Camp Preview D-Line

Last season the Lions were 3rd in league in rushing just 4, (77.7%). Confidence in the front 4 and poor LB and secondary coverage are the reasons.

Defensive Tackles

Ndamkong Suh

Mr.C hangs with Suh

3rd year 30 starts 102 tackles 14 sacks

Much has been said about Suh and his sophomore 'slump'. He played well in short yardage situations and did get a tough push on the QB. In 2011, he had sacks 7 QB hits and 24 hurries. According Football Outsiders he ranked second on the team with 31 stops and 15 defeats which indicates he played well against the run. Suh also drew 4 holding calls which was 13th in the NFL. He committed 8 penalities. He lacked the speed rush we saw as a rook. I think his shoulder was a problem and he did not have the same strength. I expect him to play at pro bowl level.

Nebraska 54 g 38 gs 214 t 24 sacks 4 int 3 ff 6 blocked kicks

Corey Williams

9th year 31 starts 67 tackles 4 sacks

After a great 2010 and fast start to 2011, Corey wore down late last season. He played more snaps than he had been scheduled to with injury to Nick and the suspension on Suh. Hopefully, once Fairley serves his suspension, the Lions can get back to their 4 man rotation. This would help Cory play at a higher level. Defensive tackles tend to fall off after the age of 31 and Corey is in the last season of his contract.

Browns 32 g 18 gs 81t 4.5 sacks
Packers 56 g 20 GS 119t 17 sacks
Arkansas State 43 games 34 GS 136 tackles 14.5 Sacks 3FF
Combine 5.18 40 25 reps 28 VJ 4.55 20 7.907 Ldrill

Sammie Hill

Mr.C and Sammy

4th year 44 games 15 starts 79 tackles 4 sacks

Sammie was actually our best defensive tackle late in the year. he has 22 stops and 9 defeats in 2011, which indicates good activity in his playing time. He was a stud in the playoff loss to the Saints. It scares me that he is in the last year of his contract because he is a legit starter in the NFL.

Stillman 191 tackles 17.5 sacks 4 fr
Combine: 5.12 40 27 reps 28 vj 4.97 20 7.89 l drill Wonderlic 15

Nick Fairley

Masta P and Nick

2nd Year 10 games 15 tackles 1 sack

With a 3 or 4 game suspension looming, Fairley should be heathy heading in to his second season. He is big guy with really long arms. He could take a lot of the load off of Corey if he can get his stuff together. Big 'IF'

Auburn 27 g 16 GS 88 tackles 13 sacks 2 Ff 3 FR 1 int
Michael Cosgrove

Rookie UDFA Idaho 109 tackles 8 saxks 1 ff

Nickname: Captain Caveman for his rough look. He played 48 games at Idaho 111 tackles 7.5 sacks. 6'4" 300 5.1 40 28 reps 30.5 vj 811 broad 4.67 20 7.85 Broad. Might catch on other teams practice squad.

Andre Fluellen

Andre as a rookie

5th year 51 games 5 starts 47 tackles 2.5 sacks

Re-signed for 5th season with the team. WIth a suspension to Fairley, Flu will probably be back in the rotation. He might be in trouble after Nick's return. A swing player who can play inside or at end.

Florida State 81 tackles 5 sacks
Defensive Ends

Cliff Avril

Cliff throws the first pitch July 8 at Comerica

5th year 57 games 44 starts 30 sacks 14 forced fumbles

As of this writing Cliff has not signed his franchise tender. He should be around sometimes after the third preseason game. Coming off a career year, Cliff is asking for premier $. I believe the Lions should offer $5 million a year. Avril is poor against the run and a steaky pass rusher. In the playoffs, he had .5 sack and 2 tackles. He did lead the Lions with 11 sacks, 27 Hurries, 32 stops and 19 defeats. For a guy who turned down $10 mil a year he was 14th in the NFL and 5th in penalities with 11.

