For years Detroit fans spent the days following the draft shaking their heads in disgust. Years after, the woes only got worse as the draft busts grew into NFL busts. This year however has left fans with a slightly different taste in their mouths. For most, it's not excitement or disgust, it is a feeling of content. The Lion's didn't take any gambles and they didn't get any superstars, but they did get their guys and players that should work well in the system. Let's take a look at the newest Lions.
1st Round
Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College 17th overall
The Lions had the 15thoverall pick and had the chance to take offensive lineman Branden Albert, who was one of the best lineman in the draft and could have given their offensive line a well needed boost. Instead they traded down with the Cheifs to get the 17thoverall pick, swap third round picks, and pick up a fifthround pick. At this point everyone was thinking that the running back Rashard Mendenhall would be selected by the Lions. Wrong. The Lions shocked their fans withthis selection especially passing on Albert. At first I was completely disgusted with this pick, but overnight i was able to sleep on it and get the facts.
Gosderis a great run blocker witha massive frame and plays with a mean streak. What stood out most to me however wasn't his quick feet or his huge arms or hands. It was his interview. The pick made sense after his interview. It showed that all he knows is football and that's all he wants to do. He is the high integrity football character guy that Marinelli has been talking about since he got here. I don't think it was the best pick that could have been made at the time, but we will see in a few years.
How he will affect the team
He will most likely start at right tackle this season and I wouldn't be surprised to see plenty of runs to the right either. This leaves Jeff Backus to start at left tackle. My hope is that if the Lions can't get a better left tackle in the coming seasons, Gosder will be moved over to the left and another tackle is plugged in on the right side.
Second Round
Jordon Dizon OLB Colorado 14th/45th overall
Linebacker is a huge need for Detroit with the only note worthy linebackers on the roster being weak-side linebacker Ernie Sims and Paris Lenon who played middle linebacker last season for Detroit. Dizonis an undersized linebacker that isn't the fastest and has trouble in man-to-man coverage. So how did he record 160 total tackles (120 solo) in his senior year alone? He has amazing recognition skills and is very quick to react when the play starts. When in zone coverage he is rarely caught out of position and moves from sideline to sideline with the best of them.
How he will affect the team
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8 months ago
i thought the lions should have taken a running back first, but ill reserve judgement on their draft until a later date.
8 months ago
The draft has a slightly better smell then most of the previous. Let's say from fresh poo to burnt hair. Not much better but at least different.
We should have drafted Bill Parcells!
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