The Real Hipster Doofus
Footballguy
Not sure about that considering I heard plenty of rumors prior to the draft that the Lions were targetting Best. The interest was out there if anyone was paying attention.
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OFFICIAL Detroit Lions 2010 offseason thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Anthony Borbely
- Start date
Ilov80s
Footballguy
It was reported that Best never met directly with the Lions, that is how sure they were that they wanted him the entire way. Earlier this week, after trading Sims, they hinted at converting Mays to OLB, saying they saw something special in him that everyone was missing. All smokescreens to try and ensure they would get Best. They must absolutely love him.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Hard not to like the Lions first day. They got the best defensive prospect in the draft and one of the top 5 offensive skill position players. Both filled holes. If Stafford can improve and become a top 10 QB, this offense has real potential. Think how much better this offense really is compared to last year:
QB: Rookie to 2nd year, should be a significant jump
RB: Smith/Morris to Best/Morris, too early to say, but it was clear Smith was not anything more than a totally average back. Best adds a homerun threat and ability to make defenders miss that Smith did not have. Morris is healthier and really outplayed Smith when given the opportunities.
WR: Top 6 WR and nothing else, to top 6 WR and quality veteran #2 WR
TE: Rookie TE to possibly the best TE tandem in the league...lets just cross our fingers Pettigrew can come back 100%.
OL: maybe a little better with Sims, but I still think Gosder is a waste of space and needs to be purged.
You can really see Linhan's offense taking shape like it did in Minnesota. Big arm QB, deep threat WR, Nate Burelson, really good pass catching TEs and a good pass catching RB. The OL is the big?
How about the defense?
DL: added 3 players who are likely better than any DL we had last year, with Suh having a crazy high upside
LB: Lost 2 veterans, but we know Sims was totally average at best while Foote was not going to be a long term solution. We have young LBs in Levy and Follett who are going to get their chances. Hopefully atleast 1 will stick and be a long term solution.
DB: Delmas and a pile of garbage, Delmas and a new pile of garbage. It is a wash, however this new pile of garbage at least has some new players who perhaps won't stink quite as bad. Also, we should expect Delmas to take a step forward. Perhaps it will be a slight improvement. If they draft a CB in the 3rd, I would consider it an upgrade.
Schwartz's defense is set-up to funnel all the action to the center of the field, a place where offensive players will now find Suh. Delmas is a playmaker in the secondary, but he has little support in pass coverage. I see the Lions doing a better job against the run, but still really struggling to stop the pass. If Suh and KVB can't get consistent pressure on QBs, then the Lions will continued to get lit up through the air. They are desperate for a high quality CB.
QB: Rookie to 2nd year, should be a significant jump
RB: Smith/Morris to Best/Morris, too early to say, but it was clear Smith was not anything more than a totally average back. Best adds a homerun threat and ability to make defenders miss that Smith did not have. Morris is healthier and really outplayed Smith when given the opportunities.
WR: Top 6 WR and nothing else, to top 6 WR and quality veteran #2 WR
TE: Rookie TE to possibly the best TE tandem in the league...lets just cross our fingers Pettigrew can come back 100%.
OL: maybe a little better with Sims, but I still think Gosder is a waste of space and needs to be purged.
You can really see Linhan's offense taking shape like it did in Minnesota. Big arm QB, deep threat WR, Nate Burelson, really good pass catching TEs and a good pass catching RB. The OL is the big?
How about the defense?
DL: added 3 players who are likely better than any DL we had last year, with Suh having a crazy high upside
LB: Lost 2 veterans, but we know Sims was totally average at best while Foote was not going to be a long term solution. We have young LBs in Levy and Follett who are going to get their chances. Hopefully atleast 1 will stick and be a long term solution.
DB: Delmas and a pile of garbage, Delmas and a new pile of garbage. It is a wash, however this new pile of garbage at least has some new players who perhaps won't stink quite as bad. Also, we should expect Delmas to take a step forward. Perhaps it will be a slight improvement. If they draft a CB in the 3rd, I would consider it an upgrade.
