Lions working out Donte Stallworth. Lol.

At least they aren't working out Rae Carruth.

Plax?

We need to sign at least one stud defensive player (preferably a corner or pass rushing end) this offseason.

Somebody like Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Lions working out Donte Stallworth. Lol.

Ravens signed him.

Why am I seeing an advertisement for "CougarLife.com" in this thread?

Supposedly Cromartie is available. SD wants a RB but might take a pick. Any interest (not for our #2 overall of course)?

I'd trade them Kevin Smith, but not much as far as picks go. He is a poor tackler.

Why am I seeing an advertisement for "CougarLife.com" in this thread?

I don't know, I got it too. Please click it repeatedly.

No. We need to get younger, not older. Why take a chance on missing out on a guy like Levy or Hill. We need those late round picks. Imagine if the Lions had 10 picks and hit on 5, considering you take a DT with the first pick now you just have to go 4 for 9. Now with Stafford, Pettigrew, Levy, Hill, Delmas, Johnson and those other 5 players, you have 11 young starters.

Sure Cromartie would be nice, but not here.

I don't know, I got it too. Please click it repeatedly.


No. We need to get younger, not older.

No. We need to get younger, not older. Why take a chance on missing out on a guy like Levy or Hill. We need those late round picks. Imagine if the Lions had 10 picks and hit on 5.
I know it's hard to imagine around here, but that's what a lot of teams do.

Aslo aslo, lol at Hermy.

Killer suggested Marc Bulger as a backup to Stafford. He's gonna be cut by the Rams and he's played w/ Linehan.

Would def. be an upgrade.

I wouldn't mind that.

Bulger would be a great backup. He's too worn down to last a season as a starter, but would be nice if your starter misses a couple games.

Devries released and per Kfloffle

Lions | Shopping No. 2 overall draft pick


Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:10:26 -0800

Jason La Canfora, of NFL.com, reports the Detroit Lions are actively shopping the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, according to a league source, and would be very comfortable trading down, looking to stockpile three or four assets. The Lions have already been in discussions with other teams about the prospect, according to the source, and have ample time to make such a move before the draft begins April 22.

Per ESPN...Lions could be interested in Chester Taylor RB Vikes

Per ESPN...Lions could be interested in Chester Taylor RB Vikes
Yes please.

pretty please

I don't see the Lions trading down. First off, if St Louis takes a QB then nobody will trade up to #2 when they could move up to #3 and still get an elite DT. Second, where do they trade down to and who do they target? Berry will be gone. I would suspect they'd then get a LT and hope to get a DT with the extra pick (since DT is deep). Third, only Seattle (6, 14) and SF (13, 16) have extra first rounders, so even if you find a team wanting to move up you probably won't get fair value back from anyone else.

Supposing either wanted to move up for Berry, Bradford/Clausen, or a DT you could swap with them and get two starters for that #2 pick. Otherwise I don't see any way they get value by trading down.

The thought is that if STL takes a DT, then someone wants to trade up for a QB. The only deal I would be crazy about is #2 for #6 and #14 from SEA.

NFL combine coverage on NFL network for the next few days.

^ Just coming here to post that.

i think #2 is a great place to be in this draft.

i dont know if i buy the talk that suh <= mccoy, but it does sound like either would be fine, if thats what it comes to.

i think SLR take qb, almost for sure. hopefully, bradford to brees comparisons gain traction. but i bet its either him or clausen.

i'd definitly prefer to trade down, and it'd be really great if we could get a windfall by trading down from suh.

im also still convinced that LT needs to be addressed. i think that we've seen an elaborate smokescreen (im serious about this) about the lions being happy with backus. we're trying to make the league believe that if we trade down, it wont be to take okung later in the draft, and the lions have been playing this charade all offseason... not based on any one thing, more just all the stories i've read.

a dt might lead to more wins this year. but thats not what mode we're in yet.

I read that the Lions were still in the 'best player available no matter what side of the ball' mode.

They said that before last years draft too.

Cromartie to the Lions for a 5th round pick in this upcoming NFL Draft sounds great. I hope it's true!

LINK (http://www.detnews.com/article/20100228/SPORTS0101/2280325/Report--Lions-talk-to-Chargers-about-DB-Antonio-Cromartie)

The knock on him is that he's a shitty person and he has a lot of kids from different women. That's his business. The guy is a baller. Make it happen Joe!

Joe?

I agree on the Cro thing.

I'd do it for a fifth, but nothing more. He's on the last year of his deal and can't really tackle... But he can make plays and would be a solid #2 for us (too bad we would still need a #1).

Joe?I was kidding about that. I used to say "Make it happen Joe!" when people posted pipedream trade deals like Memo and Ricky Paulding for KG. After a while I began saying "Make it happen Joe!" for anything I've wanted to happen here.


http://www.detnews.com/article/20100301/SPORTS0101/3010386/1265/SPORTS08/CB-Antonio-Cromartie-center-of-trade-talks-between-Lions-and-Chargers

Looks like the trade is Maurice Morris and a 4th or 5th for Cromartie. I want this done.



I'd do it for a fifth, but nothing more. He's on the last year of his deal and can't really tackle... But he can make plays and would be a solid #2 for us (too bad we would still need a #1).

DrRay11 - I have to respectfully disagree on Cromartie being a #2. He'd be a #1 for 90% of the teams in the league. A 5th and Maurice Morris, who has been adequate, but nothing special is a steal. Cro's young and extremely talented. He had a setback for the past year and a half that's been based on a change in scheme according to the heads. I'm in. He's a beast.

I would trade down for #6 and #14 if Seattle was interested (no idea if they would be).

Then I would take a LT #6 and a DE #14.

Maybe Cody at #34.

I doubt we have any trade partners for #2 though, so I would have to take the DT up there based on how much better they are rated and hope there is still a good LT option at 34 (or the end of the 1st that we could trade up for).

I would trade down for #6 and #14 if Seattle was interested (no idea if they would be).

