1.02: Who Should The Detroit Lions Pick? (1 Viewer)

[Gargoylez]

The 2nd overall pick is a very juicy one this year. I would love to see the Lions trade down for a mid-late 1st and a 2nd. If they can't find a suitable trading partner....I agree that Thomas in the logical pick. However, despite the Lions horrible history with 1st round WR's...I wouldn't be dissapointed if they selected C.J.

I don't like trade down theories because there are 31 other suitors that could sell their house and move up in the draft. So I enjoy just sticking with what we know. Sure the Lions can trade down and get 5 more picks, a Joe THeismann replica jersey and a bucket of wings from anchor bar... but no one truly knows this, not even the GMs.So with the 2nd over-all pick, the Lions should go with Thomas. I can see a Branch like player to pair up with Rogers, but I think alot of you are discounting the QB factor. Its almost a given that Kitna will make way for a new up and comer, he always does that. Russell or Quinn here is not a far fetch.I'd say Thomas, but Quinn and Russell should not be a surprise to people.

 

[bostonfred]

Too bad we can't draft a stud GM.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I would definitely like to see the Lions draft a stud OL player, but I don't think Joe Thomas is worth the #2 pick. He's solid but not spectacular and will probably not live up to his draft position.

IMO, that leaves Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson as the only other 2 players worthy of the #2 pick. Both of these guys are the top 2 players in the draft. I would very much like to see AD in a Lions uniform. However, I'm guessing the Lions are targeting other positions. So their best option is to trade down if that is possible.

I would very much like to see the Lions trade down and get an extra 1st and 2nd round pick. And then use one of those picks on Drew Stanton, who I think may turn out to be the best QB in the draft.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Interesting thoughts from GreatBlueNorth on the relationship between the Lions and Quinn's agent Tom Condon.Of course it's all pure speculation, but still interesting nonetheless

Lions, WR, agent all at odds… There is a bizarre story coming out of Detroit and this one may not be the fault of the Lions. The Lions had free-agent WR Kevin Curtis in town on the weekend and were reportedly close to signing the former Ram. In particular, Curtis reportedly was anxious sign with the Lions where he would be reunited with Detroit offensive coordinator Mike Martz, his former head coach in St. Louis. Late yesterday, though, Curtis left town without a contract, but promptly fired his agent Tom Condon and departed the Lions facility. Reportedly negotiations with the Lions lagged over the weekend because Condon was reportedly busy with Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, another of his clients who was participating in the Irish’s pro day on Sunday. For now, Curtis is reportedly back home in Salt Lake City. He can still sign with an NFL team on his own, but if he wants to hire another agent, he must wait five business days. The Lions would still like to get something done with him, while Minnesota, the Giants and possibly Philadelphia are also reportedly interested. In fact, Curtis has already visited the Vikings and had been scheduled to meet with the Giants today. The more interesting aspect of the story, though, involves Quinn and Conden. The Lions, who pick second this coming April, of course are one of the teams that would normally have an interest in Quinn; indeed, by bringing in a slew of veterans like OT George Foster, RB Tatum Bell and DE Dewayne White, not to mention the possibility of signing a useful receiver like Curtis, the Lions would appear to be putting themselves in a position where they could afford to use their top pick on a QB. There is speculation though that the incident with Conden could sour the Lions on Quinn, if they had any real interest to begin with.

This may be even more relevant, though...

Speaking of the Lions and Quinn, there had also been reports that the Lions had not attended Quinn’s workout on Sunday. In fact, Detroit actually had seven representatives in South Bend to attend the workout including four coaches, two scouts and an executive, although its not clear if any of the major players in the Lions’ front office were in attendance.

 

[V1LL]

Laron Landry and his 4.35 40 and bull-dozer mentality.....a faster Benny Blades. You could even use him at corner till they draft one next year.

 

[Spike]

I'd like to see them trade teh second overall to New England for both first rounders and maybe a second, but that is really unlikely to happen.

I'm not saying this should be done, but I think Belichick would (if were to do something big) would rather give a 3rd round pick (or so) for Randy Moss than 2 1sts and a 2nd for Calvin Johnson.

