Lions off-season program (1 Viewer)

[roughrider]

First, though, comes a very important part of the Lions off-season program. When free agency opens in early March, expect the Lions to strike quickly at two positions: receiver and middle linebacker. The one guy they're going to target at receiver is Kevin Curtis for two reasons: he has the outside speed and he knows Mike Martz's offense. That second point can't be underestimated, especially when you consider what Mike Furrey did in a single season.

If the money is close, expect Curtis to sign because he, too, wants to put up some huge numbers and he knows his best opportunity will be with Martz in Detroit.

At middle linebacker, the Lions will target London Fletcher (Buffalo), Kawika Mitchell (Kansas City) and Chris Draft (Carolina). While there are some quality middle linebackers available in the draft, especially in the second round, the Lions want to fill that spot with some experience.

The other positions that must be addressed at some point in the off-season include defensive end, offensive line, running back and cornerback.

Defensive end: With Cory Redding moving inside and Kalimba Edwards being used strictly as a situational pass rusher, the Lions need an early-down defensive end on the left side. Ideally, it would be someone with both pass-rushing and run-stopping skills but the Lions might have to settle for the latter.

Offensive line: While young guys like Stephen Peterman, Clint Stickdorn and Jonathan Scott showed some promise, the Lions have to upgrade the starting unit if possible. Damien Woody probably won't be back and the Lions need to solidify right tackle where Rex Tucker can't be counted on because of a string of injuries. This will be settled, of course, if the Lions select Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas with the second overall pick in the draft.

(And to answer the question of which side he would play, my guess is that's all up to Thomas. If he's a stud in camp, he might start on the left side with Jeff Backus moving to the right side. If Thomas struggles a little, they'll start him on the right.)

Running back: Kevin Jones is expected to be back in time for the start of the regular season but the Lions want to pick up some insurance in the form of a veteran running back. At this point, don't expect the Lions to make a huge splash for a guy like Deuce McAllister. Instead, they'll find somebody steady who can become a backup at some point.

If you think that means Shawn Bryson or Brian Calhoun will have to be cut because of the numbers, the Lions will likely list Bryson as their No. 1 fullback because it doesn't appear Cory Schlesinger will be back.

Cornerback: It's an unsettled situation. Dre Bly has a big contract number, but he's expected to be back. So is Fernando Bryant. While Stanley Wilson showed some good progress, the Lions will want to upgrade the rest of their backups. They also need to find a nickel back who has more speed and playmaking ability than Jon McGraw.

So, expect the Lions to make a couple of quick signings early in free agency and then for things to really slow down. The Lions will try to use the draft to fill the rest of their holes and then, after that, use free agency again to finish off the roster.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

Look for the fans to leave at half time by mid season.

 

[ffweasel]

Look for the fans to leave at half time by mid season.

As long as they continue to pay for the ticket who cares when they leave.

 

[Domination]

First, though, comes a very important part of the Lions off-season program. When free agency opens in early March, expect the Lions to strike quickly at two positions: receiver and middle linebacker. The one guy they're going to target at receiver is Kevin Curtis for two reasons: he has the outside speed and he knows Mike Martz's offense. That second point can't be underestimated, especially when you consider what Mike Furrey did in a single season.

If the money is close, expect Curtis to sign because he, too, wants to put up some huge numbers and he knows his best opportunity will be with Martz in Detroit.

At middle linebacker, the Lions will target London Fletcher (Buffalo), Kawika Mitchell (Kansas City) and Chris Draft (Carolina). While there are some quality middle linebackers available in the draft, especially in the second round, the Lions want to fill that spot with some experience.

The other positions that must be addressed at some point in the off-season include defensive end, offensive line, running back and cornerback.

Defensive end: With Cory Redding moving inside and Kalimba Edwards being used strictly as a situational pass rusher, the Lions need an early-down defensive end on the left side. Ideally, it would be someone with both pass-rushing and run-stopping skills but the Lions might have to settle for the latter.

Offensive line: While young guys like Stephen Peterman, Clint Stickdorn and Jonathan Scott showed some promise, the Lions have to upgrade the starting unit if possible. Damien Woody probably won't be back and the Lions need to solidify right tackle where Rex Tucker can't be counted on because of a string of injuries. This will be settled, of course, if the Lions select Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas with the second overall pick in the draft.

(And to answer the question of which side he would play, my guess is that's all up to Thomas. If he's a stud in camp, he might start on the left side with Jeff Backus moving to the right side. If Thomas struggles a little, they'll start him on the right.)

Running back: Kevin Jones is expected to be back in time for the start of the regular season but the Lions want to pick up some insurance in the form of a veteran running back. At this point, don't expect the Lions to make a huge splash for a guy like Deuce McAllister. Instead, they'll find somebody steady who can become a backup at some point.