Then I would take a LT #6 and a DE #14.
Okung and Graham would fit that hypothetical scenario perfectly.

How about the trade that looks like it's going down for Cromartie? Thoughts?


I doubt we have any trade partners for #2 though, so I would have to take the DT up there based on how much better they are rated and hope there is still a good LT option at 34 (or the end of the 1st that we could trade up for).I think that the Lions could go with a DT or an RB at 2 even and still get a nice DT for the next pick as it would all shift down from there. As far as all the reports go, McCoy and Suh are both looking like complete locks for 1 and 2.

I wouldn't touch a first round RB. There have been way too many 2nd round or later RB's that have been just fine in a time share. Plus RB's have the shortest shelf life anyway.

I'd do the Cromartie deal for a 5th rounder I suppose.

while cromartie is an exciting thought, 2 problems:

1) the lions never get on the lucky side of injuries. if he's struggled someplace else, its a good bet he'll do so here.

2) if hes gone after one year not much point doing this. even if its just a 5th, we got SLH in the 4th i think. i'd rather atleast gamble on a prospect that a guy who's planning his escape before he gets here.

no way we should draft a RB in the first 2 rounds.

imo, the biggest needs are OT, OG, d-line, and cb. i'd rather bring in a has been FA and worry about RB next year.

There are plenty of RB free agents. I think our needs, in order of importance are DT, OG, OT, DE, KR, CB, RB, WR.

That's a lot of holes to fill. Hopefully we address DT, OG, OT in the draft.

In case you missed ESPN today McShay said Suh rated an "A" and Curry "A-" at the combine today... Curry not as strong (only 23 reps to Suh's 35).... but Curry was quicker 5.0 in the 40.

Curry bust out last year so he's trying again?

Ideal scenario is to trade down to get Okung and another pick, maybe use it on Golden Tate. Now you can spend all the other picks on defense, because the offense will be SET.

Curry bust out last year so he's trying again?

lol are we going to pass on him twice? the first time worked out well

Killer said getting Cromartie is now "highly unlikely"...

All i have to say is "fuck"

Ideal scenario is to trade down to get Okung and another pick, maybe use it on Golden Tate. Now you can spend all the other picks on defense, because the offense will be SET.

I don't see the point in using a 1st or 2nd rd pick on a WR. Especially when we could get a guy like Eric Decker, the next Wayne Chrebet (sp) in the 3rd or 4th round.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/03/source_its_highly_unlikely_lio.html


Source: It's 'highly unlikely' Lions will trade for Antonio Cromartie
By Tom Kowalski
March 01, 2010, 7:50PM

I'm craving an elite corner for this stupid football team. Mayhe needs to throw a kings ransom at Dunta Robinson.

I'm craving an elite almost anything for this stupid football team. Mayhe needs to throw a kings ransom at Dunta Robinson.

I said something like this last year, but I don't think it was here. Instead of signing a bunch of FAs this year, get 1 top notch player.

MM will have 2 drafts and 1 FA season to bring in a bunch of players.

Its time to bring in 1 pro bowl guy and overpay if you have to. It'll help bring other FAs to the Lions, imo. Do it on day 1 of FA.

Make it happen Joe!

The point is, with an elite left tackle and a speedster like Tate who is NFL ready, Calvin/Stafford/Pettigrew will all be made better. Backus can move to LG, and with Okung Backus Raiola Peterman Cherilus you have a line that can give Stafford time. Time to hit megatron, a huge tight end, and a blazing fast WR with great hands.

Make it happen Joe!Yes!


I was on AIM chat with Varsity earlier who brought up a great point. He was bummed about the Cromartie rumor. I was surprised at that, but then he went on to talk about how these rumors are usually leaks put out by the team trying to ship a player and get better offers. Sounds about right. Someone else is gonna pay up for the guy and we were merely a vehicle to get San Diego (whale's vagina) more than we want to offer.

In other news, while it's nobody's business, And it has nothing to do with him as a player (other than the huge responsibility he's brought on himself), three numbers 7, 6 and 5 are significant to Cromartie's life. He has 7 kids from 6 different women in 5 states. Holy shit, that's quite impressive. Shawn Kemp needs to call this kid before it gets any more out of hand than it already is.

hey, where'd all my money go?

In case you missed ESPN today McShay said Suh rated an "A" and McCoy "A-" at the combine today... McCoy not as strong (only 23 reps to Suh's 35).... but McCoy was quicker 5.0 in the 40.

Corrected by the dumb fuck who posted Curry :^)

The point is, with an elite left tackle and a speedster like Tate who is NFL ready, Calvin/Stafford/Pettigrew will all be made better. Backus can move to LG, and with Okung Backus Raiola Peterman Cherilus you have a line that can give Stafford time. Time to hit megatron, a huge tight end, and a blazing fast WR with great hands.

No. Just....no.

We have a for-sure #1 receiver. You can find a #2 without using a a 1st round pick. We have way too many holes to start drafting 1st round receivers again. You've got to get the best of Left Tackle, Defensive Line, Secondary with both of those picks if you have the opportunity. Two elite receivers aren't worth anything if your QB is on his back and your defense can't get off the field.

Also, are we going to start with the Backus to guard thing all over again this offseason? I love the concept, and I was all about giving it a shot last year, but do we know he's going to be a solid LG? Maybe, maybe not. Give him a shot, but don't pencil him in as a starter and assume he'll be an improvement (not counting the improvement of getting him out of the LT spot). He could very well end up as a backup T/G, or Cherilus could get bumped inside. As long as the line improves, I don't care.

The point is, with an elite left tackle and a speedster like Tate who is NFL ready, Calvin/Stafford/Pettigrew will all be made better. Backus can move to LG, and with Okung Backus Raiola Peterman Cherilus you have a line that can give Stafford time. Time to hit megatron, a huge tight end, and a blazing fast WR with great hands.


Yeah, fuck defense.

