Welcome to this week's edition of the Detroit Lions Roundtable discussion. The topic for today is to identify the Lions’ biggest needs going into next years draft (as of today they would have the No. 1 overall selection and Dallas’ No. 19 pick), and then choose the two players the Lions should select to best meet those needs.
Of course, the Lions will have many more picks after the first round, but these picks should set the tone for the rest of the draft.
I’ve enlisted the help of two of my esteemed Lions sportswriters to contribute to this article, my fellow Lions community leader, Keith Shelton and frequent community contributor, Ja Tonio Lewis.
Let’s get started.
Ja Tonio Lewis
Because I love the Lions, I will try not to be over critical of the organization. I believe that the offense is coming along nicely, although they could benefit from an offensive lineman or two. The real problem is on the defensive side of the ball as that unit continues to give up huge plays.
The Lions are the worst team in the league against the run and constantly allow opposing running backs to post “Hall of Fame” type numbers against us. Historically, the Lions have had porous offensive line play but were stout defensively, especially in the late '90s—this year is the exact opposite.
They should address this problem by drafting James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State. As a Michigan fan, this selection makes me want to vomit, but as a Lions fan, the selection would be sure money.
When Shaun Rogers departed, the Lions were left with a gaping hole in their defense. Laurinaitis (with some NFL caliber coaching) could fill that void, or at the least punish whoever comes through it.
Lauranitis and Ernie Sims would make an outstanding run stopping duo for the Lions and as this season has shown, stopping the run should rank among the highest of the Detroit Lions priorities.
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about 1 month ago
Great job Ja Tonio and Keith, thanks for your input.
from about 1 month ago
Not a prob old man!! Thanks for listening.
from about 1 month ago
Jesus, Ja, i'm 27.....i'm not old yet...haha.
about 1 month ago
James Laurinaitis is a must have for the Lions. He is familiar with the location and he is an extremely gifted linebacker.
from about 1 month ago
I completely agree, however, if we don't get him, Brandon Spikes from Florida would be a superb consolation prize.
about 1 month ago
great job guys. Laurinatis would be a great pick as well. I just don't know what's more pressing, linebacker or defensive line. Laurinatis is a do-all type of linebacker though and would fit our need for run stopping so I can definitely agree with that pick.
I don't think the Lions could go wrong with any of our assessments, so we'll see what they do. My guess is they take a quarterback first overall and a receiver with the other pick. That'd be typical eh?
from about 1 month ago
I believe i'd shoot myself if that happened buddy
from about 1 month ago
If they do, somebody is going to get shot!!!!!
about 1 month ago
trade down and get as many bodies as you can
from about 1 month ago
If the Lions were going after Oher, they could definitely trade down a few spots. I'd definitely support that.
from about 1 month ago
Me too, I am all for a trade down. Trouble is, I am not sure how many, if any, teams are going to want to give up multiple picks just for the pleasure of paying some guy upwards of $65 million, which is what the top pick will likely get. If someone falls in love with Bradford or Stafford, maybe it'll happen, but I don't see anyone trading up for a chance to draft an OL, DE, etc.
from about 1 month ago
Trading down in the upcoming draft is clearly the logical choice. My friend I agree with you completely.
about 1 month ago
Nice Job
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Cory. Glad you liked it.
about 1 month ago
Hey guys..i have a hard time believing that the lions aren't going to pick a QB, and really can you blame them look at what Matt Ryan did for a team that was 3rd worst in the league?
I think people get caught in the stigma of Jamarcus Russel Vince Young blah blah....But when Jamarcus came out i immediately said that guy doesn't take football seriously because he is overwieght and out of shape. Regarding Vince Young everyone knows you cant control a scrambling quarterback, my exact quote believe it or not was "hes gonna be the next Aaron Brooks".
Sam Bradford declares we take him. Stafford Available we take them. We have a great deal of picks to build the team around whichever Qb we draft so I don't think the the lions should or will pass up the chance to grab a new face to the franchise. If we dont draft one this year we will next year so why not use the pick when we have any to spare?
from about 1 month ago
I think Atlanta is nowhere near this good without Michael Turner. Matt Ryan is a good quarterback, no doubt, but a quarterback alone isn't going to do it for you. Atlanta's lines are in pretty solid shape too, unlike Detroit's.
It's easy to look at other teams that have some talent on their lines and say Detroit just needs to follow their lead, but when the core building blocks of a team aren't present, you have to start there.
from about 1 month ago
I love Sam Bradford and I actually hope he stays in school for one more year. I think we are fine with Culpepper and frankly, I think Stafford will be a bust in the NFL.
I agree with Keith in that teams that are able to turn things around quickly, tend to have a solid core and add some supporting pieces that help them to turn the corner. Many times, that core is strong line play.
We need to address the Line and Defense. Anything less would be a sore mismanagement of our draft in my opinon.
about 1 month ago
Let's face it guys. The Lions are looking at WR from Texas Tech, Crabtree. You will find out that it wasn't all Millans fault. This organization SUCKS!
from about 1 month ago
haha...Crabtree will be awesome, but won't be in a Lions uniform. The Millen era is over!
about 1 month ago
Lions will take a WR like they always do. Crabtree? This team just doesn't get it! Millan was not the problem! Owners Stink!
from about 1 month ago
Hey, if you recall they do have a person named Ernie Simms. I feel confident they will continue to build on the defense. After all, its the side of the ball that is in real trouble.
about 1 month ago
The one thing you nailed:
1. The picture you selected for your article paints the perfect picture of the organization- EMPTY!
Here is a Seinfeld analysis of the Lions situation:
I suggest the Lions just go with the George Costanza philosophy..."It became very clear to me sitting out there today that every decision I've made in my entire life has been wrong. My life is the complete opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every aspect of life, be it something to wear, something to eat - it's all been wrong.
