2025 Detroit Lions: 2-1 Lions beat Ravens (39 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Ebron may make them more effective in a couple years, but it's rare to see a TE make an immediate impact.

Van Noy's production fell way off from his 3rd to. 4th season. This is the third time Mayhew has moved up in six drafts (Best & LeShoure). But I read good things about him. Plus his fiancé is a smoke show.

I don't get the Swanson pick. Yeah, Dom's mediocre career will finally get shutdown in 1-2 years, but it feels like we've taken two luxury picks when the defensive backfield needs help right ####### now.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

We'll see if Stafford's seam route throws are made to order for this guy.

 

[Ilov80s]

The only problem with drafting secondary is that they don't seem to make immediate impacts and need development. Hopefully, Bentley and Slay have developed and can be better.

 

[Mene]

Do people feel better about the Ebron pick now that they added a LB and a C?

I like the LB pick. Hate the C pick. I don't love the TE, admittedly not familiar with him, but why overpay your current TE to draft a TE?

They didn't overpay him though, that's the key. I felt the same way, until I looked at the details of the contract. It is heavily backloaded, with minimal impact in cutting him after 2015. His salary and cap hit for this season rank 17th and 23rd in the league. I would say Pettigrew, with his outstanding blocking, ranks at least 23rd, and probably better than 17th, in overall TE rankings in the NFL... not fantasy.

Do people feel better about the Ebron pick now that they added a LB and a C?

Love Van Noy, am "meh" about Swanson. It makes a lot of sense since Raiola's (about) done, but it means that they totally ignored their glaring need at CB & FS. For talent, Ebron was a great pick. For actual need, Fuller or maybe Lewan (and go for Brooks or Gaines in the 3rd, knowing what you know now) look a lot better.

Basically, it looks like the Lions are in a great position to score 30 PPG... and go 8-8 doing so.

They don't really "need" a FS. Quin is slated to play the FS role in the defense this year, the "Ed Reed" role if you will. Ihedigbo is slated to play the SS. I'm actually excited to see Quin in this role, and while Ihedigbo might not be exciting, he is familiar with the defense, and working with Quin already to build their familiarity. I actually think they are okay at FS & SS for the time being. Long term they need a SS, assuming Quin succeeds in the FS role.

CB, I mentioned earlier... CB's tend to take a bit longer to develop. Perhaps they have seen enough from Slay, and possibly Bentley, this off-season that they feel one or both of them are going to take a step forward. Slay showed some potential last year, just made a lot of mistakes. Supposedly, he has been working with Rod Woodson this off-season, which shows a desire to get better. Bentley is also mistake prone, but was a 3rd rd pick, and is heading into his 3rd year.

This is all best case scenario, but I'm just pointing out that those area's of need could potentially be covered in house. I do know that when Calvin misses time, that offense has typically stalled out completely, so better receiving options were a necessity this off-season. Theoretically, they now have multiple guys outside of Calvin that can make a play on their own (Tate, Ebron), as opposed to last year where nobody was able to get open if Calvin wasn't dominating the defenses attention.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Like the DE @ 136, Larry Webster. While level of competition is a concern, he's got some athletic ability.

Webster measured in at 6-foot-6, 252 pounds at the scouting combine, where he ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, the second fastest among defensive ends behind only No.1 overall choice Jadeveon Clowney.

Over the past two seasons, Webster racked up 88 tackles, 26 sacks and three forced fumbles for Bloomsburg. He was also a four-year starter for the Pennsylvania school's basketball team. He owns the school records for sacks and blocked shots.

 

[matuski]

Roberson or Reynolds please.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Miget CB & a WR

Special brand of genius at work here on day 3.

 

[msudaisy26]

Worst.Franchise.Ever!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Man what a stinker of a draft. Slapper city

 

[BobbyLayne]

Roberson or Reynolds please.

There's still hope as UDFA

It is painfully obvious Xanders runs circles around Mayhew

Need to make that change ASAP

 

[Da Guru]

Mayhew drafts a TE in the deepest WR draft ever. 9 DBs and safeties go off the board in the first rd. Draft Fuller, HaHa or Dennard and then have your pick of the litter of WRs coming back. Then they rush to turn the pick in right away in less than a minute. It was the Fastest first rd pick. Let the clock run and possibly field some offers. The Lions are like the Cowboys. Score some points and fill the stadium

Mayhew is a Millen clone.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Why would you ever draft a kicker? Rams get the SEC Defensive player in the year in the 7th round AFTER the Lions took a kicker. Jesus.

 

[cstu]

Why would you ever draft a kicker? Rams get the SEC Defensive player in the year in the 7th round AFTER the Lions took a kicker. Jesus.

I would not be gay about that either.

