Foote Fills Gap, But Not Enough

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

0-16. By the looks of it, you might think overhaul for the Detroit Lions, but in a down economy where players still demand huge salaries and you have the first pick in the draft, you're already in a hole.

Going into the draft, the Lions had many needs: Quarterback, linebacker, offensive and defensive line, and believe it or not, receiver. Remember, it was only at the start of the 2008-09 season Detroit had 16 receivers on its payroll. The first need the Lions addressed, as we all know, quarterback.

QB

On the topic of the number one draft pick, we can start by looking at the quarterback situation. According to the Lions' current depth chart, Daunte Culpepper is at the top, then Matthew Stafford and finally Drew Stanton.

Barring Stafford looking ridiculously amazing in the preseason, he will be the backup. The major question mark is Drew Stanton. The third year (by contract) is truly entering his second year after he was sidelined by a knee injury during his rookie campaign.

Many fans were hoping the home-towner would play the role of hero for the lowly Lions. Alas, he is again third-string, but now faces being cut. However, Stanton will only be cut if the Lions feel the need to get a veteran backup. The good news for Stanton is that a good veteran backup doesn't exist in free agency and the Lions will not be pulling a trade for that position.

According to NFL.com, there are 14 free agent quarterbacks with no 2009 team. The most experienced is Brad Johnson at 17 seasons. That might be too much experience. The least experienced QB without a team is Drew Henson. He is out because the Lions put him on the market.

If Detroit really wants a guy with game experience, and they have to cut Stanton, I say go for J.P. Losman. He has five years in the league with Buffalo. His accuracy is about 60 percent, which isn't great, but if there was anything great about him, he wouldn't be without a team in mid-May. The Lions aren't looking for Matt Cassell, they just want someone to challenge Stafford.

RB

The Lions depth chart currently has eight players listed at the running back position, which includes fullbacks. If there are two "locks" at running back, they would be Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris, who the Lions signed early in free agency. Aveion Cason looks like the third-down back again. A battle will be held at fullback among Jon Bradley, Jerome Felton and Terrelle Smith. That leaves rookie Aaron Brown and Allen Ervin. I wouldn't expect to see Ervin on the opening-day roster and don't expect Brown at RB.

WR

The Lions have 11 receivers listed on the depth chart. Let's assume Detroit keeps five on their game-day roster. Calvin Johnson is a lock. The others include Ronald Curry and Derrick Williams, who were picked up via free agency and the draft respectively. Let's say that's three.

As I said, don't expect to see Aaron Brown at running back. He is 6'1" and 196 pounds. Probably not the ideal size for a between-the-tackles runner. He could challenge Cason for the third-down back spot, but more likely than not, he was taken to beef up the receiving corps. That's four.

Bryant Johnson, another free agent, makes five. The sixth spot, in my opinion is wide open, but the Lions don't necessarily need to hit the free agent pool again. There is a slew of receivers on the market, but many have questions, included, but not limited to age, off-field problems and questionable skills. If the Lions wanted a vet, they could look at Reggie Williams. He has six years in the league and tons of experience. I think the correct leadership, now in Detroit, could screw his head on straight and make him a stud.

TE

This position has little doubt. Brandon Pettigrew is in. Casey FitzSimmons, in his seventh year, has been reliable. There's no need to his free agency for this position. In the third slot, the battle will be waged among rookie Dan Gronkowski, Will Heller and Jake Nordin.

OL

This position, going into the draft, was among three of what appeared to be ultra-high needs. Beyond Stafford and linebacker Aaron Curry, tackle Jason Smith was at the top of many draft boards. Smith went number two overall to the St. Louis Rams.

The Lions have three centers, five guards and seven tackles listed on the depth chart, although some are still testing the free agent water. The O-line presents some problems. One, the Lions haven't had a very good, injury-free, or consistent quintet. It's also a difficult position to address in free agency because teams tend to lock up their reliable players and by the time the player is released or becomes unrestricted, he has 12-plus years experience.

When it comes to that pool of players, there is a limited number of guys I like. At the tackle spot, I do like two men from the Black and Blue division. Chicago free agent Terrence Metcalf and Green Bay free agent Mark Tauscher. The recently released Levi Jones (Cincinnati) might be another good addition.

The guard pool is very shallow. If Detroit has anyone under consideration, I might suggest Tyson Clabo. He is 6'6" 332. He has the size to play both guard and tackle and he's even delivered snaps.

Center is the one spot I think the Lions have stability. Dominic Raoila is a fiery leader who is also reliable. In his ninth season, he has been a Lion his entire career.

ST

Ok, so maybe kicker, punter and long snapper are also locks. Those spots are filled by Jason Hanson, Nick Harris and Don Muhlbach respectively.

Join me tomorrow as I take on the Lions' needs on defense.

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