Agreed with Zek on moving Backus to LG... I'd much rather find someone who is going to stay at that position. How many times have we tried to just "fill it" and fail? The LG position is a huge part of why the offensive line sucks. We never, ever put anyone competent there.

And, as for my "fuck defense" saying, if we somehow traded down for 6 and 14, then I would heavily consider a Bryant/Iupati first round... that would solidify the offense (assuming we sign a stopgap RB) and allow us to pick defense nearly the rest of the way. Bryant's stock may drop more due to him not doing the combine, but I guess he still has his pro day. But really, we're not trading out of #2 for that good of picks, so it's not going to happen. But the offense would look pretty good at that point, possibly drafting a RB in the first round next year...

It's too bad Veldheer's stock is going to rise so much with his impressive combine, he was my plan to replace Backus in a couple of years, grabbing him in the 4th or 5th. He'll likely go 3rd and above now, with his only real measurable negative being his arm length... My original mock would be great, but those players' stocks are higher now than they were then besides Brandon Carter and Freddie Barnes. It can't go down that way anymore.

The point is, with an elite left tackle and a speedster like Tate who is NFL ready, Calvin/Stafford/Pettigrew will all be made better. Backus can move to LG, and with Okung Backus Raiola Peterman Cherilus you have a line that can give Stafford time. Time to hit megatron, a huge tight end, and a blazing fast WR with great hands.

don't waste the time moving Backus to guard...save some $ by flat out cutting him and let Ramirez continue to develop (if we draft Okung)

I can't take the notion of Ramirez "developing" very seriously. Of course, I may be proven wrong, but he just doesn't have it, IMO. He's had multiple chances and seasons to show improvement...

Lions | Hoping St. Louis does not select a quarterback in NFL Draft


John Czarnecki, of FOXSports.com, reports the Detroit Lions, who own the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, have their fingers crossed that the St. Louis Rams do not select a quarterback first overall so they can trade down with either the Cleveland Browns or Buffalo Bills, who apparently are in the quarterback market.



Gandy and Ramirez receive tenders.

No. Just....no.


Also, are we going to start with the Backus to guard thing all over again this offseason? I love the concept, and I was all about giving it a shot last year, but do we know he's going to be a solid LG? Maybe, maybe not. Give him a shot, but don't pencil him in as a starter and assume he'll be an improvement (not counting the improvement of getting him out of the LT spot). He could very well end up as a backup T/G, or Cherilus could get bumped inside. As long as the line improves, I don't care.

Any position other than LT. LT being the most important position. Him sucking, or being kind...playing mediocre at best, at guard will hurt the team less than him sucking at LT...or playing mediocre.

Get a solid LT.

When has Backus ever had a good LG playing next to him to see what he's actually capable of?

Never?

Ah, thought so.

I wouldn't hate it if they drafted Okung, but I think they like Backus enough that they're going to keep him -- the staff was saying he played at a pro bowl level this year. Could all be smokes and mirrors, as well...

When has our LGs ever had a good LT to play next to him to see what they are capable of?

LT is more important than LG. Fix it.

Church of Pharoah tells me to write IMO in there someplace.

tahoe, you and me are in complete agreement.

last year we made a huge investment in stafford. early returns are it was a good one. drafting anything but a LT would be like doing anything but buying car insurance after buying a ferrarri.

im sure the lion coach would prefer a DT at #2, hence the bs about bachus being a pro bowler. a dt gets more wins NEXT year. but i dont think any qb can go through several years of what stafford went through last year. so if we build up the d but then stafford gets a career ender or is just shell shocked we'd be screwed. theres an order of operations. sometimes you cant go by biggest need or most talented.

and the closer we get, the more pumped i am about the #2 spot. it seems like any scenario should favor us. i think the only way i'll be bummed is if we end up with mccoy. which i guess is pretty plausible.

Backus is one of our 6 best players (even if he's below average). We aren't getting a LT. It makes no sense talent wise, it makes no sense $ wise. Not that we don't need one, we just need everything else a bit more.

Lion's hoping St. Louis doesn't take a quarterback? What a crock of shit. Everyone and their brother knows the Lions aren't picking a QB, and neither is Tampa Bay. So, trade with Tampa Bay and avoid paying a few extra million.

Why anyone would trade up to #2 when #3 would be just fine is clueless or led by Millen.

Lion's hoping St. Louis doesn't take a quarterback? What a crock of shit. Everyone and their brother knows the Lions aren't picking a QB, and neither is Tampa Bay. So, trade with Tampa Bay and avoid paying a few extra million.


Because maybe more than one team wants to do this. Maybe Washington knows another team will target TB, so they work something with Detroit.

Lions' Tom Lewand: 'We'll be on the phone after midnight'

By Tom Kowalski (http://connect.mlive.com/user/tkowalsk/index.html)

March 04, 2010, 9:33AM

ALLEN PARK - The NFL free agency market opens at midnight tonight and the Detroit Lions don't plan on wasting any time in getting started.
"We'll be ready to be on the phone after midnight,'' said Lions president Tom Lewand. "We'll see where it takes us. We're prepared. We've done a good job of getting ready and we're looking forward to it starting.''
The Lions are expected to pursue several positions in free agency, including defensive end and running back. Aaron Kampman (Green Bay) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Tennessee) would likely be on Detroit's wish list at defensive end while there's speculation the Lions will strongly pursue running back Thomas Jones (New York Jets).

The Lions, meanwhile, have tendered their offers to restricted free agents and there was only one mild surprise - safety Daniel Bullocks, who has been struggling to return from a serious knee injury, was tendered at his original round. That means that if Bullocks is signed by another team, the Lions would receive a third-round draft pick in return. (Bullocks was drafted in the second round - more on that in a minute).
Other players tendered at their original draft position are center Dylan Gandy, guard Manny Ramirez and safety Ko Simpson. All three players were fourth-round picks.

The Lions did not offer tenders to defensive end Copeland Bryan or linebacker Cody Spencer while cornerback Kevin Hobbs and guard Daniel Loper were tendered at the level of right of first refusal with no compensation.

