The Lions have now secured the #1 pick. Do they finally start doing what they should have done for the past 10 years (especially last year) and start building from the trenches?

What does the WTF Big Board look like right now?

LEFT
OFFENSIVE
TACKLE

Okay so they have the second pick of the draft.

Chris kept saying LOT next year, now watch he'll want to put it off again.

I'd rather we take a really long look at free agent LTs Alex Barron or Donald Penn. That way we can draft Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, or Eric Berry.

We need a corner, too, but there's not really anyone spectacular this year. My current ideology:

Sign Donald Penn
Draft Suh or McCoy in Round 1
CB in round 2
Kurt Coleman, Safety, in Round 3
Best available player in Round 4 (guard or WR)
BPA from then on. We look like:

QB Stafford
WR Johnson/Williams
WR Johnson/Rookie
RB Smith/Morris/Brown
FB Felton
LT Penn
LG Backus/Rookie
C Raiola
RG Peterman
RT Cherilus
TE Pettigrew

CB Buchanon
CB Rookie
SS Kurt Coleman
FS Louis Delmas
LB Sims/Levy
MLB Foote
LB Peterson
DE Avril
DT Hill
DT Suh or Mccoy
DE Free Agent or Jason Hunter

That actually would be shaping up into what could be a good team.

Chris kept saying LOT next year, now watch he'll want to put it off again.
You are correct (as a #1 pick, not as a need). I don't see a LT worthy of a top 3 pick. If a franchise one steps up, so be it. Otherwise I might spend the second rounder on a OT. Given the big board now, I see DT as our best option. Best bet is like Dray said. Use Backus money on a legit LT in FA (if you can).

When I said to draft one in 2010, I also expected us to be in the 5-10 range for picks, where it would actually be good value this year. The lions managed to suck even more though.

Another possibility would be to keep Backus and lose the always injured Dewayne White and the aging Julian Peterson. Casey Fitzsimmons as well. That opens up around 14 million I think. We could then sign an LT, move Cherilus to LG, Raiola and Peterman stay where they are, and Backus moves to RT. That's how I meant to do it in that depth chart.

We'd still have Levy, Foote, and Sims as our LB unit, which is pretty good. Eventually we would replace Foote, etc...

My current top 4 most talented needs (currently picking 4th):

1) Ndamukong Suh, DT
2) Eric Berry, S/DB
3) Gerald McCoy, DT
4) Russel Okung, LT

Just threw down a quick mock... Work in progress, obviously.

Firstly, I really hope that a new CBA agreement comes without too much trouble. With a rookie salary cap included, not only would we not be committing insane amounts of money to an unproven player, but we would not be quite as hampered in our spending elsewhere. Lastly, I feel like a lockout of any sort would be an incredible hindrance to the reconstruction of this franchise, which is a reconstruction that I feel has finally gained its footing at the very least.

Notable Cuts/Walks:
DeWayne White cut
Andre Fluellen cut
Casey Fitzsimmons walks
Ephraim Salaam walks
Daunte Culpepper walks
Marquand Manuel walks
Anthony Henry walks

Free Agent Signings/Re-Signings:
Donald Penn, LT, signed
Rex Grossman, QB, signed
Terrelle Smith, FB, re-signed
Larry Foote, MLB, re-signed
Will Heller, TE, re-signed
Ko Simpson, S, re-signed
Jon Jansen, RT, re-signed
Jason Hunter, DE, re-signed
William James, CB, re-signed
Dan Gronkowski, TE, signed to active roster

Draft:
1. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
2. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
3. Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
4. Danario Alexander, WR, Mizzou
5a. Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
5b. Brandon Carter, OG, Texas Tech
6. Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State
7. Al Woods, DT, LSU

Depth Chart:
QB Matthew Stafford/Rex Grossman/Drew Stanton
RB Kevin Smith/Maurice Morris/Aaron Brown
FB Jerome Felton/Terrelle Smith
WR Calvin Johnson/Danario Alexander
WR Bryant Johnson/Dennis Northcutt/Derrick Williams
LT Donald Penn/Jared Veldheer
LG Gosder Cherilus/Brandon Carter
C Dominic Raiola/Dylan Gandy
RG Stephen Peterman
RT Jeff Backus/Jon Jansen
TE Brandon Pettigrew/Will Heller/Dan Gronkowski

