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2011 NFL Offseason: Detroit Lions

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

Detroit Lions (Last Year: 6-10) - Buy Tickets

2011 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
RB Jerome Harrison, RB Mike Bell, C Rudy Niswanger, DE Keyunta Dawson, OLB Justin Durant, ILB Stephen Tulloch, CB Eric Wright, S Erik Coleman, S Michael Johnson.
Early Draft Picks:
DT Nick Fairley, WR Titus Young, RB Mikel Leshoure, OLB Doug Hogue.
Offseason Losses:
WR Bryant Johnson, DE Turk McBride, OLB Julian Peterson, OLB Jordon Dizon.

2011 Detroit Lions Offense:
Poor Matthew Stafford. The football gods just won't let him play. After an injury-plagued rookie campaign, Stafford was knocked out in the opener against the Bears in which the Lions looked like they were going to prevail. Stafford tried to come back in November, but hurt his shoulder again and was sidelined for the rest of the season.

Stafford is healthy now, but not for long. His top three offensive tackles, Jeff Backus, Gosder Cherilus and Jason Fox, are all injured. Backus, who was responsible for that injury in the opener, has a torn chest muscle and is currently on the active/PUP list. Cherilus, who was mediocre in 2010, is coming off microfracture surgery on his knee. Fox has has some upside, but suffered a foot injury during training camp.

It's a good thing Detroit is better in the interior, though that could be by default. Rob Sims and Stephen Peterman are very good guards, but center Dominic Raiola should have been upgraded this offseason.

It really is a shame that Stafford hasn't been given much of a chance. He has a howitzer arm and is surrounded by a plethora of talent to post monstrous stats. Calvin Johnson packed on 10 pounds of muscle this offseason and has been enjoying the best training camp of his life. He could top 1,500 receiving yards if Stafford stays healthy.

Stafford will also look more often to Brandon Pettigrew, who had somewhat of a breakout sophomore campaign with Shaun Hill under center. Pettigrew notched 71 receptions for 722 yards and four touchdowns; the latter number expected to rise, of course, if Stafford can stay healthy.

The rest of the receiving corps is comprised of Nate Burleson (55 catches, 625 yards, 6 TDs in 2010) and second-round rookie Titus Young. Young has blazing speed as he demonstrated in the Senior Bowl, but he hasn't been able to practice at training camp because of a leg injury.

Detroit spent another second-round selection on running back Mikel Leshoure, who unfortunately tore his Achilles tendon at training camp. Leshoure was supposed to serve as a power-back complement to the electrifying but fragile Jahvid Best. Best demonstrated what he was capable of against Philadelphia in Week 2 (232 total yards, three touchdowns) before suffering through two turf toes for the rest of the season. Best is now healthy, though that's far from a lock to last very long.

2011 Detroit Lions Defense:
The Lions shocked the football world when they used the No. 13 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft on defensive tackle Nick Fairley. Projected to go No. 1 overall at some point by a few draft analysts, Fairley fell because of motivational and character concerns. There was also the fact that he was a one-year wonder at Auburn, though he dominated the line of scrimmage in that one season.

Fairley was a value choice and will form a powerful duo with Ndamukong Suh if he can stay healthy. Fairley has a stress fracture in his foot at the moment, but it's believed that he'll be able to play in the opener. If not, it'll be Corey Williams, a talented interior pass-rusher who defends the run almost as well. Either way, Suh will have a damn good partner in crime. Suh notched an eye-popping 10 sacks as a rookie. He was very good, but he struggled a bit against the run. That could change now that he has a year of experience under his belt, though the Bengals made it a point to run right at him in the preseason opener.

With Suh, Fairley and Williams collapsing the pocket, it'll open things up even more for ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril. Vanden Bosch had just four sacks in 11 games, but is the leader of the locker room. Avril, meanwhile collected 8.5 sacks from the blind side.

Detroit's back seven was its downfall last year, but that has changed, at least in part, because of two upgrades in the linebacking corps. The big signing was Stephen Tulloch, one of the more talented players at his position. Tulloch will be stationed in the middle next to weakside linebacker DeAndre Levy, who started 11 games as an NFL sophomore in 2010 and was very solid. The other free-agent addition was strongside linebacker Justin Durant, who specialized in run support for Jacksonville.

The secondary is still a concern, however. The Lions' 25th-ranked pass defense figures to improve because of a stronger front seven, but it's still an area of huge weakness.