 

[False Start]

Mayhew drafts a TE in the deepest WR draft ever. 9 DBs and safeties go off the board in the first rd. Draft Fuller, HaHa or Dennard and then have your pick of the litter of WRs coming back. Then they rush to turn the pick in right away in less than a minute. It was the Fastest first rd pick. Let the clock run and possibly field some offers. The Lions are like the Cowboys. Score some points and fill the stadium

Mayhew is a Millen clone.

Mayhew has the title of worst GM in all of sports.

 

[False Start]

Ebron may make them more effective in a couple years, but it's rare to see a TE make an immediate impact.

Van Noy's production fell way off from his 3rd to. 4th season. This is the third time Mayhew has moved up in six drafts (Best & LeShoure). But I read good things about him. Plus his fiancé is a smoke show.

I don't get the Swanson pick. Yeah, Dom's mediocre career will finally get shutdown in 1-2 years, but it feels like we've taken two luxury picks when the defensive backfield needs help right ####### now.

You take him with the 10th pick in a draft deep of positions you need he better be a pro bowler in his first year. I am giving him or Meyhew ZERO slack, he does not perform from the very first snap he is a bust and Meyhew needs to be fired.

Like I said, you take a TE in the Top 10 he better be elite instantly.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Mayhew drafts a TE in the deepest WR draft ever. 9 DBs and safeties go off the board in the first rd. Draft Fuller, HaHa or Dennard and then have your pick of the litter of WRs coming back. Then they rush to turn the pick in right away in less than a minute. It was the Fastest first rd pick. Let the clock run and possibly field some offers. The Lions are like the Cowboys. Score some points and fill the stadium

Mayhew is a Millen clone.

Maybe he finally got around to reading Waldman's upside down draft strategy? Come on, give him credit for zigging when others are zagging.The ineptness of the last three days is laughable. Virtually every pick was a head scratcher. In first three rounds you need to draft starters and contributors, not projects or talent with upside. Taking Ebron vastly overpaying, and for a position that should be no better than fourth on your priority list. The backup center and pigmy corner were horrible picks.

Good call on how quickly they rushed up to the podium. In the last 8 years (since VD was the highest drafted TE ever), four TEs have gone in the first, and two of those are current Lions.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Reynolds signed with Jax. Haven't seen where Roberson landed.

Lions UDFAs:

Detroit Lions

Missouri QB James Franklin; Kansas State OT Cornelius Lucas; Louisiana-Lafayette TE Jacob Maxwell; Old Dominion OL D.J. Morrell; Appalachian State WR Andrew Peacock

 

[Da Guru]

Why would you ever draft a kicker? Rams get the SEC Defensive player in the year in the 7th round AFTER the Lions took a kicker. Jesus.

Mayhew drafted a punter in the 5th last year..a punter! There were no punters taken in the draft.

 

[flapgreen]

This makes me happy as a Bears fan but sad for a few guys around here. Brutal

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Why would you ever draft a kicker? Rams get the SEC Defensive player in the year in the 7th round AFTER the Lions took a kicker. Jesus.

Mayhew drafted a punter in the 5th last year..a punter! There were no punters taken in the draft.

Yeah, not good. You have to be 100% sure a kicker/punter is going to make the team to draft them, doing a free agent kickoff seems to be what everyone else does.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Thanks guys for again doing nothing to improve your secondary in FA or the draft!!! And this was a draft that was deep at DB

 

[BobbyLayne]

Thanks guys for again doing nothing to improve your secondary in FA or the draft!!! And this was a draft that was deep at DB

Thanks for signing Smokin' Jay up for another 7 years.

Related: 40-32, 21-19

 

[jurb26]

Thanks guys for again doing nothing to improve your secondary in FA or the draft!!! And this was a draft that was deep at DB

Stafford owners every approve this message. Video game attempts, keep'm comin!

 

[Da Guru]

Why would you ever draft a kicker? Rams get the SEC Defensive player in the year in the 7th round AFTER the Lions took a kicker. Jesus.

Mayhew drafted a punter in the 5th last year..a punter! There were no punters taken in the draft.

Yeah, not good. You have to be 100% sure a kicker/punter is going to make the team to draft them, doing a free agent kickoff seems to be what everyone else does.

In the 5-6-7 rds you take chances on athletes. The kicker the Lions drafted was not going to be selected by any team. Bring him in as a FA. There are many hungry unemployed kickers.

 

[BobbyLayne]

QB James Franklin, Missouri

TE Jacob Maxwell, Louisiana-Lafayette

S Gabe Lynn, Oklahoma

WR Jaz Reynolds, Oklahoma

OL D.J. Morrell, Old Dominion

S Jerome Couplin, William and Mary

WR Andrew Peacock, App State

OT Cornelius Lucas, Kansas State

 

[BobbyLayne]

SB Nation - grade inflation?

