Assuming the Lions go 6-10, which I now expect, it is time to get this thread started. We should be top 10 for sure.

Who are we looking at?

I like Limas Sweed, WR from Texas.

Nice job with the green text. I don't know who is going to be where yet (big board wise).

The first round should be an impact LB, S or CB. They also need to get some OL later in day 1 IMO.

Manningham from Michigan? We need another wr

Manningham from Michigan? We need another wr

We could go with the hometown guy.

Hell, it worked with Charlie Rogers.

can we just draft charles rogers again?

Is Drew Henson still out there?

No, but Zach Miner is, IIRC.

Kitna gets sacked the most in the NFL, 3.91 per game. Testaverde gets sacked 1.6 times per game. Detroit passed on Joe Thomas last year, don't make the same mistake this year. I'm sure there will be some impressive WRs to take though.

They need to trade down and take two OLs or an OL and a DB

Desean Jackson, WR, Cal (if he declares).

What about another Michigan Offensive Tackle?

knowing millen, you probably mean the right (as in wrong) tackle.

Yeah, we should draft their RT that lets everyone by him.

sometimes in drafting, its not about getting the best talent, but the right fit. jake long might be better than whoever plays on the right side, but the rt tackle would fit right in with our O-line.

well, you could easily move Backus to RT (which is probably where he belongs), the problem is he makes too damn much for that spot.

You can find a good RT in the second round. I'd like to spend our first rounder on an elite MLB, elite Safety or very good CB.

It really depends on whether we lose out or win 1-2 meaningless games and still miss the playoffs. That could be the difference between a pick in the teens or a pick in the twenties.

Might as well lose out at this point. Rest Kitna the rest of the season. Let J.T. or Orlovsky air it out, work on the running game, and raise that draft pick to the early first round.

I'm defiantly not ready to give up on this season... If at the beginning of the season I knew we could be 6-6 and have a shot at the playoffs I would have been excited. Obviously we've looked terrible as of late, but we looked terrible early against Philly and Washington and this Lions team came back and played some great football.

As far as the draft goes, our #1 need might be defensive back but I'm not sure who will be available in the mid first round.

how excited would you be when we were 6-2 if i told you that we would later be 6-6, with it looking like 3/4 of the team haven already given up and a congo line forming towards the IR. this just feels like more of the same to me. if they get 2 more wins (not one more) ill be impressed. but thats not happening.

Well 6-7 and basically out of the playoffs now. 8-8 would be a superbowl for us, but lets realistically approach this as a best case scenario 7 wins. At this spot, I definitely think the areas we need to target are:

First round: Defensive Tackle/Defensive End -the best one we can find. Shaun Rogers dominates, but when he doesn't play well we lose. If we had someone like Haloti Ngata in there next to him, it would be extremely difficult for teams to run up the middle.

2nd Round: The best MLB we can get our hands on

3/4 offensive Guard/Tackle prospects

All the rest are best available.

We have to spend some free agent cash and get at least on DB that knows how to play football. It won't fix the secondary but hopefully beefing up the rest of the defense will help enough.

Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas

It would be nice to get a solid corner to pair with Bryant. When he stays healthy he really isn't that bad. The only problem is every other corner we have is a nickel or dime back at BEST.

Millen could draft Manningham to play corner.

Sunday they put up a stat that Lions opponents have the best QB rating of anyone. Meaning, the opposing QB performs better against us than against any other team.
Now, keep in mind we have not faced Brady, Peyton, Roethlisberger, etc. We have played exactly 2 games against top 6 QB's, while getting to face Chicago and Minnesota twice - and STILL we have the worst QB rating against.

Draft a DB, then another, then an OL.

I heard Sam Baker, OG from USC who was a projected Top Ten pick last year, has slipped to the 2nd round value due to a deeper talent pool this year, If we could get him in Rd. 2 and a corner such as Antoine Cason or Aqib Talib in the 1st Rd...that's a big step

Judging by the current big board I'd say our options are:

CB - Mike Jenkins
S - Kenny Phillips
OT - Jeff Otah
MLB - James Laurinaitis

But that board will change a lot down the road.

The way I see it, Ernie Sims, Dewayne White and Cory Redding should be the only players whose jobs are safe on the defensive side of the ball. Gerald Alexander has proven that he's worth giving time to develop, but outside of that I'm not terribly attached to anyone.

We'll actually have safety depth next year if Bullocks comes back from that injury and picks up where he left off. Was he a star, hell no, but he was developing. Maybe he could fight Kennedy for his spot, not just on Alexander's spot, put some pressure on him to step up his game? Just hoping here.

Then that establishes CB as a bigger need than S, how about LB? Outside of Sims I have yet to be terribly impressed.

We need a MLB. Lenon has been a decent stopgap for us, but its time to start developing someone. I thought Lehman was going to be that guy, but he's done nothing since his rookie year. That injury pretty much destroyed his career in terms of becoming a starter. He looks like he'll be stuck as a solid backup at best now.

MLB is my #1 need, with CB second (if your impact MLB is not there). We suck against the pass right now, but 1 CB won't fix that (the rest of our secondary is just OK). An elitie MLB could make a team one demensional (pass) and allow our DE's to get more pressure on them. It seems like our MLB's are around the ball a lot, but just don't make the plays.

Is Laurinitas a cover 2 MLB? I think that is our biggest need, and if he fits we must find a way to get him.

Michael Oher or Sam Baker in Rd. 2 for the O-Line

1st round: Aqib Talib!

It seems I was part of a crowd roaring for the Lions to trade down and take Patrick Willis last year. Wonder how he turned out. Man, did the Niners really get a starting RT from CMU in the first as well? Funny, I can't imagine why the Lions would have wanted that. Or if WR was really that big a deal, we could have gotten Anthony Gonzalez late in the first. I hear he's been ok the last few weeks. It's hard to say what San Fran would have given to move up.
As much as I hate Ohio State, Lauraunitis, Gholston or Jenkins would all be excellent picks.

the Lions will trade Roy Williams this offseason for a 3rd rd pick, and draft Limas Sweed or Adarius Bowman in the 1st round to replace him...

now thats a Millen move

Is Laurinitas a cover 2 MLB? I think that is our biggest need, and if he fits we must find a way to get him.
I don't know. All I know is he makes plays and that's what we need. I remember people talking about how Urlacher wasn't a cover 2 MLB when Lovie went there. How's that working out? I also remember us passing on Merriman and Ware because they were more 3-4 type of guys. How's Kalimba as our franchise DE working out? How'd that Mike Williams pick turn out that year?

In the NFL people pay too much attention to their scheme sometimes and not who can simply make plays.

In the NFL people pay too much attention to their scheme sometimes and not who can simply make plays.


I agree, that drives me fucking crazy, for us to trade down last year in the 2nd round and pass up on quality play makers like Paul Posluszny, David Harris, and LaMarr Woodley, was just absurd...

How's Drew Stanton and Ikaika Alama-Francis doing right now Matt??? What a fucking joke

FORGET THE DAMN SCHEME!!!! DRAFT TALENT!!!!

In the NFL people pay too much attention to their scheme sometimes and not who can simply make plays.

How long until we fire Millen? Millen makes me feel like :emo kid:

I'm with you e-ray.

I'm wonder how many people out there have given up any hope on the Lions until Millen is gone?

There are most likely millions of possible Lions fans just in a dormant state right now, waiting for all this BS (Millen) to pass.

Well, after our worthless win we are not sitting in the 13-16 range. We'd have a coin flip with Buffalo, New Orleans and Houston (all currently 7-8). Arizona and Philly have the tiebreaker on us having beat us this year.

Houston plays the Jags (Jags clinched spot, nothing to play for)
Buffalo plays at Philly
New Orleans plays at Chicago
We play at GB of course.

