Late Poll: Lions # 1 Pick?

[ExperiencedRookie]

Would you disagree that the LBs are the best part of this team though?

 

[WesDawg]

Best parts of this team are:
1. Calvin Johnson
2. RB depth (Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris)
3. Whoever's responsible for Millen's departure

They have 2 NFL-caliber LB's, yes. But they aren't doing much good in a 4-3 when the 3rd guy is either a 2nd round disappointment (Dizon) or a converted average-at-best college Safety (Darnell Bing). Add to that the fact that Peterson's 30 and Sims took a small step back in production in '08, and you still have to consider LB a need.

(As I was looking at their roster just now, they REALLY need something at DT, also)

 

[Coachnorm]

I can't disagree with you and Coach more. Although their O line is in need of upgrading they more critical need is on D. Curry and Jerry with #1 and #20 would go a long way bringing that side of the ball back to respectability. Curry would finish one devastating LB corps and Jerry/Jax solidify the interior of the line. The #33 could be a much needed S.

I can't really disagree with you at all. The Lions have a nice grouping of picks that can make a difference. While you can make a good case for the Lions needing everything they don't have enough top picks to pull that off. What they do have enough top picks to make a difference on one side of the ball. Whether it is the offensive side of the ball or the defensive side like you say I think it is important in this draft that The Lions pick a side of the ball and focus on it. The worst thing they could do with this picks opportunity is try to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. They should make an effort to shore up one side of the ball first. If you can make the D instantly better, do it!! Making the D better right now would make the O better by default. Instead of starting every game spotting every team by two scores the O can maybe start on an even footing, big improvement. The Lions O did put up some pointage while being in some horrible situations.

They do need to focus on something and fix it this draft. O or D it doesn't really matter to me. A slow, general, spreadout infusion of talent at this point isn't much help. They must focus on one side or the other, I believe.

 

[WesDawg]

I believe they have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds. You can get much better pretty quick if you're smart with those types of picks. Best case scenario would be getting 5 first-year starters (maybe 2 O-line and 3 defenders) during this entire draft. That would then lay the foundation for an environment to bring in your QB of the future in 2010.
Right now, they just don't have that, and this blueprint has failed so many times before. (Harrington, Alex Smith, and Tim Couch come immediately to mind)

I'm really pulling for Mayhew and the front office to get this thing right on Saturday.

 

[Da Bomb]

Best parts of this team are:
1. Calvin Johnson
2. RB depth (Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris)
3. Whoever's responsible for Millen's departure

They have 2 NFL-caliber LB's, yes. But they aren't doing much good in a 4-3 when the 3rd guy is either a 2nd round disappointment (Dizon) or a converted average-at-best college Safety (Darnell Bing). Add to that the fact that Peterson's 30 and Sims took a small step back in production in '08, and you still have to consider LB a need.

(As I was looking at their roster just now, they REALLY need something at DT, also)

if that is REALLY the second best part of this team, its no freakin wonder they went 0-16. yikes.

 

[Cooley Cadets]

I can't really disagree with you at all. The Lions have a nice grouping of picks that can make a difference. While you can make a good case for the Lions needing everything they don't have enough top picks to pull that off. What they do have enough top picks to make a difference on one side of the ball. Whether it is the offensive side of the ball or the defensive side like you say I think it is important in this draft that The Lions pick a side of the ball and focus on it. The worst thing they could do with this picks opportunity is try to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. They should make an effort to shore up one side of the ball first. If you can make the D instantly better, do it!! Making the D better right now would make the O better by default. Instead of starting every game spotting every team by two scores the O can maybe start on an even footing, big improvement. The Lions O did put up some pointage while being in some horrible situations.

They do need to focus on something and fix it this draft. O or D it doesn't really matter to me. A slow, general, spreadout infusion of talent at this point isn't much help. They must focus on one side or the other, I believe.

As a general rule I agree with you about them focusing on one side of the ball. I opted for D because they need the most attention. They made some stop gap acquisitions during the offseason but were not big players in the FA market.

The exception I would be willing to make would be going w/ OT at #1 and addressing a need for interior offensive line support later in the draft if a high ranked G fell. The other early picks (well all of the other 6 picks) I would focus on D needs.

You are absolutely correct about improving the D benefitting the O. I think that is more likely than the reverse. The leap in improvement if they focus on offense would be more consistency moving the chain. This would be nice but getting the less consistent O back on the field more would reap more points over the course of the season in my opinion.

Of course going w/ Curry at #1 means you really need someone like Perry to drop to you at #20. I'm a little reluctant to draft one of the DL that high who shot up the rankings during the offseason and it seems to early for the selection of even the top S's. Depending on who is available I would have to consider any of the top OT's that may have fallen (if any).

 

[Cooley Cadets]

Best parts of this team are:
1. Calvin Johnson
2. RB depth (Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris)
3. Whoever's responsible for Millen's departure

They have 2 NFL-caliber LB's, yes. But they aren't doing much good in a 4-3 when the 3rd guy is either a 2nd round disappointment (Dizon) or a converted average-at-best college Safety (Darnell Bing). Add to that the fact that Peterson's 30 and Sims took a small step back in production in '08, and you still have to consider LB a need.

(As I was looking at their roster just now, they REALLY need something at DT, also)

Ranking should look more like this in my opinion:

1. Calvin Johnson
2. Sims/Peterson
3. here is hoping it is the new coach
4. Jason Hanson (big ouch when you rank the kicker)

 

[Cooley Cadets]

Detroit's strongest area is in their LB core. Why spend their highest pick adding to their strongest area? That doesn't make much sense.

The LBs are going to be fine. It's every other area that should be looked at.

Agreed that it is the strongest area but it is also one by filling the gap in the middle makes both the line and DB's better. Grady and hopefully someone like P. Jerry will solidify the interior of the DL. CB should be improved with the offseason acquisitions. 1 or do I dare hope 2 starting caliber S's should be available in the 3rd.

Building from your strength, especially when you have a player like Curry, benefits those playing around them. I think locking up the middle of your D with young pro bowl caliber LB's magnifies this.

Adding an OT or a QB is not going to make the rest of the O a juggernaut that will offset a weak D that does not let them get on the field. I do agree with you that they have to go beyond Curry and address the other positions but would not shy away from him just because he completes a set.

I have not given up hope for Dizon but have no problems giving him another season as a primary back up to see if his motor can make up for his other shortcomings.

 

[Phicinfan]

Here is my take.

I for one am a huge proponent of building the OLine and Dline to win.

But here is the kicker. Detroit has no Qb that can win for them. Not Culpepper, not Stanton, no one. So they simply MUST get a QB in this draft that shows promise.

That being said, I feel most agree here that after the top three Qbs...the talent drops mightily.

So if you are Detroit....you have to ask...what can I do?

Do I go OT, and protect my 1 year Qb and try and build a running game...and hope Freeman falls to us at 20?

Do I take the top Rated Qb at 1, and then build the O-line with other talent later on?

As much as I hate to say it...I think the second option is better.

they could do the following:
1.1 - Stafford
1.20 - Oher or Bettin
2.1 - Lauranitis

That would be strong for them. It also allows them to take more O-line later...and D - line later.

In Detroit's case....I think you almost have to show the fans you are planning for the future. If you don't take Stafford, and you don't get one of the top three Qbs in this draft....you are screwed then. I don't think Freeman makes it past the Jets...so you might as well get the Qb you really like at #1.

 

[Cooley Cadets]

I for one am a huge proponent of building the O-Line and D-line to win. We generally both agree on this point but I do not want to have the general rule overshadowing an opportunity to obtain the type of impact player that Curry provides. Both Stafford and Curry may be that type of player but Curry completes a set of LB’s that immediately purchases credibility to a defense that lost all it had last year

But here is the kicker. Detroit has no Qb that can win for them. Not Culpepper, not Stanton, no one. So they simply MUST get a QB in this draft that shows promise.
No QB alone is going to win for them. Upgrading their D gives them as much chance to contend now as signing Joe Montana. I suspect there will be a few QB’s available (at a more reasonable price) after the draft – even if they are not “franchise” grade.

That being said, I feel most agree here that after the top three Qbs...the talent drops mightily.
I think White and McGee have the skill sets to make them excellent value picks depending on how deep they fall.

So if you are Detroit....you have to ask...what can I do?

Do I go OT, and protect my 1 year Qb and try and build a running game...and hope Freeman falls to us at 20?
I would not go Freeman at 20 – definitely worth a hard look at 33 though.

