(Roscoe, if you want, you might want to sticky this for the duration till preseason)

1st rumor that is pretty good: Al Wilson in talks with Detroit to come and play. He was cleared a couple of months ago to play.

Rumor has it that a deal for Rogers could be in the works already. The team is definitely not wanting him back here.

It's too bad that Rogers just doesn't have the work ethic needed to be elite. We just aren't a good enough team to be letting our best players walk away.

Letting Rogers go is easy. No need having a malcontent on the team. Draft time is always interesting with this bunch.

Letting Rogers go is easy. No need having a malcontent on the team. Draft time is always interesting with this bunch.
Maybe from an attitude point of view it's easy. But I'd hardly say that giving away our most talented, dominant D-lineman is easy.

This team needs all the talent it can get. The problem is, they draft under talented, under motivated, selfish and bad character guys too often. Then those types of characteristics start to spread to the other players and either drag them down too or cause them to want to leave.

This organization oozes a losing mentality and it's infectious.

If you don't count the last half of the season...the Lions had a great year last year.

I have a feeling this is going to be the year when they turn everything around. They will do a complete 360.

I have a feeling this is going to be the year when they turn everything around. They will do a complete 360.

The Sporting News (which is a lousy publication) said the Lions have no shot at a Super Bowl next season. That's pretty much the only team they said it about.

Team needs to get a decent secondary and protection for Kitna. Team's needs are so transparent. Can Millen possibly screw up the draft again?

Maybe from an attitude point of view it's easy. But I'd hardly say that giving away our most talented, dominant D-lineman is easy.

This team needs all the talent it can get. The problem is, they draft under talented, under motivated, selfish and bad character guys too often. Then those types of characteristics start to spread to the other players and either drag them down too or cause them to want to leave.

This organization oozes a losing mentality and it's infectious.


Rogers affected the way others played on the team. Marenilli insisted on a high standard for players, but allowed Rogers to take plays off and just be inneffective. Being 7-9 doesn't exactly put us on the road to success. I see our record being less impressive next season. Might as well cut Rogers now..........

lions suck..................nuff said

lions suck..................nuff said

I so wish i could disagree, but I will probably die without more then a one playoff win season (i do hold out hope for one playoff win someday) and i am only 37.... I went and picked another team to root for in the NFL, its the only sport i have another team besides the hometeam.

But maybe if the Ford name goes down far enough they'll be forced to sell it.

I have a feeling this is going to be the year when they turn everything around. They will do a complete 360.
I caught that. ;)

So basically, 8-8 TaS?

So basically, 8-8 TaS?

They have a better chance of being moved to Canada than they do of going .500.

The Montreal Lions!

The Alouettes would clean the Lion's clocks.

Montreal Alouettes :: Official site of the Montreal Alouettes (http://en.montrealalouettes.com/)

Oh ye of little faith. Marinelli recognized Rogers talent, and gave him a year to prove he could play his way. He couldn't keep it up due to his lack of work ethic that caught up to him from last summer. Good news is the Lions only have $1.5M in dead money as opposed to over $16M last year. They can well afford to trade him now.

btw, you guys want any inside info (seriously) I'll do my best to answer.:sssh:

Ozark:

Anything you can give us would be greatly appreciated. If you can get close to WCF and get his take on Millen that would be great too.:):)

btw, you guys want any inside info (seriously) I'll do my best to answer.:sssh:
Dude, just spill the beans!

Seriously though, these questions have been bothering me for awhile.

1. Is Mike Martz an albino?

2. Does Rod Marinelli have comprehensive dental coverage?

3. Why doesn't Kevin Jones wear underwear?

4. Has Matt Millen passed all organizational mental health and drug screening tests?

ohhhhhhh dude!:pound:

yes, no, yes and maybe--------not in that order.

:pound:I so wish i could disagree, but I will probably die without more then a one playoff win season (i do hold out hope for one playoff win someday) and i am only 37.... I went and picked another team to root for in the NFL, its the only sport i have another team besides the hometeam.

But maybe if the Ford name goes down far enough they'll be forced to sell it.
:pound::pound:I spoke to one of my customers and told her i was blessed to see the following since 1963:

NBA- 3 WORLD TITLES (8, IF U COUNT MAGIC'S 5 WITHE LAKERS)
NHL- 3 STANLEY CUPS
MLB- 3 WORLD SERIES
NCAA MEN- BASKETBALL 3 NATL TITLES(RICE'S U-M, MAGIC'S MSU, CLEAVES' MSU) AND 6 TOTAL FINAL 4'S
-FOOTBALL U-M NATIONAL TITLE
HOWARD AND WOODSON HEISMAN TROPHY'S
-HOCKEY 4 NATIONAL TITLES
WNBA- 2 WORLD TITLES
USFL- 1 CHAMPIONSHIP (PANTHERS)

and yet this town would EXPLODE, if the Lions could win just ONE playoff game!

yep all of those save the 68 tigers i have seen we have a great sports areas in the country as we excell in all sports.

for years i would rationalize the lions saying it just takes time to build winners, but when you see a team start from NOTHING and make the playoffs and we just get happy if we can hit .500 a year here and there.

just so annoying...... sigh

and yes michigan as a whole would explode if the lions really could turn the corner and just have a chance to make and be competitive in the playoffs.

It can be done, remember how sorry the Bucs were all those years? Then it seemed all of a sudden, they started winning. Now they aren't a joke anymore. Same guys are building this team.

It can be done, remember how sorry the Bucs were all those years? Then it seemed all of a sudden, they started winning. Now they aren't a joke anymore. Same guys are building this team.

i really like the coach and the staff he has hired..... but aslong as we are stuck with our gm and owner i have no faith.... just enjoy when they win but to expect them to lose just is easier

I still want to know (seriously) why KJ doesn't wear underwear.

And Oz, I love your passion and faith. It's admirable.

I thought Rogers was hurt. He's our only monster when healthy.

trade him to?

and for who?

or for what?

I'm sure whatever it is we'll lose. OL ?

I still want to know (seriously) why KJ doesn't wear underwear.

And Oz, I love your passion and faith. It's admirable.or clinically insane!!:nerd2::nerd2::nerd2:borderline criminal....mind of mencha territory:pound:

Well, wat da dang du Q??:cheers:

Espn reports Millen will listen to trade offers for Shawn Rogers.
We need at least a low 1st rounder for him. Assuming he passes a physical.

Espn reports Millen will listen to trade offers for Shawn Rogers.
We need at least a low 1st rounder for him. Assuming he passes a physical.
The thing with getting picks for any of our players (especially for our most dominant defender - when he wants to be) is that Millen will just turn the pick(s) into another bust (most likely a WR).

I'm almost glad that we have a lower pick this year.

These guys gotta do their homework or we'll be stuck with loss of value. Fortunately most of the higher picks are well sloted. Just gotta pick the correct need.