It was rumored that Detroit would sign a top-flight cornerback like Johnathan Joseph, but all the team managed to acquire was Eric Wright. A former Brown, Wright was a pretty solid corner a couple of seasons ago, but has lost his confidence ever since. He's still an upgrade over Alphonso Smith and Nathan Vasher across from Chris Houston, who held his own despite the fact that he was utilized as a No. 1 corner.

The Lions will be better on the back end because free safety Louis Delmas is healthy again. Delmas played all of last year with a painful groin injury, but he's now 100 percent after offseason surgery. He'll start next to strong safety Amari Speivey, a converted corner who performed adequately in 2010 despite being a third-round rookie.

2011 Detroit Lions Schedule and Intangibles:
The Lions have one of the worst home-field advantages in the NFL, owning a horrendous 53-67 record since 1996. But that's nothing compared to their 22-98 road mark during that span. That's the league's worst visiting record the past 15 years. In fact, prior to a victory over the Buccaneers in Week 15, the Lions hadn't won a road game since Oct. 28, 2007.

In the five years prior to 2010, the Lions didn't have a single real special-teams touchdown (the only one was a fluke score by Casey Fitzsimmons off an onsides kick). Even worse, they had given up NINE returns. Well, the latter figure is now up to 11, but Detroit at least scored. This happened when stud return specialist Stefan Logan took a kickoff back to the house.

Jason Hanson just turned 41 in October. Despite this, he drilled 12-of-14 attempts in eight games last year, including 3-of-4 from 50-plus. Unfortunately, Hanson suffered a sprain MCL in 2010, so his body might take too long to recover.

Punter Nick Harris did a good job last season, maintaining a 44.6 average, although he did pin the opposition inside the 20-yard line just 24 times in 90 tries.

If the Lions can win in Tampa again, they could start 3-0 because they have the Chiefs (home) and Vikings (road) after that. Detroit's non-divisional schedule as a whole is pretty easy; other cupcake foes include Oakland, San Francisco, Denver and Carolina. Unfortunately, they have to deal with the Packers and Bears twice each.

2011 Detroit Lions Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2011 Detroit Lions Analysis: Expectations are high in Detroit for the first time in a long while. And for good reason - the front office has assembled an enormous amount of talent.

Injuries are going to decide whether the Lions make the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Matthew Stafford, Jahvid Best, the starting tackles, Nick Fairley and even Jason Hanson all have major medical question marks. If they can all stay on the field, Detroit could be playing deep into January. And if not? Well, Lions fans know how that works.

Projection: 10-6 (Tied 2nd in NFC North)

2011 Fantasy Football Rankings

More 2011 NFL Season Previews

*** 2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES, OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Diggler618 04-29-2011 02:05 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.144 (total posts: 1)

@Eric. That's a poor argument... If that's your stance than there is also a major reason that Fairley fell to 13. Lions fans are excited, but damn, Lions fans will get excited for anybody not named Mike Williams and proclaim them as the missing piece that will get them to the playoffs... Heard that before... If Fairley becomes a legitimate pro it will only be because he is playing with Suh. I'd grade it a B simply for excitement purposes but Fairley will not make the Lions any better immediately

jek 04-29-2011 02:01 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.96 (total posts: 1)

Fairley is a Top 5 overall talent. Only a total bumbling, stumbling idiot wouldn't love this pick.

Eric in Silicon Valley 04-29-2011 01:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.113 (total posts: 1)

Walter,

There were no CBs to warrant taking them at this pick. There is a reason Amukamara slid all the way to 19 and Smith to 26. BOTH have issues.

Aukamara has no ball skills, and Smith has the character of a slug.

Failey was a clutch pick.

The grades you are handing out belong to TENN and MINN for thier absurdity in drafting Locker and Ponder.

CJ 04-29-2011 12:58 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.218 (total posts: 1)

Passing up Smith was a no brainer due to more tangible character issues than Fairley had. Passing up Prince made more sense when he fell to the 20s.

They wanted an impact player at 13 and didn't feel that anyone who is available would fit that requirement.

Plugging Fairley in next to Suh, KVB, and Avril with Gunther as coach should be just what he needs.

There's still plenty of draft left.

durtee 04-29-2011 12:47 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.161 (total posts: 1)

I completely expected to click on this and see an "A" grade. This was a great pick! Suh and Fairley will only make each other better. Say Hello to the best d-line in the NFC North.

DetroitBlue 04-29-2011 11:57 am xxx.xxx.xxx77.3 (total posts: 4)

Detroit's ranked 25th in the league in run defense... 19th in pass defense. They filled a need with a stud... watch the Auburn/LSU game highlights.