Detroit Lions

10. Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

40. Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU

76. Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas

133. Nevin Lawson, CB, Utah State

136. Larry Webster, DE, Bloomsburg

158. Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton

189. T.J. Jones, WR, Notre Dame

229. Nate Freese, K, Boston College

Grade: A-

 

[Mt. Man]

Do people feel better about the Ebron pick now that they added a LB and a C?

Love Van Noy, am "meh" about Swanson. It makes a lot of sense since Raiola's (about) done, but it means that they totally ignored their glaring need at CB & FS. For talent, Ebron was a great pick. For actual need, Fuller or maybe Lewan (and go for Brooks or Gaines in the 3rd, knowing what you know now) look a lot better.

Basically, it looks like the Lions are in a great position to score 30 PPG... and go 8-8 doing so.

They don't really "need" a FS. Quin is slated to play the FS role in the defense this year, the "Ed Reed" role if you will. Ihedigbo is slated to play the SS. I'm actually excited to see Quin in this role, and while Ihedigbo might not be exciting, he is familiar with the defense, and working with Quin already to build their familiarity. I actually think they are okay at FS & SS for the time being. Long term they need a SS, assuming Quin succeeds in the FS role.

CB, I mentioned earlier... CB's tend to take a bit longer to develop. Perhaps they have seen enough from Slay, and possibly Bentley, this off-season that they feel one or both of them are going to take a step forward. Slay showed some potential last year, just made a lot of mistakes. Supposedly, he has been working with Rod Woodson this off-season, which shows a desire to get better. Bentley is also mistake prone, but was a 3rd rd pick, and is heading into his 3rd year.

This is all best case scenario, but I'm just pointing out that those area's of need could potentially be covered in house. I do know that when Calvin misses time, that offense has typically stalled out completely, so better receiving options were a necessity this off-season. Theoretically, they now have multiple guys outside of Calvin that can make a play on their own (Tate, Ebron), as opposed to last year where nobody was able to get open if Calvin wasn't dominating the defenses attention.

Yeah, I think Quin will be okay, even with the changes around him. Ihedigbo seems a stop-gap and/or the best they could do after losing Delmas. Past that isn't pretty. For CB, I think Slay is raw but talented enough to earn one spot. On the other hand, I'm far from confident that Bentley (or any other youngster) is ready for more than nickel/dime coverage. I'm guessing Mathis is there for leadership first and ability later, so if Houston's toe bothers him, there's going to be a lot of growing pains here.

Is the cupboard empty? No. Unless Lawson earns a spot (even if it's nickel) though, my opinion is that they held serve in an area that they've been lucky to be mediocre at year after year.

I do like Webster, Reid and even understand Freese, so in general, I'd give the Lions a decent grade. If I can get past the idea that they took a page from Millen by drafting flashy offensive player over need, I'll feel a lot better. But I'll still be concerned about the secondary until proven otherwise.

 

[TwinTurbo]

It looks like Ebron was the #2 player on the Lions board after Sammy Watkins. I don't agree with that ranking at all, but it sounds like they tried to move up to get Sammy and then move down after Sammy was picked. Whatever they tried didn't work, so they stayed put and drafted Ebron.

Ebron was certainly the #1 prospect in almost every measurable you want in a move TE, except for the ability to catch. And for that reason alone, it was just crazy to pick him in the top 10. There were a lot of comparisons to Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis, but he can't catch or block as well as either.

 

[DocGonzo]

I think Joe Lombardi had Ebron #2 after Watkins on his list of offensive players, but I don't think they had him #2 overall. No link, but I read that somwhere in the last day or so.

 

[msudaisy26]

When you only take 30 seconds of your 10 minutes to make your pick I don't think they tried very hard to trade down. I heard on the radio this morning that their draft board was Watkins, Evans, Gilbert, Barr then Ebron.

 

[Da Guru]

It looks like Ebron was the #2 player on the Lions board after Sammy Watkins. I don't agree with that ranking at all, but it sounds like they tried to move up to get Sammy and then move down after Sammy was picked. Whatever they tried didn't work, so they stayed put and drafted Ebron.

Ebron was certainly the #1 prospect in almost every measurable you want in a move TE, except for the ability to catch. And for that reason alone, it was just crazy to pick him in the top 10. There were a lot of comparisons to Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis, but he can't catch or block as well as either.

Jimmy Graham was a 3rd rd pick and nobody expected the production he has provided. Davis took some time to get going. Ebron to be taken at 10 has to be a top TE from day 1.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Stephen Henderson: Detroit Lions' only hope? An emergency manager!http://www.freep.com/article/20140512/COL33/305120066/Detroit-Lions-draft-tight-end

Spoiler

I was startled to pick up the phone Friday and hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s voice on the other end:

“Stephen, can you tell me a little about this emergency manager law there in Michigan? How’s that working out?”