Purdue: 40 G 35 GS157 tackles 12.5 sacks 2 int 5 ff

Kyle Vanden Bosch

KVB bleeds for the Lions

12th year 27 starts 84 tackles 12 sacks 6 forced fumbles

Coming off a productive year, KVB looks for more of the same. He had  31.5 total QB pressures, ranked 3rd with 27 stops and 13 defeats. He over pursues vs the run but can still rush the passer. With LJ and Willie he can take more plays off.

Tennessee Titans 74 gs 38.5 sacks 14 ff 269 tackles
Arizona Cards 35g 20 GS 76t 4 sacks 1FRTD
Nebraska 142 tackles 13 sacks

Lawrence Jackson

5th year 22 games 54 tackles 10.5 sacks

Jackson is an underrated player for the Lions. His problem is staying healthy. When he plays he is good. Our best end vs the run and still generates a pass rush. In the last year of his contract and could demand a starting spot in 2013. He totaled 16 QB total hurries 2011 and 22 stops tied for 4th on the team.


Seahawks 32 g 24 starts 61 tackles 6.5 sacks
USC 148 t 24.5 sacks 2 int 7ff

Willie Young

3rd year 16 games 14 tackles 3 sacks

Third year man Willie Young has flashed big play potiential. His sack of Tony Romo sealed the Cowboy game for us in Dallas. His strip sack of Brees in the playoffs was the best defensive play of that game. If he can stay healthy he could easily double his playing time. He had a schoking 19.5 total QB hurries.

NC State 194 tackles 20 sacks 3 int 4 ff

Everette Brown

4th year Free agent

A 2nd round pick of the Panthers in 2009, he was cut before the season in 2011 and ended it with the Chargers.  At 6'1' 256 lbs. he ran 4.65 at the combine, He was a 2nd team All-American at FSU. This is type of guy the Lions have turned around. Will he have a place with all the talent at End?

Carolina Panthers 28 g 6 sacks 47 tackles 1 INT 3 ff
Florida State 41 games 25 starts 100 t 23 sacks 5ff

Ronnell Lewis

Rookie 4th round pick Oklahoma 118t 10 sacks 2 int 3ff

6'2' 253 he ran 4.68 and 36 reps at the combine. He is tweener that many thought would be drafted into 3-4 system. He fits in the Lions for special teams and pass rush downs. Lewis has time to develop as the depth is outstanding at end.

Ugo Chinasa

#69 Chinasa and #97 Lewis at mini camp

2nd year UDFA Oklahoma State 105 t 12.5 sacks 2 int

Signed off the Panthers cuts to the practice squad, Ugo fits the Lions mold at DE almost 6'5" and 265lbs he ran 4.63 at the combine. He has practice squad written all over him but for what team?

Edmon McClam

Rookie UDFA Old Dominion 35 games 97 tackles 10 sacks 4 FF

He looks the part 6'4" 293 lbs. Pro day Numbers 5.15 40 23 reps 31 Vj 810 broad 4.79 20 7.9 cone
Might be big enough to slide inside to tackle. Might be a practice squad player in the league.


Starters
DT Suh, Corey
DE Avril, KVB

Back ups
DT Fairley, Hill, Flu
DE Young, LoJack, Lewis

Practice squad
Chinasa

Camp preview TE

Brandon Pettigrew

4th year 43 starts 101 rec 1070 yards 6 td

Grew had a good season catching the ball in 2011. He is healthy and it is time for him to reach his pro bowl potiential. He needs to improve his in-line blocking. In 2011, Pettigrew was second in the NFL with 7 false start penalties and 6th overall with 11. He is only piece of the Roy Williams trade remaining.

Oklahoma State: 39 g 112rec 1450 yards 9 td

Tony Scheffler

7th year 30 games 71 rec 722 yards 7td

Tony,  a WMU grad, have emerged as a great red zone weapon. His touchdown celebrations have become a crowd favorite.

