This will be the first of a series of articles here at the Bleacher Report in which our own Lions writers discuss the state of the team. For those of you interested in contributing, feel free to contact me as the weeks progress.
Dear Mr. New GM of the Detroit Lions,
This is an open letter to you.
You see, you’ve inherited yourself quite a mess, and though you might have heard tales of the dreadful debacles that seem to riddle this franchise, you know little of the true horror unless you’ve lived it.
We have lived it for a very long time, and we’re offering our analysis (such that it is) so that you can hit the ground running and guide our beloved cats to a winning year, a wild-card berth, and hell, maybe even a divisional title? How about a playoff win?
Sorry, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
It does seem clear that you’re going to get one hell of a chance to turn this thing around. You’ve got an owner that could teach Job a thing or two about patience, and a rabid fanbase hungering, not quite for excellence, but at least some mediocrity, as it so beats decrepitude.
You’ve got a great new field, a handsome new paycheck, and one heck of a chance to resurrect what was left for dead.
And so we got to thinking about the state of the team and thought you’d appreciate our take, recognizing that the best sports reporting is going on in the bleachers.
Introducing:
First off, the Lions have to realize that there is a world beyond Detroit. Tom Lewand is not the answer. I'm not sure how much patience Lions fans have left, but nonetheless, the Lions will have to be patient in their search for a new GM, and the fans will have no choice but to give the new guy time to start a fresh rebuilding process. *groan*
When it comes to the draft, the Lions need to take someone who is going to represent the start of a new era. He should be someone who personifies the vision of the new GM.
The Lions have talent, as hard as that is to believe, so it’s hard to identify their biggest problem area. How do you separate the positions of talent weighed down by apathy and the positions that are just weak?
First of all, Drew Stanton needs to be starting for the rest of the season, so the Lions can evaluate and identify whether or not he is the quarterback of the future.
If Stanton plays well, the draft pick must be a left tackle. Jeff Backus isn't so much a bad player as he is the definition of mediocrity. He might be better suited playing one of the guard positions, while Cherilus Gosder holds down the right tackle.
The left tackle the Lions take has to be particularly adept at run blocking, as Detroit's run game has been M.I.A. since the days of James Stewart, and Barry Sanders before him.
However, if Stanton falters, the Lions will need to go after a quarterback, and I will stress that Chase Daniels seems to be a can’t-miss prospect. He is a passer first and mobile quarterback second, but he can do both equally well, which puts him a notch above guys like JaMarcus Russell or Mike Vick.
No matter what the Lions do, they should think it out patiently. Detroit can't afford to have another first-round pick go bust on them. They need a guy that can make it to his second contract and play at a high level.
Let us assume for this article's purpose that the Lions finish this season 4-12, with the fourth worst record in the NFL. This is, of course, after the Lions presumably start 1-10 and win three out of their last five games just to piss fans off.
Anyway, this still gives the Lions a top-five pick overall, and we're happy because there seems to be a lot of good talent in the 2009 draft class.
So whom do the Lions select?
The Lions need defense. If the first three games are any indication of how the rest of the season plays out, the Lions are going to need plenty of work done on the defensive side of the ball. As cliché as it is, defense wins championships, and the Lions haven't won one since 1957.
It's sad that they've only had five noteworthy defensive players in the past 15 years (Blades?, Spielman, Porcher, Bly, Sims). Therefore, with a top-five pick in 2009, the Lions should seriously consider a defensive stud. If I was the Lions' GM, I would select, with the fourth pick of the 2009 Draft...
Malcolm Jenkins, CB from Ohio State University.
I hate to admit this, but Ohio State produces winners, and in all seriousness, this will be the best defensive player available at pick four, in addition to being a position the Lions need help with the most. Although I really like Tyson "Javon Kearse-esque" Jackson, the Lions will probably miss out on him.
Even so, the Lions have some young guys they can still develop to play the D-line adequately, all while Ernie Sims holds down the LB corps. It doesn't matter if they can or can't stop the run with their D-line and LBs if they can't stop the pass. Jenkins can be the building block to stop that.
