AlexdeParis said:

That was loverly.

You get points for sentimentality but slow ya roll.

Graycap23 said:

Their front office drafted players the way a computer auto-drafts players in a fantasy football league for a team owner who can't do it himself. They drafted every WR available, but then saved no good picks for years on any other positions.

If I ran the Lions:

My first three picks would be very unsexy - 3 Offensive Linemen. (and hope that 2 pay off for them)
Then DEF help. (Speed is a must)

No glamour boys - No QB's, WR's or RB's.

Take a shot at a mobile QB in the late rounds if you need to.

But, of course, they won't do that, because it makes too much sense. You have to build an O-line before all else.

Revolution said:

I'd find the best cover corner and defensive lineman in the draft. If the OT from Alabama comes out, I'd take him first, or someone of similar quality.

I firmly believe, like you, if you build your team from the inside out, from front to back, on both sides of the ball, you give yourself a better shot at reaching the promised land sooner. The only exception is at corner. Great CBs are called "cover guys" for a reason -- they can "cover" a multitude of personnel weaknesses in the defense.

Take a look at the maestro, Bill Parcells. At Miami, what did he do with his No. 1? He couldn't trade down, so he took Jake Long. There are a lot of QBs who can win if they get time to throw, but few who can win if they have no time. Then look what he did in Dallas, especially on defense. He drafted DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Anthony Spencer, and other stoppers on the DL who could play pass or run. Hell, look at Houston! Even I blasted them for passing on Bush and VY and taking Mario Williams. The other two may never live up to their billing; Mario could be a perennial All-Pro.

Good front lines can turn a good team into a great one, and a very good or great team into title winners and/or contenders. The Lions, bless'em, they tried sometimes to grasp this concept, but for the most part, have failed over the last several decades.

namepeace said:

great post, nice insight...glamour positions aren't useful if you have no time to throw the ball or no holes to run through. The Lions have mostly ignored that line of thinking. I could roll with Culpepper for one more year, just give me the 300+ lb'ers. They do have some players who are useful (though, not many) Calvin, Sims, Jones, Hanson...

Actually, Detroit is a great job because the ownership will leave you alone, and it's a town starved for winning football. Get the right coaching/scouting staff, and they can turn things around in 2-3 years. Shit, if a coach goes 7-9, they'll build a shrine to him.

namepeace said:

The Lions should hire Mike Shanahan.....

Revolution said:

I'd go with Culpepper, too. I'd take the Alabama OT, stock the rest of the line with YOUNG players via the draft or free agency, and see if you could find a corner or rangy safety. That might could get you to five wins in year one with a decent coach.

uPtoWnNY said:

The problem is the stigma of going to Detroit and taking on the burden of bad karma that has been decades in the making. That being said, you're right. The Fords would leave you alone. I'd bet fans of a lot of teams wish their owners were more like the Ford family, but I digress.

A Parcells or Pioli could rebuild that team completely.

Graycap23 said:

You know, I thought that as soon as they announced his firing....because the man has a great football mind...as long as he's JUST the coach and not the GM as well....since so many of the Bronco players disagree with his firing, I think if he turned the Lions around, it would be the ultimate raspberry to the Broncos ownership that sent him on his way...

as far as how they should draft, I agree completely with a top cover corner (or even a really good safety) and O-line help...Culpepper comes in as the #1 QB in training camp....and get some decent depth....if they go in a sensible personnel direction, with Shanahan at the helm, they may be another Miami in the next couple of seasons....