Schwartz's defense is set-up to funnel all the action to the center of the field, a place where offensive players will now find Suh. Delmas is a playmaker in the secondary, but he has little support in pass coverage. I see the Lions doing a better job against the run, but still really struggling to stop the pass. If Suh and KVB can't get consistent pressure on QBs, then the Lions will continued to get lit up through the air. They are desperate for a high quality CB.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Best was just on local Detroit radio. He said he was very surprised the Lions traded up to get him. Lions seemed to have been keeping their interest in him so quietly, that even Best was unaware the Lions were targeting him. He said he has been cleared 100% medically to play and is in football condition. He understands the game will be bigger and faster, but that he will be able to rely on his best asset: his vision.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Based on the way the it went down, I really think the Lions were keyed in on Best ever since the combine. Their strategy was obviously quality over quantity. Schwartz and Mayhew see a lot of Chris Johnson in Jahvid Best and figure a player like that is invaluable and you do whatever is necessary to get him.With all the teams trying to trade up to the top of the 2nd, it is even more apparent that it was a terrible pick. Mayhew could have stock piled some picks and drafted more pressing needs on Defense instead of a 3rd down RB.
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Comer
Footballguy
Hope I am wrong and they are right, they have made good decisions for the most part so far. I believe in building from the inside out. With the O-line that we have it is going to be a long haul for Stafford and Best to make plays.Based on the way the it went down, I really think the Lions were keyed in on Best ever since the combine. Their strategy was obviously quality over quantity. Schwartz and Mayhew see a lot of Chris Johnson in Jahvid Best and figure a player like that is invaluable and you do whatever is necessary to get him.With all the teams trying to trade up to the top of the 2nd, it is even more apparent that it was a terrible pick. Mayhew could have stock piled some picks and drafted more pressing needs on Defense instead of a 3rd down RB.
SofaKings
Footballguy
It still doesn't feel right. All these people talking about the Lions and the right direction and whatnot.
It feels really strange.
SofaKings
Footballguy
I don't understand why folks think Pettigrew was a wasted pick last year? He showed flashes of absolute brilliance last year and his blocking was at least average. Knee injuries aren't that much of a concern for TE's are they? If he comes back healthy we have two above avg options at TE. That definitely helps in the maturation of Stafford.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
I think Smith is done. Besdies, Maurice Morris outplayed Smith last season. Morris will get more carries than Kevin Smith next year.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
In fairness it's REALLY hard to play in the NFL as a rookie QB, especially one that is not merely asked to be a "game manager". He was asked to come from behind and make plays. All in all I thought he did pretty well.I agree. Some cheerleaders would be nice too if we are making a wish list.I like the trade up for Best. I don't think he makes it to 34. Whether the Colts snag him...or other teams look at what the Lions need overnight and trade up with St Louis. Best's highlight reels are sick....and the Lions all of a sudden have some pretty good looking weapons on offense with CJ, Burleson, Scheffler, Pettigrew, Best....oh, and of course Stafford. Big, Big targets, deep threats, and a guy that can take home from anywhere on the field.I think the whole thing hinges on whether Stafford can become an accurate QB...and I'm not holding my breath. There were lots of plays last year where he had plenty of time to throw the ball, the receiver was wide, wide open and he threw it 8 feet over their head.....hopefully he will improve.Lions throwbacks are great, I wish they would adopt that as their regular uniform.Agree AB, Lions fans should be proud tonight. It might be time to get fresh Jerseys in Detroit...seriously, teams that change colors do well...Bucs, Jets reverted, NE, Seattle, time to step into the 21st Century. Don the oldies on Turkey Day.The Lions had a great first round. They drafted Suh, who I think is the best player in the draft. Then they move up 4 spots from their 2.02 to the Vikings 1.30 and drafted Jahvid Best. It only cost them a swap of 4th's plus a 7th, so I think it was a great trade. Once CB Kyle Wilson was taken, I think this is the only player the Lions wanted this high. The CBs took a pretty steep drop after Wilson and CB and RB were the only positions I saw them using the 2.02 on. Best is a great fit in this offense with his blazing speed. With Calvin attracting so much attention, Best will have a lot of room on the field and his speed is going to be a real weapon. CB is pretty deep and I have to think that is the main target with their 3.02.This has been a great offseason so far, adding Burleson, Scheffler and Best on offense (plus a solid backup QB in Shawn Hill), and added Suh, Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams, and Houston on defense. Mayhew is making a believer out of me.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
so where best go in a redraft? Methinks I want him.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Know nothing about this pick but I like the size/potential of any OL who is 6'7", though at 300 lbs he's gonna need to get in the weight room. That's where trusting the regime helps.