Do I take the top Rated Qb at 1, and then build the O-line with other talent later on?
No – Joey is but one example of how rushing a QB into a situation where you set them up to fail is not the way to go (not saying Joey is as good as Stafford but the message is still valid)

As much as I hate to say it...I think the second option is better.

they could do the following:
1.1 – Stafford Curry
1.20 - Oher or Bettin Jerry
2.1 – Lauranitis DE/S/OL

In Detroit's case....I think you almost have to show the fans you are planning for the future. If you don't take Stafford, and you don't get one of the top three Qbs in this draft....you are screwed then. I don't think Freeman makes it past the Jets...so you might as well get the Qb you really like at #1.

In Detroits case… I think they have to stop drafting in terms of submitting to the popular pick to truly show they are planning for the future. Don’t tie the teams future to these 3 QB’s.

 

[WesDawg]

In Detroit's case....I think you almost have to show the fans you are planning for the future. If you don't take Stafford, and you don't get one of the top three Qbs in this draft....you are screwed then. I don't think Freeman makes it past the Jets...so you might as well get the Qb you really like at #1.

We agree on many things, Phic, but not on Freeman. I think when this draft season started, everyone wanted to wedge him into the first round because there are some QB-needy teams there, and he has size and an arm. Those things are wonderful, but I need to see at least some level of production, especially in a conference that was all offense, no defense last year. I'm not even convinced he's good value in the mid-2nd at this point.

As for showing things to the fans.. although they've suffered through some of the most inept on-field and off-field (front office) performances in American Sports history over the past decade, that fan base is very savvy and intelligent, and have seen enough swings-and-misses in the draft over the years on glamour positions to understand that a hotshot young QB is not the most glaring need for them at this point. I also think the new management would endear themselves more to the fan base if they took a safer, more conservative approach to this rebuilding process instead of destroying another "QB of the Future" by forcing him into an eminently unwinnable situation.

 

[DearbornDolfan]

People dog on Freeman because he wasn't a big producer, but either don't know or don't remember that K-State ran a pro style offense. Those kinds of offenses just don't produce at the college level like a spread offense will. You can bet Dan Snyder would've run a spread with a kid like Freeman, but Snyder (and his Enormous Playbook of Doom) came back a year too late.

 

[Phicinfan]

I for one am a huge proponent of building the O-Line and D-line to win. We generally both agree on this point but I do not want to have the general rule overshadowing an opportunity to obtain the type of impact player that Curry provides. Both Stafford and Curry may be that type of player but Curry completes a set of LB’s that immediately purchases credibility to a defense that lost all it had last year

I can agree here. I too would love to see a better defense in Detroit. However, here is the kicker, the defense is much, much worse than the offense. At least on Offense they have some stars to work with. I would be all over taking Curry. I have also read where they supposedly have already met an agreement with Curry....and he will be the pick if Stafford doesn't agree. Still, not sure a great LB will fix the defense issues. It also gives them no Qb now. Culpepper sucks.

But here is the kicker. Detroit has no Qb that can win for them. Not Culpepper, not Stanton, no one. So they simply MUST get a QB in this draft that shows promise.

No QB alone is going to win for them. Upgrading their D gives them as much chance to contend now as signing Joe Montana. I suspect there will be a few QB’s available (at a more reasonable price) after the draft – even if they are not “franchise” grade.

The best options they had to sign are gone now. There will be no FA qbs any better than they have now. That ship has sailed. Curry alone will not fix all the issues they have on defense. He will go a long way to help. But you have to be able to score some to win. Still, i do agree with you that Curry would be a great pick

That being said, I feel most agree here that after the top three Qbs...the talent drops mightily.

I think White and McGee have the skill sets to make them excellent value picks depending on how deep they fall.

We can agree to disagree here. I don't see any real solid pro prospects outside the top three.

So if you are Detroit....you have to ask...what can I do?

Do I go OT, and protect my 1 year Qb and try and build a running game...and hope Freeman falls to us at 20?

I would not go Freeman at 20 – definitely worth a hard look at 33 though.

I agree on Freeman. I am not high on him. But from all I have read he will not be there at 20, or later for that matter.