Also, what LB (or CB) wouldn't want to play behind this D line? I'd like to introduce Stephen Tulloch as Detroit's new MLB =)

greg 04-29-2011 11:25 am xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 1)

A very dumb pick, considering the Lions other needs.

Skilledwinger 04-29-2011 11:13 am xxx.xxx.xxx.162 (total posts: 1)

This pick was made to make life miserable for Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers. Suh and Fairly with Hill and Williams...that's just sick. The Lions will have the last laugh

DetroitBlue 04-29-2011 10:54 am xxx.xxx.xxx77.3 (total posts: 4)

This pick actually fits in exactly with what Schwartz and Cunningham want: A dominant 4 man D front for 4 quarters. Detroit lost most of its games in the 4th quarter. This will help keep the D-line fresh throughout the game.

Not saying they don't need a CB, but maybe Walter should do more research on team philosophy. Grading this pick a "C" is ridiculous. Spectacular value at 13. Worst case this should be graded a B+.

VikesFan 04-29-2011 10:22 am xxx.xxx.xxx8.58 (total posts: 1)

I actually feel the complete opposite this is one of my favorite picks so far paring nick fairley with ndamukong suh that will be the best DT tandems in the league for a long time

Nabz034 04-29-2011 09:25 am xxx.xxx.xxx.128 (total posts: 3)

And passing up on Smith at 13 isn't questionable. Would you invest a ton of money in a rookie signing bonus to a guy who failed 3 Marijauna drug tests, 1 Codiene syrup drug test, and had two abbortions who the mothers of the girls paid for the abortions?

Yeah Walt, lets give that guy $10 Mill.

Or a guy who has 50+ starts has had 5 ints in his whole college career and none in 2010? Seriously? Even if they barely throw the ball to your side 3-4 ints is still the norm.

I could go on and on but I wont, I think you get the point and you understand that you made a mistake.

Randy 04-29-2011 09:22 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.98 (total posts: 1)

Fairly makes this one of the best D-lines in the league. That in turn makes the secondary better because they should not have to cover a reciever as long. The opposing quarterbacks will be to busy running for their lives to wait for their recievers to beat our cornerbacks. Grade A-

Nabz034 04-29-2011 09:21 am xxx.xxx.xxx.128 (total posts: 3)

The Lions have had the worst run defense for the last ten years. Even with the additions of Suh, Vanden Bosh, Hill and Williams they still weren't good against the run in 2010. By adding Fairly,who will make this line better in one year, an instant starter, a player who by many was considered to go top 3 overall who they picked at 13 overall they are graded with a C?

Not to mention its known in football every corner loves playing for a team with a great D-line and it makes average CB's look like they are Pro-Bowlers.

If my mind serves me correctly, you gave the Lions and A+ the year they took Mike Williams, I think its a good thing you graded them a C.

One more thing...For the last 3 years CB, OL and LB have always been a need and the Lions drafted a TE and a RB in the 1st rd who have played great so far. At this point I'm convinced they know exactly what they're doing and Fairley was the absoulte steal of the draft at 13.

Nabz034 04-29-2011 09:10 am xxx.xxx.xxx.128 (total posts: 3)

You're an idiot. I would give a bunch of reasons why but all the posts below did that for me.

Eric 04-29-2011 09:08 am xxx.xxx.xxx.111 (total posts: 2)

Walter has no idea what he is talking about ever. He gets a few picks right every year and is like wow look how good I am at mock drafting. He doesn't know what he is talking about. I emailed him weeks ago with quotes from Mayhew saying that the Lions would go BPA, and that we didn't need an offensive lineman. Yet he send me an email back saying oh they have insisted that the need an OL. Well Walt, I told you so. BPA, thats how its done. The Lions now have the most promising young defensive line in the NFL, and you have to believe that Rodgers, Cutler, and Ponder crapped themselves when we took Fariley. A+ draft.

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2011 NFL Draft Grades:

I think I'm the only person in America who didn't like Detroit's draft.

Look, I understand the allure of drafting Nick Fairley No. 13. He was supposedly the top player available, and was once a candidate to go No. 1 overall. But there's a reason why he slipped - he's a 1-year wonder and has work ethic issues. I'm VERY concerned that he's going to use most of his signing bonus to buy doughnuts, Cheetos and Oreos, and eventually balloon up to 350 pounds. JUCO transfers have an extremely high bust rate in the NFL. Fairley is not someone I would have drafted in the top 20. Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe he'll be a perennial Pro Bowler, but I have my concerns.

