Detroit Lions Team Needs - 2008 NFL Draft
June 8, 2008
The Detroit Lions got off to a 6-2 start with an explosive offense and a defense that at least turned in some competitive performance. The little cracks and holes started to show and the Lions were never the same for the rest of the season, finishing with a 7-9 record and just 1 more win notched under their belt. Mike Martz is out as their offensive coordinator to make this a more run-first style of offense. This will definitely give the Lions more consistency if they can establish a running game to open up the field for their plethora of play-making receivers. At $25 million under the salary cap, the Lions have some room to make moves on the free agent market. But still the 2008 NFL Draft needs to be just as good, if not better than last year’s with Calvin Jonson and Gerald Alexander making their marks on this team.
2008 Detroit Lions NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Cornerback
The Lions won’t be drafting a Wide Receiver as their first-round pick like they have in the past. The Lions most clear need is at corner as they finished dead last in yards, points and first downs allowed, and most of it was through the air. Injuries certainly took their role in the struggles, but no player’s job is safe in this putrid secondary. The corners are not as highly value in the “Tampa-2″ defenses, but still these players must be able to play short zones, help reroute receivers and come up and support against the run. It’s likely this position will get help from more than one addition on Draft Day.
2.) Defensive End
Pass defense always suffers when there is a lack of a pass rush. Detroit’s scheme requires a slashing, gap-shooting front, and too often that pressure came from only one source on the outside. Dewayne White played well, but he is too small to thrive without a bookend getting some attention. Kalimba Edwards is out. Jared DeVries is limited. Ikaika Alama-Francis showed little and might only be able to fill in spot duty. Look for the Lions to draft a right end early who can play the run and get into the backfield more frequently.
3.) Middle Linebacker
Paris Lenon has a place on this team, but he’s not the right fit in the middle. The Lions would rather have a more active guy with great range that can take 20-yard drops and play in space. The Colts’ Gary Brackett is the prototypical linebacker for Detroit’s scheme. Lenon could be moved to the srong side, where Boss Bailey is a free agent. The draft might not be full of these types of players, but there might be one available in free agency. If there’s not than the Lions might have to take a shot at someone in the draft.
4.) Running Back
Kevin Jones had a second major injury in two years, a torn ACL suffered in Week 16. He could be on the shelf to start the season again. T.J. Duckett is a free agent and could be retained, but he never has been a lead back in this league. With Jim Colletto now running the offensive, the Lions are expected to be more of a run-heavy team. Other than Jones, there really isn’t an every-down back they can count on. Don’t be surprised if the Lions go after a back with good receiving skills. The team wants to use its backs more this season out of the backfield because they realize they haven’t done enough of it to keep the defense on their toes in recent seasons.
5.) Offensive Tackle
Right tackle was a disaster all year long and the one guy who appeared to settle things down there, Damian Woody, has stated he’ll test the free-agent market. George Foster is a free agent and will be gone after a nightmare season. Jonathan Scott will likely return, and OLT Jeff Backus had a far better second half of the season. The Lions could most definitely draft a young tackle to develop, possibly one who could compete for a starting spot.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
New coordinator Jim Colletto will use a much more simplified attack than the complex offense of Mike Martz last season. Colletto has made srong overtures about putting more emphasis on ball control and the run game with fewer four and five wide receiver sets. Even though the WR’s are a team strength, it’s a necessity for the Lions to try and manage the clock much better and keep their defense off the field.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
Joe Barry and Rod Marinelli believe in the “Tampa-2″ scheme that requires front four pressure. Without blitzing much, the linebackers need to be able to drop into coverage and run laterally. Defensive backs that can reroute receivers in coverage and come up and support the run are a necessity. CB Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech would be the perfect fit here. Other CB’s in Antoine Cason of Arizona and Chevis Jackson of LSU aren’t bad option at all. To improve the interior of the defense, Detroit will look to DRE Derrick Harvey of Florida, LB Jerod Mayo of Tennessee and LB Jordon Dizon of Colorado to fill the voids left in the front line.
