Tulloch would be a huge addition. For me, it would be more important than getting Nnamdi Asomugha - which looks very unlikey at this point. While there's no question that CB is one of, if not THE biggest need on our team, Tulloch is 4 years younger and should be considerably cheaper. He's a better long-term option than Nnamdi, IMO. He's a tackling machine and is also good in coverage. His addition would be an upgrade at MLB and would also upgrade our OLB by moving Levy there, which was his position in college. With the scheme we play, the 3rd LB is much less important as they're usually taken out on nickle packages. It wouldn't take him long to fit in either, having played the same scheme with the Titans and having worked for Schwartz and playing with KVB there.
I agree but I have a feeling the Lions could surprise some people this year and compete for the division. They were only a few plays (or quarters) and a couple of bad calls away from having a winning record last year and they've added some weapons plus gained some maturity. If they can add CB the caliber of Joseph and keep Stafford healthy, they can get to 9-7. Fairley/Suh = havoc on opposing offenses.
Looks like the Lions just signed Justin Durant. He's 6'1, 240 lbs., and has Ernie Sims speed. The kid can fly, he hits like a truck, and is known for having outstanding cover skills. He can play inside and out in our scheme. My guess is that the Leos will still pursue Tulloch. If they also sign Tulloch, then they'll have one of the best young LB corps in the league, along with great depth. Even without Tulloch, the Lions look to have an interesting young group of LBs. The Lions were able to steal him because he's struggled with injuries the last couple of years.
I just got done talking to a friend of mine in north Florida who happens to be a college football guru and passionate Jags fan. Here's what he said on Durant- "He's a super-sized Ernie Sims. He doesn't quite have Ernie Sims' nose for the ball though. He's got blazing speed. He's a beast against the run. He really hammers RBs in the backfield; vicious, vicious hitter. He moves well in space, but he's only so-so in coverage. He hasn't had any significant injuries, but it's always something; twisted ankle, strained groin. If you're looking for a young, two-down outside linebacker who comes off the field on nickle situations, but is still OK in coverage, then you couldn't have picked up a better guy. He's better than any of the LBs the Lions could have picked up in the draft with the Titus Young pick, and he has starting experience. I don't think that he's Pro-bowl material, but he can be really, really, good as long as he's not nicked up." What I like about the pick is that, worst case scenario, the Lions have a guy who can step in and play all three LB spots. Best case scenario; we picked up a quality starting LB. I see it as a great risk/reward acquisition.
Good deal Eagles getting Nnamdi for $12M per. knew he wouldn't get 15M. Some announcers on XM said he could get 20M. I laughed.
With Tulloch and Wright on the roster and if they resign Houston, is a upgrade of the OL the only major need left?
Nick Fairley of Detroit Lions has surgery on injured foot - ESPN He'll miss about 3-4 weeks of training camp. :(
Yep. He could have missed part of the season. The Lions are even improving on the timing and severity of their injuries. Good times ahead.