The Lions had only five selections. I loved two of them. However, Detroit did not address the cornerback or left tackle positions, so Martin Mayhew will have to go after Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. I don't know how he'll improve Matthew Stafford's protection.

Overall 2011 NFL Draft Grade given on 5/1/11: C+

2011 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

13. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
All Matt Millen did was pick receivers. Now, all the Lions do is acquire high-priced defensive tackles.

I don't like this pick much. Fairley is a one-year wonder with work ethic issues. I don't like the idea of paying him a ton of money in a rookie signing bonus. Plus, passing up Prince Amukamara and Jimmy Smith is pretty questionable. (Pick Grade: C)

44. Titus Young, WR, Boise State
Titus Young is exactly what the Lions need on offense, outside of a left tackle. He's eventually going to draw some attention away from Calvin Johnson. In the meantime, he'll contribute right away on punt returns. I really like this pick. (Pick Grade: A)

57. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
Even though the Lions had to trade up to this spot, I love this pick. How did Mikel Leshoure fall this far? Leshoure provides great value at No. 57 and will fill a need as a big back complement for Jahvid Best. (Pick Grade: A)

157. Doug Hogue, OLB, Syracuse
I thought the Lions would address the linebacker position earlier than this. Doug Hogue fills a major need, but I feel like there were better linebackers available. (Pick Grade: C)

209. Johnny Culbreath, OT, South Carolina State
A developmental tackle. Jeff Backus is entering his contract year, so the Lions will finally be forced to find a new left tackle next year. (Pick Grade: B)

Season Summary:
The Lions played most of the 2010 season without starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. Yet, they were able to finish 6-10, with seven of their 10 defeats decided by one score. If Stafford can stay healthy, Detroit will make a run at the playoffs next year.

Offseason Moves:

Lions sign S Michael Johnson

Lions sign C Rudy Niswanger

Lions sign RB Jerome Harrison

Lions sign RB Mike Bell

Lions sign DE Keyunta Dawson

Lions re-sign OLB Bobby Carpenter

Lions sign WR Maurice Stovall

Saints sign DE Turk McBride

Lions sign ILB Stephen Tulloch

Lions re-sign CB Chris Houston

Lions re-sign C Dylan Gandy

Lions sign CB Eric Wright

Lions cut OLB Jordon Dizon

Lions sign WR Rashied Davis

Lions sign OLB Justin Durant

Lions re-sign QB Drew Stanton

Lions cut WR Bryant Johnson

Lions tender FB Jerome Felton

Lions tender DT Andre Fluellen

Lions cut OLB Julian Peterson

Lions re-sign DE Cliff Avril

Lions sign SS Erik Coleman

Lions cut CB Eric King

Offseason Needs:

Two Outside Linebackers: Detroit has informed Julian Peterson that he will be released because of his $8 million salary. His mediocre play might also be a reason. Meanwhile, Zack Follett is coming off a devastating injury and may not be ready to play for a while. The Lions will consider Akeem Ayers with the No. 13 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Signed Stephen Tulloch and Justin Durant; drafted Doug Hogue
Cornerback: Make this two corners if the Lions don't re-sign Chris Houston. Prince Amukamara will be the choice if he somehow falls to the 13th pick. Detroit will probably have to address this position in the second round. Re-signed Chris Houston; signed Eric Wright
Left Tackle/Right Tackle: Jeff Backus didn't have a bad year overall, but he was responsible for Julius Peppers knocking out Matthew Stafford in the season opener. Backus would be better served at right tackle. Unfortunately, this tackle class is awful, so the Lions will have to wait until Day 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft to address this problem. Drafted Johnny Culbreath
Center: The Lions have some major holes up front - including the center position, occupied by Dominic Raiola. By the way, I'm not listing the guard position as one of the needs; Stephen Peterman sucked last year because he played with a foot injury. He'll be better in 2011. Signed Rudy Niswanger
Strong Safety: C.C. Brown started eight games for the Lions in 2010. Converted corner Amari Spievey was the other option, but he's probably better suited playing nickel. A Day 2 pick might be spent on an upgrade. Signed Erik Coleman
Power Running Back: Detroit will be looking for a runner to help in goal-line situations. Mikel Leshoure is out for the year with a torn Achilles. Drafted Mikel Leshoure
Wide Receiver: Can you imagine how potent Detroit's offense would be if it found a reliable No. 2 wideout across from Calvin Johnson? Drafted Titus Young; signed Rashied Davis

2011 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Stephen Tulloch, ILB, Titans. Age: 26.
Signed with Lions (1 year, $3.25 million)

