Foote Fills Gap, But Not Enough, Part Two

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The 0-16 Detroit Lions roster shuffle continues. In Thursday's article, I discussed the offensive side of the football, saving today's focus for defense. However, I should take a moment to comment on the Lions most recent move, which involves Keary Colbert. I'll recap Thursday's receiver section.

WR, cont.

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.

*I would now say the sixth spot is Colbert's. Unless the Lions go in a different direction when it comes to Johnson, or even if they cut Brown, or shuffle players between the practice squad and game-day roster, I would now say they will not pursue a free agent. The last thing they need is a stable of receivers on the payroll.

Now on to the good stuff, meaning defense, which from what I've heard, wins championships.

DL

Detroit has seven ends and five tackles on the depth chart. Under Rod Marinelli, the Lions played a Tampa 2 defense. This season it looks like Detroit will play a 4-3 defense again, but with elements of the 3-4. Playing in the 4-3 means the Lions needed Larry Foote and his role as middle linebacker becomes more important. But there will be more on that later.

Among the seven ends, I think Cliff Avril and Jared DeVries are the top two. Some might throw Ikaika Alama-Francis in the mix, but I think putting him in a rotation would be most beneficial. A huge key on the line this year will be the play of DeWayne White.

White was a Lions starter in 2007, but didn't see the same action in 2008. He will be looking to make his mark this year, which is good because the Lions will need all they can get off the ends. He had a career-high 6.5 sacks in '07, but he will need to build on that. If he, Avril and Francis can tally between seven and nine sacks each, the line will be solid.

When it comes to the free agent pool at the DE spot, there isn't much to be thrilled about. If it were five years ago, it would be great with names like Vonnie Holliday and Jason Taylor. If there is one guy I would work out, it's Kevin Carter. He is a very experienced veteran with 15 years in the league. If his work out went well, he could be a good veteran addition to the defense.

Among the six defense tackles on the roster are rookies Sammie Hill and John Gill. At 345 pounds, recent addition Grady Jackson is the largest man-in-the-middle, but he is also the oldest at 36. And while Jackson has the most NFL experience, Chuck Darby has the most Lions experience as he started 15 games in 2008.

Unfortunately for Detroit, there is just about nothing available at this position. Coach Jim Schwartz is going to rely heavily on Jackson to mentor Hill, Gill and second-year men Landon Cohen and Andre Fluellen. Chuck Darby will also need to be a positive influence on the squad.

LB

To start, they only need three names. Those are easy. Playing outside linebacker Ernie Sims, on the inside, Foote, and on the opposite side will be 10-year veteran Julian Peterson. The player who must have a huge impact off the bench is Jordon Dizon.

Dizon was probably picked a little too soon by Millen in 2008. He never started and only played in 12 games. He's been clocked at 4.59 in the 40-yard dash, so he has good speed, but he wasn't the impact player he should have been considering where he was selected.

One man I am eager to see hit the field is rookie Zach Follett. He is aggressive, a big hitter and notched 10.5 sacks his senior year at California. I can see him starting early on special teams where he can fly down the field and flatten return men and then earning some time in the Lions linebacker rotation.

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