Denver Broncos 57g 138 rec 1929 yards 14td
WMU 34g 117 rec 1345 yards 13td

Will Heller

10th year 48 games 39 rec 375 yards 4td

Re-signed after being released this off-season. Heller has emerged as our fullback. He started the playoff game and scored the first td after the benching of Pettigrew. A reliable player Heller's role will continue.

NFL 78g 48rec 355 yards 8td
GA Tech 23g 12 rec 125 yards 1td

Nathan Overbay

3rd year Practice Squad Eastern Washington 36 g 93 rec 1189 yards 19td

Practice squad member last year. He has experience and can get upfield to catch the ball. Overbay is likely headed back to the practice squad.

Alex Gottlieb

Rookie UDFA William & Mary 45 g 75 rec 905 yards 5 td

Gottlieb is big kid who can be a an emegency long snapper, I would be surprised if he stuck. 6'3" 250 lbs. 4.74 40 24 reps 33" vj 10' Broad 4.42 20 7.33 l drill.

Austin Wellls

Rookie UDFA Northern Iowa 36 games 43 rec 624 yards 8 td

Plaed three years at Nebraska-Omaha before his transfer to Northern Iowa. Has an uphill battle to make the 75 man cut. 6'3" 251 4.78 40 17 reps 38 VJ 911 broad 4.33 20 7.15 Ldrill

James Bryant

4th year Louisville

Bryant has bounced around. In college he played for Miami and Louisville. He has been a boxer and played in the CFL. A physical speciman with defense in his backgound can he play special teams? I would be surprised if the Lions kept a fullback.

Training camp preview OLine

Pro Football Focus ranked the Offensive Line 10th best in the NFL last year. 5th in pass protection 22nd in run blocking. Jeff Backus was the best run blocker. Cherlius the worst rated lineman. Football Outsiders ranked thelLine 32nd in the NFL for clearing the way for our running backs. QB Matthew Stafford has hit 86 times, 5th most in the NFL.

Tackles

Jeff Backus

12th year 176 starts

Backus signed on for two more years. Last season, Backus played well and was actually the highest rated run blocker for the Lions. He ranked 13th for the most busted blocks and 11th in penalities with 9. Coming off a torn biceps he seems he has recovered well. He took part in OTAs and mini camp. The question how long until Reiff takes over?

Michigan 49 GS

Gosder Cherlius

5th year 55 starts
A decent pass protector, he struggles in the run game. This is his make it or break it year. He is healthy and on the last year of contract.

Boston College 51 starts

Jason Fox

Fox and the Killer

3rd year 4 games

The often injured Jason Fox is injured again. A durable lineman at Miami (47 starts) until late in his senior year, he has yet to stay healthy as a pro. He practiced at right tackle during OTAs and then missed mini camp.

Riley Reiff

Rookie 1st round pick from Iowa 37 starts

Reiff and Backus clone with feet comes to Detroit with high expectations. Short armed and lacking pop, Reiff's strength is his movement. Will he be a left or right tackle? This year or next? He worked at left tackle during mini camp and drew praise from the coaches.

Johnny Culbreath

2nd year Spent 2011 on Injured Reserve.

Unlikely to catch on. Maybe a practice squad guy but doubt it.

South Carolina State 47 g 44 starts

Corey Hilliard

6th year 31 games 5 starts

A solid swing player with experience as a tackle for the Lions. He started the final four games at right tackle (all wins) in 2010 and 1 game in 2011 (a win). He can play guard and is on the last year on his contract ($1.25 mil).

Colts 5 games
Oklahoma State: 46 g 43 starts

Guards

Stephen Peterman

8th year 70 starts

Peterman improved his play from the beginning of 2010. His health has returned and his play was steady. Unlikely to be replaced this year.

Cowboys 3 games
LSU 48 g 35 gs

Rob Sims

Sims emerges from the buffet

7th year 32 starts

Sims has bulked up this off season to combat the bigger defensive tackles. He graded as the best lineman last season but still was a little disappointing.

Seahawks 45 g 34 gs
Ohio State 47 g 40 gs

Dylan Gandy

8th year 47 games 5 starts

A swing guard-center who has backed up Dom since 2009. The Lions have not drafted a player to challenge him. Took 2nd center reps at the OTA.