 

[Routilla]

If I were DET I would package the pick and Millen to anyone who would take it for nothing at all. This way you atleast get rid of Millen.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Havn't read the replies yet, but am I the only one that thinks a trade between the Cardinals(to move up for JT) and the Lions(to move down for BQ) makes perfect sense?

Obviously they'd have to make sure BQ is still there, but I'm pretty sure that JR, JT, and CJ will be 3 of the top 4 picks, so as long as one other can squeeze in there, it'll work.

 

[aardball44]

Havn't read the replies yet, but am I the only one that thinks a trade between the Cardinals(to move up for JT) and the Lions(to move down for BQ) makes perfect sense?Obviously they'd have to make sure BQ is still there, but I'm pretty sure that JR, JT, and CJ will be 3 of the top 4 picks, so as long as one other can squeeze in there, it'll work.

If this trade happens and Lions find themselves drafting out of the 5 spot, they'll take Gaines Adams before they take Brady Quinn. With the extra second round pick they'd get from the Cardinals, the Lions would be well positioned to trade back up into the first round for a player like Patrick Willis or LaRon Landry, or sit tight and hope Drew Stanton falls to them at pick #34.

 

[Foosball God]

Havn't read the replies yet, but am I the only one that thinks a trade between the Cardinals(to move up for JT) and the Lions(to move down for BQ) makes perfect sense?Obviously they'd have to make sure BQ is still there, but I'm pretty sure that JR, JT, and CJ will be 3 of the top 4 picks, so as long as one other can squeeze in there, it'll work.

If this trade happens and Lions find themselves drafting out of the 5 spot, they'll take Gaines Adams before they take Brady Quinn. With the extra second round pick they'd get from the Cardinals, the Lions would be well positioned to trade back up into the first round for a player like Patrick Willis or LaRon Landry, or sit tight and hope Drew Stanton falls to them at pick #34.

The Lions trade down with the Vikings and select Gaines Adams or Leon Hall if Adams isn't available.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Well, I'm not going to argue who is and who isn't going to live up to their draft pick. Obviously if the Lions or any team doesn't think Joe Thomas is going to be an All Pro type player at his position, he shouldn't be drafted.

But the Lions NEED offensive line help. To think that getting Foster as a minor part of a decent deal somehow patches that horrific line up is way off.

They need offensive line AND defensive help, especially in the secondary. There's nobody on defensive especially in the secondary you're going to take as the No.2 pick in this year's draft.

That leaves only Joe Thomas. If you believe in your heart of hearts that he isn't a STUD player then you trade your pick.

The Lions have drafted on hype on Charlie Rogers, drafted on hype on Mike Williams and the same with Joey Harrington.

As someone mentioned, they have yet to figure out this game............which is why in Super Bowl History, the Detroit Lions have won 1 NFL playoff game. That's absolutely freaken ridiculous but absolutely true.

You don't keep drafting Wr's in the top 10 picks over and over, geez oh man.

It's like this one fantasy football league I'm in. It's for decent cash too and it's full of just guys (Real life friends) that just make the same mistakes every year and it really comes down to only a handful of us every year to who wins the league.

It's the same here in the NFL practically. There's a certain group of teams like the Lions and Cardinals that just never learn. I don't really understand it but the facts speak for themselves.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

But the Lions NEED offensive line help. To think that getting Foster as a minor part of a decent deal somehow patches that horrific line up is way off.

I think that the perception that the 0-line is bad, but where the blame is placed is incorrect. The tackles weren't terrible. Backus played pretty well, and Jonathan Scott really came on at the end of the year. Add Foster into the rotation, and it's not as bad as it seems. Raiola also didn't have a bad season at center.The problem with the line was that the guard play was absolutely wretched. Woody is perpetually out of shape and Verba played poorly before being injured.

They need offensive line AND defensive help, especially in the secondary. There's nobody on defensive especially in the secondary you're going to take as the No.2 pick in this year's draft.