Have you got the right number, commissioner? Mitch Albom. Drew Sharp. Dave Birkett. Those are your guys, right?

“Yeah, normally. But I need someone who’s watched this emergency manager situation pretty closely. “

It’s hit or miss, I guess, commissioner. When local government officials spend years fouling up finances or management, state government sends an all-powerful EM to straighten things out. Sometimes it works. Other times it just ushers in the inevitable, like with the bankruptcy here in Detroit.

“But the idea is to take dramatic, swift action to reverse a long-term negative trend, right?”

Sure.

“And the costs, are they reasona—“

Sorry to interrupt, commissioner. But where are we going here? You running for governor or something?

“No. I’m thinking about your NFL franchise there in Detroit.”

The Lions. Or the Loserly Lions, as we call them. The Feeble Felines. Or the Lie-downs.

“Exactly. Enough’s enough. We’ve watched this team swirl the drain for 60 years. No Super Bowls. Almost no playoff wins. Revolving door coaching and management. It’s time for league intervention, Stephen.

“I’m going to appoint an emergency manager for the Lions.”

Whooooaaa. Really? Are you serious?

“Serious as 3rd and 35. It’s time for something drastic and dramatic — a real change in direction that I don’t think can come from current management. Don’t you see the parallel? Detroit government needed an outsider to inject a whole new way of thinking about the city’s problems. This NFL franchise needs the same thing. A turnaround specialist with no ties to the sorry past, no local allegiances to worry about, and a cutthroat, win-at-all-costs attitude.”

That sounds pretty good. But where’ve you been? We’ve been suffering for decades in this city. I’ve told my 10-year-old son, who’s just learning the game and becoming a fan, that he’ll likely go his whole life without seeing a Lions Super Bowl — just like his dad.

“Last week’s draft really sealed it for me. The way this league works, the worst teams get the best draft opportunities. That’s how we make it possible for teams to go, pretty quickly, from worst to first. For you guys, that should be working out most years because your record’s so bad. This year, you had the 10th overall pick. But what did you do with it?”

We chose a tight end.

“Yeah, you chose a tight end! On a team that has two young tight ends already. On a team whose defense is bottom third in the league for pass yards, rush yards and turnovers.”

It did make me wonder whether someone had slipped LSD into the general manager’s coffee.

“That reminds me, Stephen. I need to make a note: It may be time to extend the league’s substance abuse policy to front-office personnel. Anyway, no one picks tight ends in the top 10. No one. It’s lunacy. It’s only happened a few times in the last quarter century, and even then, it was on teams that were already pretty good — which you’re definitely not. This happens over and over again in Detroit. Opportunity gets blown. Bad records pile up. I don’t think we can just ignore this anymore.”

Ok. So let me push back a little bit. The Ford family owns this team. As in Henry Ford, the creator of the middle-class. They’re corporate good-guys around here, they’re super-loyal to the city and to the people who play for them, and they even moved the team back downtown, after three decades out in the suburbs. Wouldn’t appointing an emergency manager disrespect them?

“Maybe. And you’re right — this is a league of owners. And it’s about money, which the Lions make plenty of. But isn’t the game supposed to be about the fans? Isn’t it supposed to give everyone the sense that, come September, you’ve got at least a reasonable hope that your team will get to the playoffs, and someday, to the Super Bowl? You said it yourself, Stephen. You don’t even have hope that your 10-year-old son will see a Lions Super Bowl. Aren’t you sick of it?”

Without a doubt. But we have had a lot of great players come through here. I always figured eventually, it’ll work out.

“Right. Won’t happen. Think of the great players who’ve seen their careers die there in Detroit. Herman Moore. Lomas Brown. And of course, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. Those guys deserved to be on teams that could win something. They certainly didn’t deserve all the competitive futility and incompetence they endured.”

Yeah. Sanders looked pitiful on draft day, sidling up to the microphone on behalf of the team and announcing that they were using the 10th pick on a tight end. I half-expected him to grab the mic, and say: Whaaaaaat??? C’mon, man!

“He should have. And I should have acted a long time ago to stop this. I won’t sit on my hands any longer, though. I’m interviewing candidates now. People who’ve helped teams like New Orleans, Seattle, and even Carolina climb out of the cellar and get to the Super Bowl.”

I guess things can’t get any worse for us.

“Don’t get carried away, Stephen. You could be a Cleveland Browns fan.”

 

[Da Guru]

Stephen Henderson: Detroit Lions' only hope? An emergency manager!

http://www.freep.com/article/20140512/COL33/305120066/Detroit-Lions-draft-tight-end

Spoiler

I was startled to pick up the phone Friday and hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s voice on the other end:

“Stephen, can you tell me a little about this emergency manager law there in Michigan? How’s that working out?”

Have you got the right number, commissioner? Mitch Albom. Drew Sharp. Dave Birkett. Those are your guys, right?

“Yeah, normally. But I need someone who’s watched this emergency manager situation pretty closely. “

It’s hit or miss, I guess, commissioner. When local government officials spend years fouling up finances or management, state government sends an all-powerful EM to straighten things out. Sometimes it works. Other times it just ushers in the inevitable, like with the bankruptcy here in Detroit.

“But the idea is to take dramatic, swift action to reverse a long-term negative trend, right?”

Sure.

“And the costs, are they reasona—“

Sorry to interrupt, commissioner. But where are we going here? You running for governor or something?

“No. I’m thinking about your NFL franchise there in Detroit.”

The Lions. Or the Loserly Lions, as we call them. The Feeble Felines. Or the Lie-downs.

“Exactly. Enough’s enough. We’ve watched this team swirl the drain for 60 years. No Super Bowls. Almost no playoff wins. Revolving door coaching and management. It’s time for league intervention, Stephen.

“I’m going to appoint an emergency manager for the Lions.”

Whooooaaa. Really? Are you serious?

“Serious as 3rd and 35. It’s time for something drastic and dramatic — a real change in direction that I don’t think can come from current management. Don’t you see the parallel? Detroit government needed an outsider to inject a whole new way of thinking about the city’s problems. This NFL franchise needs the same thing. A turnaround specialist with no ties to the sorry past, no local allegiances to worry about, and a cutthroat, win-at-all-costs attitude.”

That sounds pretty good. But where’ve you been? We’ve been suffering for decades in this city. I’ve told my 10-year-old son, who’s just learning the game and becoming a fan, that he’ll likely go his whole life without seeing a Lions Super Bowl — just like his dad.

“Last week’s draft really sealed it for me. The way this league works, the worst teams get the best draft opportunities. That’s how we make it possible for teams to go, pretty quickly, from worst to first. For you guys, that should be working out most years because your record’s so bad. This year, you had the 10th overall pick. But what did you do with it?”

We chose a tight end.

“Yeah, you chose a tight end! On a team that has two young tight ends already. On a team whose defense is bottom third in the league for pass yards, rush yards and turnovers.”

It did make me wonder whether someone had slipped LSD into the general manager’s coffee.

“That reminds me, Stephen. I need to make a note: It may be time to extend the league’s substance abuse policy to front-office personnel. Anyway, no one picks tight ends in the top 10. No one. It’s lunacy. It’s only happened a few times in the last quarter century, and even then, it was on teams that were already pretty good — which you’re definitely not. This happens over and over again in Detroit. Opportunity gets blown. Bad records pile up. I don’t think we can just ignore this anymore.”

Ok. So let me push back a little bit. The Ford family owns this team. As in Henry Ford, the creator of the middle-class. They’re corporate good-guys around here, they’re super-loyal to the city and to the people who play for them, and they even moved the team back downtown, after three decades out in the suburbs. Wouldn’t appointing an emergency manager disrespect them?

“Maybe. And you’re right — this is a league of owners. And it’s about money, which the Lions make plenty of. But isn’t the game supposed to be about the fans? Isn’t it supposed to give everyone the sense that, come September, you’ve got at least a reasonable hope that your team will get to the playoffs, and someday, to the Super Bowl? You said it yourself, Stephen. You don’t even have hope that your 10-year-old son will see a Lions Super Bowl. Aren’t you sick of it?”

Without a doubt. But we have had a lot of great players come through here. I always figured eventually, it’ll work out.

“Right. Won’t happen. Think of the great players who’ve seen their careers die there in Detroit. Herman Moore. Lomas Brown. And of course, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. Those guys deserved to be on teams that could win something. They certainly didn’t deserve all the competitive futility and incompetence they endured.”

Yeah. Sanders looked pitiful on draft day, sidling up to the microphone on behalf of the team and announcing that they were using the 10th pick on a tight end. I half-expected him to grab the mic, and say: Whaaaaaat??? C’mon, man!

“He should have. And I should have acted a long time ago to stop this. I won’t sit on my hands any longer, though. I’m interviewing candidates now. People who’ve helped teams like New Orleans, Seattle, and even Carolina climb out of the cellar and get to the Super Bowl.”

I guess things can’t get any worse for us.

“Don’t get carried away, Stephen. You could be a Cleveland Browns fan.”

The Lions again drafted a kicker that nobody was going to draft. Why not go defense and take a chance on "Gay Mike" at that spot?

 

[BobbyLayne]

Stephen Henderson: Detroit Lions' only hope? An emergency manager!

http://www.freep.com/article/20140512/COL33/305120066/Detroit-Lions-draft-tight-end

Spoiler

I was startled to pick up the phone Friday and hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodells voice on the other end:

Stephen, can you tell me a little about this emergency manager law there in Michigan? Hows that working out?

Have you got the right number, commissioner? Mitch Albom. Drew Sharp. Dave Birkett. Those are your guys, right?

Yeah, normally. But I need someone whos watched this emergency manager situation pretty closely.

Its hit or miss, I guess, commissioner. When local government officials spend years fouling up finances or management, state government sends an all-powerful EM to straighten things out. Sometimes it works. Other times it just ushers in the inevitable, like with the bankruptcy here in Detroit.

But the idea is to take dramatic, swift action to reverse a long-term negative trend, right?

Sure.

And the costs, are they reasona

Sorry to interrupt, commissioner. But where are we going here? You running for governor or something?

No. Im thinking about your NFL franchise there in Detroit.

The Lions. Or the Loserly Lions, as we call them. The Feeble Felines. Or the Lie-downs.

Exactly. Enoughs enough. Weve watched this team swirl the drain for 60 years. No Super Bowls. Almost no playoff wins. Revolving door coaching and management. Its time for league intervention, Stephen.

Im going to appoint an emergency manager for the Lions.

Whooooaaa. Really? Are you serious?

Serious as 3rd and 35. Its time for something drastic and dramatic a real change in direction that I dont think can come from current management. Dont you see the parallel? Detroit government needed an outsider to inject a whole new way of thinking about the citys problems. This NFL franchise needs the same thing. A turnaround specialist with no ties to the sorry past, no local allegiances to worry about, and a cutthroat, win-at-all-costs attitude.

That sounds pretty good. But whereve you been? Weve been suffering for decades in this city. Ive told my 10-year-old son, whos just learning the game and becoming a fan, that hell likely go his whole life without seeing a Lions Super Bowl just like his dad.

Last weeks draft really sealed it for me. The way this league works, the worst teams get the best draft opportunities. Thats how we make it possible for teams to go, pretty quickly, from worst to first. For you guys, that should be working out most years because your records so bad. This year, you had the 10th overall pick. But what did you do with it?

We chose a tight end.

Yeah, you chose a tight end! On a team that has two young tight ends already. On a team whose defense is bottom third in the league for pass yards, rush yards and turnovers.

It did make me wonder whether someone had slipped LSD into the general managers coffee.

That reminds me, Stephen. I need to make a note: It may be time to extend the leagues substance abuse policy to front-office personnel. Anyway, no one picks tight ends in the top 10. No one. Its lunacy. Its only happened a few times in the last quarter century, and even then, it was on teams that were already pretty good which youre definitely not. This happens over and over again in Detroit. Opportunity gets blown. Bad records pile up. I dont think we can just ignore this anymore.

Ok. So let me push back a little bit. The Ford family owns this team. As in Henry Ford, the creator of the middle-class. Theyre corporate good-guys around here, theyre super-loyal to the city and to the people who play for them, and they even moved the team back downtown, after three decades out in the suburbs. Wouldnt appointing an emergency manager disrespect them?

Maybe. And youre right this is a league of owners. And its about money, which the Lions make plenty of. But isnt the game supposed to be about the fans? Isnt it supposed to give everyone the sense that, come September, youve got at least a reasonable hope that your team will get to the playoffs, and someday, to the Super Bowl? You said it yourself, Stephen. You dont even have hope that your 10-year-old son will see a Lions Super Bowl. Arent you sick of it?

Without a doubt. But we have had a lot of great players come through here. I always figured eventually, itll work out.

Right. Wont happen. Think of the great players whove seen their careers die there in Detroit. Herman Moore. Lomas Brown. And of course, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. Those guys deserved to be on teams that could win something. They certainly didnt deserve all the competitive futility and incompetence they endured.

Yeah. Sanders looked pitiful on draft day, sidling up to the microphone on behalf of the team and announcing that they were using the 10th pick on a tight end. I half-expected him to grab the mic, and say: Whaaaaaat??? Cmon, man!

He should have. And I should have acted a long time ago to stop this. I wont sit on my hands any longer, though. Im interviewing candidates now. People whove helped teams like New Orleans, Seattle, and even Carolina climb out of the cellar and get to the Super Bowl.

I guess things cant get any worse for us.

Dont get carried away, Stephen. You could be a Cleveland Browns fan.

The Lions again drafted a kicker that nobody was going to draft. Why not go defense and take a chance on "Gay Mike" at that spot?

