Thursday, January 28, 2010

If I were the GM- Detroit

The Lions improved this season, and probably would have been better if they weren't ravaged by the injury bug.  Jim Schwartz did an excellent job in his first season as a head coach, and is the correct man for the position.  Detroit had a solid draft in 2009 netting quarterback Matthew Stafford, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, and safety Louis Delmas.  Those are some nice cornerstones work around, especially with wide receiver Calvin Johnson and, albeit injured, running back Kevin Smith in the fold.
Since Stafford went number one overall in the past draft, they don't have a need at the position.  They have legitimate number one receiver in Johnson, so they could wait to develop a counterpart in a later round.  Considering Kevin Smith's injury, I would figure they have to make a play at another running back.  I wouldn't be comfortable with Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown as my top two backs entering the season.
All that stated, Detroit really needs to develop their lines.  Their protection issues led to a myriad of quarterback injuries, the fewest yards gained in the league, the most offensive turnovers, and diminished returns on red zone effectiveness.  On defense, they didn't create enough pressure, allowed too many yards, weren't stopping red zone scores, and didn't create enough turnovers.  
Serendipitously, this is a very deep draft for both the offensive and defensive lines.  If I'm running the Lions, I stay put at number two and select Gerald McCoy.  He's not quite as good as Suh, but he's close, and in most seasons he's a number one overall pick.  At number 34, I would look to bolster the O-line, and take the best player available, whether he be a tackle, guard, or center.  They need to protect Stafford.

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