Jenkins has size, speed, and the ability to read QBs with the best of them. Not only is he good, but he'll bring an energy and excitement to the Lions' defense that we haven't seen in a long time, if ever.
Since I'm an optimist, and am hoping the Lions will want to win next year, after rebuilding these final 12 weeks of 2008, I am going to drop a few names in the free-agent market that I think the Lions should go after to help them win in 2009.
SS Lawyer Milloy—Atlanta Falcons
Lawyer Milloy, Esq. will probably want to get one last solid contract, and I'm willing to bet Detroit could buy him. Atlanta is in its first year of rebuilding, and Milloy doesn't have too many years left in this league.
If Detroit can sign him to a lucrative two-year contract, I think he could really help stabilize their defensive backfield, while also serving as a good mentor to the younger DBs.
Honorable mention (though long-shots):
DE Julius Peppers—Carolina Panthers
G Chris Snee—New York Giants
Of course, this is all way too soon to be anywhere near accurate. All these players could Brady/Weis their knees, thus shattering not only their knees, but all my hopes and dreams of whom the Lions should get this offseason. I guess we'll all just have to wait and see.
I’m a particular believer in the theory that championship-caliber teams are forged up front and therefore second the notion that the Lions should be looking for help on the offensive line. And like Keith, I also think that the Lions absolutely need to be starting Drew Stanton for the rest of the year.
However, I think it’s too soon to start thinking quarterback in the draft. It would be a horrible situation for a young QB to come into, and he would undoubtedly have to start right away. The Lions are notorious for crushing the spirit and potential of young QBs saddled without an offensive line and limited options.
It seems unlikely that Roy Williams will re-sign with Detroit (who can blame him), so a rookie QB would be stepping into a buzz saw.
That’s why I’m particularly interested in shoring up the offensive line, and I think the draft is a good way to go in this regard. I would also mention that since the Lions need a number of pieces, they should absolutely be looking to trade down if the right opportunity arises. In the absence of that, I like the man from Alabama.
Andre Smith, OT—Alabama
A unanimous All-SEC first-teamer and a starter for his entire Alabama career, we saw what Andre could do on Saturday, when the Tide rolled over a stout Georgia defense. A run-blocking maestro, with solid pass protection skills, this 6'5" 340-pound stud is slotted by many to be the next dominant left tackle in the NFL.
This frees up Cherilus Gosder/Backus to play the right tackle and will offer them great depth up front.
In free agency, the Lions need to bring in a journeyman QB to hold down the fort with Stanton for a year or two, and as crazy as it sounds, I wouldn’t mind bringing back Jeff Garcia, who is in the last year of his contract with Tampa Bay but is inexplicably riding the bench behind Brian Griese.
I also like Brian’s choice of Lawyer Milloy in the defensive secondary, but would like to see a good free-agent signing at the corner. The Raiders’ Nnamdi Asomugha may be looking for a little too much moolah, but the Lions should at least be talking to him.
I would also be interested in talking to some longshots, like Titans DT Albert Haynesworth, or Saints DE Will Smith. They could be a welcomed addition to the defensive front line.
Either way, the 2009 free-agent class is stacked with talent, and I would implore the new GM to a least do something! It’s been a long time since the Lions made a good free-agent move.
So there you have it Mr. New GM.
Three different Lions writers with three different takes on what the team needs. And though it seems that each of us would approach the season a bit differently, we all seem to agree on the basics: a cover man, some O-line help, and a quarterback.
Take our advice for what it’s worth, but for what it’s worth...
We’ll be watching.
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about 1 month ago
Feel free to Chime in about the changes you feel that Detroit needs to make! We're listening...
from about 1 month ago
I've made some of my views known in my article, "Depends on Ford", which is actually about protective undergarments for the elderly. As far as building, I agree with getting the trenches established, but I might go at it a bit differently. I suggest that the new GM identify two top O linemen in the draft (one to replace Backus), and do whatever it takes to get them. Move Backus to G, keep Cherlius at RT and replace the balance. The rest of the draft should be a center and the D front 7, although I would advocate that trading picks and stockpiling for the future might better serve turning this mess around. Any Lion player or group of players should be available for trade, yes even Calvin Johnson, so we should be able to get O linemen we want and stockpile choices for the folllowing year. Go after D line and backers in FA, again, whatever it takes to get quality here. (Not Milloy--little left in the tank). Frankly, the QB for next year won't matter much unless they commit now to play Stanton.