I asked Mike Herman in his K thread if he's ever quantified drafted P/PK versus UDFA or FAs. Sure seems like the vast majority of the league takes the latter approach. Draft picks should be precious commodities, not a ####### dart board throw. It's embarrassing they've drafted a kicker two years in a row. 26 out of 32 teams didn't draft a P/PK this year. I guarantee you between 96 jobs (P, PK & kickoffs) there aren't 90 solidified positions, but most teams recognize there's no need to draft when their are always qualified kickers in the street every year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I think it bears repeating that since VD came into the NFL 8 years ago - highest TE ever at 1.06 - only four TEs have gone in the first round. Martin Mayhew made that call twice. Clueless.

I used to defend MM because I think everyone deserves a chance to succeed/fail on their own. Just because you were hired by a moron doesn't mean you're one. But we've observed his body of work for more than 5-1/2 years. His first trade (Roy Williams) is still his best trade. In six years he's had one good draft, and Brian Xanders deserves much of the credit for that. FA signings? Refresh my memory if anything has topped Nate Burleson or KVB. Those were years ago and yielded zero pro bowls - good veteran leaders but nowhere near elite talent.

It's simply amazing this guy has zero pressure. Accountability is a foreign term around Allen Park.

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL teams have a $80K cap to use while signing UDFA. The Lions spent $20K in signing bonus money on Cornelius Lucas.

6'9" 328. Missed the combine due to a stress fracture, but had a good pro day four weeks later. Here's a fluff piece but he sounds like a good kid:

http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/07/5009176/k-states-cornelius-lucas-tackles.html

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

I think Mayhew is a sure bet to be fired if the Lions falter at all this season.

 

[Kal El]

I'm not sure why people are so down on getting Ebron in the first round. The majority of secondary players need time to develop at the NFL level, so why pay big money to a guy who probably won't be effective until his contract is already almost half over? I'm not saying Mayhew is a genius, or that he did phenomenally in this draft, but I remember people screaming bloody murder after getting Ansah last year, and Reiff the year before, both of whom are doing reasonably well for themselves.

 

[msudaisy26]

99 percent of tight ends take at least 2 or 3 years to develop too.

 

[PhantomJB]

I'm not sure why people are so down on getting Ebron in the first round. The majority of secondary players need time to develop at the NFL level, so why pay big money to a guy who probably won't be effective until his contract is already almost half over? I'm not saying Mayhew is a genius, or that he did phenomenally in this draft, but I remember people screaming bloody murder after getting Ansah last year, and Reiff the year before, both of whom are doing reasonably well for themselves.

As a long-time Lions fan (used to park cars at the Silverdome in HS), IMO getting Ebron exemplifies a problem the Lions have had forever: there is no over-arching, proven philosophy, strategy, then execution of that strategy in building a winner.

Mayhew's justification of the pick is that Ebron was "clearly the best player on their Board" at the time. Huh? That was perfectly appropriate when the cupboard was bare after the Millen years. Over five years in, however, Mayhew should now be a) filling in specific talent gaps and b) building general depth in core areas to keep what he's built thriving into the future, using both the draft and free agency as tools.

On the philosophy side, can anyone in this thread articulate a clear identity for this team like you can for perennial winners like New England, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, or emerging studs like the entire NFC west? I would argue there is none.

While one could argue that "it is only one draft pick" and "Ebron is a good player," those are certainly true. However, with the 10th pick Mayhew had a conscious choice with plenty of options for his important first step with a new coaching staff to get this team from mediocrity to playoffs. He chose doubling down on an apparent finesse-based strategy of trying to win games by outscoring opponents, a strategy that with relatively few exceptions has proven to be an abject failure in the NFL.

Lastly, as positive examples of both draft and free agency IMO the Rams, 49ers and Broncos have all killed it.

 

[Mene]

I don't think a secondary player was a viable option in the first round, with what was available. That was too early for Denard, and Dix didn't make sense. If there is any complaint about the pick that strikes me as valid, it's that they should not have passed on Donald. They are faced with losing both DT's next off-season, and CJ Mosley is the next guy up. That could be a big problem for 2015.

Overall, I don't mind the Ebron pick, considering what was available. I do wish they could have traded down, but if they had Ebron ranked that high, I can respect that.

I think they big mistake was Swanson in Rd3. There were still some very intriguing DT's and CB's on the board at that time, taking Swanson was foolish. Time will tell, but I think that will be the pick that will be easiest to look back on and shake your head at.

 

[False Start]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

 

[Da Guru]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

Once again, what should Caldwell have said? Until they get rid of him it would be stupid to say anything to drop his value.

 

[Da Guru]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

Once again, what should Caldwell have said? Until they get rid of him it would be stupid to say anything to drop his value.

