Detroit Lions: 5 Reasons Ike Taylor Will Be in Honolulu Blue and Silver in 2011

Although many analysts and fans (myself included) praised Detroit's 2011 draft class, the Lions were not able to address their need for a starting corner. Not drafting a corner only leads me to speculate that Mayhew and Co. will attempt to address the issue during free agency.

A lot has been hyped about the possibility of top free agent Nnamdi Asomugha coming to Detroit's aid and providing the Lions with a true shutdown corner. Though it is always good to dream, I would assume Asomugha would want to play for an instant contender at this point in his career.

Which leads me to the topic of Ike Taylor. Taylor is no Asomugha; however, he is definitely better than any corner on the current Lions roster. He brings talent, veteran leadership and championship experience. He may be a step down from Asomugha, but he could be an immediate impact player a la Kyle Vanden Bosch.

So, here are five reasons Ike Taylor will be a Detroit Lion in 2011.

Need

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers goes for a catch against Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Imag

This is a no-brainer.

Going into the draft, anybody paying attention to the Lions assumed Detroit would walk away from the draft with a corner, linebacker and tackle. Post-draft, Detroit ended up with a linebacker in the sixth, a tackle in the seventh and not a single corner.  

With Houston testing free agency there is a glaring need for quality corners in Detroit. Other than Alphonso Smith (who is best suited as a nickel), Ndamukong Suh had as many interceptions as any other corner in 2010. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it was only one interception—my point exactly.

With or without Houston's return, Taylor would fill an instant need and be welcomed with open arms.

Team Atmosphere

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Coach Jim Schwartz of the Detroit Lions celebrates a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Despite posting the only 0-16 record in league history in 2008, the perception of the Detroit Lions organization is very optimistic. Visiting players have praised Detroit’s team chemistry, facilities and coaching staff.

The Lions are an organization on the rise. The team has brought in quality free agents and has strung together three good drafts. There is a good front office, an energetic coaching staff, a plan, solid player leadership and no drama.

The Silver Crush

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 05: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions attempts to block a third quarter field goal by Robbie Gould #9 of the Chicago Bears during the game at Ford Field on December 5, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bears defeated the Lions 24-20.

The defensive line, headlined by 2011 Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, played a major role in improving an abysmal 2009 pass defense. The pressure the defensive line created up front no doubt covered up holes in the secondary.  

In 2009, Detroit ranked dead last in pass defense; however, by the end of the 2010 regular season, Detroit improved to 16^th overall.

If Nick Fairley can live up to his potential, the sky’s the limit for this defense. What defensive back wouldn’t’ want to play behind the best defensive line in football?

Super Bowls

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Players from the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate with the Vince Lombardi trophy after their 27-23 win against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by

Taylor is fortunate to be the owner of two Super Bowl rings. Unlike most players, winning a Super Bowl has already been checked off his “To-Do” list. In coming to Detroit, he would fill a veteran leadership role to a talented but inexperienced secondary.

Detroit may not be an instant Super Bowl contender, but the way the Lions are headed, he may be playing in the big game one more time before he hangs up his cleats.

Nnamdi Asomugha

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge

Nnamdi Asomugha is the biggest free agent this year and everybody knows it. Unlike Taylor, Asomugha has zero Super Bowl rings to his name. He will be 30 before the season ends (if there even is one) and will have a limited time to raise that Lombardi Trophy. One can only suspect he will be looking for a chance to play for a contender.

There are only a couple of truly elite teams out there and Pittsburgh is one of them. Taylor has stated that there will be no “hometown discount” and expects to be paid accordingly. With Taylor demanding top dollar, Pittsburgh will have to decide if they are willing to be loyal to Taylor or spend a little more money to land a true shutdown corner.