The Realistic Steps Needed To Make The Lions a Playoff-Bound Team In 2011

While there are a lot of needs on this team, and we play in a hard division. We can do it with a few moves and a good draft. We are on our way to being a force not only in the NFC North but throughout the NFL. We need to run with this four-game winning streak into this next season and use it to show free agents that Detroit is a team on the rise.

Quarterbacks

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 07: Detroit Lions team doctor Kyle Anderson checks the right shoulder of Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions after leaving the game during the third quarter of the game at Ford Field on November 7, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Je

We are pretty set at this position as long as we can keep Stafford off the ground, but we will get to that later. I would like to see the Lions bring back Drew Staton.

Running Backs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders runs down field in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

While when healthy Jahvid Best is a great outside runner. we are in need of a bigger back for in between the tackles. Michael Bush may be just the back we need; he is huge and not afraid to take a hit. He is the north and south runner we need, and I do not think he will be expecting a huge pay day. I would also not be against bringing Brandon Jacobs and his bad attitude to Detroit if we can not get Bush.

Wide Receiver

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Wide receiver Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals is unable to catch a long pass against the St. Louis Rams during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams de

I tend to believe that Calvin Johnson is the best wide out in the NFL. I also think Nate Burrleson has played to the potential of his once-thought-of-as-too-large contract. I think bringing Breaston home to Michigan would be a great addition to our team. As crazy as it might sound, I would welcome T.O with open arms. You know he would be cheap.

Offensive Line

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: Gosder Cherilus #77, Stephen Peterman #66 and Dominic Raiola #51 of the Detroit Lions line-up for an offensive play against the Chicago Bears on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-2

This should be the front office's main focus point. This is the reason we do not have a great run game and why we had to go get a emergency quarterback. I know this will go against popular opinion, but we should use the first two picks on the offensive line. With the first pick at No. 13 I would like them to take Nate Solder from Colorado. He has great size and can move with the best of them. I would replace Cherilus with Solder and move Cheriulus to Guard replacing Peterson. With the second pick in the draft, I would like the Lions to pick Stefen Wisniewski from Penn State. I am sick and tired of seeing Raiola getting blown off the line and then running his mouth like he is good. Thank God for Rob Sims—he made the guys on both sides of him look a lot better than they are.

Defensive Line

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions tackles Jake Delhomme #17 of the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Suh was called for a personal foul on the play for grabbing the f

Our defensive line is downright scary at times. All we need to do is re-sign Cliff Avril. He has gotten better every year he has been on the roster. While I have heard rumors of Albert Haynesworth coming to Detroit, we do not need him. I am pleased with Corey Williams if we can only get him to stop jumping offsides. Other than those two issues, we are all set. Also get better KVB—we need you!

Linebackers

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Paul Posluszny #51 of the Buffalo Bills plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Pittsburgh won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

I am happy with Levy at the middle and with everyone aware that Peterson and his $8 million contract is not coming back, that leaves us with holes on each side. On one side, I would hope Schwartz will be sitting in Stephen Tulloch's driveway to sign him at the strike of midnight on the eve of free agency. Think about it why wouldn't he want to come to Detroit and play for his old defensive coordinator. Especially with Tennessee falling apart. As for the other side. A name that most people are not aware of is Paul Posluszny. This could play to our advantage as far as competition in free agency. If you haven't heard of him, check the stats. He is worth the risk.

Cornerbacks

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 10: Brandon Gibson #11 of the St. Louis Rams tries to out jump Chris Houston #23 of the Detroit Lions for a third quarter pass on October 10, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 44-6. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Ge

I am one of few fans who think we should bring Houston back. I just do not think we should as our No. 1 corner back but as our two. This is where we will have to spend the bulk of the money. There are three names in free agency that I think would be good fits in our system, and they are Brent Grimes, Antonio Cromartie and Champ Bailey. If I had my pick, I would go with Champ because of his experience and his lack of off-the-field issues. I know he is not a long-term fix, but we need to win now, and since I believe Denver is going to take Peterson in the draft, they can afford not to re-sign Champ.

Safeties

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 02: Jarrad Page #44 of the Kansas City Chiefs points to the sky against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game on November 2, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Buccaneers won 30 to 27 in overtime.

While Amari Spievey did an alright job at safety, he needs to move to nickel corner with Alphonso Smith. We should pick up Jarrad Page. Why not? We almost lost draft picks for tampering last year to get him, so why not now that he is free to come to us and work for Gunther Cunningham like he used to. If this is not possible, then Quintin Mikell would also be a sure-fit selection.

Playoffs Here We Come!

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions catches the ball on an 87-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Gian

While I am not so naive to believe that all these moves may happen, but one can hope. Please feel free to add your comments. If you have a better opinion, please add it to the comments.