I Would Love to Go to Detroit…

As much as the Lions do need a franchise quarterback, is Stafford really the guy?

The last few weeks have seen the Lions addressing their number one concern from last season, the defense.  The Lions traded journeyman gunslinger Jon Kitna to the Cowboys for cover corner Anthony Henry.  They then followed that up with the signing of Eric King, a reserve player of Jim Schwartz’s from Tennessee.  They then signed veteran cornerback Philip Buchanon to a two-year deal.  So what slim chances there were of maybe trading down to take Malcolm Jenkins are out the window.

The Lions then signed running back Maurice Morris to a three year deal.  They also added wide receiver Bryant Johnson to a three year contract.  Therefore any chances of the Lions maybe dropping to take Michael Crabtree are gone.

That leaves four legitimate contenders for the Lions at number one:  Matthew Stafford, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith and Aaron Curry.  But there could be a dark horse.

*****

I’m being completely honest, and it has nothing to do with money, but…

The Lions need to avoid making the “Millen” pick, which would mean they go after the trendy pick.  Sure, Matthew Stafford could be great.  But the Lions need to go after defense in this draft.  And with first year head coach Jim Schwartz, I think they are going to do just that.

The Lions picked up Grady Jackson, a Band Aid for the defense for the time being.  Rookie Cliff Avril showed some promise last season.  But in the whole scheme of things the defensive line needs some work.

The key needs the Lions need to fill this season, in no particular order of importance, are offensive tackle, linebacker, defensive end, quarterback, secondary and an entirely new front office.

The candidates for offensive tackle are clearly Jason Smith (Baylor) and Eugene Monroe (Virginia).  The Lions have Cherilus on the right side, so a left tackle would be ideal.  Smith and Monroe both can provide years of solid play on the offensive line, allowing the Lions to focus more on their offensive weapons and their defense.

The linebacker candidate is Aaron Curry.  The kid is explosive, and shows the type of pash rushing presence the Lions so desperately need.

Defensive ends Brian Orakpo (Texas) and Everette Brown (Florida State) both could potentially see themselves in Detroit next season, though it is not as likely as the big four of Monroe, Stafford, Curry and Smith.

The quarterbacks in the draft are Stafford and USC’s Mark Sanchez, though Sanchez isn’t a good fit for Detroit.

The secondary has apparently been addressed through free agency, with the acquisitions of Buchanon, Henry and King.

*****

I’m being completely honest, and it has nothing to do with money, but…

Look at what the Miami Dolphins did last year in the offseason, and then look at the offseason the Lions have currently been having.  The focus of Miami last season was to address every single problem position, not just by making blockbuster trades and draft picks, but rather under the radar free agent signings.

The Lions have quietly bolstered their secondary, clearly deciding to address the issue on the waiver wire as opposed to wasting picks in the draft.

The Lions then got a solid running back option in Maurice Morris.  Kevin Smith is our running back of the future, but Morris can provide short yardage conversions when needed.  The tandem of Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris should make for a pretty balanced offense when coupled with the passing game.

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