Given the schedule, I'd say we'll still probably be in a coin flip senario with all or most of those teams.

We can also add Carolina and Cincy to that same coin flip if they win and we lose. Carolina plays at TB (TB has clinched already). Cincy plays at Miami (good chance for win there).

So really, we could be anywhere in the 11-16 range. We could also win in GB and put ourselves in the 20's (haven't actually checked that, but I'm sure we could). Just checked, we'd only move up down spot if Minny also lost, but we'd have no coin flip with the chance at #11. We'd be stuck at 17 or 18.

Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas...go get him MM

Most sites list OT, CB and TE as our 3 needs. I don't agree with that. Yes, we need OT, but apparently Woody has played very well there. I'd rather keep him and get young talent on defense. TE would be nice, but come on, how many skill offensive players can we draft and ignore defense?

We don't need O-Line in the 1st round, because everybody on our current O-Line is probably coming back (except maybe Mulitalo)...

Might as well wait until the 2nd round to address that...

We need a DB bad, and we also need a MLB...Boss Bailey is a FA, and my guess is he could be franchised (although I'm opposed to it)...

I'd look at Talib, Cason, or Jenkins in Rd. 1
Baker, Oher, or Barry Richardson in Rd. 2

I don't want OL in the second even (unless someone you think is really good slips).

I'd like either an elite LB (laurinitus) or CB in the first. Then opposite in the second, unless an elite OL or TE slips (not sure on the TE prospects).

I'd like to keep Woody on a short deal (a couple years) for RT, since we still have Scott there too that we can develop. Grab a OG in the 3rd to shore up the OL.

I'd rather have a healthy Jonathan Scott at RT than an arthritic Damien Woody...

Assuming we don't draft/sign a starting O-Linemen, it should be like this

LT- Jeff Backus
LG- Stephen Peterman
C- Dominic Raiola
RG- Damien Woody (he's a guard anyway)
RT- Jonathan Scott

cut Mulitalo, cut Saipaia

I'd like to see them try and sign Ryan Lilja or Jake Scott, both are FA's from the Colts

Woody has played well at tackle, I say we keep him there. Don't draft any o line early, we already have too much $$ committed. Get some athletic playmakers on defense, I like Talib, I like Laurinitas, and I like Michael Oher as a project pick.

Woody has played well at tackle, I say we keep him there. Don't draft any o line early, we already have too much $$ committed. Get some athletic playmakers on defense, I like Talib, I like Laurinitas, and I like Michael Oher as a project pick.


Well, we drafted Jonathan Scott for a reason, I think he's gotta get his chance as a starter, might as well move Woody back to a position he's more used to, then we won't have to go out and sign a guard...

I wish we didn't franchise Backus... :(

Backus would be great at RT instead of LT. He's good but he's not great. That's what usually happens to LT's that are just good, they become solid RTs. Yes, I know, everyone hates the idea of paying him so much at RT, but would you rather have a shitty LT that lets your QB get drilled from his backside week after week, or an overpayed RT that gets the job done?

I agree with Zek. If you're not going to protect your QB, then why pay your QB so much? It wasn't a great idea for the Lions to pay him so much, but that's in the past. We need to move on and make the most with what we have. In fact, that's what we've needed to do for years and people have been scared to make moves like that and look at where it has gotten us. Right back to mediocre, at best. A great offensive line is worth its weight in gold. Sorry, just felt like using a cliche.

I think your better off getting proven offensive linemen via free agency (Ryan Lilja, Jake Scott, ect.) rather than drafting unexperienced, unpredictable (as far as how they'll turn out) linemen in the draft...

Didn't we think Rick DeMulling was proven when we got him? Same with Woody? And yet there were two guards that have been largely unspectacular. Sure, Woody has had SOME bright spots, but if we're going to pay Woody what we're paying him for SOME bright spots, then surely Backus is worth was he's making to be a solid RT.
Now, I'm not saying draft someone and anoint him the savior of the OL, but I am saying we shouldn't be afraid to draft a LT just because of Backus' salary. Draft the best tackle and have the two compete for LT, loser goes to RT. Can't hurt, can it?

I'm a draft OLine guy. Don't reach, but there should be someone there.

FIRE MILLEN!

Didn't we think Rick DeMulling was proven when we got him? Same with Woody? And yet there were two guards that have been largely unspectacular. Sure, Woody has had SOME bright spots, but if we're going to pay Woody what we're paying him for SOME bright spots, then surely Backus is worth was he's making to be a solid RT.
Now, I'm not saying draft someone and anoint him the savior of the OL, but I am saying we shouldn't be afraid to draft a LT just because of Backus' salary. Draft the best tackle and have the two compete for LT, loser goes to RT. Can't hurt, can it?

True, but those were castoff OL. You need to get a guy like Hartings (when we let him go he was good), Hutchenson, etc. There usually aren't many good OL on the market, but the 1 or 2 solid ones might be worth the money if you're going to spend 2-3 wasted draft picks on them (Gibson, McDougal) trying to find a franchise OL.

IMO, you spend middle round picks on them this year and hope you find a gem.

But draft picks are an equal opportunity waste. We blow them on OL, QB, WR, CB, DE, LB - you name it and we'll blow picks on it. I say draft a TE and a S just so we can field a whole team of first day Millen picks on both sides of the ball.

True, but those were castoff OL. You need to get a guy like Hartings (when we let him go he was good), Hutchenson, etc. There usually aren't many good OL on the market, but the 1 or 2 solid ones might be worth the money if you're going to spend 2-3 wasted draft picks on them (Gibson, McDougal) trying to find a franchise OL.

IMO, you spend middle round picks on them this year and hope you find a gem.

...IIRC, we drafted Gibson and McDougal based on pretty much just size and what the GM thought that would do for them. Sadly, they were mistaken. What about drafting a smart OL? The best OL? (Thomas..)

Passing on Charles Rogers and Mike Williams could have resulted in Jordan Gross and Jammal Brown. Add Dwight Freeney instead of Joey and all the other drafts the same and boom, we let Backus go as a FA and have two solid lines with any schmuck at QB and he has plenty of time to deliver the ball to Roy and Calvin. Of course, we never would have gotten Calvin because we couldn't have possibly sucked this bad.

Draft the best tackle and have the two compete for LT, loser goes to RT. Can't hurt, can it?
This is exactly what I want us to do. You don't just automatically say "You'll be our LT, Backus will go to RT", but you make them compete, and maybe this year the young guy is RT, but next year he eclipses Backus and takes over at Left.

I just mentioned in a different thread a startling fact about Lions drafting OL. Since 2001, when we chose Backus, we have only drafted 4 OT (in 6 drafts) and 3 of the 4 have been 7th round picks. The only one chosen before the 7th round was 5th rounder Jonathon Scott. We also drafted 1 OG, but he was also a 7th rounder.

Missed opportunities to build a strong foundation?
Many teams have proven that mediocre skilled position players can succeed behind an amazing line, but rarely do amazing skilled position players find as much success behind a mediocre line.

Look at UM players. UM puts a ton of QBs, WRs, and RBs into the NFL. Very rarely do they actually succeed. Tom Brady and Braylon Edwards are massive exceptions. On the other hand, look at the list of linemen in the NFL from UM. Backus, Hutch, Runyan, Baas, Williams. Those are the guys that made it possible for Chris Perry, Anthony Thomas, David Terrell, Marquise Walker, etc to have success.

Does this point make sense?

Here's my prediction. Watch for the NY Jets. They've picked D'Brickashaw Freguson and Nick Mangold in recent drafts, as well as defense. They're horrible now, but they're a team that could be building something solid and beat the crap out of the Lions for years to come.

^Watch them when they take McFadden and put him behind that solid OL. Minny built their OL (signing Hutch, drafting McKinnie), then drafted a stud RB to put behind it. Look what that's doing for them. They have a crap QB and crap WR's and they are still winning.