Texas Tech 20 Starts

Jacques McClendon

3rd year Practice Squad

Claimed off the waiver wire from the Colts after camp last season. Was on the 53 man roster for 4 games (all wins) placed on the practice squad the rest of the year. Strong with some experience but can he play center?

Tennessee 26 starts

Rodney Austin

Reiff and #74 Austin

Rookie UDFA Elon (N.C) 31 g 19 gs

Austin was given a draftable grade until and injury ended his senior year. He is listed as a center-guard. I did not see him take any center reps at the OTA. Possible practice squad if he can play center.

J.C. Oram

Rookie UDFA Weber State 48 g 47 GS

Strong guard with limited upside if he cannot play center. Is a possible practice squad guy.

Center

Dominic Raiola

12th year 156 starts

Dom returns to man the center position for the 11th year. Small but smart he is limited the running game but a solid pass protector. No one has been drafted to challenge him, ever.

Dan Gerberry

4th year Ball State 50 career starts in college

3 year member of the practice squad, who was on the active roster for two games in 2009. He plays both center and guard and has a shot to beat out Gandy. He is out of practice squad eligibility.


Center Dom
Guards Pete, Sims
Tackle Backus, Gos

Backups Fox, Hilliard, Gandy, Reiff

Practice Squad: Austin

Camp preview WR

Three established players with many fighting for two spots with Broyles on the PUP lsit.

Calvin Johnson

Mega hangs with Mr.C

6th season 71 starts 19/167/1 366 rec 5872 yards 49td 5 lost fumbles

Best player since Barry Sanders. #3 on the NFL network top 100 players. All-Pro in 2011. He broke 12 tackles in 2011.

Georgia Tech 38g 178 rec 2927 yards 28td

Nate Burleson

10th year 30 games 18/166/0 128 rec 1383 yards 9td 3 lost fumbles

Nate is great leader and great mentor for the young receivers but he better pick up his production. He is due to make $4.5 mil in 2013 and $5.5 mil in 2014. He is 31 and the Lions have invested 2nd round picks on WR each in 2011 and 2012. He did break 12 tackles in 2011.

Seahawks 46 g 32 gs 136/1758 15td 125/1288 2td PR
Vikings 44 g 33 gs 127/1789 12td 31/325 1td PR
Nevada  33 g 248 rec 3287 yards 22td

Titus Young

2nd year 16 games 10 starts 48 rec 607 yards 6td

Young is a young, emotional player. He has had some tough spots (injury in the preseason, penalty against the Saints and the fight with Delmas) but he showed his toughness and knack to catch the ball in traffic. He was targeted many times on third down and the red zone. Look for an even better season this year.

Boise State 43g 204 rec 3063 yards 25td

Ryan Broyles

Rookie 2nd round pick Oklahoma 48g 349 rec 4586 yards 45td

Stud athlete coming off a late season ACL tear. Rehab has progressed and was able to do limited work at OTAs. He was barely able to defeat Coach Ted Rath in sideline sprints. I believe he will start the season the PUP list and become active after the bye. This will give another receiver a chance for the first part of the season.

Maurice Stovall

7th year 15 games 1 rec 7 yards 7 special teams tackles. Pre season 6 rec 108 2 td

Stovall was re-signed during the OTAs. He came in to back up Calvin and play on the special teams. He will face a stiff challenge when Broyles returns from the PUP list.

Bucs 56 g 11 gs 51 rec 660 yards 3td
Notre Dame 46 g 130 rec 2195 yards 18td.

Lance Long

5th year Free Agent

Free agent pick up who has spent time with the Cards and Niners. A Utica Eisenhower grad, Long will need to beat out Stovall on special teams and show ability in the slot. The injury to Broyles helps his chances.

