What Is Mayhew Still Looking For?

Martin Mayhew stated in an article on www.detroitlions.com that they have accomplished a lot this offseason but that the Lions are still not where they need to be in terms of talent level. He went on to say that some of the best moves have been the hiring of Jim Schwartz and the changes in Offensive and Defensive systems - which I would assume means the two coordinators. His article begs one main question: Where does mayhew still feel the Lions lack in talent and what, if anything, does he have planned to address it? Below are the positions that are my main concerns and some possible solutions Mayhew could be considering.

Defensive Tackle

Current Roster:
Chuck Darby
Andre Fluellen
John Gill
Sammie Lee Hill
Grady Jackson

Free Agents Available:
La'Roi Glover
Hollis Thomas
Darwin Walker
Ellis Wyms
Brian Young

Last year the play of this line was atrocious. The lack of size and playmaking ability allowed opponents to run all over the Lions. This year the Lions added Jackson through free agency and Hill through the draft. There are a couple possibilities still out there for this position. There is also talk of the Lions trying to sign Kevin McCarter to come in as a DT.

Best Case Scenario: Grady Jackson stays healthy, Sammie Lee Hill and Andre Fluellen take monstrous strides forward this offseason, and high talent level at the Linebacker position make up for their inexperience. I also hope that next year’s draft will include a DT as one of the first couple picks.


Cornerback
Current Roster:
Philip Buchanon
Anthony Henry
Eric King
Keith Smith

Free Agents Available:
Fakhir Brown
Daven Holly
Adam (Pacman) Jones
Ty Law
Mike McKenzie
RW McQuarters
Jason Webster

The play of Leigh Bodden was one of the bigger disappointments of last year - although it most likely wasn't only in a small part his fault (as the Patriots will prove this year). Keith Smith has shown promise but struggled all that is asked of CBs in the Tampa Two system. Philip Buchanon and Anthony Henry have a been solid starters, although Buchanon has been a bit inconsistent and Henry is getting to the point in his career where it is being asked if maybe he would need to be moved to Safety. Both are good but not great

Best Case Scenario: Buchanon stays productive and Eric King plays up to the potential that Schwartz says he has. I am also interested in seeing how Keith Smith develops in a system that asks for more man coverage and less run support.

Offensive Line
Current Roster:
Dylan Gandy
Dominic Raiola
Toniu Fonoti
Stephen Peterman
Manny Ramirez
Jeff Backup…I mean Backus
Gosder Cherilus
Damion Cook
Jon Jansen
Daniel Loper
Lydon Murtha
Ephriam Salaam

Free Agents Available:
There are a lot out there, but none that are worth more than a look as a backup…which the Lions have plenty of on their roster right now.

This line has given up a lot of sacks over the last few years. Their only defense is that this is typical in a Mike Martz Offense. What is not typical – or acceptable – is the amount of penalties committed by this line.

Best Case Scenario: Jon Jansen makes it through the season replacing Backus as LT. Cherilus continues to improve his play – particularly his focus. Jeff Backus and Peterman work the Guard position. With the current roster, I don’t feel like there is a perfect solution so outside of a trade this would be my hope.