about 1 month ago
Changes...hmm. How about a relocation?
from about 1 month ago
Blasphemy Andrew! The Ford's may be idiots, but the Detroit fans keep this franchise making money (maybe we're the idiots), and deserve some competence for their long suffering loyalty. Now if the Fords wished to sell the team to an owner with a little bit of gray matter, I'd be all for that!
from about 1 month ago
Hmmm,
Or we could go Green Bay style and move the franchise to my small hometown in Western Michigan. That would be pretty cool!
from about 1 month ago
There can't be a relocation. Lions fans are some of the most rabid fans in the NFL. (ESPN ranking Lions fans as dead last was a huge insult and a display of ignorance on their part) We will support this team win or lose, but if they have any type of success, the victory parade will make the red wings Stanley Cup wins look like a child's birthday party in comparison.
Now, if Ford were to sell the team to Mike Illitch or another Detroit citizen, you wouldn't hear me complain. Maybe with Ford's stock plummeting to $4 a share yesterday, that possibility could become a reality sooner rather than later, but re-location? no way.
from about 1 month ago
I agree with you guys. My above comment was a poor attempt at humor...
I have a deep respect for Lion fans. I don't know if I could still be a fan if I had to endure everything you have. You all earn a big props from me.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, I know. Nonetheless, it's interesting because many people around the country think Detroit fans are lousy, and have suggested a move for real. I've seen it on many-a-list (both ESPN's and the Bleacher report) that Lions fans are somehow among the worst in the league. It doesn't make any sense. We pack the dome every Sunday despite the long stretch of futility, while the Raiders seats (largely regarded as some of the "best" fans) are nearly empty. They can't even sell-out their stadium (which admittedly sucks). HaHa! You must have hit a sensitive nerve Andrew!
about 1 month ago
Hey guys loved the article, was looking at some draft boards and thought I would drop a couple guys see what you think
M. Jenkins is an obvious choice, he is a big time db which the lions need
I think Michael Oher from Ole Miss is the best O line player to come out of the draft in the next couple yrs they should take a look at him
If they want to go defensivley besides Jenkins, I'd take a peak at the DE Michael Johnson from Ga Tech, hell the lions have a total of 3 sacks all yr.
Other secondary considerations would be Mays the saftey from Usc and Rolle out of FSU like i said though it all depends when the lions fall
Quarterback wise if they want to go in that direction, Stafford, Daniel, Tebow and Bradford all could come out this year so those are other choices.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments Mark,
I think the next two years will see a couple good crops of quarterbacks in the draft. I just think it's a little too early to try to snatch one of them this year. Obviously, some feel differently. I do like Rolle at FSU because I like to look at standouts on mediocre teams. That tells you that they're doing it on their own. In that spirit, I love Oher too, and think he could do some great things for us. Good calls on your picks. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know if you would like to contribute to the roundtable one of these weeks.
about 1 month ago
People, I can not stress enough, the Lions do not need to rebuild. They simply need to re-tool. The defense is the weakest component to this team, and rightfully so. After all, how many receivers has Detroit drafted over the years? Then after they restructure the d-line, they can work their way into the linebacker core. I have been an eternal believer in the fact, you can draft DB's, but the free agency is a supermarket that yields ripe and ready to eat fruit. After all of this, GET A QUALITY COACH!!!!!!!!!! Hot Rod is a good mental molder. Now we need someone to kick the offense in the pants, while fixing the suspect (not bad), just suspect, offensive line. Mark my words, the offense is going to come alive before the halfway mark, but like I said about the Spartans a few years ago, what good is scoring 40 points, when your opponent is going to score 41.
from about 1 month ago
I agree with you that the defense needs help, desperately. The problem is that right now I can't tell how much of this is bad coaching (back to your point) and how much deals with poor players. The secondary particularly seems to be out of position more often than not. The problem with bringing in a "system coach" who only knows how to implement the Tampa two, is that he inflicts the defense on the players rather than customizing the defense to his players strengths.