Stephen Tulloch is a stud. At only 26 years old, he's one of the top 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL. He's going to receive a huge contract this offseason.
Eric Wright, CB, Browns. Age: 26.
Signed with Lions

Eric Wright is physically talented, but has regressed each season in the NFL. He's still young though, so maybe he can turn his career around elsewhere.
Justin Durant, OLB, Jaguars. Age: 25.
Signed with Lions (2 years)

Justin Durant is a quality weakside linebacker, but is frequently injured.
Jerome Harrison, RB, Eagles. Age: 28.
Signed with Lions

Remember that torrid stretch Jerome Harrison enjoyed at the end of the 2009 season? It's amazing that he started only three games this year. Harrison is a very effective second running back.
Erik Coleman, SS, Falcons. Age: 29. -- Signed with Lions (1 year)
Keyunta Dawson, DE, Colts. Age: 25. -- Signed with Lions
Rashied Davis, WR, Bears. Age: 32. -- Signed with Lions (1 year)
Rudy Niswanger, C, Chiefs. Age: 28. -- Signed with Lions
Michael Johnson, S, Giants. Age: 27. -- Signed with Lions
Mike Bell, RB, Browns. Age: 28. -- Signed with Lions
Maurice Stovall, WR, Buccaneers. Age: 26. -- Signed with Lions

Detroit Lions Free Agents:

Salary Cap: No cap.

Cliff Avril (RFA), DE, Lions. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Lions (1 year, $2.6 million)

Cliff Avril is a tremendous pass-rusher - 8.5 sacks in 13 games - but he's a liability against the run.
Chris Houston, CB, Lions. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Lions

Chris Houston can't be a No. 1 corner. The Lions might be able to get away with him being a starter across from someone more talented, however.
Kevin Smith, RB, Lions. Age: 24.
Kevin Smith has some talent, but can't seem to stay healthy. The Central Florida coaching staff ruined his NFL career by giving him 450 carries in his senior year.
Turk McBride, DE, Lions. Age: 26.
Signed with Saints

A decent rotational lineman for the Lions, Turk McBride recorded five sacks in 2010.
Julian Peterson, OLB, Lions. Age: 33.
Landon Johnson, OLB, Lions. Age: 30.
Drew Stanton, QB, Lions. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Lions (1 year)
Jordon Dizon, OLB, Lions. Age: 25.
Ashlee Palmer, OLB, Lions. Age: 25.
Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Lions. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Lions
Zack Follett (ERFA), OLB, Lions. Age: 24. -- Tendered by Lions
C.C. Brown, S, Lions. Age: 28.
Corey Hilliard, OT, Lions. Age: 26.
Bryant Johnson, WR, Lions. Age: 30.
Maurice Leggett, CB, Lions. Age: 24.
Tye Hill, CB, Lions. Age: 29.
Andre Fluellen (RFA), DT, Lions. Age: 26. -- Tendered by Lions
Brandon McDonald, CB, Lions. Age: 26.
Jerome Felton (RFA), FB, Lions. Age: 25. -- Tendered by Lions
Vinny Ciurciu, ILB, Lions. Age: 31.
Caleb Campbell (ERFA), OLB, Lions. Age: 26.
Dylan Gandy, C, Lions. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Lions (2 years)
Jared DeVries, DE, Lions. Age: 35.
Eric King, CB, Lions. Age: 29.
Brian Clark, WR, Lions. Age: 27.
Copeland Bryan, DE, Lions. Age: 28.
Zack Follett, OLB, Lions. Age: 24.

2011 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon

Divisional Rival History:
Chicago Bears: Take out a bizarre 2007 season where the Lions somehow swept the Bears, and Chicago has won 10 straight in this rivalry.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers have won 18 of the last 21 meetings. Detroit beat Green Bay at home in 2010, but Aaron Rodgers missed half the game.
Minnesota Vikings: Pure domination. The Vikings have somehow won 21 of the past 24 meetings.

Features to be Posted This Offseason:

2011 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
Detailed season preview
Fantasy football projections
Positional rankings
Daily updates on free-agent signings

More 2011 NFL Offseason Pages:

DAL / NYG / PHI / WAS /
CHI / DET / GB / MIN /
ATL / CAR / NO / TB /
ARZ / SEA / SF / STL /
BUF / MIA / NE / NYJ /
BAL / CIN / CLE / PIT /
HOU / IND / JAX / TEN /
DEN / KC / OAK / SD /

2011 NFL Offseason Pages

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 21

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2011 NFL Offseason: Detroit Lions Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents