I feel a Draft: Detroit Lions

[Vegas Dave]

Well after all the Bengals talk I figured I would do a preview for all the teams in the draft. I hope that all of you will post your opinions on what each team needs, who you would draft if at that position, and who you think the team will draft.

The Lions had a pitiful season last year and have more holes to fill than a Jim Fregosi lie. They get the second pick of the draft, and GM Millen just today, was offered Fred Smoot and the 13th pick in the draft for the Washington Redskins to move up to the 2 spot. First of all everyone knows that the Redskins need to give up more than that to move up 11 spots in the draft, but this is not a bad starting block for trade talks between these two teams. Is trading down something the Lions want to do? I believe yes. They have many pressing needs including RB, and a WR on offense and any player that they can get for their secondary definitely won't hurt. They will also possibly be looking to get a LB somewhere in this draft as well. In the first round they will definitely have their shot at a playmaking WR such as Michigan State's C. Rogers, or Miami's A. Johnson, but if the Redskins would throw in.....say a second round pick with the afformentionned deal I would do it in a second. As it stands right now they will most likely draft Rogers, which in all honesty is not a bad move.

What do you think?

 

[redking]

Ya can't blame the 'Skins for trying that trade with the Lions. Millen isn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer especially amongst GMs.

Lions look set at QB and I think you take Charlie Rogers. Sure they have a lot of holes to fill, but Rogers the big time WR fresh from Michigan St would be savoring to hook up with Harrington for 10+ years.

You take Rogers, draft OLs and DLs and let the kids develop. Suck for another year or two and stockpile draft picks, then soon the rookies become young, hardened vets and then you make some noise! However, dunno if the Ford family has the patience.

 

[Wolftaz]

I think Millen and Mariucci absolutely love Charles Rogers. Lions have plenty of holes to fill, but Rogers would be a real fan pleaser and give Harrington a true deep threat at WR. They may trade out of this spot, but I don't think they will unless Rogers is taken with the #1 pick.
:shrug:

 

[Vegas Dave]

The reason why I don't like taking Rogers with this pick is because they have Hakim and Schroeder at WR and also Drummond and Foster haven't been too bad either. They also have Mikael Ricks, who has made some connections with Harrington in the past so that's why I don't think this team NEEDS another WR. Don't get me wrong, none of those guys are stellar, but let's face it, this team is not a player away from a championship. They are rebuilding, and if thats the case I think you rebuild this team starting with defense. They need immediate help with someone in the secondary, and if they can get a guy like Fred Smoot and possibly draft another corner in the 13th spot this team would be turning it around in the secondary already.

How many WR's taken in the first round in the past few years have made immediate impacts? But as usual teams won't draft for necessity, they will draft the best talent available.

 

[spits]

Unless the Lions receive a trade offer that they simply cannot refuse, I would be stunned if they passed on Charles Rogers. He is a game-breaker in the mold of a Randy Moss with the exception that Rogers does not have a past of getting in trouble off the field. The one caution flag that comes up with Rogers is that there were instances last season where he would take plays off similar to Moss.

That being said, the Lions lack playmakers and a big-time wide receiver threat like Rogers would give Harrington a big-play option and go-to guy. Hakim, Schroeder are decent secondary guys to compliment a guy like Rogers and Rikks played well last season as the TE.

I would then go balls out on the second round pick and take McGahee if he is still there which he should be. He has been projected anywhere from the late second to 5th round. From the reports I'm reading, his progress has been exceptionally quick and he has shown an amazing work ethic in attempting to rehab this injury as quickly as possible. Many other RB's have returned from ACL injuries to perform at the same level prior to the injury....Jamal Lewis an example returning from two major injuries...one in college and one in the pros. Plus, the Lions don't need to rush McGahee back right away as they have James Stewart who is solid when healthy. He actually had one of the better yards per carry averages last season.

If they take McGahee, you have their version of the Triplets with Harrington, Rogers and McGahee. That forms a nice foundation on offense and free-agency and the rest of the draft can be used to assist the defence (primarily linebacker and the secondary.) Lions are said to be interested in Roosevelt Colvin, Mike Peterson and Shelton Quarles and signed Dre Bly, even if they overpaid for him.

Just my two cents!

 

[spits]

As for corners, they already have two young corners that have shown promise in Chris Cash and Andre Goodman. Brian Walker and Corey Harris are decent safeties. I'm not saying this secondary is stellar, but what has really killed them in the past couple of years are injuries to an already thin group. Another year of drafting 3 CB's or Safeties along with possible free agent signings at either position should help this team.

Taking first-round picks is not a guarantee for a solid secondary. See Bryant Westbrook taken 5th overall and Terry Fair taken 20th.

Westbrook was progressing well before an Achilles Heel injury set him back and he has yet to be the same.

SPITS