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Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
From what I remember watching Iowa this year this guy was everywhere. I like the pick at a gut level as we need CB help badly.
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Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
wow just realized that we have no picks until the 7th (when we have three)
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Lions make all the right moves in draft
Allen Park
There they were, the hulking guy brought in to change the defense and the swift guy brought in to change the offense. Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best look different and are touted differently, and now all they have to do is make a difference.
A big difference. Immediately.
Hey, no pressure, fellas. This was another feel-good day for the long-woeful Lions, who remain far more entertaining in the off-season than in the real season. Even as they prepared to make more picks Friday night, they unveiled two prized chunks, two impact-type players.
If the Lions aren't careful here, we just might have to accelerate the timetable and raise expectations quicker. At the risk of sounding like I've inhaled too many draft fumes, I like this new regime's plan, and how decisively they're acting.
I don't know for sure if Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz know exactly what they're doing, but I know what they're not doing: They're not making things up on the fly. They're aggressively identifying targets and going after them, from free-agent acquisitions Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson, to the clever trade into the first round to grab Best.
The Lions are trying to plug holes, and that's certainly a start. But they're also trying to mask holes, which is smart. Suh has game-breaking defensive ability, and showed at Nebraska he can sack the quarterback. Best has game-breaking offensive ability, and showed at Cal he can bust long runs.
If these guys are remotely close to how they're billed, they'll buy the Lions some time. Suh could mask gaping holes in the secondary just by pressuring the quarterback. Best could make a suspect offensive line look better by turning small holes into big plays.
"I'm biased, but I feel I'm the best running back in the draft," said Best, the third back taken behind Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Fresno State's Ryan Mathews. "It looks like a great fit for me here."
Great expectations
Mayhew and Schwartz didn't waste our time downplaying these guys, which is good, because everyone knows how quickly they must contribute. Suh, 6-4, 307 pounds, is the consensus best player in the draft. The 5-10, 199-pound Best is one of the fastest, a top-15 talent if not for a couple of concussions that sidelined him last season, although he says he's completely recovered.
Suh is the centerpiece, and I like that he knows it. He's not a look-at-me guy, disdaining the drama so much, he said he basically ordered his agents to get a contract done in a timely fashion.
That's nice to hear. So is this:
"I come with the mindset to never, ever be a bust," Suh said. "I'm not afraid of this situation at all. At Nebraska, I went through a similar thing when we were down in the dumps."
When I greeted the big guy, I quelled the overwhelming urge to say, "Mr. Suh, how do you do?" (Sorry). And then I asked, seriously, why he can be different when so many touted defensive tackles have disappeared.
"Because I don't see myself as a typical person -- I love to work hard and learn from people," he said. "I consider myself somewhat of a trend-setter. I feel this can turn around very quickly here."
Suh sees things differently, and I can understand why. He grew up playing soccer in Portland and switched to football in the eighth grade because he was accused of being too physical.
He seems like a guy who chews on challenges. Some branded him more of a run-stopper, even though he had 12 sacks last season. The way he figures, in a system that frees him to attack the passer, he can flourish.