The highest tender went to defensive end Jason Hunter, who was put in the second-round category. Hunter was originally undrafted and, if he signs with another team, the Lions would get a second-round pick in return. As is the case with all the players who were tendered offers (at all levels), the Lions have the right of first refusal, meaning they can match any contract that is offered.

In the case of Hunter, because of NFL rules, if a team uses a second-round tender on a player who's original round is less than that, than any other second-rounder who is tendered at their original round (in the case of Bullocks), that player's compensation must drop a round. That's why Bullocks will bring a third-round pick and not a second-round choice.

"Jason has value,'' Lewand said. "I think he showed that he has an ability to contribute even more as he finds his role.''
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/03/lions_tom_lewand_well_be_on_th.html

Lions identify prime free agent targets

John Niyo / The Detroit News

Allen Park -- The Lions are promising to be "selective" but "aggressive" as they and the rest of the NFL head into an unpredictable free-agent signing period Friday.

With no salary cap in place for the 2010 season -- the last year under the league's current collective bargaining agreement -- the rules governing free agency have changed dramatically.
Under the old rules, some 212 players who are fourth- and fifth-year veterans would become unrestricted free agents Friday. Now, though, the required years of service jumps from four to six years, severely limiting the available talent on the open market.

"There's a lack of quality depth at a lot of positions -- just about every position," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said last week at the NFL combine. "You're just used to having another 200 players out there to pick from, and you don't have those guys this year. So it's a pretty shallow group across the board."

An older group, too, which isn't much help to a team like Detroit that's still in the early stages of a roster overhaul.
"Our situation with free agency definitely puts more of an emphasis on the draft," coach Jim Schwartz said. "There's not many ways that you can improve your team for the long haul other than the draft, and I think you always need to keep that in mind."

The Lions added more than a dozen players last year in free agency -- filling potholes, in many cases -- but Mayhew indicated they'll target perhaps half that number this year.
A position-by-position look at some options for the Lions:


Quarterback
 The Lions admittedly still are looking for a veteran No. 2 to be Matthew Stafford 's backup. But while the options are limited at the moment, the Lions aren't in any hurry.
 "There's quite a few big names out there that we're keeping a close eye on who might come available later," GM Martin Mayhew said. "And again, we've got a quality starter that we like. We've got a young, developmental guy that we also like. So it's not an area we have to go out and address the first day of free agency. We've got some time on that."
 Top UFAs available: Chad Pennington, Chris Redman, Daunte Culpepper, Jeff Garcia, Patrick Ramsey, Kyle Boller, Rex Grossman, Josh McCown, J.P. Losman, A.J. Feeley

Running back
 The Lions needed help even before Kevin Smith (ACL) went down.
  Mayhew says: "There are guys out there now who are attractive to me," but adds this caveat: "Most of the guys out there have some miles on 'em." And the Lions aren't looking to add a veteran with bald tires. They'll consider bidding for Thomas Jones , coming off a 1,400-yard season with the Jets. But a pair of third-down backs looking for bigger roles -- Darren Sproles , 26, cut loose by San Diego because of his salary, and Minnesota's Chester Taylor , a 30-year-old Detroit native who has barely 1,000 carries in eight seasons -- might be the best options.
 Top UFAs available: Thomas Jones, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Darren Sproles, Chester Taylor, Willie Parker, Kevin Faulk, Jamal Lewis, Larry Johnson, Chris Brown

Wide receiver
 Last year's big free-agent addition, Bryant Johnson , left the Lions wanting. So did Dennis Northcutt , a trade acquisition who served as the slot receiver. The Lions certainly will look for help in the draft. Whether they'll go after one of the few top-flight receivers available -- Tampa Bay's Antonio Bryant has talent and something to prove -- remains to be seen.
 But don't be surprised if they take a look at San Diego's Kassim Osgood , one of the best special-teams players who is looking for a chance to play more at receiver.
 Top UFAs available: Antonio Bryant, Terrell Owens, Kevin Walter, Derrick Mason, Nate Burleson, Chris Chambers, Torry Holt, Muhsin Muhammad, Kassim Osgood, Arnaz Battle

Tight end
 The Lions are hopeful Brandon Pettigrew (knee) will be ready for the start of the season. They'll also try to bring back veteran Will Heller and possibly Casey FitzSimmons . So the tight end probably won't be a priority.
 Top UFAs available: Ben Watson, Alge Crumpler, Randy McMichael, L.J. Smith, Brandon Manumaleuna, Will Heller, Ben Hartsock, Anthony Becht, Casey FitzSimmons, David Martin

Offensive line
  Here's where it gets difficult. The Lions have a glaring need at left guard in particular, but the available free agents are a worn-out bunch. Teams simply don't let starting-caliber offensive linemen escape, which is one reason the Lions re-signed C Dominic Raiola and G Stephen Peterman a year ago.
 The Lions are expected to tender offers to Daniel Loper , Dylan Gandy , Manny Ramirez and Corey Hilliard as restricted free agents. T Jon Jansen also might come back. And they'll surely add a lineman or two in the draft. But they'll likely be looking for a veteran free agent that can help immediately, too.
 Top UFAs available: Ts Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Mike Gandy, Tony Pashos, G/C Kevin Mawae, Stephen Neal, Chester Pitts, Bobbie Williams, Rex Hadnot

Defensive line
 Last year's projected starters at DE produced zero sacks, with Jared DeVries on injured reserve (released, but could be back) and Dewayne White either injured or ineffective. Cliff Avril showed flashes, and the Lions should bring back role players like Jason Hunter and Turk McBride .
 Julius Peppers is the big-ticket item -- he'll draw $12 million plus annually, perhaps from the Redskins or Bears. But Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch , whose production has dropped off the last two seasons, or Green Bay's Aaron Kampman , coming off ACL surgery, might be the next best thing.
 The biggest offseason addition figures to be a defensive tackle at the top of the draft to pair with rookie Sammie Hill and veteran Grady Jackson inside.
 Top UFAs available: Es Julius Peppers, Aaron Kampman, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Adewale Ogunleye, Jarvis Green; Ts Justin Bannan, Tank Johnson, Cory Redding, Jason Ferguson, Alfonso Boone, Jimmy Kennedy