I would argue that part of the problem is that the Lions can't control the ball on offense so the defense is on the field all the time. A solid offensive line would change all that, increasing point production yes, but more importantly keeping the ball in the Lions hands and dictating the field position game. That would alleviate many of the bad situations that our D presently finds itself in. Of course getting rid of Kitna should help that too. So though I agree that Detroit has some bright spots to build on, they definitely have major work to do. Looks more like rebuild to me, but with free agency the way it is, rebuild doesn't have to take more than a season or two. Retool, Rebuild...potato, potAto. Good points though Ja Tonio. Let us know if you'd like to contribute to the round table one of these weeks!
D
from about 1 month ago
I agree, somewhat. This team does have a decent amount of talent but they do have a few positions that just seem inherently weak. For instance, the D-line, Linebacker (excluding Sims), and I'll say cornerback because we seem to have some decent young safety talent.
on offense, fix the O-line and everything else will fall into place.
A lot of that can be fixed through free agency like you said, but sometimes you need to fix it with a draft pick. I think the O-line especially needs to be bolstered through the draft. With any O-line you want continuity. The best way to establish that is to have a young O-line that can grow and develop chemistry together. We got Gosder Cherilus last year, and this year we could possibly use a left tackle.
about 1 month ago
I'd like to respond to your invite with a humble, most certainly.
from about 1 month ago
great! The panel will switch off on picking a topic from week to week. This week I'll be picking the comment. I'm waiting for Sunday's game to play out first though. Post your email on my profile and I'll let you know sunday night.
about 1 month ago
Hey Daniel, nice read again mate. I have been waiting for a Detroit game to be televised still over here in Oz, but no luck so far. I have seen a couple of other games lately though. Which made me think that maybe some teams, like detroit, could use an Australian Rugby coach to help with tackling skills. I've seen some good collisions, but i've also seen some touchdowns scored because of poor tackling tecnique. If its one on one, and the tackle must be made, you need proper tecnique, and some guys attempts are laughable.
Hoping to see a Detroit game soon, thanks for sparking an interest in NFL, its not a bad game to watch.
The timeouts and advertisments get a little painful though. But the game is entertaining. We generally only get the Monday night game on pay TV in Oz.
from about 1 month ago
Glad to have you stopping by Jim! Yeah Detroit is so bad that the league won't give them a nationally televised Monday Night game because it would tank the ratings. Hell, unless you're in Michigan, it's tough to find them play in the States! Nonetheless, we're hopeful here in Lions country that a new General Manager can turn this thing around! I hear you with the tackling. It's been pretty bad this season. Thanks for the read!
about 1 month ago
As a former o-line men i would agree the that is were we need to start. though i am not a big kitna fan i think this would help even him. my thought are this. Sign Jorden Gross(panthers ot) for right tackle move Gosder Cherilus and Jeff Backus in to gaurd, draft Andre Smith. This would sure up the O-line for year and be a good building block for the future. Sign free agent CB Nnamdi Asomugha. and maybe trade some pick and move up into the late first round to pick up a DE, or a LB.
from about 1 month ago
Good thoughts Jeff.
At this point I think that they need to be shopping Roy Williams before the mid-October trading deadline too. You only need one big, fast, talented wide-out on any team, and honestly, wide-receivers are finishing pieces, not building blocks. Something Millen never seemed to grasp. Roy will not be signing with the team next year, so we should try to stock-pile the picks while we have a chance. I think we could get a late round number one pick from a contending team (such as Philidelphia who is just a wide-out away) for Roy. I love Roy, don't get me wrong, he's a class act. But we really need to start rebuilding NOW. This season is a bust. Thanks for the insight and the pick!
about 1 month ago
I would agree though the thought of having 2 stud WR is nice but, it doesnt do us any good if we don't have a QB to throw to them, a OL to block and a defense that can stop. Well lets face it nothing. I just watched what the dolphins did and said hay thats a good idea. Jake Long will be a Left Tackle for years and lets face it teams are not willing to let those guys go so you have to draft them. Something millin never could do. Hope we have better luck with the next GM or we maybe wasting the good players that we do have
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