The 2009 Detroit Lions Positional Outlook: Offensive Backfield

Over the course of the next week, The 2009 Detroit Lions Positional Outlook will examine the positional changes of the current offseason: how the position has improved or weakened, the current outlook for younger players in the position, and how that position group should fare in the 2009 season.

Links to past positional outlooks can be found at the bottom of the article. 

"With the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford, quarterback from Georgia."

At that moment, in April, Detroit fans began looking forward—not to the 2009 season, but to 2010.

The coaches and personnel staff in Allen Park have made the situation very clear: This is not a one-year rebuilding plan.

Stafford was not drafted to lead a 2009 Detroit playoff run. Kevin Smith's sophomore season is not going to run wild with "Offensive Player of the Year" talk.

Daunte Culpepper will start, and Smith will be out to prove that he is more than just the best of the worst from '08.

The Starters

Daunte Culpepper (6'4", 260 lbs.): First Round, 1999, Minnesota Vikings

No one expects Matthew Stafford to start week one, but after last season, would anyone really be surprised?

Culpepper had two large problems last year. The first problem was that he was too large. He came into the season out of shape, not ready to run a mile, let alone play professional football.

The other big problem? Culpepper apparently has no idea how to read defenses—something a little odd for a 10-year veteran.

The scouting report on Culpepper out of Allen Park is that Culpepper is in phenomenal shape.

As for the offensive IQ? Scott Linehan has known Culpepper since 2002 and knows how to get the best out of him.

The worst that could happen is that Culpepper fails as a game manager and is pulled midseason for the rookie Stafford.

On the brighter side of things, Culpepper could have a glimmer in the twilight of his career as Calvin Johnson takes another step toward greatness.

As with everything in life, reality will probably fall somewhere in between those two extremes.

Kevin Smith (6'1", 217 lbs.): Third Round, 2008, Detroit Lions

In the last eight games of 2008, Kevin Smith averaged 83 yards per game. That isn't a great offensive output.

However, in perspective, Smith was one of the lone bright spots on a poor offensive team.

Often, the Detroit Lions were down multiple touchdowns early and unable (read: unwilling) to establish the run.

Of those last eight games, Smith averaged more than four yards per carry in six of them.

Don't be deceived, Lions fans; 2008 was an audition year for Smith.

The Lions made no attempt to hide the fact that they spent plenty of scouting time and energy on Chris "Beanie" Wells.

On a team that is desperate for talent, no one (without the last name Stafford) is safe.

Smith should have a little easier time running behind an offensive line bracketed by Brandon Pettigrew and Will Heller.

Most importantly, Scott Linehan has always been known to get the most out of young running backs.

Terrelle Smith (6'0", 246 lbs.): Fourth Round, 2000, New Orleans Saints

Terrelle Smith is one of the underrated blockers in the league. During the playoffs, Smith was a key to Arizona's increased rushing attack. With little in the way of fantasy value, Terrelle Smith has taken pride in his blocking ability.

With Kevin Smith taking the bulk of the rushing load and Brandon Pettigrew serving as the short pass safety valve, Terrelle Smith will be able to focus solely on blocking.

He isn't the type of player fans often appreciate, but Detroit may look fondly on the best blocking back in Honolulu blue since Cory Schlesinger.

The Reserves

Matthew Stafford

The story out of rookie mini-camp provided the same information seen in Stafford's collegiate scouting reports. Overall, the performance was shaky, but there were plenty of flashy plays to warrant the first overall pick.

I predict a start by week eight at the earliest, 2010 being the most likely.

Maurice Morris

Coach Schwartz did not mince words when referring to Morris as a backup. He wasn't brought in to split carries or be a third down back.

Morris will be insurance and a mentor for Kevin Smith. If Morris sees more than 10 rushes a game, it will be in dual running back sets.

Jerome Felton

Felton lacks the blocking ability that Terrelle Smith brings to the table. However, Felton was drafted out of Furman, where he carried a lot of the rushing load.

Felton has a unique set of skills, both with the ball and as a receiver that will keep him on the roster.

Still, he will need a niche on offense and special teams to stay on the active roster from week to week.

The Rest

Drew Stanton

Stanton is on the cusp of a roster spot. The second-round pick needs to prove he can fill the emergency role so that a veteran pickup is not needed.

Aaron Brown

A high-risk pick for the Lions, he's a versatile back who wasn't able to stay on the field for two seasons at TCU.

Antone Smith

Smith came to the Lions undrafted out of Florida State. Undersized but productive, he is a great prospect to develop. He is the odds-on favorite to be the third running back.

Allen Ervin

He was signed as an undrafted free agent in '08 and will probably see the practice squad again. He probably lacks true value outside of a zone blocking offense.

Jon Bradley

The converted defensive tackle probably wishes he was fighting for a roster spot there in '09. He was a favorite of Rod Marinelli and will likely be an odd man out when first cuts come.

Overview

The Lions backfield is revamped even though two of the three starters will be the same. Terrelle Smith brings a very different look to the offense, over and above the addition of coordinator Scott Linehan.

On top of Smith, the backups in '09 are much more talented than before. For Stafford, the sky is the limit.

If Maurice Morris can carry the load for the Seattle Seahawks, he should be fine if Kevin Smith goes down early for injury.

Finally, for Lions fans, the upside here is the possible development of prospects like Felton and Antone Smith. Both give far more long-term prospects than Aveion Cason and Rudi Johnson.

As with the rest of the roster, nothing should be decided in fans' minds until 2010 and Stafford is thrust into a permanent starting role.

Links

Defensive Backs (May 27)         

Defensive Line (May 26)

Linebackers (May 25)

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