KC Chiefs 7g 20 rec 178 yards 0td
Mississippi State 36g 46 rec 321 1td

Jarrett Dillard

4th year Free Agent

Free agent pick up from the Jags. An explosive athlete with good quickness, he is the alltime leading TD reception leader in NCAA division 1A history. He will have to show ability on special teams to make the roster. His receving ability might be the fill in for Broyles.

Jags 21g 35/398 1td rec
Rice 49g 292 rec 4138 yards 60td


Terence Toliver

2nd year Practice Squad

Practice squad player picked up from the Texans. He was an UDFA out of LSU and played at the East-West Shrine Game for Coach Jefferson. Has size and hands the question is can he separate from NFL corners.

LSU 40g 126 rec 1820 yards 12td

Nate Hughes

5th year Practice Squad Preseason 4 rec 51 yards 1 td 3/77 KOR 9/49 Pr

Practice squad from the Jags. Played well in the preseason but was injured during the season and finished on the IR. He is not practice squad eligible. I asked him at the OTA "You gonna make the team?" He said "Gotta no other choice."

Jags 8 games 5 rec 70 yards 2/18 PR
Alcorn State 161 rec 2,415 yards 19td

Patrick Edwards

Rookie UDFA Houston 48g 291 rec 4510 yards 43td

Quick slot receiver with return ability. Former walk-on at Houston became one the most productive players in the NCAA History. Not fast nor strong but gets open and can catch. Likely to make the practice squad.


Wallace Miles

Rookie UDFA North Carolina A & T 172 rec 2,238 yards 12 td

Miles made the 90 man roster after the rookie mini-camp. Productive in college a poor 40 (4.6) led him to tryout status. At the OTA he received reps at the slot receiver and stands a chance at the practice squad.



Starters Mega, Nate Titus

Back ups Stovall, Hughes

PUP Broyles

Practice Squad Edwards

Lions camp preview RB

Here is a look at a pivotal position for the Lions

Jahvid Best

Best with only one concussion

Third year 22 games 15 starts 255/945/6  85 rec 774 yards 3 td

Best coming off two concussions one against the Bills in the preseason and the 49ers. He sat out the rest on the season and has yet to prove he is durable enough to play in the NFL. He has game breaking ability, mostly as a receiver but plays have been few and far between. This a make or break year for Jahvid.

Cal 31 games 364/2668 29td rush 62 rec 533 yards 6td

Mikel LeShoure

LeShoure with two achilles tendons

2nd year Injured Reserve Illinois 31 gm 424/2508 23td 47 rec 439 yards 5 td

LeShoure a 2nd round pick in 2011, sat out last season with a torn achilles. He had two off-season arrests and is suspended for the Rams and 49ers game. Was drafted to give the Lions some power in the running game. He needs to be in game shape and 100% by game three.

Kevin Smith

5th year 42 games 30 starts 561/2212/16 113 rec 1003 3td 4 lost fumbles

Smith, a 3rd round pick in 2008 has yet to stay healthy in his career. He jumped off the couch last season to help the Lions in the play-off run. He showed new quickness before injurying his calf handing off a reverse in the Packers game. He was not effective after that. He will be counted early to help off set the loss of Leshoure and be insurance for the loss of Best.

Central Florida 36 games 905/4679 45td 55 rec 444 1 td

Keiland Williams

Third year 15 games 58/195/2 8 rec 62 yards  1 lost fumble 3 special teams tackles

Willams was picked up on waivers from the Redskins following final cuts. He played 15 games and was used in short yardage situations and special teams. He failed to make an impact and is on the bubble to make the roster. He will be helped by the suspension of LeShoure and plenty of preseason action.

Redskins 15 g 3 starts  65/261 3 td 39 rec 309 yards 2td
LSU 47 games 299/1699 17td 24 rec 251 2 td

Joique Bell

Third year Wayne State 44 games 1,181/6728 88 td 79/918 8td rec

Picked off the Saints practice squad in week 15, he will have a chance at the 4th RB position. The Wayne State grad has played for the Bills, Colts as well as the Saints. If he can contribute on special teams and show he can run inside a spot will be his.