CB Perrish Cox/Eric King
S Eric Berry/Ko Simpson
S Louis Delmas/Kurt Coleman/Kalvin Pearson
CB Philip Buchanon/William James
OLB Deandre Levy/Ernie Sims
MLB Larry Foote/Jordan Dizon
OLB Julian Peterson/Zack Follett
DE Jason Hunter/Jared DeVries/Turk McBride
DT Sammie Hill/Landon Cohen
DT Grady Jackson/Joe Cohen/Al Woods
DE Brandon Graham/Cliff Avril

K Jason Hanson
P Nick Harris
LS Don Muhlbach

With a vast infusion of youth and talent into both the offensive line and the secondary, things begin to look up for the Lions.

With Eric Berry alongside Louis Delmas, the Lions have an incredibly intelligent ballhawking secondary capable of hurting people. Backed up by Ko Simpson and another young intelligent safety in Ohio State’s Kurt Coleman, the safeties appear to be well off for now and the future (with depth!). Perhaps we can stop seeing big plays deep. The secondary’s improvements don’t stop there; with the addition of Perrish Cox, an athletic CB, we have two capable cornerbacks that can cover. Cox has decent speed, decent height, and a nice vertical that should allow him to cover and play jump ball with the game’s better receivers. Buchanon probably becomes the weakest starter in the secondary, making 2011 a year where we can look at a corner again with his contract coming off the books.

Brandon Graham adds an attitude and intensity to a d-line including Sammie Hill, who I expect to largely benefit from an offseason of weights and study. The skill for Hill is there. However, the d-line still needs improvement, making it 2011’s priority. There is also the option of cutting Julian Peterson and adding a free agent DT if we are that uncomfortable with our inner line. It is my opinion that the inner d-line has performed better than expected and that Sammie Hill can become something special. With Graham providing pressure and run-stopping ability, the d-line becomes that much better.

Around the league, I feel that Donald Penn is an underappreciated talent. Bringing him in to protect Matthew Stafford will benefit not only Stafford but our entire o-line in general. We move Backus to the right side where he should perform much better and we move Cherilus in at left guard, where he also would have the chance to thrive (I don’t think Cherilus will cut it at either tackle position). With the drafting of the athletic but little-known Jared Veldheer and the passionate Brandon Carter, we infuse youth into the backup positions that should push the starters to perform their best. Furthermore, if Veldheer is a success, he can step into the RT spot for Backus in the following year(s). Carter, with his size, should be a force on the line that can step in and start both this season and in the future.

With the acquisition of the lengthy Danario Alexander, we give Stafford another big target to round out the year’s receiving core. Along with an ever-improving Pettigrew and the mega threat Calvin Johnson, the receiving core will be better but still not great unless Bryant Johnson steps up or Danario Alexander surprises big time.

I feel we should stay neutral at running back for the season, making it another of the priorities in 2011. Kevin Smith, although not spectacular, is an every down back who comes at an excellent price. Morris is a decent backup and Aaron Brown has the chance to become a solid KR/receiving RB for the team.

2011 Priorities:
DT
DE
CB
RB

I'd rather have the dominant DT than Berry and hope that another safety can be OK there.

I am going on the philosophy that Suh is gone, he's no. 1 on my board. I'm guessing Mayhew goes with the most talented player at any position again this year as opposed to the most needed position, which could mean Berry over McCoy.

LOL @ Jim Kelly

You are correct (as a #1 pick, not as a need). I don't see a LT worthy of a top 3 pick. If a franchise one steps up, so be it. Otherwise I might spend the second rounder on a OT. Given the big board now, I see DT as our best option. Best bet is like Dray said. Use Backus money on a legit LT in FA (if you can).

When I said to draft one in 2010, I also expected us to be in the 5-10 range for picks, where it would actually be good value this year. The lions managed to suck even more though.

Told Y'all.

Not a bad post though.

Suh absolutely dominated that championship game on saturday. DTs aren't seen as fun players to watch, but I would pay to see him play.

I think the team that ends up with him is going to be very happy for many years.

Heisman?

I'd like to see it, but I don't think he has much of a chance to win it. It seems to be a QB and RB only award, even though it's supposed to be awarded to the best PLAYER in the country.

I think he and Gerhardt have been playing the best ball of anyone (aside from Kellen Moore of Boise, but let's face it: he hasn't been getting and won't get any hype).