Do I take the top Rated Qb at 1, and then build the O-line with other talent later on?

No – Joey is but one example of how rushing a QB into a situation where you set them up to fail is not the way to go (not saying Joey is as good as Stafford but the message is still valid)

Then don't rush Stafford. Make him sit a year while a young O-line learns...and let Culpepper be killed. I am really fine with that. Lets face it, they will not be a successful team this year anyways. But they will have started to build the franchise.

As much as I hate to say it...I think the second option is better.

they could do the following:
1.1 – Stafford Curry
1.20 - Oher or Bettin Jerry
2.1 – Lauranitis DE/S/OL

I am fine with Curry. Jerry won't be there at 20. Might be, and it would be a great pick. 2.1 they could probably still get Beatty or Loadholt for the OT spot. Would not be a bad way to go at all.

In Detroit's case....I think you almost have to show the fans you are planning for the future. If you don't take Stafford, and you don't get one of the top three Qbs in this draft....you are screwed then. I don't think Freeman makes it past the Jets...so you might as well get the Qb you really like at #1.

In Detroits case… I think they have to stop drafting in terms of submitting to the popular pick to truly show they are planning for the future. Don’t tie the teams future to these 3 QB’s.

I agree. However, in my view this is a business. The only way to make money is to fill the seats. If they don't get the future franchise Qb....I am not sure they get that support. Not sure how many really football savy fans are there that would realize how good Curry could be. Just have to wait and see.

 

[Phicinfan]

We agree on many things, Phic, but not on Freeman. I think when this draft season started, everyone wanted to wedge him into the first round because there are some QB-needy teams there, and he has size and an arm. Those things are wonderful, but I need to see at least some level of production, especially in a conference that was all offense, no defense last year. I'm not even convinced he's good value in the mid-2nd at this point.

Let me clarify then. I in no way, shape or form feel Freeman is an NFL future QB. At least not a solid starter. I do think he will make a great back up. I am simply stating that of all the Qbs out this year, he is above the rest. After him the drop off is even more severe.

 

[Cooley Cadets]

I can agree here. I too would love to see a better defense in Detroit. However, here is the kicker, the defense is much, much worse than the offense. At least on Offense they have some stars to work with. I would be all over taking Curry. I have also read where they supposedly have already met an agreement with Curry....and he will be the pick if Stafford doesn't agree. Still, not sure a great LB will fix the defense issues. It also gives them no Qb now. Culpepper sucks.

I tend to agree with you re Culpepper but will hold off until I see what he can do during the preseason... It was encouraging that he lost weight and if that is enough to make him a shadow of what he was in Minny it will be an improvement. Curry alone will not cure the D which is why I am so focused on P. Jerry with the #20 pick which is a nice start.

We can agree to disagree here. I don't see any real solid pro prospects outside the top three.

White doesn't strike me as the direction the new coaching staff will want to go but in the right system I could see him becoming a factor. McGee I have not seen and it would be a project hoping he would develop down the road - I do not see him as an immediate starter in this league.

I agree on Freeman. I am not high on him. But from all I have read he will not be there at 20, or later for that matter.

Early in the offseason he was consistently falling farther down but his stock has just continued to rise.

Then don't rush Stafford. Make him sit a year while a young O-line learns...and let Culpepper be killed. I am really fine with that. Lets face it, they will not be a successful team this year anyways. But they will have started to build the franchise.

Easier said than done it would appear. If Culpepper is as bad as you think he will not survive long and when he goes down what option would Detroit have? The loss of Kitna last year was devastating because there was such a huge void behind him on the bench.


I am fine with Curry. Jerry won't be there at 20. Might be, and it would be a great pick. 2.1 they could probably still get Beatty or Loadholt for the OT spot. Would not be a bad way to go at all.

Jerry was consistently falling that far early on but now he has consistently risen and part of that is due to TB at pick #19. We agree that if it went Curry and Jerry an OT falling into their lap would not be a bad pick at 2.1.

I agree. However, in my view this is a business. The only way to make money is to fill the seats. If they don't get the future franchise Qb....I am not sure they get that support. Not sure how many really football savy fans are there that would realize how good Curry could be. Just have to wait and see.

To be a Lion fan you have to be die hard - the team support structure will survive even if there is some initial discontent with not going with the more glamorous initial selection.