Sunday, April 15, 2012

Lions draft priorities

1. Defensive Back

With every defensive back on the roster except John Wendling on the last year of their contracts, (Speivey and Berry would be RFA) this is a great need. With only Delmas and maybe Houston as a keeper depth is needed at corner and safety. Martin Mayhew drafts timed speed at corner. Look at corners with 4.4 or under speed. Note: only one starting CB in the NFL was not timed under 4.6 (Brandon Browning Seattle).
Chris Houston 4.32, Eric Wright 4.36, Alphonos Smith 4.47, Don Carey 4.49 at the combine. Aaron Berry 4.39 at his pro day.

UCF CB Josh Robinson was the fastest player at the Combine
2. Offensive Tackle

The Lions re-signed Jeff Backus to a 2 year contract to buy some time. Gosder Cherlius is in the last year of his contract. Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard are the back ups neither seem to be a long term answer. THe Lions will have to strike at 23 if they want to get a starter. I rate only three guys as starters (Kalil, Adams and Reiff) Others need development time.

I rate Mike Adams as the 2nd best tackle
3. Interior Offensive Line

Dom Raoila is entering his 12th NFL season and Stephen Peterman ready top be replaced this area is a priority. I rate 6 centers in this draft as a starters, some should be around in the 3rd round. I rate at least 7 guards as starters. A strong year for each position. The Lions could use mid round picks to build depth.

Miami University OG Brandon Brooks is a fast riser
 4. Defensive End

With KVB entering his 12th NFL Season, Cliff Avril under a contract cloud, Lo Jack is in his last year under contract. The Lions need some solutions in the long term. Signing Everette Brown may help and Ugo Chinasa is a prospect off the practice squad. There are a lot interesting prospects at end. Many are undersized speed rushers that the Lions love.


The Lions checked out Marshall DE Vinny Curry
5. Running Back

With the concussion issue of Jahvid Best and the injury/pot problems of Mikel LeShoure the Lions need depth at RB. There are a lot of backs that can fill roles in this draft. The Lions seem to be trying to find a slot/3rd down back to fill in for Best.

Jim Schwartz attended the Oregon Pro Day to check out LaMichael James
6. Wide Receiver

The need for a slot guy to replace Nate Burleson and help with the return game is draft possiblity.
The Lions have worked out Devon Wyllie and TY Hilton. MSU WR Keyshawn Martin has also been linked to this spot.


Arkansas WR Joe Adams is one of my favorite players
7. Linebacker

Resigning Stephen Tulloch moved this position down a couple slots. Justin Durant and Deandre Levy are in their last year under contract. Doug Hogue and Ashlee Palmer also return. A run and hit will backer would be a good add in the mid rounds.

Workout warrior Zack Brown reminds me of Boss Bailey
8. Quarterback

With the loss of Drew Stanton to the Colts and the age of Shaun Hill a third development guy is needed. The rule of thumb is to draft a QB when you do not need it.

SDSU Ryan Lindley is a possiblity

Position rating coming next week.

No comments:

Post a Comment