JIMMAHHHH is in.

I need you draft experts (DrRay) to tell me about the depth of this year's WR class. My Ravens need one, but CB should be the first priority. A pass rusher is high on the list, too.

As long as you're not looking for insane measurables (40 times, etc) I think you will be able to get a WR later in the draft. Guys like Danario Alexander (mizzou) and Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green) should be available later and have the chance to be big surprises.

I want Barnes on the Lions. Very sure-handed route runner opposite CJ that could really do well here, I think, in a couple of years. I have him to us in the fifth (may or may not still be around).

Danario Alexander would be nice. He's pretty big for a WR (6'4") and seems like he could be a Sidney Rice type. I don't follow the draft much, though, so I don't know what he has to work on or anything.

Just want a guy that can come in and be consistent... but don't we all.

Current top 6 (without tiebreakers):

Rams 1-11 (don't see another win happening)
Browns 1-11 (@KC and Oakland still)
Bucs 1-11 (don't see another win happening)
Lions 2-10 (don't see another win happening)
Chiefs 3-9 (home game with Browns still)
Skins 3-9 (@Oakland still)

Browns could get a win at KC or hosting Oakland, but we'll see. I don't think the Lions can climb out of the top 4. Even if they manage a win the other two have winnable games left. So we're gonna be the 3rd or 4th pick IMO.

McCoy or Berry...

Maybe Okung depending on the combine...

So the Lions are now 3rd after Cleveland's win last night, right?

ESPN's Big Board:

1. Eric Berry* S Tennessee 97
2. Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska 97
3. Gerald McCoy* DT Oklahoma 96
4. Joe Haden* CB Florida 96
5. Derrick Morgan* DE Georgia Tech 96
6. Russell Okung OT Okla. State 96
7. Rolando McClain* ILB Alabama 96
8. Trent Williams OT Oklahoma 95
9. Jake Locker* QB Washington 95
10. C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 95
11. Sam Bradford* QB Oklahoma 94
12. Earl Thomas* S Texas 94
13. Dez Bryant* WR Okla. State 94
14. Anthony Davis OT Rutgers 94
15. Navorro Bowman* OLB Penn State 94
16. Sergio Kindle OLB Texas 93
17. Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida 93
18. Taylor Mays S USC 93
19. Bruce Carter* OLB North Carolina 92
20. Brandon Spikes ILB Florida 92
21. Carlos Dunlap* DE Florida 92
22. Jahvid Best* RB California 92
23. Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma 92
24. Bruce Campbell OT Maryland 92
25. Patrick Robinson CB Florida State 92
26. Golden Tate* WR Notre Dame 91
27. Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa 91
28. Jimmy Clausen* QB Notre Dame 90
29. Arthur Jones DT Syracuse 90
30. Jonathan Dwyer* RB Georgia Tech 90
31. Vladimir Ducasse G UMass-Amherst 90
32. Ricky Sapp DE Clemson 90


So I have some questions for you draft guru's out there:
1. Wasn't Taylor Mays a top 5 lock last spring? And now he's dropped to 18 and isn't even the best safety on the board?
2. Will St. Louis and Tampa draft QBs? I'd assume St. Louis would consider it, but not Tampa...
3. If Suh is there, is that who the Lions take?
4. What position do the Lions take in the second round?

So the Lions are now 3rd after Cleveland's win last night, right?

Not yet. Brown's have a weaker strength of schedule so far. They are still 3rd.

Damn. But they could still win a couple games. They play KC and Oakland still, I believe.

Yeah, but the Lions could still win a cou.....

Whoops, sorry.

Damn. But they could still win a couple games. They play KC and Oakland still, I believe.

They also could possibly end with the weaker SOS. It's pretty close right now, IIRC.

Made a spreadsheet for you guys. I'll try and update it next week too.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2a0kykn.jpg

BTW, Arizona plays SF tonight and DET played both. So they will sit at 111 wins after tonight regardless. This is extremely close considering you have 6 common opponents (MIN, GB, CIN, BAL, PIT, CHI).

Also keep in mind division wins only count as 1 since they played each other's division (it would count 2 for one and 1 for the other).

Let's just say...

What if the Lions drafted all defense. All defense, and in free agency, picked up some nice young guys. Who cares if you overpay a little. Wouldn't the Lions be great if we had a core unit, like the defense, where the entire league respects? Blue collar guys, who can stop the run, and play physical? Forget about protecting Matt Stafford, lets give Stafford a short field.