"I'm very excited to be going to a pass-happy league," Suh said. "Being able to impose your will and get hits on the quarterback is very fun. I don't know if this is the right way to say it, but I'm kind of bi-polar. I'm low-key and subtle, but when I get on the field, I'm angry. You gotta translate to that caged, raged animal."
Remember, this is a super-bright guy with a degree in construction management engineering, who already donated $2.6 million to his alma mater. He views himself as an impact person, in lots of ways, and the Lions need people like that.
Steps in right direction
From zero victories in 2008, to two last season, to, uh, maybe six or seven, they appear to be making progress. At least Mayhew, Schwartz and team president Tom Lewand are committed to a plan. They identified Best as someone worth leaping for, then kept it so quiet, Best admitted he was shocked when the Lions traded up for him.
Now, they aren't beholden to Kevin Smith's recovery from knee surgery. They have a quick-strike weapon to take heat off Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. It's all sound thinking, near as I can tell. That doesn't guarantee sound football on Sundays, but if nothing else, it's starting to feel a little encouraging around here.
bob.wojnowski@detnews.com
John Niyo
Article ToolsrintEmail
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100424/OPINIO...t#ixzz0m2N4L037
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
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Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Now it list only 2 7ths. Did we trade one?wow just realized that we have no picks until the 7th (when we have three)
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
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Ilov80s
Footballguy
Traded it for a 6th next year. Very good move.Now it list only 2 7ths. Did we trade one?wow just realized that we have no picks until the 7th (when we have three)
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
http://www.weberstatesports.com/ViewArticl...;ATCLID=1275569
This guy look like a baller. I sense a THC suspension coming...
This guy look like a baller. I sense a THC suspension coming...
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Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
nice.Traded it for a 6th next year. Very good move.Now it list only 2 7ths. Did we trade one?wow just realized that we have no picks until the 7th (when we have three)
thatguythere
Footballguy
Traded the second pick of the 7th for a 2011 6th.Now it list only 2 7ths. Did we trade one?wow just realized that we have no picks until the 7th (when we have three)
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Traded the second pick of the 7th for a 2011 6th.Now it list only 2 7ths. Did we trade one?wow just realized that we have no picks until the 7th (when we have three)
thatguythere
Footballguy
Looks like Mayhew was fine with what he had. I think there are going to be a couple moves here real soon. Pacman? Bullock?
Looks like we signed UDFA WR Mike Moore from Georgia.
Looks like we signed UDFA WR Mike Moore from Georgia.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
LOLI saw an even worse one of him, looked like a wannabe rasta man.Hipple said:
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Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
puckalicious
Footballguy
Huh? I suppose it is true that Morris outplayed Smith weeks 15-17 when Smith was on IR. The rest of the season Smith had 217 carries to Morris's 42. In common games, Smith averaged 3.4ypc compared to Morris at 3.7ypc. Both putrid behind a putrid OL. Smith may or may not be 'done' due to his knee injury. I'm pretty confident that Maurice Morris has no effect on either outcome. Jahvid Best makes both of them irrelevant.
Michael Fox Fan
Footballguy
So is this the general consensus of Lions fans? I realize there are probably only a handful of Lions fans on FBGs....or possibly in the whole world.....but how do homers see the RB situation playing out?
Unwrittenlaw
Footballguy
Best is not a workhorse. Over the course of his college career, he only carried the ball more than 20 times in a game only 2 TIMES. Morris/Smith will get their shares of carries, and Smith and/or another RB will be sharing the load in 2011+.
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Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
They didn't spend a first on Best and have him sitting much. I bet he gets about 60% or so of the RB touches. It's hard to say about the leftovers without knowing Smith's status, but my gut says he starts the year on PUP.
Michael Fox Fan
Footballguy
Thx AB. Have you heard anything specific to suggest that Smith will start the year on PUP?
Unwrittenlaw
Footballguy
I see a similar scenario like Felix Jones and the other Dallas RB's.
