Lions Showing Their Tracks
When Jim Schwartz first assessed his Lions he started identifying his needs. The cheap advice and criticism from the pundits was to start all over, there wasn’t any talent. Schwartz knew better. On offense, he inherited two first round tackles and a center that was a short time ago, a Pro Bowl alternate (whatever that means). He knew WR Calvin Johnson was his elite weapon and decided Daunte Culpepper would be the guy at QB, for now. TE and FB have never mattered in Detroit except for blocking and Schwartz had suitable candidates for those spots on his roster. That left Kevin Smith as his running back. Which would say to most observers that Schwartz was in the market for guards, a receiver and a second running back.
On defense, Schwartz’ forte, he had a former franchised undersized tackle who needed for his interior partners to garner double teams so he could be effective. He was also the kind of player who had characterized the Lions of late…he talked a better game than he played and got paid a lot to do it. There were players at the ends with DeWayne White and promising rookie Cliff Avril, but no one was fearing their rush. Only one linebacker stood out (and he had a bad third year) and the defensive backfield was almost a complete wasteland, although two young second-rounders were among the depth at safety. It became clear that on his side of the ball, Schwartz first needed a DT, linebackers and corners.
After teasing with the notion of pursuing Albert Haynesworth, Schwartz and company have predictedly used their free agent time to collect a parcel of no-names. Interesting how they fit right into the above assessment. So far the Lions have added CBs Anthony Henry (by trade from Dallas), Philip Buchanon and Eric King, DT Grady Jackson and LB Cody Spencer. On offense he re-signed Gs Stephen Peterman and Damion Cook, T George Foster (giving them a third number 1 in their ranks) and UFAs T Daniel Loper, WR Bryant Johnson, TE Will Heller and RB Maurice Morris as well as their own RB Aveion Cason.
There are still other middle-of-the-road free agents to add. Schwartz doesn’t seem to be following the Atlanta/Miami model for a quick turnaround. Trading the undersized and overpaid DT Cory Snelling for LB Julian Peterson is a major upgrade. Last year FA, Chuck Darby, and sophomore Andre Fluellen can easily replace Redding’s production. Peterson puts the LB corp at “one-player-away.” At 31, he adds strength to the tackling corps that proved to be the “anti-highlight reel” so many times last year on ESPN. He also adds a great presence as a rusher. Still, most are not expecting the Lions to be a playoff contender next year. Some solid competitive football would be a welcomed improvement especially on defense, from what Rod “The Stud” Marinelli put out there last year.
With the 1st, 20th, 33rd, 65th and 85th picks in April’s draft, five new players that contribute in 16 games next year could easily be had. Picks of an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman and a middle linebacker would best be spent with the first three selections, which is very close to having three number one picks. A quarterback at number 1 is also being considered. Up to four rookies could be looked to as starters in 2009. Schwartz will also add talent with the two third rounders and two sixth rounders. The Lions do not have a 4th, 5th or 7th round pick. Add it up and its clear that the cupboard isn’t exactly bare. Rumors about adding a veteran quarterback (not Jay Cutler, maybe JP Losman), corner (Chris McAlister) and linebacker (Larry Foote) are also floating.