Shaun Rogers must be considered a big RISK for any team to make. We'll be lucky to get a 3rd rounder for him............

Then it's on. Only stupid arsh Millen would let him go for less than a high 2.

One big trade that was talked about for the last year didn't happen. Vilma is reported now by several sources that he traded to the Saints. He passed the physical here, but the Jets do the trading and evidently the Saints ante'd up more than the Lions.

Possiblility that we swap Marcus Stroud and Rogers. Sources tell me that in order for Rogers to be traded, we need a DT in the works or secure one beforehand.

One big trade that was talked about for the last year didn't happen. Vilma is reported now by several sources that he traded to the Saints. He passed the physical here, but the Jets do the trading and evidently the Saints ante'd up more than the Lions.
I have mixed emotions about Vilma. When healthy, I think he's a heck of a player and would have been a great fit at MLB for us, but the degenerative knee thing scares me a bit.

Possiblility that we swap Marcus Stroud and Rogers. Sources tell me that in order for Rogers to be traded, we need a DT in the works or secure one beforehand.
Stroud is another one that is great when healthy, but hasn't been 100% healthy in years.

There are reportedly at least 5 teams that are currently interested in Rogers from what I've heard. I hope we can get the most possible for him. Picks are wonderful in theory, except for the fact that Matt Millen will be the one that is using (wasting) them. We need NFL ready, professional, proven players on this team.

Lions trade Rogers to Bengals (http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/SPORTS0101/802290470)

A 3rd and 5th round pick

Lions trade Rogers to Bengals (http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/SPORTS0101/802290470)

A 3rd and 5th round pick
Wow, that's a pretty sad haul for our best defensive player. A third and a freaking 5th?

I find it hard to believe that with at least 5 teams interested in Rogers, that the best he could do was a 3rd and a 5th.

Millen chocked, plain and simple. Had Rogers been on our roster as of tomorrow, he'd have been due a $1 million "roster bonus". Millen was more worried about saving that money than he was about getting quality back in return.

There are a couple ways to look at this. I doubt it was a seller's market with Rogers. He's a lazy player with off the field issues. When he wants to play (which has never been 16 consecutive games), he's one of the best in the league.

I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a better offer out there. The timing to save the $1 million could have been the best they could swing.

Wanna know something neat? Deal is better than that. Looks like we could get a quality DB out of this.

Wanna know something neat? Deal is better than that. Looks like we could get a quality DB out of this.
You aren't kidding. Millen can't even trade guys properly. :loser:

Rogers-to-Bengals trade starting to unravel (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806f4ecc&template=without-video&confirm=true)

Lions to get Bodden and 3rd-rounder? - Detroit Lions: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2008/02/lions_get_bodden_and_thirdroun.html)

I'd rather have an NFL experienced CB than a 5th round pick, so this looks better than the Bengals deal to me.

Saints got Vilma for a 4th. He was a 1st I think. Better draft Dline first.

It's looking like a done deal again, but so did the last one. One hour and 10 minutes until Shaun Rogers gets an extra $1 million in his bank account.

Lions get Bodden and 3rd-rounder - Detroit Lions: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2008/02/lions_get_bodden_and_thirdroun.html)

:bow1::bow1::bow1:

The Lions and Rogers parting ways is as good as the Tigers when they said good-bye to Higginson. Getting rid of that cancer helped the Tigers to turn it around. I'm hoping this trade will do the same for the Lions.

It's looking like a done deal again, but so did the last one. One hour and 10 minutes until Shaun Rogers gets an extra $1 million in his bank account.

Lions get Bodden and 3rd-rounder - Detroit Lions: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2008/02/lions_get_bodden_and_thirdroun.html)The biggest question is whether Rogers can pass the physical. I wouldn't be surprised if he's gained 20+ lbs since the season ended.

Looks like they're getting some grade B players for the secondary. The saftey has 75 starts and 22 picks.

Stealing Shawn Rogers from us kind of makes up for us stealing that 2sd rounder for Winslow.

Stealing Shawn Rogers from us kind of makes up for us stealing that 2sd rounder for Winslow.


Stealing Shawn Rogers from us is like stealing William Bedford from the Pistons.

Stealing Shawn Rogers from us kind of makes up for us stealing that 2sd rounder for Winslow.
I honestly don't think that it was a steal. As much as it pains me to say it, I think Millen got a decent return for him, considering the market.

Three good DTs have just been traded. Marcus Stroud (undisclosed draft picks), Corey Williams (2nd round pick) and Kris Jenkins (3rd and 5th rounders) since Friday.

Millen got a 3rd round pick and a young starting CB who can tackle and knows the Tampa 2 defense for a fat, lazy, unmotivated malcontent.

Sure Rogers could be dominant when he wanted to be. The problem was that he didn't want to be often enough. He absolutely STUNK during the 2nd half of the season.

Some great insight into what happened with the would-be Rogers trade to the Bengals and exactly how it broke down.

Shaun Rogers gives Lions assist with trade to Cleveland Browns - Detroit Lions: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2008/03/shaun_rogers_gives_lions_assis.html)

It turns out that Millen isn't a trade genius after all. He kind of backed into the better deal.

A funny take on the Rogers trade.

Un-Millen-like: Shaun Rogers deal is good for Lions | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press (http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080302/SPORTS01/803020633/1049)

The Lions just made a sensible deal. I know that sounds strange. But it's true.

The last line of this quote is great:
The Lions originally got third- and fifth-round picks from Cincinnati for Rogers. On the same day, the Carolina Panthers got third- and fifth-round picks for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. So I guess we know the going rate for fat, talented, unwanted, late-20s defensive linemen.

I understand the argument that Matt Millen should have kept Rogers because Millen will inevitably use the draft pick poorly. But let's be fair here. I've been highly critical of Millen, but even I won't rip him for screwing up a draft pick he hasn't used yet. We can't tell Millen not to do the right thing because he'll mess it up down the road.

The Lions have missed out on almost every player that they've shown interest in and their own UFAs are bolting town faster than Millen can screw up draft picks.

The Detroit Lions signed free agent tight end Michael Gaines, who is coming off the best season of his four-year NFL career.
The six-foot-three, 277-pound Gaines made 25 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns in his only season with the Buffalo Bills
link:Detroit Lions sign free agent TE Michael Gaines on Monday - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20080303/ca_pr_on_fo/nfl_lions_gaines_2)

The Detroit Lions signed free agent tight end Michael Gaines, who is coming off the best season of his four-year NFL career.
The six-foot-three, 277-pound Gaines made 25 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns in his only season with the Buffalo Bills
link:Detroit Lions sign free agent TE Michael Gaines on Monday - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20080303/ca_pr_on_fo/nfl_lions_gaines_2)Millen's probably planning on giving him the ball in the Lions 'running attack' :P

I told you guys that they won't spend money on names. Vilma had no choice since it was the Jets that commanded the deal where he is traded. I understand we had the same deal on the table. We have 2 excellent DT's coming in this week from Seattle, Wyms and Darby. Duckett will no doubt sign with the Seahawks, but it looks like we are signing Julius Jones. Our FA's are nothing to get all bothered about. Woody to the Jets for $11M guaranteed???? ARE YOU KIDDING?