And there's no way you take a linebacker like Ernie Sims at #9, right? Running the Tampa 2 like they do, you have to get pressure from your d-line. They just acquired Dewayne White, recently of the Bucs, and it remains to be seen what they want to do at the other end. For my eyes, none of the currently rostered DeVries, Edwards, or Smith hold much value. So bookend d-ends of White and Gaines Adams/Jamaal Anderson could be very enticing.The best play, OF COURSE, is to move out of the spot, but I don't see any of the top teams paying the price to do so.

 

[blend]

one thing I'll never understand... If the Lions really want J. Anderson and they think he'll be there at #5... Why not just trade down for a second from the Cards? Why do you always have to get the trade value chart in return?

Seems to me that if you have a player you covet - be it Anderson, Adams, Landry, Hall etc... and you're sure they'll be there at the point you trade down to, you should be willing to move a bit from the traditional pick value chart.

 

[aardball44]

one thing I'll never understand... If the Lions really want J. Anderson and they think he'll be there at #5... Why not just trade down for a second from the Cards? Why do you always have to get the trade value chart in return?Seems to me that if you have a player you covet - be it Anderson, Adams, Landry, Hall etc... and you're sure they'll be there at the point you trade down to, you should be willing to move a bit from the traditional pick value chart.

Millen knows this and I trust that's what he'll do if he can't work a better deal. But if he tips his hand in March that he'll settle for only a second round pick, that's all he'll get in April.The Lions can address DE, OL and LB positions with that trade down, landing potential studs at each position.

 

[WhoDat]

Lions homer and finally have time to write.

As much as I would like to see the team trade out and down, that is highly unlikely. Those trades rarely happen, as the talent is too rich and price too steep. With hypothetically 2 franchise QB and franchise players at RB, WR and OL availble over the first 5 picks it would be hard for the Lions to find someone willing to pay the price to come up and get one of those players, while still being guaranteed of nabbing that caliber of player later in the Top 10 picks.

Conversely, the Lions were at one point locked into J. Thomas. Everything indicated the team had to take him despite needs, which limited the Lions finding someone to trade with them. The team had zero leverage in terms of creating a market for a trade. Why would anyone trade when it was a given what the team would do? Millen, though, has made a trade and signed a player (RB/OL and DE) and designed a situation that the Lions at 1.02 are no longer going to be forced into anything. As unlikely as it is the team will find a business partner, the Lions now have choices or options at 1.02. Millen's moves could be due to need, smokescreen or each but he has actually done something remotely impressive over the last few weeks.

The team will not take a QB. There is a fair amount of monies tied up into that position right now and Martz has said Orvlosky, if groomed properly, could be a player in this league. Kitna, while being a turn over machine, did a decent job with what he had last year. The team's history with QB draftees and free agents, though, has been horrific. Selecting Harrington happened in the very recent past and, opinion, the franchise cannot take another blown high round pick. Specifically, the team cannot withstand a highly drafted and expensive QB failing. I'll burn everything I have with a Lions logo if the team takes Quinn.

That leaves the BPA in Thomas, Johnson and Peterson or dropping and taking a DE. All 3 offensive players have an immediate ROI, whereas, the QB will not. The DE may or may not pay dividends on Week #1. God knows the Lions and their fans can not sit through another 3-5 year plan but will the Lions take the BPA? Millen has gotten the franchise and himself into a pinch. It is not the Harrington or Rogers pick that are so bad. Currently, it is the Mike Williams pick. The team passed on Ware, Merriman and D. Johnson, while in dire need at LB. Hindsight and getting off track.

My feeling is that Peterson would do the most to help the team today. If the team had a RB that it could ride or rely upon...down in and out...it will limit what a defense can do against the Lions and, more importantly, keep the Lions' defense off the field. Jones and his health are no sure thing. T. Bell is not the answer and it is not a given that he is a Lion beyond the draft. Martz could alter his offense enough to accomodate having Peterson. The same can be said of C. Johnson, who is as fast as Randy Moss and built better than T. Owens. A team like the Lions, who have so many needs, cannot necessarily pass on that type of difference making talent. Johnson is the smart pick but the team will not do it. Thus, I really feel Peterson ends up in Motown.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

But the Lions NEED offensive line help. To think that getting Foster as a minor part of a decent deal somehow patches that horrific line up is way off.

I think that the perception that the 0-line is bad, but where the blame is placed is incorrect. The tackles weren't terrible. Backus played pretty well, and Jonathan Scott really came on at the end of the year. Add Foster into the rotation, and it's not as bad as it seems. Raiola also didn't have a bad season at center.The problem with the line was that the guard play was absolutely wretched. Woody is perpetually out of shape and Verba played poorly before being injured.

They need offensive line AND defensive help, especially in the secondary. There's nobody on defensive especially in the secondary you're going to take as the No.2 pick in this year's draft.

And there's no way you take a linebacker like Ernie Sims at #9, right? Running the Tampa 2 like they do, you have to get pressure from your d-line. They just acquired Dewayne White, recently of the Bucs, and it remains to be seen what they want to do at the other end. For my eyes, none of the currently rostered DeVries, Edwards, or Smith hold much value. So bookend d-ends of White and Gaines Adams/Jamaal Anderson could be very enticing.The best play, OF COURSE, is to move out of the spot, but I don't see any of the top teams paying the price to do so.

No, taking defense and linebacker at 9 wasn't horrible. I guess what I didn't really get into though was that last year they had a chance to take 2 highly talked about Qb's at 9 in Leinart and to a slightly lesser degree Cutler. They passed on them both. That was just last year.So, my point is why now this year would they take a QB? Because Kitna is one year older? He was old last year and he's old this year. He'll do a fine job but if someone is arguing they'll take a QB because Kitna's not the guy for the future and he's old, it doesn't hold weight. They had the chance last year and they passed it up in Leinart and Cutler.As I mentioned, defense is a huge concern. If I thought there was someone I knew for sure would be great at No. 2, then I'd say grab him, but I just don't see the value in picking one there.So, that leaves Joe Thomas IMO. Taking a WR when you had two 1,000 yard WR's last season just doesnt sit well with me when there are glaring holes on the team. Throw in that you drafted WR 3 out of the 4 years in the top 10.....sorry but that just doesn't add up either.Many are saying Adrian P. They have Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones and they drafted a running back in the 3rd round last year. How many do they need when the rest of the team stinks?

 

[WhoDat]

But the Lions NEED offensive line help. To think that getting Foster as a minor part of a decent deal somehow patches that horrific line up is way off.

I think that the perception that the 0-line is bad, but where the blame is placed is incorrect. The tackles weren't terrible. Backus played pretty well, and Jonathan Scott really came on at the end of the year. Add Foster into the rotation, and it's not as bad as it seems. Raiola also didn't have a bad season at center.The problem with the line was that the guard play was absolutely wretched. Woody is perpetually out of shape and Verba played poorly before being injured.

They need offensive line AND defensive help, especially in the secondary. There's nobody on defensive especially in the secondary you're going to take as the No.2 pick in this year's draft.

And there's no way you take a linebacker like Ernie Sims at #9, right? Running the Tampa 2 like they do, you have to get pressure from your d-line. They just acquired Dewayne White, recently of the Bucs, and it remains to be seen what they want to do at the other end. For my eyes, none of the currently rostered DeVries, Edwards, or Smith hold much value. So bookend d-ends of White and Gaines Adams/Jamaal Anderson could be very enticing.The best play, OF COURSE, is to move out of the spot, but I don't see any of the top teams paying the price to do so.

No, taking defense and linebacker at 9 wasn't horrible. I guess what I didn't really get into though was that last year they had a chance to take 2 highly talked about Qb's at 9 in Leinart and to a slightly lesser degree Cutler. They passed on them both. That was just last year.So, my point is why now this year would they take a QB? Because Kitna is one year older? He was old last year and he's old this year. He'll do a fine job but if someone is arguing they'll take a QB because Kitna's not the guy for the future and he's old, it doesn't hold weight. They had the chance last year and they passed it up in Leinart and Cutler.As I mentioned, defense is a huge concern. If I thought there was someone I knew for sure would be great at No. 2, then I'd say grab him, but I just don't see the value in picking one there.So, that leaves Joe Thomas IMO. Taking a WR when you had two 1,000 yard WR's last season just doesnt sit well with me when there are glaring holes on the team. Throw in that you drafted WR 3 out of the 4 years in the top 10.....sorry but that just doesn't add up either.Many are saying Adrian P. They have Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones and they drafted a running back in the 3rd round last year. How many do they need when the rest of the team stinks?

There was a report that Calhoun could miss the entire season in 2007. Allegedly, his injury is severe and he is not recovering as was hoped. That snippet was posted on the boards about 1-2 weeks ago but I am just busy enough that I cannot search for it. Jones' injury is one of those 50-50 types. There is a chance he is never the player he was or he may not recover. Bell is not the long-term answer but he is a nice insurance policy, assuming Jones' rehab is considered promising, or potential trade material with another team, if the Lions opt to draft Peterson. Should the Lions draft Peterson then I think Bell is sent to another team via trade; the Lions get another draft pick for 2007 and the team will sign a body from the FA scrap pile to play behind Peterson, while waiting on Jones. My feeling is that a trade or two could see the Lions address RB, DB and either OL or DE over the first 2-3 rounds but that will mean they either trade out of 1.02, which seems unlikely, or they move T. Bell.

 

[lebowski]

Any other news from D-town?

 

[MSULions]

The Detroit Lions signed free-agent guard Zach Piller to a one-year deal worth $760,000. Piller, formerly of the Tennesse Titans, also had visited the Redskins.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I hope everyone knows that when whodat says something, you best well listen.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Detroit Lions signed free-agent guard Zach Piller to a one-year deal worth $760,000. Piller, formerly of the Tennesse Titans, also had visited the Redskins.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

And they signed Edwin Mulitalo too. Was Matt Millen just kidding with us all these years? Did he take a "How to be an NFL GM" extension course at the local community college?

They're actually making some apparently solid moves this offseason. It's a head-scratcher, that's for sure.

Color me impressed.

 

[ChampBailey24]

There are many other things I like about Brady Quinn. 1. Four year starter one. You just can't buy that type of experience. People try to compare him to Harrington, which is totally unfair. Harrington's college career was nowhere near Quinn's. Russell had one good year, which is closer to Harrington than Quinn is. 2. He has taken the post season seriously, staying in shape. The only reason he didn't perform at the combine was because he had a bit of work done on his knee. He did, however, show up ripped, putting up 24 reps on the bench. Compare that to Russell who showed up overweight and did nothing. 3. The Lions still need a long term solution at the spot. Let's face it folks, if Millen hasn't been fired by now, he's not going to be. So he doesn't NEED a "win now" QB. He already has one in Kitna. And if Kitna goes down, Quinn is as "NFL ready" as any QB in recent memory. And forget about how he fits in a Martz system (he's a pretty good fit, IMO). He won't be there much longer.4. In the NFC North, as the weather changes, the passing game isn't nearly as vertical as earlier in the season, which plays to Quinn's strength.5. Everyone says "Joe Thomas!" Hogwash. They've paid Backus LT money, Jon Scott really came on at the end of the year, and Foster is a solid backup. If there's a problem with the line, it's the interior.

I like the way you laid this out. My thoughts on your thoughts:1) He definitely has a lower bust risk because of his body of work and is not a one year wonder (maybe a two year wonder?)2) I agree with this wholeheartedly, he seems like a man on a mission.3) The Lions need a long term solution at QB, but Kitna probably has two more good years left in him. Martzis the king of developing overlooked QBs - I think they should either continue to develop Orlovsky ordraft a guy for Martz to groom this year to fill the long term hole. The hole needs addressing, but itdoesnt demand the investment it would take to get Quinn.4) Detroit plays indoors, so we're talking maybe 3 games on the schedule, depending on when they play the away games with the division foes. This is not a compelling argument imo.5) When you're picking #2 you need to make sure you get an allpro level guy. I think you have to throwneed to the curb when you are picking in the top 5-7, and heck maybe as far down as 20. If a need is met, terrific, but you have to bag that difference maker, whether youre set at the position or not.