To me. Ndamokung Suh is the consensus number 1 pick. Berry should be the number two. From there, I would take Haden or Rolando McClain.

What if you trade Calvin Johnson for a #1 and a #2? 4 picks in the first 2 rounds, all defense.

I wouldn't trade Calvin. No way. We've already spent 4 top 10 picks on WR's to finally find our #1 WR. There are tons of teams that have spent numerous #1 picks on WR's and not found one yet. CJ is a top 5 WR in the NFL (along with Fitz, Boldin, and Andre Johnson).

I don't think we really have many assets to trade besides a LB (like Simms maybe). I'd trade him for a first rounder (or a legit LT).

What if you trade Calvin Johnson for a #1 and a #2? 4 picks in the first 2 rounds, all defense.

Would take a lot more than that...

Also, i would definitely take Gerald McCoy over McClain or Haden.

Would take a lot more than that...

Also, i would definitely take Gerald McCoy over McClain or Haden.

You don't think a team in the middle of the pack, like Seattle or something, would do that? Hell, Al Davis would shit his pants if Calvin became available.

Oh, nevermind, Al Davis always shits his pants.

Hell yeah, I think they'd do that. I'm saying it would take a lot more than a 1st and 2nd rounder for me to pull the trigger.

How much value does Calvin Johnson have? Sure we all know his potential, but with injuries he hasn't put up the numbers some have expected. I would be thrilled to get a top 10 pick and an early 2nd for him.

Add an established player and I would think about it, IMO.

How much value does Calvin Johnson have? Sure we all know his potential, but with injuries he hasn't put up the numbers some have expected. I would be thrilled to get a top 10 pick and an early 2nd for him.

Why would we do that? Then who is Stafford throwing too? We'd have a marginal run game and no passing game. He'd have to force the ball all the time and have even more INT's than now. It would be like when Az and Bill were the WR tandom. Uhg.

I'd much rather trade Simms for an extra pick to shore up the trenches.

Why would we do that? Then who is Stafford throwing too? We'd have a marginal run game and no passing game. He'd have to force the ball all the time and have even more INT's than now. It would be like when Az and Bill were the WR tandom. Uhg.

I'd much rather trade Simms for an extra pick to shore up the trenches.

First of all, Simms has as much value as Boss Bailey did. A bag of peanuts. Nobody wants an undersized linebacker with injury problems. Deandre Levy has already proven to be the better player.

Second of all, I'm sorry WTFchris, but that is Matt Millen logic. Millen thought Joey needed wide receivers. Millen was wrong. Joey needed protection and a defense that gave him a short field. As much as you hate on Az and Bill, both were successful when they played in good offenses. I guarantee if Matt Stafford is upright, he can lead a successful scoring drive starting from his own 40 yard line.

As for the receiving core, Pettigrew, Heller, Derrick Williams is a good start. Pick up a few free agent wideouts, and you are ok. Who was taken two picks after Derrick Williams? Mike Wallace. What about in the 5th round? Johnny Knox. Austin Collie? Also a late round pick. You can find good wide receivers late in the draft.

I think if the Lions traded Calvin, and of the top 40 picks spent 3 on defense and 1 on Left Offensive Tackle, they would start to produce a competitive team. Mind you, there is a huge depletion of talent left from Millen, but I think we should start building the team the right way.

First of all, Simms has as much value as Boss Bailey did. A bag of peanuts. Nobody wants an undersized linebacker with injury problems. Deandre Levy has already proven to be the better player.

Boss Bailey was hurt for like 6 years before we cut him loose. I wouldn't equate Simms to him.

Second of all, I'm sorry WTFchris, but that is Matt Millen logic. Millen thought Joey needed wide receivers. Millen was wrong. Joey needed protection and a defense that gave him a short field. As much as you hate on Az and Bill, both were successful when they played in good offenses. I guarantee if Matt Stafford is upright, he can lead a successful scoring drive starting from his own 40 yard line.

Az and Bill were both solid 3rd WR's. Never amounted to anything as a top 2 WR in any offense.

As for the receiving core, Pettigrew, Heller, Derrick Williams is a good start. Pick up a few free agent wideouts, and you are ok. Who was taken two picks after Derrick Williams? Mike Wallace. What about in the 5th round? Johnny Knox. Austin Collie? Also a late round pick. You can find good wide receivers late in the draft.

