| Jeff Risdon. 19th February, 2008 - 2:34 pm
 It’s winter in Detroit which means that once again the Lions face another offseason of discontent. While most of the Lions' faithful cringe at the prospect of another draft and talent evaluation led by GM Matt Millen, I don’t share that sentiment. Millen has one more shot in my mind, and this offseason is a golden opportunity for the Lions to make a big step forward into a legit playoff contender. It’s not going to be simple, but the straits aren’t as dire as many of Millen’s critics would have you believe.
Millen’s first order of business is to assess what assets are worth building around. Head Coach Rod Marinelli has shown he belongs, and for the first 10 or so weeks last season his preaching of discipline, execution, and hard work sure was looking good. The offensive skill positions are good enough to win right now. Jon Kitna is not an elite QB, but he’s not the problem and his leadership is invaluable to the team. Many on the team and staff like backup Drew Stanton, who missed his rookie year with an injury but has impressed in recent workouts. The WR position is set and perhaps deeper than any other WR corps in the league. Jeff Backus should bounce back at LT now that Mike Martz won’t be demanding he do things he physically cannot do. The rest of the line is somewhat unsettled, but there is some talent and depth, particularly if G Stephen Peterman, a restricted free agent, returns.
There is significantly less to like on defense. LB Ernie Sims is an emerging star, a fierce hitter who greatly improved his gap discipline and pass coverage skills last year. Dewayne White proved worth the free agent SS at end, and his bookend Jared Devries is an effort guy who belongs in the rotation. Rookie safety Gerald Alexander showed some promise as did young tackle Langston Moore. DT Cory Redding disappointed after getting franchise tagged, but he’s still a talented guy who can make a difference. Punter Nick Harris and kicker Jason Hanson are quality although Hanson is getting long in the tooth.
Everything else must be completely overhauled. Millen has to have learned he cannot depend on RB Kevin Jones to stay healthy. Free agent TJ Duckett should come back, and the heretofore invisible el busto Brian Calhoun gets one last shot to stick as the 3rd down back. Duckett is a great fit for the ball control offense that new OC Jim Coletto will run which makes Marinelli all the happier. Bringing back Damien Woody, who belly flopped at guard but actually acquitted himself quite well at right tackle, would at least buy another season or two until a late-round pick (not oft-injured Jonathan Scott, unfortunately) develops.
A big question mark is Roy Williams. The talented but somewhat under-productive WR has let it be known he will not re-sign with the Lions after next season. If I’m Millen, I’m bugging Jerry Jones about what he’ll part with for Texas native Williams. Useless-to-Dallas LB Bobby Carpenter, DE Marcus Spears, and a 3rd rounder should get the deal done although I believe Dallas has other plans for those trading blocks. If I don’t see anything that wows me, I’m happy keeping Williams and franchise tagging him next summer if necessary with the intent of trading him.
Still wearing my Millen hat (which would fall down over my eyes--my head is small), here is the prescription for the rest of the offseason:
--deal Shaun Rogers to either Cleveland or the Jets (both have expressed interest) for the best offer, which at this point appears to be either Jon Vilma or a 3rd rounder. I’d take Vilma and pray his confidence, not to mention his undersized body, isn't shot.
--say goodbye to free agents Boss Bailey, Teddy Lehman, Troy Walters, the cadre of unimpressive CBs', JT O’Sullivan, and Tatum Bell. None will be missed by a good team.
--do the unexpected and break the bank for Asante Samuel, the top free agent CB. He’s the playmaking corner the defense sorely lacks, and it throws a bone to a fan base desperate for a sign that Millen and the Ford family actually care.
--hire a right-hand man to handle more talent evaluation, a guy with experience and respect around the league. And have him bring in a young up-and-comer to groom. I hear this guy named Jeff Risdon is available…
--take a chance on Dan Morgan recently released by Carolina due to concussion issues. A low-risk, high-incentive deal for a guy with his immense talent but very iffy health could bear bushels of tasty fruit. If Morgan passes, Al Wilson (who has already met with the team) makes for a nice fall-back option. Of course, I’m not sure which is scarier--repeated concussions or a broken neck.
--my draft plan of attack:
1st round: Keith Rivers, LB, USC
2nd round: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
3rd round: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
4th round: Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
5th round: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
The last two rounds really don’t matter because if Millen picks them this low they’re not going to make the team anyway. |