At the last workouts when Suh was the only player to miss Caldwell should have said something like "Suh is an important player to our team,the whole team is here, we need him to be here" Short and sweet letting Suh know how important he is to the team and also letting him know you are not pleased that he was the only player not to attend. I would have left out the leadership part.

Suh should have showed and just said his hammy was a little tight.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

Once again, what should Caldwell have said? Until they get rid of him it would be stupid to say anything to drop his value.

At the last workouts when Suh was the only player to miss Caldwell should have said something like "Suh is an important player to our team,the whole team is here, we need him to be here" Short and sweet letting Suh know how important he is to the team and also letting him know you are not pleased that he was the only player not to attend. I would have left out the leadership part.

Suh should have showed and just said his hammy was a little tight.

My opinion on the whole subject has always been is that if they want every player to show up at voluntary workouts they should make them involuntary workouts.

 

[Phenix]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

Once again, what should Caldwell have said? Until they get rid of him it would be stupid to say anything to drop his value.

At the last workouts when Suh was the only player to miss Caldwell should have said something like "Suh is an important player to our team,the whole team is here, we need him to be here" Short and sweet letting Suh know how important he is to the team and also letting him know you are not pleased that he was the only player not to attend. I would have left out the leadership part.

Suh should have showed and just said his hammy was a little tight.

My opinion on the whole subject has always been is that if they want every player to show up at voluntary workouts they should make them involuntary workouts.

The CBA makes it hard to get these guys to practice and take part in anything more than they need to as it is.

If you are paid millions by a franchise and something team related is going on... you show up. Defending a disappearing act is something you dont see everyday.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

Once again, what should Caldwell have said? Until they get rid of him it would be stupid to say anything to drop his value.

At the last workouts when Suh was the only player to miss Caldwell should have said something like "Suh is an important player to our team,the whole team is here, we need him to be here" Short and sweet letting Suh know how important he is to the team and also letting him know you are not pleased that he was the only player not to attend. I would have left out the leadership part.

Suh should have showed and just said his hammy was a little tight.

My opinion on the whole subject has always been is that if they want every player to show up at voluntary workouts they should make them involuntary workouts.

The CBA makes it hard to get these guys to practice and take part in anything more than they need to as it is.

If you are paid millions by a franchise and something team related is going on... you show up. Defending a disappearing act is something you dont see everyday.

I just don't see any upside in a rookie HC starting off on that note.

Hate to compare Caldwell to Wayne Fontes & Bobby Ross, but we can see which way he goes in terms of dealing with star players when it comes to practice.

Just to be clear, if Suh wants out let him play out this year and hit the door. Most guys in their contract years perform well & if they do leave that's cap money that can be spent on a replacement the year after.

 

[Da Guru]

Suh and leadership should not be used in the same sentence, yet the HC used those very words.

The Lions expect DT Ndamokung Suh to report to OTAs on Tuesday.

Suh created some headlines by skipping Detroit's pre-draft minicamp, but those workouts were voluntary. Despite plenty of speculation, the Lions did not trade Suh on draft weekend. "Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well," said coach Jim Caldwell. "So to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody."
Source: Detroit Free Press
May 18 - 2:35 PM

Right, he should have called him a bum, that would have been the "smart" thing for a HC to do.

Suh will walk over Caldwell. Suh has already set the tone by being the only player on the roster not to attend the workouts last month.

Once again, what should Caldwell have said? Until they get rid of him it would be stupid to say anything to drop his value.

At the last workouts when Suh was the only player to miss Caldwell should have said something like "Suh is an important player to our team,the whole team is here, we need him to be here" Short and sweet letting Suh know how important he is to the team and also letting him know you are not pleased that he was the only player not to attend. I would have left out the leadership part.

Suh should have showed and just said his hammy was a little tight.

My opinion on the whole subject has always been is that if they want every player to show up at voluntary workouts they should make them involuntary workouts.

The CBA makes it hard to get these guys to practice and take part in anything more than they need to as it is.

If you are paid millions by a franchise and something team related is going on... you show up. Defending a disappearing act is something you dont see everyday.

I just don't see any upside in a rookie HC starting off on that note.

Hate to compare Caldwell to Wayne Fontes & Bobby Ross, but we can see which way he goes in terms of dealing with star players when it comes to practice.

Just to be clear, if Suh wants out let him play out this year and hit the door. Most guys in their contract years perform well & if they do leave that's cap money that can be spent on a replacement the year after.

At this point I wish Suh would play this season and walk. They could sign 3-4 players that could contribute with the money Suh will be getting. Plus I watch every game and Suh is good but at DT he just can`t be a game changer like a pass rushing DE or LB, or a shut down CB.