Pettigrew is a keeper. Heller is a FB (how many passes are you throwing to him?), and Williams has shown nothing (not to mention he's a solid slot guy at best). You're counting on striking gold twice (WR1 and WR2) late in the draft?

I think if the Lions traded Calvin, and of the top 40 picks spent 3 on defense and 1 on Left Offensive Tackle, they would start to produce a competitive team. Mind you, there is a huge depletion of talent left from Millen, but I think we should start building the team the right way.

Heller has been a pleasant surprise, Chris. Some of the more reliable hands on the team, IMO. Keep Heller, Pettigrew, and Gronk, and we are set at TE for years assuming Pettigrew's knee problem doesn't recur.

I'll post a Lions mock later today or tomorrow.

Excellent.

I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I think Ndamukong Suh will be a bust in the NFL a la Gaines Adams, Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Haynes, Glenn Dorsey, John McCargo...

Heller has been a pleasant surprise, Chris. Some of the more reliable hands on the team, IMO. Keep Heller, Pettigrew, and Gronk, and we are set at TE for years assuming Pettigrew's knee problem doesn't recur.

I'll post a Lions mock later today or tomorrow.

I never said Heller wasn't a quality FB. All I'm saying is a FB will be a very small part of your passing game. In most passing downs, he won't even be on the field (although they use him more like an H back and he plays TE a lot). His 20-30 catches a year are certainly a big help, but you can't trade away CJ and expect guys like Bryant Johnson and Northcutt to pick up that slack.

I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I think Ndamukong Suh will be a bust in the NFL a la Gaines Adams, Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Haynes, Glenn Dorsey, John McCargo...

I haven't seen him play so I have no opinion on bust or not. What do you think of McCoy?

What about John Henderson, Sedrick Ellis, Albert Haynesworth, Mario Williams, Vince Wilfork? All first round DL picks.

Dude... Heller has played TE, don't know where you're getting the FB stuff from. I haven't been watching lately, maybe he has been playing FB due to our injuries, but he has been a TE for as long as I can remember.

There is just so much hype right now regarding Suh. Just seems like he's meant to bust or something... but all signs point to him having a very high quality work ethic. The one thing I don't like about him is that he arm tackles a lot. Don't know if he can get away with that in the NFL.

TE/FB/H back, whatever. I didn't say he isn't producing at his position. You are avoiding the question (3 times now).

Who would be your #1 and #2 WR's next year if you trade CJ for a couple picks? As you mentioned you'd use the first few picks on the lines (which I agree with). Sure, there are some Eddie Royals and Wes Welkers that are steals later, but even those guys are slot WR's. The only good #1 or #2 WR I can think of as a day 2 guy is Colston (overlooked because he was from Hofstra I bet).

Oh, I wasn't supporting his argument or anything. Just pointing out I liked Heller as a player. I don't want to trade CJ.

lol, I totally forgot dbtm asked the question after all that.

Eh, laziness has overcome me. Still look for a mock tonight or tomorrow, most of it is put together... just need to put some more work into it.

Cleveland wins! #3 at least.

Tampa Bay wins! If STL has #1 they might go with a QB with the money still wrapped up in Carriker.

One step closer to SUH!

Time to update that spreadsheet, Chris. And include Tampa now.

I hope they stay at #2 (if they are currently, not sure vs Tampa yet). It's a lot less money at #2. Not only do the Rams have Carriker's money, but they drafted Long a couple years ago (another DL). They still have James Hall eating up salary too. Not sure who are FAs though.

I could certainly see them go with the QB. Here's to hoping Bradford looks great at the combine (Clausen too).

TB has a far, far stronger SOS. There is practically no way we don't get the 2nd pick (unless we win).

I am still worried about Suh's somewhat upright play for a DT in a 4-3.. and his arm tackling...

Hopefully management can have another solid draft, as they certainly know more than me... Another draft like last year's and we could actually be headed somewhere. The only picks I were fully on board with last year were Sammie Hill and Zack Follett, and I didn't mind Stafford and Delmas (especially after the Foote signing). Didn't like Pettigrew, but he seemed to be coming on pre-injury. Still don't like Derrick Williams, but DeAndre Levy has been a great surprise.