That's all it takes, really. Build a great O-line, put a good running back behind it, everything else just kind of plays out. The QB has time to throw because the defense has to respect the run and he's got a great line in front of him. That gives the crappy receivers time to get open, thus building their receiving game, which opens up the run even more. Chris had the perfect example with the Vikes.

i tried figuring it out, but got a little confused by:

"• Strength of schedule for the previous season is the first tie-breaker for teams with the same winning percentage."

http://football.about.com/od/miscinformation/a/detdraftorder.htm

i would say that sentence could be interpretted too many ways to make it not even worth guessing about.

anyway, i think i counted 9 teams that will have a record worse than 7-9. several teams will be 7-9.

time to start thinking about the best part of the season for a lion fan: the offseason.

incidentally, if we didnt get our usual christmas gift from the lions, we'd have the #9 pick.

Good post/info...but we could have the first pick in the draft and it'd still be a crap shoot cuz of Millen.

It looks like we're anywhere from #9 to #15. I have no clue how it's all figured out. I thought it was a series of 53 coin flips.

According to the most recent nflcountdown mock draft, the following players may be available where we pick (which, as I said in another thread, is somewhere between 9 and 15).
First of all, we miss out on Laurinitis, who they have going at 8.
But they have two corners and two OT's going in or after that stretch.
Corners Mike and Malcolm Jenkins
Tackles Ryan Clady and Jeff Otah.
They also have Keith Rivers, who would be a nice replacement for Boss Bailey, and safety Kenny Philips. Probably not a pressing enough need to make it our first rounder.
I'm comfortable trading up or down, or staying the same. I don't think there are many game breakers in this group, outside of McFadden.

i think we got 15.

doestn matter, the way millen wheels and deals on draft day i doubt we take anyone with the 15th pick in any round.

thats actually the highlight of draft day for me. its the equivalent of watching someone who is severely retarded trying to con someone in game of 3 card monte.

We can't pick 9th. We beat Denver and Chicago (x2) head to head. So, the highest pick we can have is 11th. The lowest is 15th. We'll be in a coin flip with Cincy, New Orleans, Buffalo and Carolina (if SOS are the same).

My picks right now are Mike Jenkins or Malcom Jenkins (both CB's). I'd go OL in the 2nd and 3rd.

Where are the LB's? we need those badly. It looks like the second best ILB should be there for us in the 2nd? If so, maybe we go CB, then MLB, then OG in the 3rd. That would work well if Woody is back at RT.

It's hard to tell now because I think we'll attempt to move some players too.

Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

OR

Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

OR

Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St

OR

Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

OR

Justin King, CB, Penn St

Thankfully Carolina, Houston and Cinci all won. Had they lost, we might be picking as low as 18.

The 7-9 teams:

9. Cincy
10. NO
11. Buffalo
12. Denver
13. Carolina
14. Chicago
15. Detroit

explination:

The ninth pick in the draft went to Cincinnati, which had a strength of schedule of .461. The Bengals were then followed by New Orleans (.480).
Then Buffalo and Denver were next as both had the same strength of schedule percentage at .515. When two teams are still tied after strength of schedule, the conference tiebreaker is applied. The first conference tiebreaker is head-to-head.
Due to Denver's last second win over Buffalo in the season opener, Buffalo is awarded the 11th pick and Denver gets the 12th selection.
They're followed by Carolina (.523), Chicago (.543) and Detroit (.543). The Bears were swept by the Lions during the season so Chicago got the 14th pick and Detroit the 15th.

Lions are #15

http://www.wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11217

The funny thing is that every one of those teams are leaps and bounds better than the Lions.

When's Manningham projected, anyway?

You can try to fuck the Pats over by taking away picks, but they laugh at you when they still have #7.


After an undefeated season, New England have the seventh pick due to a previous deal with San Francisco, which gave up their first-round pick to the Patriots. Their natural pick (No. 32) was forfeited in the Spygate scandal in Week 1 against the New York Jets.

What was the deal that brought them SF's pick BTW?

EDIT- Looks like SF traded the pick (and a 4th rounder) for NE's 1st rounder last year (Joe Staley). NE traded the 4th rounder for Moss.

Lol. So NE traded Joe Staley for Randy Moss and the 7th pick this year?

Wow, so we get screwed twice by our schedule?
It's too difficult for us to beat the teams, AND it keeps us from a better pick. Brilliant.
CONGRATS LIONS! YOU'RE THE BEST OF THE SUB-.500 TEAMS!

Revised Mock Draft from that frat boy Todd McShay:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3197734&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl %2fdraft08%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist %3dmcshay_todd%26id%3d3197734

Todd McShay is The Mailman of ESPN. Dude is everywhere.

EVENINYOURDREAMSMOTHERFUCKER

Who was it that kept saying we should draft Talib? I remember someone posting it about a dozen times throughout this thread, and now that's what McShay says as well.

I'm starting to wonder if we should take a DE like Hardy and shore up our pass rush (then move Edwards for anything). Our CB's and LB's would look a lot better with a solid pass rush.

And in the same sense, our pass rush would look better with better DBs keeping guys covered long enough to let the rush get there. Both would help each other, but right now neither look any good.

I agree, the Browns need better DBs.

Ok, it's early - pre-combine, etc. But I've had a look at a ton of mock drafts and there are three clear-cut favorites among the mock draft world for pick #15.
Jeff Otah, Dan Connor, and Antoine Cason.
I'm fine with those picks, even with the guy that thinks we'll pick Kenny Phillips. But the guy that has us picking Jonathon Stewart is drunk.

Who was it that kept saying we should draft Talib? I remember someone posting it about a dozen times throughout this thread, and now that's what McShay says as well.

That was fucking me.

I STILL WANT AQIB TALIB!!!!


DEAR MATTHEW,

DRAFT AQIB TALIB.

SINCERELY, WILFREDO L.

From what I read he looked pretty solid. I wouldn't mind seeing some video on him. Our DB's are pathetic.

From what I read he looked pretty solid. I wouldn't mind seeing some video on him. Our DB's are pathetic.

Did u see the Orange Bowl??? First posession for Va Tech, Talib picks off Glennon and takes it to the house...

2007 Draft: Why the Lions suck.

Detroit Lions

Most of the Lions' picks disappointed or didn't play:

RD PK PLAYER THE BUZZ
1 (2) WR Calvin Johnson Disappointing compared with other top picks.
2 (43) QB Drew Stanton Placed on injured reserve before the season.
2 (58) DE Ikaika Alama-Francis Inactive for most of the season.
2 (61) S Gerald Alexander Contributed the most among rookies.
4 (105) CB A.J. Davis Cut before the season started.
4 (117) OG Manuel Ramirez Played in only one game.
5 (158) LB Johnny Baldwin Cut before the season started.
7 (255) CB Ramzee Robinson Played sparingly in six games.



New York Giants

The 2007 Giants draftees are at or near the top of their depth chart:

RD PK PLAYER THE BUZZ
1 (20) CB Aaron Ross Started most of the year and has played very well.
2 (51) WR Steve Smith More catches in playoffs (9) than regular season (8).
3 (81) DT Jay Alford Solid backup to starting DT Fred Robbins.
4 (116) OLB Zak DeOssie Solid backup to linebacker Reggie Torbor.
5 (153) TE Kevin Boss Starter after Jeremy Shockey's injury.
6 (189) OT Adam Koets Has played in playoffs.
7 (224) S Michael Johnson Backup to safety Gibril Wilson.
7 (250) RB Ahmad Bradshaw Sparkplug during playoffs and can return kicks

I still don't understand the Ikaika Alama-Francis draft pick, I mean it's not like we didn't sign Dewayne White to a long term deal last offseason OR have Kalimba Edwards contract devouring 15% of our payroll...

