With the second pick in the 2007 NFL draft the Detroit Lions select???
In reviewing the Lions draft situation with the second overall pick in the draft I see only one perfect strategy for Detroit. This is done assuming the Raiders select quarterback JaMarcus Russell and fully knowing Detroit covets defensive end Gaines Adams out of Clemson to be that pass rushing threat the Tampa-2 relies upon heavily to be successful.
Before I lay out the Lions strategy, let me tell you who I personally would like to see in a Lions uniform in order of preference:
1) JaMarcus Russell - the Lions haven't had a QB in how long? JR has the biggest arm in history.
2) Patrick Willis - MLB has been the weak spot of the D for a few years now and Willis has all the tools.
3) Adrian Peterson - KJ is a ? mark and a one-two punch at RB seems a requirement in the NFL today.
4) Calvin Johnson - Roy and Mike made up one of the best WR duos in the NFL last year but CJ is a freak.
5) LaRon Landry - Detroit's pass D is terrrible, Landry and Bullocks set the safety position for years.
As you probably can guess by now, I'm not a big fan of either Gaines Adams or Joe Thomas, but that really doesn't matter as far as the strategy is concerned.
So what do the Lions need to do?
They do like the Chargers did with Eli Manning - take the player that allows them to force a trade with the best possible return. And that player, as you might have guessed, is Calvin Johnson.
In fact, this gives the Lions much more leverage than they have right now or even once they are on the clock. Consider the King's ransom the Chargers got after taking Eli...
Rights to 2004 4th Overall Pick - Used to sign Quarterback Philip Rivers.
2005 1st Round Draft Pick - Used to draft and sign Linebacker Shawne Merriman.
2004 3rd Round Draft Pick - Used to draft and sign Kicker Nate Kaeding.
2005 5th Round Draft Pick - Traded to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Left Tackle Roman Oben.
Not bad when you consider that Rivers, Merriman, and Kaeding are all pro bowl players while Eli watches his brother play in Hawaii every year!
IMO this is the best course of action the Lions can take and the worse case scenario (which many of you would consider the best case scenario) is that Detroit gets stuck with the best WR prospect to enter the NFL in years.
If I'm the Lions GM I break off all talks with the Bucs and others about two days before the draft, let them know I'm taking Calvin and I'm very happy about it, and make them all sweat it out. That is how you either 1) get the most talented player in the draft, or 2) get the most value out of the #2 pick.
"With the second pick in the 2007 draft the Lions select Calvin Johnson" - if anything else happens this Saturday (assuming the Raiders take JR) then Detroit blew it... It is the only acceptable strategy to maximize a critical pick for this sorry franchise that can't afford to blow it - again!
Before I lay out the Lions strategy, let me tell you who I personally would like to see in a Lions uniform in order of preference:
1) JaMarcus Russell - the Lions haven't had a QB in how long? JR has the biggest arm in history.
2) Patrick Willis - MLB has been the weak spot of the D for a few years now and Willis has all the tools.
3) Adrian Peterson - KJ is a ? mark and a one-two punch at RB seems a requirement in the NFL today.
4) Calvin Johnson - Roy and Mike made up one of the best WR duos in the NFL last year but CJ is a freak.
5) LaRon Landry - Detroit's pass D is terrrible, Landry and Bullocks set the safety position for years.
As you probably can guess by now, I'm not a big fan of either Gaines Adams or Joe Thomas, but that really doesn't matter as far as the strategy is concerned.
So what do the Lions need to do?
They do like the Chargers did with Eli Manning - take the player that allows them to force a trade with the best possible return. And that player, as you might have guessed, is Calvin Johnson.
In fact, this gives the Lions much more leverage than they have right now or even once they are on the clock. Consider the King's ransom the Chargers got after taking Eli...
Rights to 2004 4th Overall Pick - Used to sign Quarterback Philip Rivers.
2005 1st Round Draft Pick - Used to draft and sign Linebacker Shawne Merriman.
2004 3rd Round Draft Pick - Used to draft and sign Kicker Nate Kaeding.
2005 5th Round Draft Pick - Traded to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Left Tackle Roman Oben.
Not bad when you consider that Rivers, Merriman, and Kaeding are all pro bowl players while Eli watches his brother play in Hawaii every year!
IMO this is the best course of action the Lions can take and the worse case scenario (which many of you would consider the best case scenario) is that Detroit gets stuck with the best WR prospect to enter the NFL in years.
If I'm the Lions GM I break off all talks with the Bucs and others about two days before the draft, let them know I'm taking Calvin and I'm very happy about it, and make them all sweat it out. That is how you either 1) get the most talented player in the draft, or 2) get the most value out of the #2 pick.
"With the second pick in the 2007 draft the Lions select Calvin Johnson" - if anything else happens this Saturday (assuming the Raiders take JR) then Detroit blew it... It is the only acceptable strategy to maximize a critical pick for this sorry franchise that can't afford to blow it - again!
posted by Paul @ 6:47 AM
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