- » TJ Duckett is now a Seahawk. I Just Got Off the Phone with Him! It is Five Year Deal! (http://spartannation.com/?p=3757)

Duckett to Seattle for a 5 year deal.

- » TJ Duckett is now a Seahawk. I Just Got Off the Phone with Him! It is Five Year Deal! (http://spartannation.com/?p=3757)

Duckett to Seattle for a 5 year deal.
From what I've heard, the Lions didn't even offer him a contract. Actually, the last I heard Duckett say, he hadn't even heard from the Lions since the end of the season.

How can a team that needs help at RB and has been talking about "pounding the rock" not even talk to this guy?

It sounded like TJ really wanted to stay a Lion (which is rare in and of itself) and most likely would have given the team a home town discount.

They'd rather look at aging, injury prone players than a guy that proved he could get it done behind our crappy O-line. A young player entering his prime, who combines good speed with great toughness.

Ozark.......I appreciate all of the true Lions fans and the fact that they stick with the team through thick and thin. Letting TJ go seems to be setting the table for more "thin' times.

Actually I'm pretty upset over losing Duckett myself. Hondo is going to have some details later. Gist is the Front Office according to an article that Hondo wrote is in discord. Seems offers are made verbally, then the written contract offer is less than agreed upon. It looks like in this case a worse case happened. No offer was even made, when it was supposed to have been.

Chuck Darby has been signed. Who??? He's a solid (not fancy) DT that won't have the ability of Rogers, but is consistent and has played for Marinelli before in Tampa. He's a workhorse bluecollar type player that will fit easily into what attitude and work ethic Coach wants here.

I wasn't overly impressed with Duckett this past year. I'm glad the Lions didn't sign him to a 5-year deal. That seems like a long time for a mediocre running back.

Was he given a chance? He shined in he only one. Martz thinks RB is WR out of backfield.

Duckett averaged over 5 yards a carry. He was not supposed to be the bellcow, but did what he was brought here to do---power back.

Kelley has indeed been signed. That gives us a pretty solid DB squad now with Pearson yet to be signed (have to wait on a possible matching offer from the Bucs).

We are looking at several vets on Oline, LJ Shelton came threw but didn't sign.
He did sign a guy 6'4" 325
Dan Morgan at LB.

Hate to correct you, Morgan signed with the Saints. You mean Foster? He resigned with the Lions.

Right Morgan just walked through. I was unclear.

I liked Duckett because he averaged an additional 2 yards per carry after the first 4 guys piled on. :) Averaging over 5 yards per carry with our line....that's Barry numbers. Ozark is right though. He's good for about 130 carries a season, double what he had last year.

Resigned Bell. 1 year $1.6M. Got insurance again.

Resigned Bell. 1 year $1.6M. Got insurance again.
Super Bowl here we come! :MusicBigGrin:

I'm ok with this move. I'd rather have TJ though.

But, IMO, it's better than overpaying Jones, Turner or Dunn for a multi year deal.

I thought T Bell didn't like backing up Jones. He's a decent back though.

I thought T Bell didn't like backing up Jones. He's a decent back though.
I think he didn't like being the backup on a Mike Martz offense. Since the starter only gets 12-15 carries a game, the backup doesn't have a chance.

Bell had a terrible attitude that caused friction between him and KJones. But in his defense, he never ran WR routes like Martz wanted out of his RB's. Martz wanted him here, but in having to do that, he was learning on the job. I figure we will draft a RB high. Maybe of these four: Ron Rice, Mendenhall, Felix Jones or Jonathon Stewart.

I'm not interested in Dallas' J Jones. I think he's being shopped.

Darby, ChuckSeaDL6-0" 02978th32-- Visited Tuesday, March 4 --Agreed to terms on March 7; Started six games in 2007 before being placed on Injured/Reserve; originally signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2000 and spent the season on the practice squad; played for the Bucs from 2001-04 before joining the Seahawks in 2005.
6' 0" that's too stubby...

Bell had a terrible attitude that caused friction between him and KJones. But in his defense, he never ran WR routes like Martz wanted out of his RB's. Martz wanted him here, but in having to do that, he was learning on the job. I figure we will draft a RB high. Maybe of these four: Ron Rice, Mendenhall, Felix Jones or Jonathon Stewart.
Wasn't Ron Rice on the Lions squad before as a safety? Did he go back to school and re-trained as a running back? :pound:

Resigned Bell. 1 year $1.6M. Got insurance again.


One man's insurance is another's plastic tall kitchen garbage bag for a monsoon..

Wasn't Ron Rice on the Lions squad before as a safety? Did he go back to school and re-trained as a running back? :pound:
Jr.















haha. got me. you know who I was talking about.:)

Love it or hate it. Kevin Jones was released due to his injury history and his expensive contract. Also Kalimba Edwards. Edwards contract made it impossible to trade him as well as KJ's condition.

Love it or hate it. Kevin Jones was released due to his injury history and his expensive contract. Also Kalimba Edwards. Edwards contract made it impossible to trade him as well as KJ's condition.


I haven't been keeping up with Lion's current events and didn't read the prior posts in this thread,but did Millen pick up a big free agent back to take his place or has he targeted someone in the draft? I mean Tatum Bell and whomever is back there now was already weak so is there an Adrian Peterson out there???

Earlier in the week, an ESPN football analyst indicated the Jones should get more touches and the Lions should draft little Mike Hart for backup duty.

Love it or hate it. Kevin Jones was released due to his injury history and his expensive contract. Also Kalimba Edwards. Edwards contract made it impossible to trade him as well as KJ's condition.
Wow. Didn't see that one coming. Edwards was expected, but I didn't think Jones would be cut.

and the Lions should draft little Mike Hart for backup duty.Now there's a picture for the coming season...Mike Hart taking the ball from Drew Stanton :MusicBigGrin:

I haven't been keeping up with Lion's current events and didn't read the prior posts in this thread,but did Millen pick up a big free agent back to take his place or has he targeted someone in the draft? I mean Tatum Bell and whomever is back there now was already weak so is there an Adrian Peterson out there???

Earlier in the week, an ESPN football analyst indicated the Jones should get more touches and the Lions should draft little Mike Hart for backup duty.

No RB of note has been added. Just means now that a RB is definitely top of the list in the draft. Mendenhall, Stewart, even McFadden is possible if he drops far enough to trade up and get him.

really can't get into tracking the daily moves of the lions, just to depressing for the most part.... but the Jones cut could be just a money move, that they might resign him shortly for less money. Sorta like Joey harrington did with atlanta.