The Alexander pick was solid, pair him w/ Bullocks, and we should have a DECENT safety tandem for the next 2 years...

The Stanton pick was putrid..

There were good LB's and OG's there for the taking in the second round. I wanted those addressed.

I wanted Harris or Durant when we took Stanton (don't know how either LB did last year). We should have had Paul Posluzsney if we didn't move around from our pick. We could have just taken Stanton in the 3rd if they wanted him, he would have been there.

So we all know Millen has a tendancy to draft injury risk guys. We all know Millen has a tendancy to use first round picks on recievers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Detroit Lions 2008 1st Round pick:

Limus Sweed

So we all know Millen has a tendancy to draft injury risk guys. We all know Millen has a tendancy to use first round picks on recievers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Detroit Lions 2008 1st Round pick:

Limus Sweed

I have a really nice sweed jacket.

AQIB TALIB!!!


if not, draft a guy like Sam Baker or Ryan Clady and draft Antoine Cason in Rd. 2

Aquib Talib is projected to go to NE, I believe.

My ideal draft (at this point before combine):

1st round CB - Jenkins, Talib, Cromarte?
2nd round LB - Highsmith, Lofton, Mayo?
3rd round OL - not sure who, but best available
4th round - TE or another LB

To the 4th round I'd add "or OL" at the end. Grab the best player available at one of those positions. Everything after the 4th round (or, if you REALLY want to argue it, after the 3rd round) is just best player available.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind another OL at all. But from what I read this LB crop isn't top heavy (no standout stud at the top of the first), but it's the deapest in 6 years. So, I was thinking we could maybe get two starters in the top 4 rounds. You might get a decent guard in the 4th round, but any OT won't be any better than Scott is now IMO. I also saw a couple decent TE prospects in the early 4th in most mocks, so that might be an option.

Wouldn't mind a TE at all. FitzSimmons hasn't turned into anything after that one solid year. He came into that next season as the incumbant starter, got injured in preseason and never won the spot back. Who else do we have? McHughes and Campbell right?

Yeah. All our TE's are catching or blocking specialists (and not great at either). None are complete TE's

I'm wondering if Keith Rivers might slip to use now. The Saints were the likely destination before getting Vilma. Denver might take Rivers, but their LT just retired and they were pretty thin at OT anyway. Otah might be going there. Chicago won't take a LB with Briggs back, and Carolina needs a RB to replace Foster maybe.

I wouldn't mind going this way on day 1:

1st - Rivers
2nd - CB (Caison?)
3rd - LB (Adibi/Goff/Highsmith?)
3rd - OG

I wouldn't mind a OT, but I'd rather keep Woody for a couple years and maybe grab an OT next year after shoring up the defense this year. The extra 3rd rounder is nice because there is good LB depth and we can probably fill both LB holes in the first 4 rounds.

If we sign Kelly to play CB too, even better. I'm not thrilled with our DL exactly, but I've read that it's a pretty thin group this year and we probably won't get anyone better than Cody anyway.

well, now that Woody is gone we almost have to take a OT. Maybe Baker will slip to us in the 2nd?

If we don't bring in Dunn for RB depth, or possibly even if we do, I wonder if Tashard Choice would be a possible pick for us in the 4th round. He's living with Calvin Johnson right now, and he looks like a change of pace smaller back that might be a good depth guy.

My hope is that KJ is fine, Calhoun can develop into a 3rd down type back, and we get a guy like Dunn for insurance in case KJ goes down again. I'd rather not even draft a RB at all.

Here is Kiper's shitty mock:

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8397/kipermockus3.png

Why would we pass on Rivers and Talib to take a RB? That makes no sense to me at all. We have KJ and Calhoun. I can understand bringing in a RB to compete (Jones, Dunn, etc). But why waste a first rounder on one (unless you trade KJ it makes no sense).

I agree. If Rivers is on the board, than you can't pass that up. I could see why they would pass Talib since we got Bodden. So CB isn't our TOP need right now. But if Keith Rivers is on the board, no questions asked. Take the LB, and put Paris Lenon's ass back on the bench.

I still wouldn't pass on a corner just because we got Bodden. Who's going to be our other starting CB? Keith Smith?

I still wouldn't pass on a corner just because we got Bodden. Who's going to be our other starting CB? Keith Smith?


Probably Brian Kelly, if we sign him. I'm not denying the fact that we don't need a corner. Obviously you'd like to see that need addressed, but I'm just saying that in the pecking order of our needs, a middle linebacker should come before corner, simply b/c we were able to acquire Bodden, so that heals that "wound" at least a little bit. Not to mention we resigned Travis Fisher this week for depth.

Look at our linebackers, we have Ernie Sims, Paris Lenon, and Alex Lewis on our roster. That's it. Lehman & Bailey are gone. And we haven't added anybody in free agency that can play the position.

If Keith Rivers is available, you have to select him. Then perhaps you could get a solid corner like Antoine Cason in Rd. 2

Also, say if a guy such has OT Chris Williams from Vandy is available at 15, then I think that need would trump both CB & LB.

Unless, you think Jonathan Scott is capable of starting next year...

In the Tampa 2 you can replace corners with gatorade coolers if you cna teach them to bump a receiver and take up a blocker on run plays. If we use a third round pick on a corner I'll be hella pissed let alone our first with so many huge troubles in the teams line play. Closer to the ball the better. I'm thinking Harvey is going to be available and he's an impact guy.

Oh, I'd take the MLB first, I just meant the corner makes more sense than the RB the mock has us taking.

Scott has potential, but I don't know if he's a solid starter yet. Maybe he'd be ok at RT but with our line already as weak as it is, I would be more than happy seeing them take a solid OT in round 1.

Can we get this thread name changed to "2008 WTFSuperBowl (NFL Draft)"

The Tampa 2 turned nate vasher into a probowl CB, we need a MLB more than a DB. The tampa 2 is designed to stop 3rd and long, but the problem is that teams are getting 4 -5 yards per run, we need a MLB that can not only stop the pass (Paris Lenon) but also be like Urlacher and stop the run. Can Rivers be that guy? What are his speed numbers like? Can he have the instincts to run with a TE 25 yards downfield? If so and hes there you take him, if not get the best player available, not necessarily a CB.

I would be happy with Rivers in the first and Lofton/Mayo in the 2nd. I'd also be happy with the Roy trade mentioned and grabbing a RT with the extra pick. You can find good RT's in the 2nd round (we passed on them many years to take shitty DE, QB's and other crap).

Think it's possible Dan Connor could slip to us in Rd. 2??? I still don't know why the hell we didn't go after Posluszny last year, yeah he broke his wrist mid-season for Buffalo, but he was putting up some nifty numbers in the games he was playing in...

I would like Curtis Lofton too. Big 12 Defensive Player of the year, he's no slouch. I didn't see too much of Jerod Mayo.

McShay's latest mock has us taking Derrick Harvey, DE from Florida

Strengths: Has an explosive first step and can beat most blocker to the point of attack. Shows good awareness and locates the ball quickly. Moves well laterally and does a nice job of scraping down the line of scrimmage. Stays home when plays goes away from him and generally does a nice job of setting the edge when opponents attack the perimeter to his side. Takes sound pursuit angles, closes down cutback lanes and has sideline-to-sideline range. Plays under control in space, wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. Is fast enough to turn the corner and shows excellent closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Runs line stunts well and flashes an effective rip move when shoots inside. Changes directions well, flashes an effective spin move and can set tackles up to the outside before redirecting inside. Has a mean streak and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit when gets to the quarterback. Keeps head up, times jumps well and can get hands on passes when doesn't get to the quarterback. While doesn't have much experience dropping into coverage, is quick and athletic enough to hold own in zone coverage once he gains experience in this area.