5. Yes and no. I don't think you need to take an all-pro LT at #2.

The Lions are set at LT. They are already paying Jeff Backus a lot of money so even though their OLine has a lot of room for amelioration, they can't afford to make Thomas one of the highest paid tackles in the NFL. Also, I don't think Thomas is an all-pro LT...IMO he'll be solid and will likely make a few pro bowls but he won't be a top 5 T in the NFL. The Lions HAVE to trade down. If they decide not to, they should take the QB they like the most because Kitna is getting up there in age.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Lions HAVE to trade down. If they decide not to, they should take the QB they like the most because Kitna is getting up there in age.

Unfortunately for the Lions, no other team HAS to trade UP.That 2nd overall pick is incredibly expensive. Either another team has to give up a king's ransom, or Detroit has to take less than perceived value. The second scenario may play out. It's not a stretch to see the Lions take just a 1st and 2nd from Atlanta and then take a guy like Patrick Willis with the #8 pick

 

[ChampBailey24]

The Lions HAVE to trade down. If they decide not to, they should take the QB they like the most because Kitna is getting up there in age.

Unfortunately for the Lions, no other team HAS to trade UP.That 2nd overall pick is incredibly expensive. Either another team has to give up a king's ransom, or Detroit has to take less than perceived value. The second scenario may play out. It's not a stretch to see the Lions take just a 1st and 2nd from Atlanta and then take a guy like Patrick Willis with the #8 pick

Heh...if they could trade down with Atlanta for ATL's 1st and 1 2nd it'd be a good trade IMO. The 1.02 is worth more than that but no one is willing to pay the ''real'' price.

 

[lions327]

Any other news from D-town?

Per Lions beat writer Tom Kowalski:http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/03..._no_2_thei.html

As of this moment, on this day, if the Lions get "stuck'' with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, I believe they'll take receiver Calvin Johnson. If Johnson is gone, I believe their next pick would be Joe Thomas.

After that, in order, I believe they would consider Gaines Adams (which would be a reach), Adrian Peterson (who they don't need), Brady Quinn (who they don't want) and JaMarcus Russell (who they don't want or need).

I still believe it's a 95 percent certainty the Lions will be able to move down. While they nearly had a trade done with the Broncos, that fell through. The Lions are willing to make a trade right now, but don't believe other teams will give their best offers until either the Raiders sign the No. 1 guy or the Lions go "on the clock.''

Also, I posted this on the forum, but I'll repeat it for those who might have missed it. The Lions are not in talks with the Broncos about Al Wilson. And it's not just a neck issue; the Lions don't believe Wilson is the same player he was two years ago and they'll try to fill their need at middle linebacker with somebody else. Even if Wilson is released by the Broncos, don't expect the Lions to jump at him.

 

[bigupsetter]

This team deperately needs help on the o-line, doesnt matter how much talent you have at the skill postions if your qb spends too much time on his back. They shuffled o-line combos all year last season. Remeber Martz had Pace in St. Louis, which did wonders for the offense as a whole. Keep in mind, the coaching staff in Detroit is higher on Kitna than most think, they realize that quite a few of the ints last year came from poor route running from the receivers.

 

[TwinTurbo]

This team deperately needs help on the o-line, doesnt matter how much talent you have at the skill postions if your qb spends too much time on his back. They shuffled o-line combos all year last season. Remeber Martz had Pace in St. Louis, which did wonders for the offense as a whole. Keep in mind, the coaching staff in Detroit is higher on Kitna than most think, they realize that quite a few of the ints last year came from poor route running from the receivers.

I agree the Lions need an Orlando Pace, but Joe Thomas is not Orlando Pace. That's the problem I have with picking Joe Thomas at #2. He wouldn't go #2 in just about any other draft year. He was planning to declare for last year's draft where he was projected to go 10-15. He may have been the second tackle selected after D'Brickshaw Ferguson. But he tore his ACL and had to return for his senior season. Now he's only 1 year removed from major knee surgery and has a few other question marks that you really don't want with the #2 overall pick. I like Joe Thomas and he very well may turn out to be an elite OL player. But I don't like him at #2 when either Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson will be available.