Now Lions have only 14 players left on the roster from the time Marinelly took over.

really can't get into tracking the daily moves of the lions, just to depressing for the most part.... but the Jones cut could be just a money move, that they might resign him shortly for less money. Sorta like Joey harrington did with atlanta.

Round, there is talk of that, but the real fact is from my source, the Lions will not re-sign him. His production also had a factor in letting him go.

Also cut was Kenoy Kennedy today.

Isn't it hard to guage RB production in a Martz offence? I just don't see the direction or the logic behind these moves.

Isn't it hard to guage RB production in a Martz offence? I just don't see the direction or the logic behind these moves.
I agree with you Nemo. When KJ was healthy and actually getting the ball with any consistency, he was a 4-5 yard per carry back who combined speed and power. That's not bad with an O-line as bad.

The fact that they had to cut a guy making just over $2 million for the season just shows how much of a joke this organization really is. They've screwed up the cap so bad that they have to nickel and dime everything.

What's the harm in keeping him around for 1 more season? He's a FA after this year anyway. Worst case scenario is he gets injured again. Best case is that he has a breakout season - it's a contract year afterall. At the very least, it helps to disguise which way we're leaning with the 15th pick.

I always thought KJ was a low IQ player with bad hands and no lateral speed.

Still, Millen has succeeded in rebuilding this team for the 3rd time since he got here, each time, managing to avoid a winning record.

That in itself is amazing.

When I think about the Lions, I get really angry. So I choose not to think about them a lot. It makes my blood boil.

Actually, it's closer to $3M. Truth is KJ is productive only nominally. You can't just keep a guy paying him like that when he keeps getting hurt. His best year was his rookie year. Even though it was Martz' offense, still KJ got hurt. As for a RB, it's deep enough to wear we could still get on in the 2nd easily.

Actually, it's closer to $3M. Truth is KJ is productive only nominally. You can't just keep a guy paying him like that when he keeps getting hurt. His best year was his rookie year. Even though it was Martz' offense, still KJ got hurt. As for a RB, it's deep enough to wear we could still get on in the 2nd easily.
From what I've read, it's $2.37 million.

Like him or not, the fact is that Kevin Jones has been the most productive back we've had since Barry Sanders. Since I don't think Barry is coming back anytime soon, why not keep him for the last year of his contract?

I'm not saying that KJ is the best thing since sliced bread, but he was more than serviceable and only 25 years old. It's not like the injuries he's had have been "girly" or anything. They've been legitimate, potentially career ending injuries that he has fought like a dog to come back from and has recovered well before the expectations each time.

I'm not even saying that we shouldn't draft a back in the draft. I just don't agree with cutting our best RB for nothing when we already have a suspect group of backs and before the draft to even attempt to disguise the way they're leaning.

I just think that this is another bone headed Millen mistake. Speaking of which, given Millen's track record with draft picks. Do you really trust him to even draft a RB that is now supposed to come in and start? At least KJ was a proven commodity.

Man, I'm with you Roscoe. Every time I think about these darn Lions I get angry. But unlike you, I've been unable to force myself to stop thinking about them so far! :frusty::frusty::frusty:

you coddle kj but run s rogers. we playing favs ?
kj stank. all he could do is run straight ahead, and blast into guys for an extra 1/2 yard. draft Dline and oline.
Kenoy K kinda grew on me as he got better over the years. Just couldn't make enough big plays.

you coddle kj but run s rogers. we playing favs ?
kj stank. all he could do is run straight ahead, and blast into guys for an extra 1/2 yard. draft Dline and oline.
Kenoy K kinda grew on me as he got better over the years. Just couldn't make enough big plays.
KJ gave 100% effort every time I saw him play. He wasn't on the sideline every 3rd play catching his breath. He wasn't sitting on his fat butt on every crucial play. He wasn't taking plays off.

Crazy as it sounds, he actually WANTED to be on the field for this team. He actually WANTED to run behind this sorry excuse for an O-line.

Rogers wanted to collect his paycheck while eating a donut and fondling a stripper.

I like KJ. Does that mean that I think he's the best back in the history of the NFL? No.

But I do think that he was the best back on the Lions roster. It wouldn't have been the end of the world if we didn't re-sign him next season either. I just think that cutting him for nothing was a mistake (not that I think we would have received much for him at this point).

Heck, I'm all for drafting O-line and D-line. I'd be overjoyed if the boneheaded GM would try and build this team from the trenches out rather than from the WR in.

But guess what? Now we have to use one of our first day picks on a RB. Yet another top pick used on an offensive skill position. Hmmm, where have I seen that before?

Keeping KJ on the roster would have given us more flexibility in the draft.

But hey, if all that means that I'm playing favourites, so be it. Unlike Millen, I just want what's best for the team. I couldn't care less if it's KJ or OJ running the ball.

Was he worth 2 high # 2s to draft ?
KJ had some moments, and was pretty good near the goal line. What's the longest run he ever broke 50yd ?

Was he worth 2 high # 2s to draft ?
KJ had some moments, and was pretty good near the goal line. What's the longest run he ever broke 50yd ?
I guess that depends. Who's doing the drafting? If it's Millen, then I'd say absolutely. He's given us a heck of a lot more production than most of Millen's draft picks.

But I'm not even arguing his draft status, just the fact that IMO, he shouldn't have been released when he was.

Wait a second here..... Matt? Is that you?

I get it now! TheeTFD = Matt Millen! Thee Totally Foolish Drafter! It all makes sense now! :MusicBigGrin:

I've seen Millen keep guys for a long time when they shoulda been cut or traded. Sadly enough, most of our roster fits into that caregory. Guys like Raiola, Kalimba, and Rogers have been kept for much too long. Now, suddenly KJ is cut at the drop of a hat. This leaves us in serious need of a RB. Another wasted draft looking for a quality Rb instead of a lineman. The message I'm getting from the organization is that Rogers and Kalimba were better at their positions than KJ was at his. I just don't see it that way. Rogers is nothing but a big tub of Gooo... his slacker attitude impacted the team in a very negative way.

I think getting rid of KJ is consistent with what the coach has in mind. He wants tough, nasty minded players who will hurt people. KJ had become contact adverse. He occasionally would bump heads with the opposition but would dance up to the line most of the time. KJ also had very poor peripheral vision and would often miss an opening just to the side of where he hit. Coach will settle for a bunch of tough nobodies in place of the pussies he had.

I think getting rid of KJ is consistent with what the coach has in mind. He wants tough, nasty minded players who will hurt people. KJ had become contact adverse. He occasionally would bump heads with the opposition but would dance up to the line most of the time. KJ also had very poor peripheral vision and would often miss an opening just to the side of where he hit. Coach will settle for a bunch of tough nobodies in place of the "pussies" he had.