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Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
Nothing official on Smith and it's impossible to know yet because he is still recovering. I really don't think we will know much until camp gets closer. Also, the 60% is just an opinion based on them trading up in round 1.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Although I was not sold on the Best pick only because of other glaring needs I do believe he will add exitement to the offense. Just worried about Stafford getting killed if Best is pass blocking too much though.
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From what I have read, the Lions' brass is still focused on "acquiring talent" and not yet to the point of getting too specific on positional skillsets. That's why you are seeing some overlap among RBs, as well as at TE now with Sheffler and Pettigrew at TE. Best was "Top 15" on their board and still available at #30 and so an easy choice according to their draft strategy.If the Lions are fortunate enough to have Smith come back 100% from injury, they would love to have a talented 2-headed monster (Smith/Best, I don't think Morris is relevant long-term). IMO, Smith is still a good player who will be a solid contributor when he comes back but drafting Best hedges their bets a little bit, takes the pressure off Smith's recovery time and also just adds another playmaker to an offense that still needs them.
This is a concern no matter who the RB is, but still a valid point.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
I would not count on Kevin Smith until at least the halfway mark. As I stated in a previous post Smith shredded his knee, not just an ACL but he tore everything. Smith was a limited RB when he was 100% Had to think he would come back next season any better.The Lions still need to add another RB unless they feel Morris can carry half the load.
puckalicious
Footballguy
That may be true, but the argument is not sound. Every year in the NFL, players do something they previously had not done. Besides, very few RBs average 20 carries a game anymore (or really ever, for that matter). Best does have the potential to average 20 touches per game though, IMO.
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
Spartans Rule
Footballguy
He said on the radio that he was misquoted and didn't use the word aroused. He said "That's what gets me going."Still pretty weird."“Some people watch adult videos on their computer,” Schwartz had told me. “I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me aroused.”Just read that...
Iwannabeacowboybaby!
Footballguy
Report: Lions president Tom Lewand arrested for DUI in Roscommon County
Published: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 12:35 AM Updated: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 12:36 AM
The Grand Rapids Press
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Tom Lewand
WXYZ-TV in Detroit is reporting that Lions president Tom Lewand was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving Friday near Houghton Lake in Roscommon County.
Lewand, who replaced Matt Millen in December of 2008, released a statement that WXYZ reporter Tom Leyden posted on his Twitter page.
Share "I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them," Lewand said. "I am committed to taking all necessary steps to insure nothing like this ever happens again."
Leyden also tweeted that a Lions official confirmed Lewand's arrest.
Published: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 12:35 AM Updated: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 12:36 AM
The Grand Rapids Press
Follow Share this story
Story tools
Tom Lewand
WXYZ-TV in Detroit is reporting that Lions president Tom Lewand was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving Friday near Houghton Lake in Roscommon County.
Lewand, who replaced Matt Millen in December of 2008, released a statement that WXYZ reporter Tom Leyden posted on his Twitter page.
Share "I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them," Lewand said. "I am committed to taking all necessary steps to insure nothing like this ever happens again."
Leyden also tweeted that a Lions official confirmed Lewand's arrest.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
since there's no lions inseason thread. let's restart this one. thought this was funny
at 5:30 when talking about how tough the Titans D line is he talks about how vanden bosch's speed needs to be taken into account.
and you've been preparing for these guys for a week?
Iwannabeacowboybaby!
Footballguy
You won't know until game day. The coach said early in the week Calvin doesn't have to practice, if he can play Sunday he'll go. Risky start with nothing for the Lions to play for, him leaving the game early last week and not practicing this week.
I think he plays but not sure how long or how effective.
Check back around 11:30am on Sunday at this site and you'll get some more definitive news. In the meantime come up with your Best plan B option just in case.
I think he plays but not sure how long or how effective.
Check back around 11:30am on Sunday at this site and you'll get some more definitive news. In the meantime come up with your Best plan B option just in case.
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