If you think that means Shawn Bryson or Brian Calhoun will have to be cut because of the numbers, the Lions will likely list Bryson as their No. 1 fullback because it doesn't appear Cory Schlesinger will be back.

Cornerback: It's an unsettled situation. Dre Bly has a big contract number, but he's expected to be back. So is Fernando Bryant. While Stanley Wilson showed some good progress, the Lions will want to upgrade the rest of their backups. They also need to find a nickel back who has more speed and playmaking ability than Jon McGraw.

So, expect the Lions to make a couple of quick signings early in free agency and then for things to really slow down. The Lions will try to use the draft to fill the rest of their holes and then, after that, use free agency again to finish off the roster.

Haven't they spent enough on WRs. Furrey did a nice job last year, and R Williams on the other side is a nice combo. They have the money, and shold look to go and add an impact player. DB- A Samuel or N Clements. They would be HUGE upgrades to the players that they already have. Fletcher would be a good pickup in the middle.Offensively they should draft Thomas, and try to add one more piece to the o-line. As for RB, I think that it is wishful thinking to think that KJ will be back and 100% for the start of the season. I would think that they either give Calhoun a shot to fill the roll, or look for a solid veteran who would then split time once KJ is back. IMO I would look to see if either Dillon or Fragile Fred were to get cut, because I think that in a part time roll, they would both fit the bill.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Haven't they spent enough on WRs. Furrey did a nice job last year, and R Williams on the other side is a nice combo. They have the money, and shold look to go and add an impact player. DB- A Samuel or N Clements. They would be HUGE upgrades to the players that they already have.

Curtis makes perfect sense. They need a third good receiver in this offense, and he should come at a reasonable price. As long as they don't overspend on him (which you can never count on with Millen), it shouldn't stop them from adding an impact defensive free agent.

 

[Domination]

Haven't they spent enough on WRs. Furrey did a nice job last year, and R Williams on the other side is a nice combo. They have the money, and shold look to go and add an impact player. DB- A Samuel or N Clements. They would be HUGE upgrades to the players that they already have.

Curtis makes perfect sense. They need a third good receiver in this offense, and he should come at a reasonable price. As long as they don't overspend on him (which you can never count on with Millen), it shouldn't stop them from adding an impact defensive free agent.

The FA WRs are very thin. I think that Curtis is going to get starter money, and that is why I think he would be a bad fit for the Lions. If they pay him starter money, it is throwing more money into a postition that they have already thrown enough money into.

 

[Sinrman]

First, though, comes a very important part of the Lions off-season program. When free agency opens in early March, expect the Lions to strike quickly at two positions: receiver and middle linebacker. The one guy they're going to target at receiver is Kevin Curtis for two reasons: he has the outside speed and he knows Mike Martz's offense. That second point can't be underestimated, especially when you consider what Mike Furrey did in a single season.If the money is close, expect Curtis to sign because he, too, wants to put up some huge numbers and he knows his best opportunity will be with Martz in Detroit.At middle linebacker, the Lions will target London Fletcher (Buffalo), Kawika Mitchell (Kansas City) and Chris Draft (Carolina). While there are some quality middle linebackers available in the draft, especially in the second round, the Lions want to fill that spot with some experience.The other positions that must be addressed at some point in the off-season include defensive end, offensive line, running back and cornerback.Defensive end: With Cory Redding moving inside and Kalimba Edwards being used strictly as a situational pass rusher, the Lions need an early-down defensive end on the left side. Ideally, it would be someone with both pass-rushing and run-stopping skills but the Lions might have to settle for the latter.Offensive line: While young guys like Stephen Peterman, Clint Stickdorn and Jonathan Scott showed some promise, the Lions have to upgrade the starting unit if possible. Damien Woody probably won't be back and the Lions need to solidify right tackle where Rex Tucker can't be counted on because of a string of injuries. This will be settled, of course, if the Lions select Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas with the second overall pick in the draft.(And to answer the question of which side he would play, my guess is that's all up to Thomas. If he's a stud in camp, he might start on the left side with Jeff Backus moving to the right side. If Thomas struggles a little, they'll start him on the right.)Running back: Kevin Jones is expected to be back in time for the start of the regular season but the Lions want to pick up some insurance in the form of a veteran running back. At this point, don't expect the Lions to make a huge splash for a guy like Deuce McAllister. Instead, they'll find somebody steady who can become a backup at some point.If you think that means Shawn Bryson or Brian Calhoun will have to be cut because of the numbers, the Lions will likely list Bryson as their No. 1 fullback because it doesn't appear Cory Schlesinger will be back.Cornerback: It's an unsettled situation. Dre Bly has a big contract number, but he's expected to be back. So is Fernando Bryant. While Stanley Wilson showed some good progress, the Lions will want to upgrade the rest of their backups. They also need to find a nickel back who has more speed and playmaking ability than Jon McGraw.So, expect the Lions to make a couple of quick signings early in free agency and then for things to really slow down. The Lions will try to use the draft to fill the rest of their holes and then, after that, use free agency again to finish off the roster.

Curtis would make perfect sense to me. He's not a GREAT receiver, but could produce well, for all the reasons listed above.At linebacker, I'd be happy with any of the three that they listed. I'd PREFER London Fletcher, but I'm afraid he'll command a lot of $$ (more than the other two). Any of the three would bring good, valuable experience to that young defense.As for RB. Conflicting reports as to when Kevin Jones will be back, but either way, I agree that someone needs to be brought in. No need to draft another young RB, only to have him waste away behind Jones (Calhoun, Artose Pinner a few years back, etc.), UNLESS Jones' injury is much more severe then they are letting on. Otherwise, if they aren't going to go after someone like Deuce, then I could see them trying to nab someone like Corey Dillon (if he were available), who brings veteran experience, and only has another year or two left in him (at a good production level, I should say), and would be able to step back when Jones was good and ready...

 

[Rev]

I think Calhoun is going to surprise alot of people next season. He stands to benefit from alot of offseason and preseason reps, and should be recovered from injury. Hopefully he can demonstrate the elusive speed and durability that he displayed in Wisconsin.

 

[V1LL]

First, though, comes a very important part of the Lions off-season program. When free agency opens in early March, expect the Lions to strike quickly at two positions: receiver and middle linebacker. The one guy they're going to target at receiver is Kevin Curtis for two reasons: he has the outside speed and he knows Mike Martz's offense. That second point can't be underestimated, especially when you consider what Mike Furrey did in a single season.

If the money is close, expect Curtis to sign because he, too, wants to put up some huge numbers and he knows his best opportunity will be with Martz in Detroit.

At middle linebacker, the Lions will target London Fletcher (Buffalo), Kawika Mitchell (Kansas City) and Chris Draft (Carolina). While there are some quality middle linebackers available in the draft, especially in the second round, the Lions want to fill that spot with some experience.

The other positions that must be addressed at some point in the off-season include defensive end, offensive line, running back and cornerback.

Defensive end: With Cory Redding moving inside and Kalimba Edwards being used strictly as a situational pass rusher, the Lions need an early-down defensive end on the left side. Ideally, it would be someone with both pass-rushing and run-stopping skills but the Lions might have to settle for the latter.

Offensive line: While young guys like Stephen Peterman, Clint Stickdorn and Jonathan Scott showed some promise, the Lions have to upgrade the starting unit if possible. Damien Woody probably won't be back and the Lions need to solidify right tackle where Rex Tucker can't be counted on because of a string of injuries. This will be settled, of course, if the Lions select Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas with the second overall pick in the draft.

(And to answer the question of which side he would play, my guess is that's all up to Thomas. If he's a stud in camp, he might start on the left side with Jeff Backus moving to the right side. If Thomas struggles a little, they'll start him on the right.)

Running back: Kevin Jones is expected to be back in time for the start of the regular season but the Lions want to pick up some insurance in the form of a veteran running back. At this point, don't expect the Lions to make a huge splash for a guy like Deuce McAllister. Instead, they'll find somebody steady who can become a backup at some point.

If you think that means Shawn Bryson or Brian Calhoun will have to be cut because of the numbers, the Lions will likely list Bryson as their No. 1 fullback because it doesn't appear Cory Schlesinger will be back.

Cornerback: It's an unsettled situation. Dre Bly has a big contract number, but he's expected to be back. So is Fernando Bryant. While Stanley Wilson showed some good progress, the Lions will want to upgrade the rest of their backups. They also need to find a nickel back who has more speed and playmaking ability than Jon McGraw.

So, expect the Lions to make a couple of quick signings early in free agency and then for things to really slow down. The Lions will try to use the draft to fill the rest of their holes and then, after that, use free agency again to finish off the roster.

unless you are tom kowalski or the editor at mlive you should tell people the source. http://www.mlive.com/lions/weblog/index.ss..._02.html#237028 tuesday february 6

 

[turkishkamel]

dre bly received permission from the team to seek a trade.

Link

 

[King of the Jungle]

I absolutely hate being a Lion's fan. This franchise is #######g doomed. I WISH we were to the point of rebuilding, but we are not even doing that yet. The franchise is on a treadmill to loserville with no end in site. The defense is in shambles, the offensive line blows, there are very few playmakers on either side, a journeyman QB with not much gas in the tank, and the owner and GM are Satan I and Satan II. All these #######g years of top drafts choices amounting to squat continue to erode any chance this team has at a winning season. I wish they would move this team to LA so I could start over and root for someone else.

Thanks for allowing me to get that off my chest.

GO LION'S!

(edit ?: f-r-i-c-k-i-n-g is censored?)