Try the words "small cats" instead of the above highlighted word.
We have ladies who regularly post here.......

"KJ also had very poor peripheral vision and would often miss an opening just to the side of where he hit." qoute Congo
I noticed that to. But you can't say KJ was soft. He was a C+, B- kinda guy.

Try the words "small cats" instead of the above highlighted word.
We have ladies who regularly post here.......

Yeah. Slippy and Jammer get really offended by that kind of language. Let's show the gals some respect.

KJ...Like Jammer said, I didn't see that one coming. I just don't get this team. Now what? We need a lineman AND a running back.

Yeah. Slippy and Jammer get really offended by that kind of language. Let's show the gals some respect.

KJ...Like Jammer said, I didn't see that one coming. I just don't get this team. Now what? We need a lineman AND a running back.Correction: "...linemen AND a running back."

Correction: "...linemen AND a running back."

I stand corrected!

I think getting rid of KJ is consistent with what the coach has in mind. He wants tough, nasty minded players who will hurt people. KJ had become contact adverse. He occasionally would bump heads with the opposition but would dance up to the line most of the time. KJ also had very poor peripheral vision and would often miss an opening just to the side of where he hit. Coach will settle for a bunch of tough nobodies in place of the pussies he had.
I couldn't disagree with you more on this one. IMO, KJ INITIATED contact. He was usually the one doing the hitting. I think that was part of his injury problems. He's a bit undersized to be a bruising running back, but he had the mentality for it.

How can you say he was soft? He busted his butt to come back from potentially career threatening injuries and was able to return to action well before expected.

I agree with you on the poor vision part though. Although I do think he was getting a bit better at that as well as developing some patience to wait for his blocks (and I use that term very loosely) to develop.

My apologies ladies.

Well, unfortunately, keeping him for the last year of his contract would have been a huge gamble if he would have gotten hurt again. Then where would we be? His toughness and heart is not in question, but his ability to hit the hole and make plays afterwards are. Most RB's only last about 3 or 4 years anyway. The Colts GM doesn't keep any RB past 4 years. Most teams that have "contacted" him are checking on his availability. Lions let him go because he would not have been ready by the season's start and he simply was not that productive.

Cutting him now is actually a favor to him so he can be picked up by a team so as to get acclamated to their offense. KJ really is now to be considered a 3rd down back or a 35-40% a game back to spell the bellcow.

btw, the figure I got is from Hondo and his sources. They said more like $3M. With other Likely To Be Earned money that possibly could have been his this year I'm guessing.

I do not understand either why Raiola gets dissed so much. All national pundits, ex-players like Randy Cross, coaches and such all agree the guy is excellent. Even Urlacher voted for him to be on the Pro Bowl over his own Center. Rogers and Edwards though, I agree. Rogers has no heart and Edwards was "Darko" in practice and not on the field.

Raiola's first couple of years had big learning curve. He's 5 years in now.

My apologies ladies.
Hey, nothing to apologize for. Last time I checked, it was still legal to disagree with someone.:MusicBigGrin:

Well, unfortunately, keeping him for the last year of his contract would have been a huge gamble if he would have gotten hurt again. Then where would we be?
Exactly where we are right now I guess. Having KJ on or off the team shouldn't impact if we take a RB in the draft. If the Lions are set on drafting a RB, I'd still rather have KJ this season than Bell, Calhoun or Cason.

Cutting him now is actually a favor to him so he can be picked up by a team so as to get acclamated to their offense. KJ really is now to be considered a 3rd down back or a 35-40% a game back to spell the bellcow.
I don't buy any of that. I really hate the message that this sends too. A guy that battles hard, plays through injuries and gives 100% effort to get back when he is injured and this is how he's "rewarded"?

While he may not be able to set in instantly (due to his injury) and start, I don't think he's now considered a backup. He's only 25 years old. Are you saying that because he's now "damaged goods" or because he isn't good enough?

I do not understand either why Raiola gets dissed so much. All national pundits, ex-players like Randy Cross, coaches and such all agree the guy is excellent. Even Urlacher voted for him to be on the Pro Bowl over his own Center. Rogers and Edwards though, I agree. Rogers has no heart and Edwards was "Darko" in practice and not on the field.
Now all of THAT I agree with. I like Raiola. I think that he's an excellent (although slightly undersized) Centre. He's durable, tough, smart and gives 100% effort.

I know you may not agree with the cut, but what I'm telling you is not so much my opinion as it's more answers to questions as far as I know from my sources and real football experts I talk to on Sirius.

Personally, I agree that his career here was mishandled. When he was healthy, he wasn't used. When we needed him he was hurt. He always had a problem hitting holes, but he was learning. Only time will really tell if we should have spent the money to keep him on the payroll. If he winds up with the Eagles, he will be successful behind a much better offense. We're just too used to Barry still running and running for all those years without injury.

Two other RB's of note that are seeing the same problem: Duece McCallister and Cadillac Williams. And so are their teams.

Raiola is small and whenever I focus on him during the game, he is being driven back by bigger defensive linemen. I also see him missing assignments and double teams. He'll be driven back into the running back, or at least into his running lane. I just don't see his skill set.

My apologies ladies.
On behalf of Tater, Jammer, Linwood and Slippy, the ladies accept your apology. :)

Raiola's first couple of years had big learning curve. He's 5 years in now.
Never draft a center without a neck.

I heard there is 12 teams interested in KJ !!! Might not be a #1 but a good B/U.

center
Center? Center? What's a center?

Up here in the Great White North we call it a centre. Common Roscoe, you're better than that.:canada:

Center? Center? What's a center?

Up here in the Great White North we call it a centre. Common Roscoe, you're better than that.:canada:
Oh geez. That's going to put Tater's undies in a twist.

Oh geez. That's going to put Tater's undies in a twist.

Actually, I'm not going to argue with Jammer. Who says Cannuckians don't know football?










http://cfx.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/cfx/jammer_signs.jpg

Actually, I'm not going to argue with Jammer. Who says Cannuckians don't know football?
Exactly. There are 100% more Jammer's in the NFL than there are Darth Taters.

Exactly. There are 100% more Jammer's in the NFL than there are Darth Taters.

Wanna rethink that one, Blizzard breath? I had quite the football career as a young spud...




http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fGoXzvKBL._AA280_.jpg

Wanna rethink that one, Blizzard breath? I had quite the football career as a young spud...
That looks like college to me Potato Puke, not the NFL as I had stated.

Wanna rethink that one, Blizzard breath? I had quite the football career as a young spud...




http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fGoXzvKBL._AA280_.jpg



Looks like ole Woody Hayes...........

Did you guys know Colletto is the Oline and Offensive Coord.?
I've never heard of combining the 2 jobs.
Hope it works.

Oh yeah, that happens a lot. Martz was OC and QB coach. Kippy will be a big part of the playcalling when it comes to passing, but Colleto will have the authority.