Linebackers
 The Lions are letting veteran LB Larry Foote test the free-agent market, perhaps ready to hand the starting job in the middle to DeAndre Levy . Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson are the projected starters on the outside.
 But among the available free agents that might interest the Lions is Keith Bulluck , who played for coach Jim Schwartz in Tennessee but will test the market. He's also coming off knee surgery, though, so he'll likely have to wait until later in the spring or summer to sign.
 Top UFAs available: Karlos Dansby, Keith Bulluck, Antonio Pierce, Gary Brackett, Scott Fujita, Joey Porter, Piso Tinoisamoa, Chike Okeafor, Tully Banta-Cain, Larry Foote

Safeties
 The Lions think they have a future Pro Bowler in Louis Delmas at free safety. But they struck out last season trying to find a player to pair with the talented rookie. And in today's NFL, teams need two starting safeties that can run and cover.
 The most interesting young prospect on the open market is Pittsburgh's Ryan Clark , who as of Wednesday had yet to receive a contract offer from the Steelers. But if the Cardinals release Antrel Rolle , as expected, he'll trump the rest. A team could claim Rolle off waivers, but they'd be on the hook for a $4 million signing bonus and the $8 million salary he's due in 2010.
 Top UFAs available: Darren Sharper, Jermaine Phillips, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Sean Jones, Mark Roman, Tyrone Carter, Brian Russell, Marquand Manuel, Kevin Kaesviharn

Cornerbacks
 The cornerbacks were burned repeatedly last season, and the Lions eventually settled with a starting tandem of journeyman vets Phillip Buchanon and Will James .
 The Lions have at least discussed a potential trade with the Chargers for veteran Antonio Cromartie .
 The draft offers best hope, but some team will make a big splash signing Houston's Dunta Robinson . His salary probably won't match his production, and his injury history also is a concern.
 Top UFAs available: Dunta Robinson, Leigh Bodden, Nick Harper, Dre Bly, Ken Lucas, Ty Law, Walt Harris, Anthony Henry, Deshea Townsend, Brian Williams


http://www.detnews.com/article/20100304/SPORTS0101/3040393/Lions-identify-prime-free-agent-targets

Why anyone would trade up to #2 when #3 would be just fine is clueless or led by Millen.

The only way someone trades up to #2 is for Suh, IMO. There's always the chance that another team trades up to 3, also, which is some of the logic behind trading up to 2 instead to beat that other team, but I don't buy it.

Phil Buchanon cut... not surprising. Even though he was probably our best CB, he's definitely not worth 4.5m...

We reportedly won't sign William James back, either. At least, not yet.

Also, FA starts tonight at midnight. I expect the lions to pursue Chester Taylor, Antrel Rolle (unsuccessfully), Lito Sheppard (washed up), and Kyle Vanden Bosch (question mark). We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Backus is one of our 6 best players (even if he's below average). We aren't getting a LT. It makes no sense talent wise, it makes no sense $ wise. Not that we don't need one, we just need everything else a bit more.

Not that I rank these things, but thats prolly the dumbest post I've seen Herm make...and I mean no disrespect.

yea. even if backus was a top 6 player for us (he's not), a bad #2 reciever, or DT, or CB dont increase the chance of stafford having to go through another season of multiple surgeries.

Hunter gets a 2nd round tender. This is a good thing, IMO.

^ Already posted, dumbass!

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports the Browns will trade DE Corey Williams to the Lions on Friday, pending a physical.

2 yrs ago in GB, Corey Williams had 7 sacks.

He's had 4.5 in 32 games w/ the Browns since then.

Corey Williams = Dewayne White = average at best DE

We need Vanden Bosch. That way we can cut Dewayne White.

God, it's not even funny how bad we need a corner now.

Now that Cromartie's been shipped to the Jets, it's gotta be Dunta Robinson or bust.

Leigh Bodden is regarded as the 2nd best CB on the market, and the Lions are probably the only team he wouldn't sign with.

One more note on Corey Williams, when he had 7 sacks, he was in a 4-3 in GB, once he got moved to Cleveland, he was in a 3-4. So the move back could be very beneficial.

If the scheme is what affected his numbers (which is plausible), than this could turn out to be a high reward move for Mayhew.

^ I was reading about the switch too. Maybe he could be fine in one system. Which gives me hope.

if we get kvb and suh, how would our d-line rate? front 7? gotta be atleast above avg, right?

i realize secondary is fucked pretty much under any scenario, but if we are strong up front an awful secondary wouldnt look quite as bad.

I want a LT 1st to protect our QB, but I'd like a partner for Delmas to help him out too. Whether thats a CB or S, I don't care. Just get him a partner back there.

if we get kvb and suh, how would our d-line rate? front 7? gotta be atleast above avg, right?

i realize secondary is fucked pretty much under any scenario, but if we are strong up front an awful secondary wouldnt look quite as bad.

i would think so...

DE - Corey Williams
DT - Ndamukong Suh
DT - Sammie Lee Hill
DE - Kyle Vanden Bosch

plus Avril & Hunter as situation rushers/OLB, use grady jackson for goall ine/4th & short

WLB - Ernie Sims
MLB - DeAndre Levy
SLB - Julian Peterson

that's well above-average if you ask me...perhaps even top 10 or 12 in the league

I think Levy can handle the middle but I'm not convinced yet.

I think Levy can handle the middle but I'm not convinced yet.

me neither, i wish that was his natural position...

we don't need another paris lenon in the middle

If we can somehow get a stellar D line, it'd certainly help him. He's a speed guy, but if the bigs up front can stop the run, his speed would be great for covers, etc.

didn't he finish the season at high 220s?