Weaknesses: Though tough, lacks ideal lower body strength, doesn't always stay low to the ground and struggles to anchor when teams run at him. Doesn't use hands well, doesn't deliver power punch and takes too long to long to shed blocks when gets reached. Relies on quickness too much and occasionally tries to sidestep blocks rather than stacking them up. Doesn't protect legs all that well and is vulnerable to cut blocks. Appears to pull up when blockers are able to get into position and effort is inconsistent.

Overall: Florida redshirted Harvey in 2004 and he appeared in nine games of the 2005 season. Harvey stated all 14 games of the 2006 season and recorded 11 sacks that year. He started all 13 games of the 2007 season recording 32 total tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 quarterback sacks and three quarterback-hurries. Harvey is going to have problems holding his own when NFL offensive tackles get their hands on him so he isn't a good fit for a team that asks its defensive linemen to occupy two gaps. However, he has the burst and athletic ability to eventually excel in a one-gap scheme and he should make an immediate impact rushing the passer. Harvey projects as a first round pick consequently.


http://digitalheadbutt.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/derrick_harvey.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/320574785_ff36b07579.jpg

This is a teammate of his, does anyone else find it funny?

Doesn't Moss play for the Broncos?

Yes sir.

A guy like that is a Conservative?

Apparently. And he uses such perfect grammar in his "status"

What a douche.

Jarvis was appointed "Troy Smith's worse nightmare"
Worse than what? Worse than Troy Smith's other bad nightmares? Are there other nightmares that are worse than Jarvis? What qualifies as a better nightmare? I hate people.

My nightmare is Troy Smith being the starter for the Ravens.

Is that your "worse" nightmare?

My nightmare is Troy Smith being the starter for the Ravens.


can't be worse than Kyle F-ing Boller...

Am I the only one who wonders why the Patriots forfeit the 31st pick but get to KEEP the 7th pick?

Am I the only one who wonders why the Patriots forfeit the 31st pick but get to KEEP the 7th pick?


Yeah, I would imagine you are. Would you like to take away their 2006 draft?

Sure. I'd like to take away their 6th round pick in the 01 draft as well.

Why their 2006 draft Hermy?

I meant that I don't get why the Patriots don't forfeit the 7th pick instead of the 31st pick, if that helps clear up what I said.

I understnood that part sir, I was just confused about Hermy's side of it.

Holy shit, hearing Kiper talk is a trip.

You could hear him over the volume of his hair?

The obvious reason is because you can't punish them by taking away something they traded for, only taking away something the league usually gives them. The #7 pick was from a trade.

You could hear him over the volume of his hair?

lol, yeah...surprisingly.

Guy talks so weird.

I'm incredibly torn. Every year the draft is the time I get so excited about. It's the Lions' Super Bowl. The one time I get to cheer for them to do something that makes a difference.
Well, this year it's anti-climatic. You see, there is SO much worn with this team, that if they fill hole #1 in the 1st round, I'll be so concerned over whether or not the passed up the right guys for holes #2 - #16. There is too much this team needs for me to have any faith that the gaping holes won't just add pressure and once again break a high draft pick within 3-4 years so he can be cut or shipped off for a container of Millen-stache pomade.

I just hope we don't draft Limas Sweed, Devin Thomas, or Malcolm Kelly. If we don't draft any of those 3 (or any other WR for that matter), I'll be, for the most part, happy.

We'll just draft whatever RB Kiper has the highest rated player on the board in the 1st. Then we'll use our 2nd rounder on a position we don't need at all, probably a CB. Then we'll try and and find two starters (LB & RT maybe) in the 3rd. The rest of the draft will be used on junk players that will never make it.

If the draft is the Lions' Superbowl, I'd hate to see what would happen if they ever (haha) made it to the REAL Superbowl.

The Lions must be the Buffalo Bills/Minnesota Vikings of the draft (both losing all of their 4 trips to the Superbowl).

I think that now that he has has surgery that will keep him out 6 months, that Jonathan Stewart is the perfect Millen pick.

They probably weren't interested until they learned about the surgery.

I think that now that he has has surgery that will keep him out 6 months, that Jonathan Stewart is the perfect Millen pick.

They probably weren't interested until they learned about the surgery.

Good one, but actually I look at differently. The reason they cut KJ is because he won't be ready until halfway through the season. They want to start building their future at RB now (because Bell is here 1 year). They will probably avoid Stewart and take Mendenhall (even though they probably liked Stewart more). Then Stewart will end up being a better RB than whoever we draft.

Good one, but actually I look at differently. The reason they cut KJ is because he won't be ready until halfway through the season. They want to start building their future at RB now (because Bell is here 1 year). They will probably avoid Stewart and take Mendenhall (even though they probably liked Stewart more). Then Stewart will end up being a better RB than whoever we draft.
Like what happened with McGahee?

And I was about to post that comment about us being the Bills if this is our Super Bowl. Damn you guys for posting funny quips while I'm in class.

Who would you guys rather have, Mendenhall or Stewart?

My vote goes to Mendenhall.

If you couldn't tell, I was joking about taking Stewart.

He'd be a fine pick for a team that has the luxury of waiting on him, the Lions have way too many holes to fill.

Sorry, I thought that the sarcasm would be more obvious.

No, I actually agree with your sarcasm. I just know that we'll probably pass on him because we are impatient and screw ourselves that way too.

If you couldn't tell, I was joking about taking Stewart.

He'd be a fine pick for a team that has the luxury of waiting on him, the Lions have way too many holes to fill.

Sorry, I thought that the sarcasm would be more obvious.


Glenn, what rock have you been living under? Nearly ever mock has the Lions taking a RB now...and it shouldn't be assumed as a given that Mendenhall will be there at 15, I hear Chicago likes him alot...


Cedric Benson experiment is officially over.

I seriously think Slaton will be the best back of this year's draft. Ok, McFadden better, but Slaton after that.
I could be completely wrong, but a lot of people are knocking him for one reason or another and I think he's worth a shot in the 3rd or 4th round and will make teams sorry they passed on him.

I think Steve Slaton is a piece of shit. He was pretty lousy this year at WV (at least compared to his previous seasons), and he doesn't have the size to be an everydown back.

He's definitely going to be a 2nd day pick, but I don't expect him to be much of an NFL player. I would say his ceiling is LaBrandon Toefield.

A 2nd day pick isn't expected to be an every down back. If he can play special teams and develop into a change of pace or third down back, that would be a solid contribution form a 4th round pick. Better than our previous years, those guys aren't even in the league anymore.

A 2nd day pick isn't expected to be an every down back. If he can play special teams and develop into a change of pace or third down back, that would be a solid contribution form a 4th round pick. Better than our previous years, those guys aren't even in the league anymore.

True, but unfortunately without KJ we now lack an every down back. I'm hoping we use our extra 3rd on a back.

If used correctly, Tatum and Duckett would have been a decent RB by committee tandom, too bad Duckett already went elsewhere.

If used correctly, Tatum and Duckett would have been a decent RB by committee tandom, too bad Duckett already went elsewhere.


I agree, if we knew how to properly manage our free agents, Tatum & Duckett would be a "passable" duo for one season.

Millen.

If we knew how to properly manage our free agents? Hell, just imagine if we had a passable GM? Or even an owner who halfway cared?

Per Mike Valenti, (so take it FWIW), he says there are reports that the Lions are taking a look at Simeon Rice.

So if thats true, we can cross Derrick Harvey off the list.

MENDENHALL!!!

I would believe Valenti 100% on this one. We may not sign him, but he's a former Bucs guy so there's no doubt in my mind we're taking a look. At the right price, I'd be happy to have him.