Stefan Logan

4th year 32 games 24/127/0 87KOR 2280 1td 66pr 663 0 td 3 lost fumbles

Logan is on the bubble. He has to show he has a place on the offense. This off season he shown his great quickness and looks to regain the form of 2010.

Steelers 16 games 30/280 PR 55/1466 KOR
CFL BC Lions 122/889 0 td 52 rec 477 3 td
Sotuh Dakota 5,958 rushing yards 35 total td

Pro Day 4.4 40 14 reps 38.5 VJ 1001 Broad 4.3 20 6.82 ldrill

Stepfon Green

Rookie UDFA Penn State 42 games 284/1349 14td 41 rec 459 yards 1 td

Green, a speedster with legit 4.4 speed has a chance to make the practice squad. He had a star-crossed career in Happy Valley which included a suspension but played well his senior year.

Starter: Best
Back ups: LeShoure, Smith, Bell, Williams (2 games)
Practice Squad: Green

Lions camp preview QB Part 2

The real question for the Lions at QB will be for the third spot. I believe the Lions will carry only 2 QB on the 53 man roster. The third will be on the practice squad.

Kellen Moore

Moore at an OTA

Rookie UDFA Boise State 53 games 1157/1658/28 14667 142td
Moore a UDFA from Boise State is a college football legend with 50-3 record. However, he lacks the athletic ability and arm strength to play in the NFL. He ran 4.94 in the 40 27 vert 803 broad 4.56 20 7.41 l drill.



 RJ Archer

Archer at the rookie mini-camp

3rd year Free agent

A third year man from William & Mary, he spent 2010 with the Vikings and the last two seasons in the Arena Football League. He has good athletic ability and pro experience. I believe he will win the spot. He ran 4.8 40 34" VJ 904 broad 4.27 20 7.1 l drill.

College: 290/489/10 3190 19td

Arena League: 447/747/26 4738 76td

Lions training camp preview QB

With July 23 on its way here is a preview of the 2012 Detroit Lions

QB

Matthew Stafford

Stafford with a Patriotic Kelly Hall

4th year 29 starts

Stafford had one of the most underrated years in memory throwing for 5,038 yard and 41 touchdowns. He led the Lions to their first playoff game since 1999. With a clean pocket Stafford is awesome. He needs to improve on his play under pressure. He ranked 28th in the NFL out of 32 according to Pro Football Focus under pressure. Jaws rated him # 14 in the league at his position.

Regular Season Passing Stats
SEASON	TEAM	GP	CMP	ATT	CMP%	YDS	AVG	TD	LNG	INT	FUM	RAT
2009	DET	10	201	377	53.3	2,267	6.01	13	75	20	4	61.0
2010	DET	3	57	96	59.4	535	5.57	6	36	1	1	91.3
2011	DET	16	421	663	63.5	5,038	7.60	41	73	16	3	97.2
Career		29	679	1,136	59.8	7,840	6.90	60	75	37	8	84.7

Regular Season Rushing Stats
SEASON	TEAM	GP	ATT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FD	FUM	LST
2009	DET	10	20	108	5.4	21	2	6	0	0
2010	DET	3	4	11	2.8	9	1	1	1	0
2011	DET	16	22	78	3.5	22	0	6	2	0
Career		29	46	197	4.3	22	3	13	3	0

Georgia 39 games 564/987/33 7731 yards 51 td

Shaun Hill

11th year 10 starts

Hill is an ideal back up. He needs little rest and help mentor the young QB. Hopefully he will stay on the sidelines again this year.

2010	DET	11	257	416	61.8	2,686	6.46	16	75	12	1	81.3
2011	DET	2	2	3	66.7	33	11.00	0	28	0	0	103.5
Career		32	581	941	61.7	6,209	6.60	39	75	23	10	84.7

49ers 18 games 16 starts 322/522/11 3490 23td
Maryland 17 games 270/455/13 3158 19td

NFL Europe Amsterdam 10 games 220/356/5 2256 13td