming draft reflect that reality? Does the defensive line remain important, entering the draft?

The Lions do already currently have DT’s Corey Williams, Sammie Lee Hill, and versatile DE/DT’s Kyle Vanden Bosch and Andre Fluellen. The team also has backups Landon and Joe Cohen. Is defensive tackle of imminent importance?

Doug English Believes That the Lions Need to Bolster the Middle of Their Defense

If the Lions are able to acquire Albert Haynesworth, or decide to trade down, both of which are major possibilities, considering Martin Mayhew’s acumen as a consummate dealer, then which direction will the Lions turn, next?

With the Addition of the Capable Scheffler, What About Last Year's First Rounder, Pettigrew?

The Lions were involved in a three-way trade today, according to many reports. The Lions moved Ernie Sims to the Eagles, received TE Tony Scheffler from the Broncos, and the Broncos will receive an undisclosed draft pick from the Eagles.

Scheffler is a capable, but disappointing player, who has considerable potential, and is a Western Michigan University alum. With the recent loss of Casey FitzSimmons, and the injury to last year’s first rounder, Brandon Pettigrew, the Lions needed some insurance at the position. Which made adding a player like Scheffler more enticing.

The organization viewed Sims as expendable in Schwartzingham defense, due to a lack of size and his propensity towards free-lancing, a position I staunchly disagree with. The Lions linebacker group now is considerably thinner, with them likely wedded to Julian Peterson and his high-priced contract, unless things change dramatically on draft day.

Pettigrew Will Have More Pressure to Succeed, Recover From Injury

The Lions do have Zach Follett and Jordan Dizon who could eventually work their way into the playing mix, but more likely, linebacker has now joined offensive and defensive line, running back, and secondary as areas of need, entering the draft Thursday.

Michael Oher, What If?

I also wonder about the severity of Brandon Pettigrew’s injury, given the addition of Scheffler. Beating a dead horse, the Michael Oher/Brandon Pettigrew debate continues, seemingly for the foreseeable future.

All told, today’s trade should prove beneficial. The draft intrigue continues. It is not too bad being a Lions fan today.

Massive Rob Sims Should Immediately Solidify the Interior of the Lions Offensive Line

The Lions secondary remains a considerable work in progress, unfortunately. Even with the additions of DB’s Dante Wesley, Chris Houston, and Jonathan Wade, aside from Louis Delmas, and a potentially healthy return to productivity by Daniel Bullocks, the Lions have few resources to draw upon to bolster one of the all-time worst pass defense’s in NFL history.

The recent releases of DB’s Kevin Hobbs, Brian Witherspoon, and Kalvin Pearson does little to clarify their secondary issues, except to make it abundantly clear that they most definitely will be addressing that personnel group in the upcoming draft, without question.

Someone, Please Tell Me That My Unabiding ManCrush For Suh is Healthy and Prurient?

With the increasing likelihood that the Lions defensive line will continue to be upgraded by their selection of either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy at about 7:50 P.M. Thursday April 22nd, does the Lions secondary pose as imminent of a concern? Would Suh/McCoys’s addition help protect the transparently obvious shortcomings in the Lions secondary?

Even if its unmitigated dorkiness is unquestioned, this ESPN Sports Science Feature on Ndamukong Suh is fantastic!

The recent trade for G Rob Sims was a major coup for Martin Mayhew. Even with Sims’ addition, the Lions need to continue to look towards adding a value draft pick for their offensive line, given the shortcomings of Gosder Cherilus and the team’s clear need for quality depth in that position group, anyhow.

I envision the Lions power running attack will become much better now that Sims has arrived, which if successful, will allow the Lions play action/vertical passing game to fullly blossom behind Matthew Stafford’s arm.

FitzSimmons Always Played With Guts and Effort

This week, one of my favorite Lions, Casey FitzSimmons, retired due to concussion-related symptoms. FitzSimmons, whose improbable rise from 7-on-7 high school football in Montana, then small college football, and finally to playing professional football was a source of inspiration. FitzSimmons had a workmanlike, reasonably productive, if too brief career as a Lion.

FitzSimmons in the Detroit Free Press:I think the worst part about this whole deal is that I can’t see the ship right — for the Ford family, for the people of Detroit, for every Lions fan across America,” the former tight end said today over the phone from his home in Montana. “I can’t be a part of this turnaround that I think is right around the corner.

“I think that’s what hurts the most having to make this decision, knowing damn well that my body — legs, arms, everything — can still play at a high level. It’s just one hit to the head, and it could be a whole different ballgame.”

Casey, I wish I could say that I completely understand your anguish, but I believe that most NFL fans can commiserate with a stalwart, blue collar performer walking quietly off into the sunset. Good luck with all of your future endeavors, Casey!

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.