 

[Spartans Rule]

And they signed Edwin Mulitalo too. Was Matt Millen just kidding with us all these years? Did he take a "How to be an NFL GM" extension course at the local community college?They're actually making some apparently solid moves this offseason. It's a head-scratcher, that's for sure.Color me impressed.

As a Lions fan, I think Millen's biggest mistakes have actually been overpaying players. Mulitalo looks like a solid signing, but until I see the terms I'm not getting excited. It wouldn't shock me if he was the NFL's highest-paid guard now.

 

[MichiganPanthers]

This team deperately needs help on the o-line, doesnt matter how much talent you have at the skill postions if your qb spends too much time on his back. They shuffled o-line combos all year last season. Remeber Martz had Pace in St. Louis, which did wonders for the offense as a whole. Keep in mind, the coaching staff in Detroit is higher on Kitna than most think, they realize that quite a few of the ints last year came from poor route running from the receivers.

I agree the Lions need an Orlando Pace, but Joe Thomas is not Orlando Pace. That's the problem I have with picking Joe Thomas at #2. He wouldn't go #2 in just about any other draft year. He was planning to declare for last year's draft where he was projected to go 10-15. He may have been the second tackle selected after D'Brickshaw Ferguson. But he tore his ACL and had to return for his senior season. Now he's only 1 year removed from major knee surgery and has a few other question marks that you really don't want with the #2 overall pick. I like Joe Thomas and he very well may turn out to be an elite OL player. But I don't like him at #2 when either Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson will be available.

Lions have agreed to terms with OL Zack Pillar and Edwin Mulitallo- http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/Therefore, I think that means two things. No Joe Thomas and bye bye Woody. And in the mlive blog, AD isn't too much of a consideration, as the QBs aren't. He thinks that if the Lions keep the pick, that CJ is the #1 choice, then Thomas as a backup plan. I think that they'll trade down, possibly with ATL at 8. Just my two cents. But who the hell can figure out Millen.

 

[WhoDat]

I hope everyone knows that when whodat says something, you best well listen.

Thanks for the kind words but I don't like all that pressure. I agree the Lions need an Orlando Pace, but Joe Thomas is not Orlando Pace. That's the problem I have with picking Joe Thomas at #2. He wouldn't go #2 in just about any other draft year. He was planning to declare for last year's draft where he was projected to go 10-15. He may have been the second tackle selected after D'Brickshaw Ferguson. But he tore his ACL and had to return for his senior season. Now he's only 1 year removed from major knee surgery and has a few other question marks that you really don't want with the #2 overall pick.

I like Joe Thomas and he very well may turn out to be an elite OL player. But I don't like him at #2 when either Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson will be available.

This is good stuff and the reason the Lions will not be taking Thomas.

 

[lebowski]

The Detroit Lions signed free-agent guard Zach Piller to a one-year deal worth $760,000. Piller, formerly of the Tennesse Titans, also had visited the Redskins.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

And they signed Edwin Mulitalo too. Was Matt Millen just kidding with us all these years? Did he take a "How to be an NFL GM" extension course at the local community college?

They're actually making some apparently solid moves this offseason. It's a head-scratcher, that's for sure.

Color me impressed.

You can never be too excited about Detroit. Millen will find a way to screw something up. Remember just a year or so ago when Detroit was going to be the most improved team in the NFL. They had the 3 headed recieving core of Williams Williams and Rogers; and Harrington was finally getting his weapons; and on and on and on and on. signed

a very pessimistic Lions fan

 

[TC]

Adrian Peterson or Jim Leyland

 

[zanti8]

id like to trade a few down and get either OL thomas or DB hall from mich . stanton in round 2 .

 

[KING]

calvin johnson.

picking WR's with a top 10 pick is like eating potato chips. it's just hard to stop.

 

[matuski]

id like to trade a few down and get either OL thomas or DB hall from mich . stanton in round 2 .

maybe rd 3... or 4.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I said earlier in the thread that it should be Quinn. I still think so. But then I think he should go #1 to the Raiders.

If it's not Quinn, it should be Gaines Adams. He's the prototypical Tampa-2 pass rushing DE the Lions need. I know #2 is a bit high, but so what?