Who should the Lions draft?
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by user Brandon Penix
As a long suffering Detroit Lions fan, I've just recently entered into the best time period for being a Lion fan: Super Bowl week. It's the only time where the Lions can't lose, or make a bad signing (or hire a son-in-law to be defensive coordinator!) and it's a time where the fans can think about all the things we'd like to see the Lions to do in the off-season, before Matt Millen does the exact opposite. Although the NFL Draft doesn't start until April 28th I thought I'd put together some of the players the Lions could get and why they should or shouldn't.
The QB's
JaMarcus Russel- LSU: Although Russel will probably be scooped up by the Raiders, I'd love to see this guy wearing Honolulu blue and silver next year. At 6-6 260 he's huge and many say he compares to Culpepper, but his arm strength may be the strongest in the league. He may not be as polished as a guy like Quinn, but I think he has more upside. Kitna had a great year numbers wise, but he turned the ball over too much and was inconsistent in the fourth and helped blow some games the Lions could have won. Even if the Raiders don't take Russel it's probably unlikely that the Lions get a QB, as Millen and Marinelli seem to be held at the neck by Kitna, who's said he doesn't want to be lame duck QB for another team.
Brady Quinn- Notre Dame: As a Michigan fans that hates Notre Dame football more than any other program, (yes, even the Bucks) I hate to admit when they have someone who is good. Although Notre Dame had a fairly easy schedule and Quinn struggled against the good teams he played, he's a very good QB. He's a complete QB in all aspects and the time spend with Charlie Weis will be invaluable to him. Having said this I'd rather have the Lions get Russel or wait until round 2 to get Troy Smith or Michigan State grad Drew Stanton, using this pick for something else, or trading down for more picks to improve the team.
Troy Smith- Ohio State: Although people don't see him as a first round pick, I've really liked Smith. I think he can be a successful QB in the league if a team gives him a chance. He's totally dominated the Wolverines in his years so it's good to see him leave, but I'd be happy to see the Lions use their second or perhaps third pick to get Smith as a future QB. Kitna's 35 and he's not getting any younger.
Drew Stanton- Michigan State: Stanton had a great Senior Bowl practice and game. He struggled this season for the Spartans, but he seems like a decent QB. I wouldn't mind the Lions going after him in the 3 or possibly 4th round.
The Others
Joe Thomas- OT Wisconsin: Thomas is who most expert have the Lions drafting with the #2 pick. Everything about Thomas says he'll be a great tackle, but they said the same thing for Gallery as well as huge tackle (and Badger) Aaron Gibson.
Calvin Johnson- WR Georgia Tech: Whenever Millen is in charge you can't put off the Lions drafting a wideout. If the Lions get a wide receiver, Johnson is the man to get. He definitely is an elite prospect and could be the best wideout coming out in the past few years. He had an inconsistent QB throwing to him at Georgia Tech which is why it could be scary to see what he can do in the NFL.
Adrian Peterson- RB Oklahoma: Although he missed a lot of games this season, he's still one of the best college running backs I remember watching. With Kevin Jones possibly out for most of the season and the fact that he may never come back at 100% with the injury he has it wouldn't be too bad to have Peterson come to Detroit. I mean if the Lions do one thing better than anyone in the league, it's drafting running backs that went to Oklahoma colleges.
Leon Hall- CB Michigan: Watching Leon play for the Wolverines was fun to watch and we'll miss him going into next year, but it'd be great to have Hall in a Lions jersey.....if we didn't have so many other needs to fill. Although Dre' Bly and Fernando Bryant aren't elite, the Lions are soild at CB when compared to other positions.
LaRon Landry- S LSU: LaRon is an extremely talented safeties and would help the Lions 25th ranked pass defense, but the Lions would almost assuredly trade down to the 10th or 15 pick if they were going to get him, which may not be a bad idea. I could see him playing corner as well. (I think he was a corner for a few years) Overall I have the same opinion about Leon Hall, the Lions have bigger fish to fry at other position.
Gaines Adams- DE Clemson: Gaines is said to be the #1 DE in the draft. He's got the size and is great pass rusher. He'd go good on the left side with Hall on the Right and Rogers (if they don't trade him) and Cody in the middle.
Alan Branch or Jamaal Anderson- DT Michigan & Arkansas: Both of these guys will clog the middle, just like Shaun Rogers. This only happens if the Lions get rid of Rogers, which is a possiblilty this offseason. I don't know if they'd take these two at #2, but I'd expect they could trade down to 5 or 6th and pick up one of these guys.
What I'd do @ #2 (if available)
1. JaMarcus Russel
2. Trade Down
3. Joe Thomas
4. Brady Quinn
5. Calvin Johnson
6. Adrian Peterson
If traded down (first round)
1. Gaines Adams
2. LaRon Landry
3. Leon Hall
4. Alan Branch
5. Jamaal Anderson
Second Round
1. Troy Smith
2. Drew Stanton
In the end I'll be happy as long as the pick improves the Lions. The draft, taking place on the 28th and 29th of April should end a great month for the City of Detroit; the Wings and Pistons will be making playoff runs, the 2006-07 American League Champion Detroit Tigers will be playing in their first month of the season. This could be the beginning for the other Detroit team to rise up and become playoff caliber team like the others. Probably not but maybe, just maybe.
