Rumor mills are buzzing that the Lions are talking to the Redskins about trading for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Personally this makes no sense to me because it would be costly financially and a 2nd or 3rd round pick in this year or next years draft. I agree that Haynesworth would be a difference maker, but after he proves that his struggles from last year were a fluke what does he have to prove? A player that at his best is far better than ex-Lion Shaun Rogers, but has similar tendencies to disappear. Picking up his 21 million dollar signing bonus on top of his salary and giving up a draft pick does not seem worth it to me. Maybe if this team was one player away, but not for a team that is one of the least talented in the NFL.
The debate is on for whether the Lions should draft defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh or offensive tackle Russell Okung with the number two overall pick. Personally I think Suh is a special talent and the depth of offensive lineman in this draft far exceeds the depth of defensive tackles. I suppose its possible for the Lions to trade with the Seahawks(number six overall) and still pick a top offensive lineman and use the pick they get from them (3rd rounder?) to work a trade to get a defensive tackle. It seems unlikely that the Seahawks are that in love with any player to pay more for and give up a pick when they are in rebuilding mode.
Suh Scenario:
Taking him number two overall and then wait see if one of the top offensive lineman or cornerbacks drops to them in the 2nd round. However they should also be looking at running backs and any stand out defensive player.
Offensive lineman who may drop to them, 2nd Round: Charles Brown from USC, Rodger Saffold from Indiana.
Cornerbacks who may drop to them, 2nd Round: Devin McCourty from Rutgers or Kareem Jackson from Alabama.
Okung Scenario:
If the Lions decide to pass on Suh, or manage to trade down, then they are hoping Okung falls to them or taking the top offensive lineman available at that spot. If one of the defensive tackles or again an elite cornerback fall to them then they should advance in that order.
Defensive Lineman who may drop to them, 2nd Round: Brian Price from UCLA, Geno Atkins from Georgia and Terrence Cody from Alabama. Price has the strongest potential, but all three players would not bring the immediate impact of Suh.
3rd Round
Depending on which approach the Lions take during the first two rounds and if they have gained any additional third round picks from trading down in the first round the Lions could have a lot of options. Ultimately if they have not picked one already this is the round they will go after a running back or cornerback. The Lions could use depth at every position, but cornerback has long been a weakness of the Lions and they will need to find another back to compliment Kevin Smith. I would put the emphasis on cornerback mainly because its easier to find a free agent running back after the draft or later in the draft. If they have not selected an offensive tackle they could also add one here as well.
Running backs to consider in the 3rd round: Dexter McCluster from Ole Miss, Ben Tate from Auburn, and Joe McKnight from USC.
Offensive Tackles to consider in the 3rd Round: Vladimir Ducasse from Massachusetts or Jared Veldheer from Hillsdale.
Cornerback/Secondary to consider in the 3rd Round: Patrick Robinson from Florida State. Myron Rolle*, Safety from Florida State.
*In most cases Rolle would probably be a late first round pick, however he missed his senior season to accept the Rhodes Scholar that was presented to him to study brain surgery. His commitment to football has since been questioned and thus responsible for causing his draft stock to plummet. Rolle is an outstanding player and leader and if he is on the board in the 3rd round the Lions should not hesitate to select him.
4th, 5th, and 7th round picks:
These picks should be all about adding depth or finding a diamond in the rough. If the Lions do not draft a running back before the 5th round these three players are guys that I would consider taking a flyer on: 5th Round: LeBarrette Blount from Oregon(suspended for punching opposing player). 7th Rond: Stafon Johnson from USC(suffered freak weight room injury). Mr Irrelevant(last overall pick): Brandon Minor from Michigan(history of injuries).