I'll take him to, but I'm not sure how much he can contribte anymore, he was cut by 2 teams in the middle of last season (Broncos, and Colts I think)...

I suppose he's better than Ikaika Alama-Francis though, so what the hell, sign him up!

If anything he can play mentor to IAF. Rice was a pass-rushing DE. I didn't realize he was cut by two teams. At this point, we need all the DE help we can get.

I'd welcome the move too. We can't spend a pick on a DE right now anyway with our LB, RT and RB holes.

I think Rice is washed up.

Perfect fit, sign him.

He's washed up, but he'd be good depth while the young guy develops, a good mentor figure.

Which means Millen will inevitably give him a 4 year/$30mill deal with an $8mil signing bonus.

I think Rice is washed up.

Perfect fit, sign him.

I'd rather have washed up for a 1 year deal then total bust for many years (like we did in resigning Kalimba a few years ago). If we don't bring in a vet you know Millen will overpay for crap that we'll be stuck with.

But will Millen be smart enough to just sign him to a 1 year deal?

I think so. He's done that with Bell and a couple other players. I think that Rod is doing most of the FA choices anyway. Millen is busy planning on screwing up the draft.

Anyone opposed to just letting Marinelli and his staff run the draft this year?

Nope, I'm not opposed to it either. ;)

I think I lost some brain cells after inhaling fumes while working under my truck for the last 4 hours.

10. Detroit (acquired in a trade with New Orleans). Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall. Matt Millen deals up from number 15 to get a 227-pound back with 4.4 speed ... and coming off a 1,600-yard season with every defensive eye on him every snap. Nice back for the plastic grass of Ford Field.
Peter King seems to think we're going to trade up with New Orleans to take Mendenhall now. I'd like to know what he thinks we're giving up to make that move.

Roy Williams.

Bubbles.

Would you trade Roy for Mendenhall?

Fuck no!

Well, not Roy + our pick, anyway...

Roy straight up for their 1st. Would you do that? Basically, Roy straight up for Mendenhall (if that's who we'd take there)

I think one of the good OTs will be there at our pick (Williams of Clady). Mendenhall and an OT would improve our run game a lot. I still like the idea of drafting a 3rd round back, but Mendenhall also seems to be a complete back.

We already have a 3rd round back on our roster that hasn't gotten a real chance to shine yet.

So take another and let them compete. I'm leery of grabbing a first round back and putting him behind a shitty OL. Then again, if Clady and Williams are gone, get the RB. I'd rather put him behind a suspect line than reach for a 2nd round talent OT.

You can still find a franchise RT in the 2nd. I think Mayo or Lofton will be the pick there. I wouldn't mind giving up an extra pick to move the 3rd rounder into the 2nd and grab either of those LB's (after getting a OT there with our pick).

1st Mendenhall
2nd OT
2nd Mayo/Lofton (giving up a pick to move the 3rd rounder up).
3rd OG/DL/CB

No matter what happens, we NEED O-Line help the most. I don't care what else we do, but we need to shore up that line. Without it our offense is going to be shit.

Correctumundo. But, that's just something hard-headed Millen just won't ever get.

We already have a 3rd round back on our roster that hasn't gotten a real chance to shine yet.

How about one that isn't injury prone? Our team doctors have WAY too much job security.

I didn't know Calhoun was injury prone. He had one injury, and it was a freak accident on the field iirc.

If Brian Brohm falls to the Lions in teh 2nd round (very very very unlikely), would you want us to take him?

If Brian Brohm falls to the Lions in teh 2nd round (very very very unlikely), would you want us to take him?

NO. We are already not developing Stanton. We need to fill our other holes and worry about QB next year (after seeing how Stanton will adjust to a new offense).

BTW, here is a day 2 LB that McShay thinks we should look at:


UNLV's Beau Bell (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11826)

The spotlight shines brightly at the Senior Bowl; this year it highlighted one of Bell's biggest flaws -- his lack of athletic ability. Bell clearly had problems matching up in man coverage underneath and struggled to open his hips when forced to turn and run downfield. Making matters worse, Bell, who has had problems staying healthy in the past, sprained his knee during the game and didn't run at the combine. He still projects as a fourth-round pick because he's a physical interior run-stuffer who rarely gets caught out of position, sheds blocks quickly, and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. In addition, few inside linebackers have the blend of size and straight-line speed that give Bell a great deal of upside.New England's most pressing need is at inside linebacker, and the Patriots probably won't reach in the early rounds and could wait until Day 2 to fill that spot. If so, Bell is a good fit for two reasons. First, the Patriots run a lot of zone coverage, and Bell is far more effective dropping into zone than he is matching up in man. Second, he would be playing behind experienced veterans and under one of the greatest defensive minds in the game in Bill Belichick. There is no better learning environment for a young inside linebacker, and the Patriots are famous for putting players in the best possible position to succeed. Detroit is another possibility because Bell has the toughness head coach Rod Marinelli looks for and is fast enough to hold his own in the Cover 2 system. On the flip side, a team like Philadelphia wouldn't be as strong a fit because the Eagles would ask too much of him in coverage.

UNLV's Beau Bell (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11826)

The spotlight shines brightly at the Senior Bowl; this year it highlighted one of Bell's biggest flaws -- his lack of athletic ability. Bell clearly had problems matching up in man coverage underneath and struggled to open his hips when forced to turn and run downfield. Making matters worse, Bell, who has had problems staying healthy in the past, sprained his knee during the game and didn't run at the combine. He still projects as a fourth-round pick because he's a physical interior run-stuffer who rarely gets caught out of position, sheds blocks quickly, and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. In addition, few inside linebackers have the blend of size and straight-line speed that give Bell a great deal of upside.New England's most pressing need is at inside linebacker, and the Patriots probably won't reach in the early rounds and could wait until Day 2 to fill that spot. If so, Bell is a good fit for two reasons. First, the Patriots run a lot of zone coverage, and Bell is far more effective dropping into zone than he is matching up in man. Second, he would be playing behind experienced veterans and under one of the greatest defensive minds in the game in Bill Belichick. There is no better learning environment for a young inside linebacker, and the Patriots are famous for putting players in the best possible position to succeed. Detroit is another possibility because Bell has the toughness head coach Rod Marinelli looks for and is fast enough to hold his own in the Cover 2 system. On the flip side, a team like Philadelphia wouldn't be as strong a fit because the Eagles would ask too much of him in coverage.
:

Sounds perfect.

Sounds exactly like a Millen pick, until you get to a specific line:

has the toughness head coach Rod Marinelli looks for
Millen never takes guys that fit what his head coach looks for.

Millen never takes guys that fit what his head coach looks for.


We took Ikaika Alama-Francis last year, isn't that what Marinelli wants??? D-Linemen??

Ok, that's one. But we took Stanton for Martz, and we took Johnson for Martz. So two of our top 3 picks went to Martz guys and one went to a guy our head coach wanted.

I thought Martz wanted Beck or Trent Edwards.

Dylan (Detroit): Who is the most likely to go to the lions at 15: mendenhall, harvey, williams, or otah?

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Todd McShay: (1:24 PM ET ) Good list man, I am proud of ya. I think Harvey will be gone by then. Mendenhall will be a great option but Chicago is the wild card right in front of the Lions. I think Harvey and Williams will be gone, so I think it will be Mendenhall, if not Otah is all else fails.

NFL Draft Countdown has us taking Tennessee ILB Jerod Mayo in round 2.

Strengths:
Very athletic...Has excellent timed speed and quickness..Physical and plays bigger than he is...Has terrific range and does a great job in pursuit...Reliable tackler and will deliver the big hit...Smart with good awareness and instincts...Has a non-stop motor...Fluid & smooth in coverage...Versatile...Productive..Nice program pedigree.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and doesn't have either the ideal height or bulk that you look for..Has trouble taking on and shedding blockers...Needs to be protected up front...Just a marginal blitzer...Durability may be an issue...Probably not a good fit for everyone.