Just do the opposite of every impulse you want to make! The Lions are the bizzaro Patriots.
Serenity Now!!!
from about 1 month ago
I couldn't help but laugh at this comment by Lucky. That is pretty funny about the picture.
Anyway, another great article Scott. I like your take about how the Lions should draft linebacker James Laurinaitis out of Ohio State. The Lions need to focus on their defense (and not use their first round pick on another wide receiver!). I've been watching OSU games for a long time now, and all I can say is that Laurinaitis is a BEAST on the field. I would take that guy on my team any day of the week.
from about 1 month ago
Nice comment Lucky! Had me cracking up. And you are right! At the rate they are going, the stands will be empty.
Serenity Now!...lol.
This coming offseason is make or break time for this organization. They are in great position with having a high pick as well as multiple picks in the 1st, 3rd and 6th rounds.
Combine that with free agency (which they should be eager and willing to pay guys) and we could be sitting pretty next year with a solid squad.
However, if they screw the pooch. It could be years before we are respectable again.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment Dan, and I agree. I hate OSU but love the LB'ers they give to the Lions. You'll recall the last Buckeye LB to play for us.....one Chris Spielman.
from about 1 month ago
haha! Very goooood.
from about 1 month ago
Pre-merger, the Detroit Lions are one of the most dominant teams in football.
about 1 month ago
Everybody had a good solid argument, but I voted with Scott Rieger because I agree that Smith is probably a better pick than Oher (at least physically- if there's any doubt about Smith's work ethic, etc. I might be inclined to take Oher though which could be possible with our Dallas pick once the underclassmen come out). Then we can get a very good MLB later in the first since Laurenitis isn't head and shoulders above the other LB in the draft from what I see. It may be tough for some to swallow but I think even though our most pressing need is the center of the D, I think we shouldn't pass up a chance to add the bookend to Cherilus on our line and have these 2 young guys develop together.
Our D has a lot of potential with a lot of promising young guys. I'm hoping we get a more aggressive blitzing coach (Steve Spagnuolo) who will take advantage of the young guy's abilities so people can see they weren't total busts. Between free agents and maturing younger guys, I think we can upgrade the D without using our first draft pick. In fact, we can use the rest of the picks for D as long as we get the franchise LT that would make Joey Harrington look good. We definitely need to upgrade at DT
Don't forget we might have extra draft picks if we can trade Kitna instead of just dropping him. An extra 3rd or 4th rounder from SF, maybe?
from about 1 month ago
Joe, thanks for the comment and your vote.
I agree that Smith is a monster and will be awesome in the NFL. Not to say that Oher and Monroe won't be good as well, because they likely will. I just get that Orlando Pace feel from Smith.
Wouldn't it be nice to have Orlando Pace on the Lions.
I also agree with you that the LB depth in this years draft will be awesome. I mean, I expect JL to drop to the mid-first due to better athletes turning in head-turning performances at the combine, but his production speaks for itself in my opinion. If we can't get him though with our 2nd first rounder, there are other MLB's that we could look at that would also turn out to be good pros. Guys I like are Spikes from FL, Beckwith from LSU, Malulaga from USC, Brinkley from South Carolina, and Ellerbee from Georgia.
about 1 month ago
Hey fair enough, but just the same you guys are putting Cherilus on a pretty high pedestal for a player who may not be showing too much promise but i REALLY hope he develops...Maybe we shoudl trade one of our draft picks and get the OC from NE Josh McDaniels and make him our head coach??? jk..actually not at all..
We can talk this to death guys but lets be serious, we are not gonna pass on a QB. and we are gonna take whatever LT slides wtih our second pick in the draft.
our 1st second rounder will be the DE or MLB that is available
from about 1 month ago
Nicholas, I can see the logic in taking that QB, but I don't see it happening. Sure, some rookie QB's have performed well this year and last, but they are the exception, not the rule. God knows the Joey Harrington pick (last time we used a Top 3 pick on a QB) turned out to be a huge bust and set our franchise back 5 years.
Daunte Culpepper gives us above and beyond what any rookie QB coming out this year would be able to. He is a veteran, he has Pro Bowls under his belt, he has a huge arm and is capable of making plays with his legs. If he continues to progress this season and then gets an entire off-season under his belt with no injury setbacks. I'd argue that QB would be a strength going into next year.
about 1 month ago
Good work guys. Sorry I wasn't able to help here. I wrote a draft article about a month ago and didn't think my thoughts were going to change very much. OSU LB wouldn't be the wrong pick by any means.
I'll be at the Thanksgiving game, where I see the 0-10 Lions beat up on the 10-0 Titans. That is if they lose to the Bucs on Sunday.
Good work fellas. I wish I could be a full-time Lions writer instead of a full-time law school student and part time writer.
Holler.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah Bob, I wish I could get paid to write about the Lions full-time. God knows I already think we do a better job than the current beat writers (Parker, Kowalski, et al.)
Have fun at the game.
from about 1 month ago
I guess I get the best of both worlds. I am working on my degree in journalism and I write about Detroit sports. In a few years while you are practicing law, I'll be at an anchor desk. Let us hope that if we ever cross paths, we can then talk about the victorious Lions.
about 1 month ago
Happy Thanksgiving Titans fans!!!!!! If the Tennessee Titans come into Detroit undefeated on Thanksgiving day mark my words, THEY WILL LOSE TO THE DETROIT LIONS!
from about 1 month ago
Shakespeare could not have written a better tragedy if the 0-11 Lions beat the 11-0 Titans on Thanksgiving. (assuming they both continue on their separating paths on Sunday)
from about 1 month ago
One can hope right!
about 1 month ago
I say this because Detroit sports are silly like that.
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