Not Oline and Off/Cood.
Oline coach is/can be above the Head Coaches loop. If he's very good.

15. Lions (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?statsId=8)Chris Williams (http://profootballexperts.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=3066764) OT 6-6 317 Vanderbilt Seniorhttp://msn.foxsports.com/fe/img/NFL/TeamLogo/Medium/8.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?statsId=8) The Lions have done a good job of revamping their secondary in free agency and will concentrate on another area in the draft. Adding a quality OT will go a long way in helping the offense be more efficient, and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams is exactly what they need.
Previous mock draft selection: Same
VIDEO: Draft preview of Chris Williams (http://javascript<b></b>:msnvDwd('33', '537a2e69-6926-4974-9bfe-b522a8efdc95', 'us', '', 'm1490', 'foxsports', _mlc);)
-
works for me.:)
except we don't have any RBs

At #15 Clady might still be available.

I don't follow college ball at all, but I'll be happiest with whoever Millen wants the least. That seems like a good strategy given Millen's track record. :crazy:

It could be any one of 4 or 5 different players. But I did hear that they will stand pat on #15 and not move up or down.

It could be any one of 4 or 5 different players. But I did hear that they will stand pat on #15 and not move up or down.
With their experiences of moving up or down, they should just avoid that, like a plague.

With their experiences of moving up or down, they should just avoid that, like a plague.
I agree. They should also avoid selecting bad players. They have way too much experience at that as well.

Nobody will touch Millen and is 15th pick. He's poison to other "serious" GMs.

"Amir Johnson will break out during the playoffs like Tay did in 2004........:) "



I didn't know Tay had an acne problem as well.

"Amir Johnson will break out during the playoffs like Tay did in 2004........:) "



I didn't know Tay had an acne problem as well.



He just did a commercial for OXY Clean...

Hey ! Hey ! Hey! Did I use the wrong word?
Amir must emerge like Tay did back in '04.
He's exceptional around the hoop. Let him flow.

HUH?????

Back on point---I forgot to put this article here, it's gotten a lot of run elsewhere:
- » Why is TJ Duckett not a Lion? (http://spartannation.com/?p=3901)

Shows one of the real problems is discord in the Front Office.

It's up to Ford to make sure that all are accountable within the organization. It's obvious that he has failed to do this with the Lions. People at Ford Motor knew this and that is why he never had an important role within that company. When it comes right down to it, the owner is the only one who is to blame. Davidson knew when to shake Isiah free and when to keep Dumars. Ford was never good at eyeing management talent for his football team.

HUH?????

Back on point---I forgot to put this article here, it's gotten a lot of run elsewhere:
- » Why is TJ Duckett not a Lion? (http://spartannation.com/?p=3901)No surprises in that article. Losing a power back like Duckett when we could have had him for cheap makes perfect sense for the Lions.

Shows one of the real problems is discord in the Front Office.I think most fans have know this for a number of years yet many continue to fill the stadium every Sunday. The only way the front office will get the shake-up it drastically needs is if the Lions are made to become as big a loser on paper ($) as they are on the field.

I don't know if it's true or not, but I am more likely to side with Duckett on this one knowing how poorly this team has been run. The front office needs to be cleaned out. Too bad that people continue to pay for th subpar product.

Anybody know how quickly KJ and Duck were picked up?

Duckett was signed within a week or 2 into the FA period. KJ has not been.

On the lighter side:

Lions Starting to Finalize Draft Plans (http://spartannation.com/?p=3919)

By Hondo S. Carpenter Sr.
The Lions are in a position that they, as of late, are not accustomed to: picking outside the top ten. Not to beat a dead horse, but to have picked so many times in the top ten in recent history makes it simply sad when you judge the franchise fairly. With that said, the Lions are at number 15 and their draft board is loaded with a lot of names, at a lot of different positions, that they think can immediately help them.
The pressure is on that this franchise is moving in the right direction, but progress must be clearly demonstrated. The Lions drafting has been pathetic, and this is a draft that Millen and Marinelli have worked on together like none other (void of pressure from various internal political issues) and the optimism is very high for success.
The Lions are considering a plethora of options, not the least of which is acquiring another team’s pick (lower than 15) and attempting to get two immediate starters and contributors in the first round. Although that is not a certainty at this point, the way several mock drafts are positioned, it is very feasible that this could happen. Two sources, one within the Lions and one from another AFC team have confirmed that the Lions have contacted them about the cost of such a move. The Lions will keenly be watching to see if players they have pegged for value drop to those spots.
I have gotten a lot of questions about the possibility of trading down and it could happen, but the Lions need bodies and unless someone is really dropping and they know they can get him and still acquire picks, don’t hold your breathe waiting.
I find it funny when people say, “This is the guy they want.” Well, of course, there are guys they want, but they aren’t sitting at 15 with only one guy in mind. There are several key players that they like, and unlike the past, this draft is not as accurate to pick because of their position farther away from the top.
There is a Lions receiver that could get traded, but contrary to inaccurate reports it isn’t Roy Williams. The Lions, as I previously broke, are going to make an all out blitz at Roy Williams to resign him, but if they are unable to do so will franchise him. If someone was stupid and offered something crazy I am sure Millen would jump at it. I don’t expect it, and neither do they. The Lions receiver that is available is Shaun McDonald. Although nothing is imminent, there is interest and the Lions are listening.
One NFL team that likes and wants Mac says it would take a third rounder. “Yeah, we talked with Matt and with Roy and CJ and Furrey, we could get Mac. The problem is that a third is a little high for us at this point.” I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if he is traded, but again, there is no deal that is done or closed…yet.
Unlike past years, the Lions will get to watch and see who falls. They are in desperate need, but they also have a luxury here. That is watching and seeing what others do as they strategize inside the Allen Park facility.
There is one thing for certain. There are four positions that they absolutely will not select in the first round. Wide receiver, QB, P and kicker are those spots. All others are on the board. The Lions are acutely aware that they do not have a number one running back, but they also know that they don’t necessarily have to do that in round one, unless it is someone they are in love with. In fact I was told last night, “There are a lot of great backs that go out of the first round. We just think we have to get one of the ones we like. The latter the better, but we can’t wait if he is there and is at a spot we think we have to pull the trigger.”

There was some talk inside the brain trust about moving up and getting Jake Long, but they didn’t want to spend that kind of money with so many needs.
So what are the options? I know that you won’t like this, but there are many. If things fall as planned, they could stay pat and make no trades. I don’t expect that and neither do they. At this point (and understand that as the board develops this is only a possibility), I think the draft will fall favorably the way the Lions want and they will get two first round picks this year. Not a prediction, just what I think will happen if the board falls their way, they suspect it will.