Notes:
The next in a long line of top Volunteer linebackers...Can project inside or outside depending on the defensive scheme and has experience at both...Best fit may be as a middle 'backer in a Cover 2 or on the weakside..Not a traditional thumper but he will prove awfully attractive to teams that are willing to sacrifice some size for speed We've done that a lot lately, no?...He will draw comparisons to Al Wilson and those are reasonably accurate.

McShay has us taking Chris Avril, DE/LB tweener from Purdue. McShay lists him as a DE, NFL DC has him listed as an LB.

Strengths:
A great athlete...Good speed and quickness with a burst...Active with a non-stop motor..Does a nice job of shedding blockers...Versatile with experience at multiple positions...Hard worker with top intangibles...Productive and made a lot of impact plays..Hails from a program that is known for producing similar types of prospects.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and does not have the bulk you look for...Is not stout at the point and could be a liability against the run..Heavily reliant on the speed rush and needs to develop additional moves..May be a 'tweener who has to make a position change.

Notes:
He played both defensive end and outside linebacker at times in college and could project to either position in the pros depending on scheme...Will attempt to follow in the pro footsteps of former Boilermakers such as Rosevelt Colvin, Shaun Phillips and Anthony Spencer...Don't think for a second that the success his predecessors have had in the NFL won't help him on Draft Day...Could be a situational rusher in a 43 but his optimal fit at the next level will most likely come at linebacker in a 34.
He sounds a lot like Kalimba to me. Until I see something from him playing DE, I want nothing to do with that.

Thoughts?

I've heard a lot about Mayo being very late first/early 2nd now.

I agree on the other guy. I don't want a LB/DE tweener. This defense needs people to react and think on the fly, not people playing out of position.

Killer seems to think we'll get a ILB that will either start strong side temporarily or sit behind Lennon until he's ready (like Sims did).

I would be happy with that. Instead of pushing him right into the lineup and screwing up his development, we can let him learn the position a bit while Lennon keeps it warm for him. I sometimes wonder how Lehmon would have turned out if he hadn't gotten injured. Our MLB position would be so much better off. :(

I think we could use a 4th or 5th rounder to try and find a future strong side LB too that could develop.

You know everyone Millen drafts after the third round is a bust.

Here's another day 2 guy mentioned:

Louisville's Breno Giacomini (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12014)


NFL teams are leery of drafting players who lack ideal starting experience because they don't have a big enough body of work to develop a complete and accurate evaluation. That's not good news for Giacomini since he split time between tackle and tight end during his first three seasons at Louisville and started only six games his senior season. Maturity also comes into play when looking at this type of player because scouts have to figure out whether he has the mental makeup to succeed at the NFL level. Again, this does not bode well for Giacomini, who was photographed making an obscene gesture toward the crowd before last year's game against Kentucky. On the flip side, there are few tackles in this year's class with as much potential. At 6-foot-7, the 303-pound Giacomini is tall enough to add 15 pounds to 20 pounds to his frame without sacrificing quickness or agility, and he has the foot speed one would expect from a former tight end. He's progressed at tackle and has the work ethic to continue to get better with added experience. The bottom line is he has the size, athletic ability and quickness to develop into starting at right tackle in the NFL if he can continue to refine his technique and add some weight to his frame. That should be just enough to make him a late-fifth-round or early-sixth-round pick.

Detroit is an interesting possibility for Giacomini because the Lions are in position to provide a great learning environment for a developmental tackle. George Foster (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6356), whom the Lions traded for just last year, hasn't panned out thus far, and Jonathan Scott (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7890) is a marginal starter at best, so Detroit needs a tackle. If the Lions were to draft Giacomini, he could spend a year or two adding weight, improving his technique and getting comfortable with the scheme as well as his teammates before pushing for a starting job. More importantly, new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto is also the offensive line coach, and one of his goals is to simplify the offense. Having to spend less time learning the playbook means having more time to work on technique and execution, so this is perfect for Giacomini.

Why not toss a 5th round pick at him, I say. What else are we going to get wiht our 5th rounder? A LB or CB that won't make the team? Another 3rd string QB? Might as well draft O- and D-Linemen for depth.

I think if Mayo is off the board, which it's reasonable to think he will be by the time our 2nd round pick comes along, we might reach for Lofton out of Oklahoma. Either that or put our two 3rd rounders together to move into the late 2nd round for Lofton.

Lofton is one of those guys they say doesn't have the measurables, but he's a pure football player. One of those things where if you look at the video and not the combine stats, he'd be a first rounder.

Which makes him sound an awful lot like he fits what Marinelli is usually talking about.

My 2008 NFL draft guide from Scout.com arrived a couple of weeks ago and I haven't opened it up yet.

carry on...

Lofton flew under the radar at Oklahoma and he hasn't received much hype during the draft process, either. His physical skills won't wow any NFL teams and his test results are hardly impressive. But every time we study film of the Sooners' defense Lofton is flying around the field, seemingly in on two-thirds of the units' stops. That's why we believe, despite all the workout numbers that point to the contrary, Lofton is one of the most underrated pure football players in the 2008 class. It won't surprise us a bit if he emerges as a second-round steal
Thats the very end of ESPNs write up on Lofton. I really like the sound of that.

Ya, fuck the Ikaika Alama-Francises of the world that still need to learn how to play football.

Lofton sounds like an Urlacher type of player to me. Not the greatest measurables, but in on every play. I still maintain that our best draft is probably Mendenhall, Lofton and then two OL in the 3rd. Grab an OLB in the 4th as well.

We'd still have some work to do on the DL next year, but you can't fix everything at once.

I think I'd be happy with those results, unless one of the top OL fall to us.

Per ESPN

That's pretty sweet.

Miami must be filled with Walmart shoppers.

Jake would be a anchor for years. If your stuck with the first pick, take one of the Longs.

As long as they aren't stupid enough to take the QB, who's not a #1 talent as far as I've heard, they'll be good. Naz is right on about taking one of the Longs. Jake Long seems like the best pick for any team drafting 1st overall.

If your stuck with the pick, and you have to spend the money, spend it on someone who has the best chance of being worth it.

Exactly. And welcome to WTFDetroit.

Edit: I suppose that should be welcome back!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/the_bonus/04/11/dixon/index.html

How would you feel about grabbing a guy like Dixon in the 4th round. You may have to move up into the early 4th, maybe late 3rd depending on how well his recovery is coming when the draft rolls around, but do you think it'd be worth the chance. We have Kitna starting, Stanton as a backup, and beyond that would you rather have a rookie with a chance to develop into a solid starter or Dan Orlovsky?

I say no. We need depth in other places a lot more than a QB that won't even get a chance by the time his rookie contract runs out. In the 4th I'm looking for a few things:

1)LB to develop (hopefully the 2nd of this draft)
2)OG
3)TE (this position has been a revolving door)

I think you can find quality players at those positions there.

The problem is, will Millen draft quality players at those positions? Its rare that anyone drafted after the 3rd round by us (and I think most of our 3rd rounders even fit this) makes the team or sticks with the team for long. We have maybe 2 or 3 guys on the team that we drafted after the 3rd round that may actually be here more than two years. Orlovsky who is never going to get past 3rd string for us it seems, Scott who actually seems like solid OT depth, who else do we have that we drafted in the 4th-7th? Alex Lewis. I'm at work and getting ready to leave or I'd do more research into this.