Chris Mortensen on twitter...


I honestly believe Lions get very competitive this year and in contention for 2011 - whenever they kick off.

^ Please don't start my offseason hopes again.

well, we're about 30-40% of the rebuilding in, and also assuming no injuries.

i dont get mad when lion fans are skeptical, because they should be.

but i feel similar to mortenson. the new regime hasnt been flawless, but they've been probably avg to pretty good. when your not incompetent, in the nfl your always supposed to have a chance.

part of me hopes we don't sign Chester Taylor to be an every-down back...

i just think he's this years Derrick Ward

Its just that I can't even count how many times my hopes were up and we finished the season with a losing record.

Its the final record that we're measured by.

God, it's not even funny how bad we need a corner now.

Now that Cromartie's been shipped to the Jets, it's gotta be Dunta Robinson or bust.

Leigh Bodden is regarded as the 2nd best CB on the market, and the Lions are probably the only team he wouldn't sign with.

Looks like he's a Falcon.

not a big deal, imo. i personally dont even care if we start two rookies at the corners. 1 in the 2nd, 1 in the 4th or 5th. it'd be pretty cool if we could get donovan warren late in the draft.

Freep says the Schwartz went to KVB's house at midnight.

This is probably in one of the other bazillion Lions threads, but the Lions signed Nate Burleson.

Source: Lions sign Burleson for $25M (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4967481)

In looking at the cuts, Fred Smoot and Jake Delhomme just seem like Lions-type players.

at least Burleson allows us to not have to worry about a WR in the first few rds of the draft...

hopefully they cut Bryant Johnson now

MLive's Tom Kowalski tells FOX 2 that the team is on the verge of finalizing several additions including signing free agents Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson , as well as trading for Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Corey Williams.

http://wap.myfoxdetroit.com/w/main/story/9722367/

I love what Mayhew is doing. Adding quality players who fit the system. Also, like Ledezma said, now the Lions can spend an early pick on OL or defense.

I hope we address LG in free agency (Chester Pitts or Stephen Neal).

Addressing these needs now can allow us to focus solely on secondary in the 2nd and 3rd rds if we take Suh or Okung in Rd 1

I love what Mayhew is doing. Adding quality players who fit the system. Also, like Ledezma said, now the Lions can spend an early pick on OL or defense.

Or gives them the flexibility to trade down.

4 year deal with KVB.

Also talking to chester Pitts OG.

I sort of like what's going on so far... Don't know about the price/length on Burleson, that worries me some. Corey Williams is a fine acquisition for a 6th (I think). He will be playing a 3-technique DT in this scheme, not DE.

Vanden Bosch, Williams, Hill, Avril. Still looking at a DT early in the draft, a rotation of Williams, Hill, and Suh could be pretty sick. Hill in on run plays, Williams in on pass plays, etc.

I wonder what we'll do at RB.

But those are three pretty decent acquisitions, I'm a tid bit excited.

$26 mil for vanden bosch.

Why does it matter how much Ford spends? The fusion is selling well right now, the guy is making money, and its an uncapped year. I kind of like being the Yankees of free agency. It allows guys like Cliff Avril to be more situational rather than every down lineman. This will allow him to be fresher for passing downs.

If Mayhew signs a guard, we can now anoint him King. Give him a BK hat, Glenn.

If Mayhew signs a guard, we can now anoint him King. Give him a BK hat, Glenn.

The appropriate family history background checks would have to be performed first, of course.

I have CC'd Fool on this post so he can begin preliminary design ideas.

Sent via BlackBerry by Verizon Wireless

It was a great signing. The 10 million goes to him in this uncapped year and going forward, his value will outweigh the hit the cap takes.

KVB's deal seems ok, we had to get-er-done, but Burelsons ??? Time will tell, I guess.

It was a great signing. The 10 million goes to him in this uncapped year and going forward, his value will outweigh the hit the cap takes.

Agreed. I wonder if Burleson's deal is structured similarly...

11 million in guarantees to Burleson.

Killer says 3 more positions Lions need to fill...

CB, RB and OG.

Thomas Jones! fuck yeah

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/10714917/20313020

Edit: Oh shit. Looks like it's just conjecture, now that I went to the source.

re: KVB another thing I read was how KVB didn't play as well without the big guy in the middle last year.

^that's not your fault Ray. That's some bullshit.

re: KVB another thing I read was how KVB didn't play as well without the big guy in the middle last year.



But he didn't play all that well the year before with him there. He was still good at getting to the QB, causing pressure, just not finishing the job.

So long, Grady Jackson. Good, methodical cost efficiency so far by Mayhew & co.

Buchanon failed to hold a starting job last season, and his departure along with Will James (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235140/williamjames) and Anthony Henry (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/235079/anthonyhenry) means the team has no starting cornerbacks on the roster.

LMAO! Wow!

Let's get Smoot and Sheppard.

I've been a big Thomas Jones fan his whole career but he's just got too many miles on those tires for my tastes. One year deal would be fine but will he take that to come to Detroit??

i like the names, have no idea about the $.

personally, i thought the recievers were fine next year, but i think burleson will help a bit.

with cj, nb, pettigrew, thats alot of firepower for stafford. and its great that there wont even be a consideration of a WR in the draft, now.

LT, Westbrook, Thomas. Not sure I like any of those options.

Now comes the smart part for Mayhew. There is no question now, we should be publicly petitioning that we are interested in Okung. Now that Clifton is gone and Samuels is retiring, there will be more of a chance than ever that we can snatch up a second or third rounder from Wash to move up just two spots so they can lock a LT or QB. We can still take an elite DT or move down again. There is no way that Shanny is going to want no left tackle. Given that they already have Haynesworth, this move should be a gimme for us.

^ nice post.

Nice job BBF

yea, thats an interesting thought.

but...

1) what if we really do want okung. in an ideal world (in my mind) we trade down and still get him.

