Draft Decisions: Good or Genius?
Detroit’s organization has had a questionable history. This makes Lion’s fans wonder about the team’s front office, again. Detroit goes into the draft and does not initially take care of the biggest needs (Defensive Line, Offensive Line, Linebacker). The questions start and we think, “ well hear we go again.” Detroit passing on a linebacker and taking Louis Delmas at the beginning of the second round got a lot of verbal attacks. Then, we see the Steelers release Larry Foote. A few days later Detroit signs Foote to a one-year deal. The comments about not drafting a linebacker are gone and taking DeAndre Levy in the third round to add some depth was a good move. Julian Peterson who was acquired via trade with Seattle along with Ernie Sims should make the linebackers one of the most competitive groups in the NFL. Taking Delmas (number one ranked safety) instead of a linebacker could have made this team better then drafting one in his place. This group has had a dramatic change in leadership and talent. Detroit did address the linebacker position and improved it tremendously.
Why didn’t they draft offensive linemen on the first day? The offensive line has been a concern in Detroit for a long time now. Criticism, especially having to do with protecting Stafford has been a hot topic. The Redskins releasing Jon Jansen and the Lions snatching him has slowed the abuse. Within a few weeks after the draft, Detroit has signed Toniu Fonoti, Ephraim Salaam and Jon Jansen to the team. Signing Daniel Loper in March along with what some called the most athletic lineman in the draft. Detroit may have gotten a steal with Lydon Murtha in the seventh round. He posted some of the best lineman numbers of this decade at the combine . He is not the answer , but the offensive line has gotten a lot more competitive. Murtha has to get stronger and learn how to control his athleticism and he could start on the Lions line. Needing to improve the O-line has started with building depth. This might be the best line Detroit has had in 15 years.
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Detroit never addressed the defensive line in the first two rounds? Being very young at these positions, with only 6 of the 15 guys on the roster having more than 3 years experience. The Lions added Grady Jackson, to go along with Chuck Darby to help plug the middle and if Sammie Lee Hill (taken in the fourth round) can develop technique to go with his athleticism, he could be a monster. Coach Schwartz has already stated “they are not going to limit what he can accomplish his first season”, due to him coming out of Stillman. The tackle positions might be better than anticipated. Cliff Avril is going to be a stud this year along with the pass rushing ability of Peterson and Levy; the D-ends may not have needed addressing. This defensive line is young and is only going to get better. Taking Hill in the draft maybe all we need for now.
Detroit’s draft could have very well addressed all of the positions in question. DeAndre Levy, Lydon Murtha and Sammie Lee Hill need to develop into starters, to say it was a success. Hopefully these players can make a contribution this year. The free agent additions will give proven leadership and improve a devastated Detroit Lions team from a year ago. These three gems could be the additions to having a winning franchise in the future.
By: Patrick Stone
ProFootball-fans.com Detroit Lions Correspondent