Well, you can't judge those rounds by what Millen has done because he's screwed up every round. Here are some pro bowl players drafted in the middle rounds:

MLB - Zach Thomas (5th)
CB - Asante Samuel (4th)
CB - Terrance McGehee (4th)
DE - Aaron Kampman (5th)
RB - Marion Barber III (4th)
RB - Rudi Johnson (4th)
DE - KGB (5th)
DE - Aaron Smith (5th)

So yes, Millen sucks at drafting in the middle rounds, but that doesn't mean players can't be found there. And Brady is the lone exception on the QB front for the most part.

Guys like Max Jean Giles and Gabe Watson went in the 4th a couple of years ago. I'm not sure how they've panned out, but there should be players like that this year as well that may pan out. QB's that go later are drastically flawed usually (either size, bad arm, etc). It's like trying to find a starting center for the NBA at the end of the 2nd round. One team might get lucky once in about 10 years and that's it.

Oh, I'm not judging the rounds fully, I'm just judging how we've picked in them.

And the QB's are flawed argument is why I was saying it may be worth a look for him. He dropped a TON because of that injury (probably would have been a 1st rounder), but he's looking to be doing great in his rehab and may be worth a look.

I'm leery of the "dropped due to injury" pool as well with Millen pulling the strings.

I'm leery of the "dropped due to injury" pool as well with Millen pulling the strings.


Ditto. Leave those guys for the smarter GM's to draft.

Who remembers the Luke Staley experiment??? What a waste of a 7th rounder that was...

We've drafted quite a few injured guys since Millen got here.

Say Dixon drops to us in the 5th round for some reason, do you take a chance on him then? Not much chance of us doing much with a 5th round pick. If he doesn't work at QB we can always try him at WR.

A 5th I might take a chance on him, but that's because I'm not sold on Stanton ever becoming anything (based on injuries mostly).

I think we need to address MLB, OLB, OG, RT, RB with our first 4 rounds (with the extra 3rd). I don't think we should stray from that unless an absolute steal is there. We could also use a DT, but I don't have any more faith in a 5th round DT than a 5th round QB, so I'm fine with Dixon in the 5th I suppose. I'm also fine with taking a TE there too, since you might still get a top 5 TE there (haven't looked at the big board for those really).

Zek, whats up w/ the Dennis Dixon love. He wasn't even that great in college up until this year. Plus w/ his ACL, it's not even a given he will be ready for camp, we already have 3 QB's on our roster.

Orlovsky = next Tom Brady, you'll see

Dennis Dixon = physically retarded version of Tarvaris Jackson

HAY WIL U FORGOT ABOUT DREW STANTON!!111

HAY WIL U FORGOT ABOUT DREW STANTON!!111


Oh yeah, can't forget about Drew.

What a 2nd round pick.

Not really anything, just trying to stir up some draft discussion. I'd rather grab a TE in the 5th as well, they always end up dropping and there are good ones available later on. I mean, look how well FitzSimmons worked out for us. I know he hasn't been a star but he's been fairly solid based on what's asked of him. He even stole the starting spot before he got injured at one point.

There are reports that the Dolphins/Parcells are actually considering intentionally missing their window of time to make the first pick.

They have 4 guys that they like pretty equally, and they would rather not pay the guy they get the top salary slot. Apparently, they haven't been able to trade the pick, either.

Interesting strategy.

They can't trade the pick because everyone else has the same 3-4 guys that they want. #3 doesn't want to trade up because they get a guy they want either way, same with 2, probably same with 4. I see nothing wrong with them letting their time expire.

I'm beginning to think we should pass on Mendenhall and just take Ray Rice in the 3rd instead. He could be the next Willie Parker. We could get Williams, Rivers or Harvey instead in the first.

I'm beginning to think we should pass on Mendenhall and just take Ray Rice in the 3rd instead. He could be the next Willie Parker. We could get Williams, Rivers or Harvey instead in the first.

Kiper loves Rice and said this morning that he could see him going late 1st or in the early 2nd.

I also learned that Kiper does 100 situps during commercial breaks on his radio show.

Well, wherever he goes I'm thinking I'd rather have a better OL with a burner behind it than a crap RT with a one year wonder back behind it.

Rice is my top pick at RB this year. I think he is the complete package, i feel we could take him in the second or early third.

If the Dolphins let the time expire after it being a rumor, you will see serious reprocussions would be severe. The NFL dont want this to be a common practice.

My revised plan:

1st - OT - Williams
2nd - OLB - Henderson or Adibi
3rd - RB - Rice or Smith (trade up to get Rice if not too expensive
3rd - OG - Rachel or Schuening
4th - MLB - Beau Bell

We'll have a solid OL with a shifty RB and also a good LB unit that can fly to the ball.

We'll see how much Rice climbs draft boards now that he's getting so much publicity. I've heard about him quite a few times recently as a steal for whoever gets him in the 3rd round. Well, if everyone thinks he'll be a steal in the third, someone will end up taking him late second.

Kiper loves Rice and said this morning that he could see him going late 1st or in the early 2nd.

I also learned that Kiper does 100 situps during commercial breaks on his radio show.

Yet instead of giving him killer abs, it actually causes antennae to appear through his trademark hair.

http://www.themathlab.com/images/cartoons/1gazoobig.jpg

The Jake Long Miami presser is on ESPN News right now, signed and sealed.

Good for him. Now they have a franchise blocker for Cleo Lemon. Yippee! What are the odds of them taking Henne later as well?

At least the Dolphins are smart enough to understand that a ood offensive line is what drives an offense. When will Millen understand that? (rhetorical question)

If you are stuck on the first pick, he's the best choice.

I don't know if it's been said already. But I'm starting to get on the Branden Albert bandwagon.

6'7'', can play Guard and Tackle...God, he will probably be gone by 15...but shit, thats my dude

KC was high on him, but with the recent trade they might take Gholston instead. Denver, Carolina and Chicago all need OL as well. I'd be happy with Albert, Williams or Clady at 15.

KC will probably just use the Minny pick at 17 to get their OT (Otah).

Ok, talk is Miami is shopping Jason Taylor and wants a first. Do you think a 1st and 3rd will get us Taylor and Miami's 2nd (pick 32 overall)? If so, I make that deal in a heartbeat. Get an All-Pro DE along with essentially a late first rounder at MLB or OT, then we still have our own 2nd the get the other position.

Ok, talk is Miami is shopping Jason Taylor and wants a first. Do you think a 1st and 3rd will get us Taylor and Miami's 2nd (pick 32 overall)? If so, I make that deal in a heartbeat. Get an All-Pro DE along with essentially a late first rounder at MLB or OT, then we still have our own 2nd the get the other position.

How much do you think Jason Taylor has left in the tank?? He's certainly not DPOY-caliber anymore...

Jason Taylor's window and the Lions window are not aligned.

Nothing aligns with a door slammed shut.

rZxNeFLuY98

I'll fuck wit dis for an hour or two, then I'm going to stop caring. Too much Berman.

Uhh, go Ravens?

I already hate this 3 pm bullshit.

Let's go, already.

^ Money.

Remember the article where teams were ready to make picks and the league and ESPN told them to hang tight? So teams were pretty much told to take their 15 minutes for what? Money.

GREED IS GOOD!

Oh, I understand why they are doing it, I'm just dissatisfied with waiting any longer for something that might get my focus off the Pistons.

LOLing @ the Lions should do the trick

Lions at 15? Thats almost 4 hours after ...kick off...so around 7EST???

You east coasters should be well lubed by then. <--thats an alcohol reference.

ESPN Top 4 projections are in white text below:

1. Jake Long - MIA
2. Chris Long - STL
3. Matt Ryan - ATL
4. Run DMC - OAK

If that's Henne's mom, she's kind of a MILF.

Well, no opinion on Joe Flacco because I haven't watched him play, but he's 6'6" and has a very strong arm. Time will tell.

I'm flaccid for Flacco.

He did wear the winged helmet, though.

I don't understand why anyone would want Chad Henne.. just doesn't have the tools to my eyes.