I wanted Joe Thomas so badly last season and when they took CJ I was so sad. I just knew that their passing yards couldn't get any better with him (actually fell). My second choice was Adrian Petersen. Two starters would be nice. Interesting that they NOW believe they have WRs to trade when just last season they couldn't get enough of them. Sad that these guys change philosophy almost every season.

They shouldn't have trusted Martz ego so much.

Something you'll never see at a Lions camp...too bad :(

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)—The Baltimore Ravens (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/bal/;_ylt=AhpFRgygZXLSHifBiNCZVm8dsLYF) are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh.

They’re fighting each other, too.

Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6920/;_ylt=AjSPMHjraFVrOVngXaLmtj4dsLYF) threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.

“Guys are competing, so tempers flare a little bit,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh's Ravens brawl at minicamp - NFL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-feistyravens&prov=ap&type=lgns)

On the lighter side:

Lions Starting to Finalize Draft Plans (http://spartannation.com/?p=3919)

By Hondo S. Carpenter Sr.
The Lions are in a position that they, as of late, are not accustomed to: picking outside the top ten. Not to beat a dead horse, but to have picked so many times in the top ten in recent history makes it simply sad when you judge the franchise fairly. With that said, the Lions are at number 15 and their draft board is loaded with a lot of names, at a lot of different positions, that they think can immediately help them.
The pressure is on that this franchise is moving in the right direction, but progress must be clearly demonstrated. The Lions drafting has been pathetic, and this is a draft that Millen and Marinelli have worked on together like none other (void of pressure from various internal political issues) and the optimism is very high for success.
The Lions are considering a plethora of options, not the least of which is acquiring another team’s pick (lower than 15) that happened, we traded down with KC and got a 3rd rounder.
and attempting to get two immediate starters and contributors in the first round. Although that is not a certainty at this point, the way several mock drafts are positioned, it is very feasible that this could happen. Two sources, one within the Lions and one from another AFC team have confirmed that the Lions have contacted them about the cost of such a move. The Lions will keenly be watching to see if players they have pegged for value drop to those spots.
I have gotten a lot of questions about the possibility of trading down and it could happen, but the Lions need bodies and unless someone is really dropping and they know they can get him and still acquire picks, don’t hold your breathe waiting.
I find it funny when people say, “This is the guy they want.” Well, of course, there are guys they want, but they aren’t sitting at 15 with only one guy in mind. There are several key players that they like, and unlike the past, this draft is not as accurate to pick because of their position farther away from the top.
There is a Lions receiver that could get traded, but contrary to inaccurate reports it isn’t Roy Williams. The Lions, as I previously broke, are going to make an all out blitz at Roy Williams to resign him, but if they are unable to do so will franchise him. If someone was stupid and offered something crazy I am sure Millen would jump at it. I don’t expect it, and neither do they. The Lions receiver that is available is Shaun McDonald. Shaun McD played like a high 2sd rounder so why give him up for a 3rd?
Although nothing is imminent, there is interest and the Lions are listening.
One NFL team that likes and wants Mac says it would take a third rounder. “Yeah, we talked with Matt and with Roy and CJ and Furrey, we could get Mac. The problem is that a third is a little high for us at this point.” I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if he is traded, but again, there is no deal that is done or closed…yet.
Unlike past years, the Lions will get to watch and see who falls. They are in desperate need, but they also have a luxury here. That is watching and seeing what others do as they strategize inside the Allen Park facility.
There is one thing for certain. There are four positions that they absolutely will not select in the first round. Wide receiver, QB, P and kicker are those spots. All others are on the board. The Lions are acutely aware that they do not have a number one running back, but they also know that they don’t necessarily have to do that in round one, unless it is someone they are in love with. In fact I was told last night, “There are a lot of great backs that go out of the first round. We just think we have to get one of the ones we like. The latter the better, but we can’t wait if he is there and is at a spot we think we have to pull the trigger.”

There was some talk inside the brain trust about moving up and getting Jake Long, but they didn’t want to spend that kind of money with so many needs.
So what are the options? I know that you won’t like this, but there are many. If things fall as planned, they could stay pat and make no trades. I don’t expect that and neither do they. At this point (and understand that as the board develops this is only a possibility), I think the draft will fall favorably the way the Lions want and they will get two first round picks this year. Not a prediction, just what I think will happen if the board falls their way, they suspect it will.

Interesting in a draft deep in Oline they trade like mad. But last year you couldn't deal at all.

I really don't feel comfortable with this year's picks.

I really don't feel comfortable with this year's picks.
The more I hear about them, the more I like them.

The more I hear about them, the more I like them.

Here's how I feel about the franchise:


The theory of learned helplessness was then extended to human behavior, providing a model for explaining depression (http://www.mentalhealth.com/bookah/p44-dq.html), a state characterized by a lack of affect and feeling. Depressed people became that way because they learned to be helpless. Depressed people learned that whatever they did, is futile. During the course of their lives, depressed people apparently learned that they have no control.

Learned Helplessness (http://www.noogenesis.com/malama/discouragement/helplessness.html)

Here's how I feel about the franchise:


The theory of learned helplessness was then extended to human behavior, providing a model for explaining depression (http://www.mentalhealth.com/bookah/p44-dq.html), a state characterized by a lack of affect and feeling. Depressed people became that way because they learned to be helpless. Depressed people learned that whatever they did, is futile. During the course of their lives, depressed people apparently learned that they have no control.

Learned Helplessness (http://www.noogenesis.com/malama/discouragement/helplessness.html)



Does this spread to their fans?

Yeah Tate, you learn to get over it but you never get over it. You take it with you to the grave. Like luggage.

Yeah Tate, you learn to get over it but you never get over it. You take it with you to the grave. Like luggage.

You can take luggage with you? Man, I'm gonna go out right now to buy some seriously large luggage.

Maybe you guys will feel a little bit better about our picks:

I found this on another site. It's from College Football News off Scout.com:

17 17 Detroit (from Kansas City) Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College
One of the high risers after a good off-season, he's a 6-7, 315-pound athlete who destroys defenders when he gets the chance. He'll bust his tail to get better and will be coachable. The concern will be how well he handles a No. 1 pass rusher if he plays on the left side. More than fine if he spends his career on the right, there are concerns that the Virginia Tech games might have shown the real player he is.
CFN Projection: First Round CFN Position Rank: 6


14 45 Detroit Jordon Dizon, LB Colorado
An undersized, ultra-productive tackler who came up with a whopping 297 stops, most of them solo, over the last two seasons. He's always working, has a tremendous motor, and finds his way to the ball over and over again. He's a good athlete, but he's not an elite one and it'll be asking a lot to hold up in a 16-game schedule at just 5-11 and 229 pounds. He plays through everything, including dehydration issues, and he'll have to prove he can handle the duties on the outside, but he'll be a major-league producer in the right system.
CFN Projection: Third to Fourth Round CFN Position Rank: 8