2) what if wash likes one of the other LT's, anyway.

while #2 might seem soft, it seems realistic. with their second 1st round pick, they can just take one of the many other projected 1st round tacks.

just thinking out loud. draft is like a complicated version of poker.

^ another good post.

I want to improve our DLine, but we need a frickin LT.

Trade down a lil bit and grab one of the LTs in the top half. Move Backus to tackle.

No question here either, I would rather have a LT. I would have rather had Eugene Monroe than Stafford last year honestly. It doesn't matter really since we are that crappy at both positions. Simply take the BPA with the best contract. We can look to fill those voids in the second, but LT is our worst line position IMO. We just aren't privy to how much better those DT prospects are than Okung. Ideally, we move down to 4 or 5 and take whichever falls into our lap. We just have to hope that Bradford and Quinn2 do awesome in their pro days.

but LT is our worst line position IMO.


Do we have a LG on the roster?

Backus is average.

Do we have a LG on the roster?

Backus is average.

Yes, Backus.

Hermy, I think its both the LT and LG. It does place the LT on an island to some extent if the LG sucks. That said, Backup (I mean Backus; do I?) got beat more often on the outside. I would rather spend a ton on a top DE than DT, but not an option. Let's see how the rankings change closer to the draft. I would be fine with McCoy, Suh, or Okung. All are justifiable given our shittiness.

Not that I am necessarily advocating it, but what would be your thoughts if we drafted a LT first, a LG second, and a RB fourth? According to most pundits, our offense is closer than our defense. Why not fill all the obvious holes?

Schwartz says no more "big" FAs.

^ Not a problem. CB's and RBs are considered small.

Lions discussing possible trade for Chris Houston CB Falcons...mid rounder being discussed.

Art

What the fuck are all these peeps worrying about moving Backus to guard for?

Are you fuckin worried that we might go 2-14 or some fuckin thing?

Quit drinking the Backus kool aid.

Houston has been acquired for a sixth rounder and a swap of fifth rounders. Supposedly, Houston sucks in a zone, but is pretty good in man. Hopefully this turns out to be a bargain.

The knock on Houston was a lack of production, but for a corner this isn't so bad. If you play good coverage, nobody will throw at you, so there will be less interceptions.

Atlanta fans are happy to see him go, but they played cover 2, and supposedly press man is his strength. They say there were a ton of PI/defensive holding calls though... :/

I keep hearing the 'press' is him too.

White DE released and WR Brian Clark Bucs signed.

I thought we were done signing Buc castoffs

Jonathan Wade Rams (I think) CB signed.

We released some, signed some.

I guess thats ok. Whho knows we might find a CB that is worth signing long term.

Under the current regime, you get the feeling every little move was done for a reason, after doing their scouting and identifying good players. You get the feeling Millen was just throwing darts at Mel Kiper's big board, drafting and signing wherever the darts led him.

Houston has been acquired for a sixth rounder and a swap of fifth rounders. Supposedly, Houston sucks in a zone, but is pretty good in man. Hopefully this turns out to be a bargain.

I read 5th rounder.

Under the current regime, you get the feeling every little move was done for a reason, after doing their scouting and identifying good players. You get the feeling Millen was just throwing darts at Mel Kiper's big board, drafting and signing wherever the darts led him.

I agree. Its like they are getting contracts on guys they want to keep who have been available...regardless of position. While rotating some guys through other positions hoping to get a lil lucky and discover someone.

They can't fix this mess in a couple of seasons.

I read 5th rounder.

And swap 6ths in 2010.

With Houston and Wade on board, the team might cool its interest in free-agent CB Lito Sheppard, though the position remains a need.
Houston was a second-round pick in 2007, and Wade was a third-rounder the same year


Either didn't know we were after Lito or forgot.

And swap 6ths in 2010.

False.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/03/lions_sign_cb_jonathan_wade.html

Paragraph 3.

Correction posted where I read it.

You might be correct for a change.
thatsajoke

Now the site says a 5th and a 6th. They're all fucked up.

Either way I like it. I remember reading that in his draft profile (sucks in zone but a solid man CB). Wasn't he lightning fast too at the combine?

I think I read that about being really fast at the combine too.

2nd fastest at combine overall:

http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2007/02/28/sports/sports09.txt

It says only 11 of the 40 DL and 22 of the 58 OL could bench more.

Thoughts on this...

No trades come our way and Suh or McBoy is there and the Rams have already inked Bradford, do you think the Lions might also try to negotiate with a top OT hoping to get one to take a lesser contract?

I can't remember if the Lions can negotiate once the Rams have signed their guy or not though.

I'm pretty sure once st. louis signs their guy the lions can negotiate. I doubt the do heavy negotiations with one player though. Because by leaving other teams in the dark they increase their trade ability for that pick.

exactly. They probably don't negotiate to leave open trade possibilities.

Can't they do both?

I thought maybe they'd even talk to the S from Bama or something.

Make it look like you are prepared to go with the pick.

I think you can have a contract for multiple players ready at #1, yes.

I was thinking more along the lines of negotiating with multiple players and still trying to trade the pick.

Agreed, you have to show that you'll be more than willing to sit there and take the player.

I forgot about this guy.




Lions | Expected to sign C. Campbell

John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports the Detroit Lions worked out former draft choice LB Caleb Campbell Tuesday, March 9, and are expected to sign him to a contract. He is finishing up his two-year active duty service in the Army.

Offered him a one year deal, I guess.

When can he play? NVM!

Looks like he can play this year.

he was being all he could be for 2 years, so by definition he probably got a lot better as a football player.

and of course they can negotiate with multiple players and still try to trade the pick. thats exactly what i would do, too. i think the only thing you need special permission is for actually signing the guy, so any negotiations wouldnt really be binding till after st. louis officially take bradford (yup).

^i think. im actually not sure. i cant imagine being able to talk to the players but not being allowed to discuss contracts, but im just speculating.

They can negotiate with #2 after St. Louis agrees with #1.

As far as Campbell goes, he ran a 4.49 and is around 240-250, supposedly. Whether or not he can play football remains to be seen.

Who said he was a LB? He played FB at college.

He was a safety.

Ray's right. Definitely a safety. Not sure where FB came from. I guess the LB thing's probably coming from when we drafted him. There was talk of turning him from SS into a LB in the pros. At this point, let him focus on special teams and get himself back into football. Maybe put him on the practice squad to start (if needed).

Lions traded next year's 7th round pick to the 49ers for QB Shaun Hill.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/14/49ers-trade-shaun-hill-to-lions/

I know it's still very early in his tenure and there is not yet a track record of success, but it appears that Martin Mayhew might be a competent GM. He's gone and adequately filled a bunch of holes already before the draft at a low price. We'll see if Chris Houston pans out.

I think if Suh is there come april, you take him.. If not, I might go with Okung and take a guy like Linvall Joseph late in the third or in the fourth. Maybe trade down and get a guy like Amari Spievey in the 2nd to play opposite Houston.

There's a lot of directions we could take in this draft... only about a month and a week til we find out!

If we take Suh, we're about a cornerback away from a pretty good defense. Kind of hard to believe.

If we take Suh, we're about a cornerback away from a pretty good defense. Kind of hard to believe.

On paper we come away with a good defense. I won't be convinced until I see the product on the field

On paper we come away with a good defense. I won't be convinced until I see the product on the field

Yeah, agreed, I was thinking that as soon as I hit "Submit".

Yep, proofs in the pudding. Agree with 168 and 169.

Mmm pudding...

Hill has won 10 games in 16 starts for the 49ers over the last three years. The Lions have won nine games, total, over the last three years.
Ugh.

I know it's still very early in his tenure and there is not yet a track record of success, but it appears that Martin Mayhew might be a competent GM. He's gone and adequately filled a bunch of holes already before the draft at a low price. We'll see if Chris Houston pans out.

I think if Suh is there come april, you take him.. If not, I might go with Okung and take a guy like Linvall Joseph late in the third or in the fourth. Maybe trade down and get a guy like Amari Spievey in the 2nd to play opposite Houston.

There's a lot of directions we could take in this draft... only about a month and a week til we find out!

It appears he might be.

But trading a late round pick for a guy who was done in SF anyway didn't bring you to this, did it?

I'm not saying it was a bad move, just wonderin...

What about a trade with SF for their two firsts and a second (or third and fourth, not sure how equal those would be). At 13 and 17, you're going to get solid talent you fill more holes with 13, 17, 34, 49, than 2 and 34.

Bryan Bulaga, Earl Thomas, Dan Williams?

You get a starting LT, S, and DL in your first three picks. That's 3 of your biggest holes and you've still got a 2nd round pick to go.

Obvious issue - why would San Francisco want to trade up.

I started to go more in depth with this but realized I have to be up in 6 hours for work. Oops.

It appears he might be.

But trading a late round pick for a guy who was done in SF anyway didn't bring you to this, did it?

I'm not saying it was a bad move, just wonderin...

Well, considering it's extremely difficult to get FA's to come sign in Detroit, and Hill's contract is very reasonable, yes, it was a good move.

What about a trade with SF for their two firsts and a second (or third and fourth, not sure how equal those would be). At 13 and 17, you're going to get solid talent you fill more holes with 13, 17, 34, 49, than 2 and 34.

Bryan Bulaga, Earl Thomas, Dan Williams?

You get a starting LT, S, and DL in your first three picks. That's 3 of your biggest holes and you've still got a 2nd round pick to go.

Obvious issue - why would San Francisco want to trade up.

I started to go more in depth with this but realized I have to be up in 6 hours for work. Oops.

I mentioned this already. I don't see why they trade up. The only way they would is if they really want Berry badly. They need secondary help, OL help and some LB help. I doubt they move to #2 to address the latter two.

Williams is probably long gone by 34, at this point. Bulaga may be gone at 13. Who knows, fuck it, I'm tired of speculating for a while.

Williams is probably long gone by 34, at this point. Bulaga may be gone at 13. Who knows, fuck it, I'm tired of speculating for a while.


I agree on Williams. I was talking about using the 2nd SF pick on Williams (is their other one 19 or something like that?).

Suh excited after visiting the Lions. Said he liked the facilities and everything...prolly included the cash he'd be getting if he's selected.

Lions signed Landon Johnson LB Panthers.

Lions met with Pacman Jones before his workout for NFL teams.

I just read where Pacman didn't show for his workout for NFL teams. Imagine that.

I just read where Pacman didn't show for his workout for NFL teams. Imagine that.

Early reports were saying that he didn't showup but later on, they were saying that he did, in fact, workout.

The Schwartz says if the Lions pursue Hargrove DE Saints that he'd use him at both ends and tackle too.

Sooooooo pursue him for chrisakes.

If he can play 3 positions at once, by all means.

If he can play 3 positions at once, by all means.

It would probably still be an improvement over what we had at those 3 positions last season.

We would lose our 4th round pick for him, I believe.

Another young'n...and thats a good thing.

And hopefully free's us up to take Okung. Mayhew has to do something to make up for his fuckup last year by taking Pett instead of Oher.

And hopefully free's us up to take Okung. Mayhew has to do something to make up for his fuckup last year by taking Pett instead of Oher.

No need to pigeonhole ourselves like that. BPA all the way.

BPA to protect your QB.

Depending on where we end up picking and who is on the board, Okung may very well be BPA. I have him after Suh at the moment followed by McCoy.

The Schwartz on Pacman Jones



"Not only did we send someone down there to work him out, but also someone to spend some time with him," Schwartz said. "I wouldn't say anything's imminent, but we're definitely interested and gathering information."

Lions trying to trade for Sims OG Seahawks

Delmas wants Lions to sign Pacman Jones.

That'd be a great signing and good mentor for Delmas.

rofl