1 64 Detroit (from Miami) Kevin Smith, RB UCF
Would Smith be considered a first rounder if he was Kevin Smith, Florida instead of Kevin Smith, UCF? While his competition will be questioned, playing in Conference USA, he produced against everyone including NC State (217 yards and two touchdowns), Texas (149 yards and two touchdowns), and Mississippi State (119 yards, but on 35 carries). George O'Leary and the Knights weren't afraid to overuse their star getting him a whopping 450 carries and 24 catches last season, and he cranked out 2,567 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns despite having all 11 defenders and the waterboy focused on stopping him. He's a producer, but he'll have a short shelf life if he's asked to be a No. 1 back.
CFN Projection: Late Second To Early Third Round CFN Position Rank: 7


24 87 Detroit Andre Fluellen, DT Florida State
He's not going to be your star tackle, but he'll be great at the third man in or next to a star. Extremely quick and with the athleticism to grow into a top interior pass rusher, if he gets the right coaching, he has a ton of upside. However, he'll get shoved around with anyone with any strength. He's not huge and he can't stay healthy, and he's not the playmaker he should be for a player with his athleticism.
CFN Projection: Third Round CFN Position Rank: 8

29 92 Detroit (from Dallas) Cliff Avril, OLB/DE Purdue
What do you want to do with him? A huge linebacker at close to 6-3, 253 pounds, he can be used on the end and can be an ideal outside player in the 3-4. Big enough to be moved inside if needed, his versatility will keep him on a team for a long time. Strong, not just big, he can handle himself well against the more physical teams. However, he needs to be tougher against the run. He's not quite a good enough athlete to dominate on the outside; he'll be a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
CFN Projection: Late Fourth Round To Early Fifth CFN Position Rank: 9 (as a LB)


1 136 Detroit (from trade) Kenneth Moore, WR Wake Forest
The former running back turned into an ultra-productive receiver in a non-passing offense. Despite being the focus of every secondary, he still caught 98 passes for 1,101 yards and five touchdowns with a few monster games when he caught everything in sight. He still needs some work to be a pro level route runner and he could use some overall fine-tuning, but he could become a very nice possession receiver who keeps the chains moving.
CFN Projection: Fourth Round CFN Position Rank: 19


11 146 Detroit (from trade) Jerome Felton, FB Furman
A good big-sized running back at 240 pounds, he can thump a little bit in short-yardage situations. While he's not fast, he's quick enough to get through the hole and crank out a few big runs. The problem is his blocking. He's not an NFL runner and he has to prove he can be physical enough to make a difference.
CFN Projection: Sixth Round CFN Position Rank: NR


9 216 Detroit Landon Cohen, DT Ohio
Too small at around six-feet and 280 pounds, he's a good athlete who was a solid producer at the MAC level. He's just not big enough to be a regular pro tackle. He's not enough of an interior pass rusher to be a regular in a rotation, but he could be worth developing.
CFN Projection: Free Agent CFN Position Rank: 31


11 218 Detroit (from trade) Caleb Campbell, SS Army
A superior tackling machine, he was the Army defense for the last few years and a tough defender who did a little of everything well. More like a smallish linebacker at 6-2 and 229 pounds, he hits like it. Not the best athlete, he struggles in coverage and missed a lot of plays by trying to do everything. He's a leader and a hard worker, but he'll have to show something special right away to stay on a team.
CFN Projection: Free Agent CFN Position Rank: 25

Yeah, after I posted that D rating I looked around and found some positive ratings elsewhere.
To bad we couldn't get better than 6th best anything.

I wish the Fords' would take up this philosophy

Steelers for sale (http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=8720893&ch=4226720&src=news)

You and me both!

Some Lions coverage from ESPN. Last graph talks about Calvin Johnson being the next great star in the NFL. I hope the Lions find someone to throw it to him.


ESPN - Camp Confidential: Smith, Johnson, Sims spark hope for Lions - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/columns/story?columnist=seifert_kevin&id=3538625&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2)

ESPN - Camp Confidential: Smith, Johnson, Sims spark hope for Lions - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/columns/story?columnist=seifert_kevin&id=3538625&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2)
Nice article. Now if only the chain gang could move the chains on 3rd down, well that would be something worth paying attention to.

You realize at 6'5" 240 lb, 20 years ago you played middle LB or TE not wide receiver.

The Detroit Lions have confirmed that free agent running back Rudi Johnson has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the team. Because the deal was struck after 4 p.m., after the league offices closed, the signing won't be official until Tuesday morning.
Johnson, who rushed for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (2004-06), is expected to replace Tatum Bell as the No. 2 running back behind starter Kevin Smith. The Lions aren't expected to announce any roster moves until Tuesday. The addition of the eight-year veteran might mean the Lions will use more of a platoon system at running back.
link:Rudi Johnson signs with Lions - Detroit Lions: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2008/09/rudi_johnson_signs_with_lions.html)

I think we signed a vet MLB name Nece.

No, he's actually a SAM or WILL backer. He could start at SAM and that would put Lenon at MIKE so Dizon can still learn. Nece is really a good versatile LB in this system and just was not needed in TBay. We also picked up from Waivers Marcus Thomas--RB that the Chargers drafted in the 5th round and let go. Charger fans were bummed they let him go. But again, numbers game---with LT and Sproles on the roster, kid would never get a sniff.

Also, Rudi Johnson is now a Lion. Cut from the Bengals a couple of days ago.

Also, Rudi Johnson is now a Lion. Cut from the Bengals a couple of days ago.
I liked Pinner and was disappointed that he was cut while Bell made the team.

Now, adding RJ and Marcus Thomas and releasing Bell just a few days later is even better!

Report: Lions have been shopping WR Williams
Schefter says the Lions under Matt Millen proposed a straight-up trade for DeMarcus Ware with Dallas, but were turned down (and probably laughed off). If the Lions are offered a first-round pick, they ought to pull the trigger. Using the franchise tag on their No. 2 receiver in the '09 offseason wouldn't make much sense. October 5 - 11:16 a.m. ET
Source: NFL.com (http://blogs.nfl.com/2008/10/05/lions-looking-to-deal-wr-williams/)

Report: Lions have been shopping WR Williams
Schefter says the Lions under Matt Millen proposed a straight-up trade for DeMarcus Ware with Dallas, but were turned down (and probably laughed off). If the Lions are offered a first-round pick, they ought to pull the trigger. Using the franchise tag on their No. 2 receiver in the '09 offseason wouldn't make much sense. October 5 - 11:16 a.m. ET
Source: NFL.com (http://blogs.nfl.com/2008/10/05/lions-looking-to-deal-wr-williams/)


Which (W@hich) one...Roy or Mike ??? :pound::pound::pound:

I wouldn't even feel confident if they pulled the trigger on a first round draft pick. They'l probably pick Gosder Cherilus No.2. Oh, god.