Steve Butts Posts

The Lions number one priority, along with preparing for this April's draft, should be working overtime to retain the services of DE/DT Cory Redding. Redding who enjoyed a break-out season last year after moving to DT and recorded eight QB sacks. Early indications are that Redding would like to remain in Detroit, but the negotiations will be tenuous. Redding stock has risen around the league and he could command a big payday on the open market.

Should Redding choose to become a free agent, the Lions could protect their interest in Redding by applying the transition or franchise tag to him, which would decrease the likelihood of him leaving for greener pastures. The rub is, what is Redding's future position with the organization. Defensive Ends are generally paid more than tackles and Redding played there for most of his career. The Lions should pay Redding now as a DE (even if he will play DT) so that this does not become an eventual issue.

Redding has exhibited exemplary character and it seems likely that his best days are ahead of him. It will be a ridiculous shame if the Lions are unable to realize this and don't find a way to make Redding happy.

Former Lions TE Charlie Sanders will be inducted with the 2007 NFL Hall of Fame class, it was announced this weekend. Sanders played 10 seasons (1968-77) for the Lions and was a Pro Bowler in seven of those seasons. Sanders was the next in line of evolution at the Tight End position, after Mike Ditka and John Mackey, as it became more specialized and was just prior to superstars like Ozzie Newsome and Kellen Winslow, who have become prototypes for the position. Sanders finished with 336 receptions for 4, 817 yards (14.3 yards per catch!) and 31 touchdowns.

Sanders languished on several poor Lions teams and played in only one playoff game during his tenure in Detroit. The Lions poor performance coupled with a previous bias which undervalued the tight end position all contributed to it taking 30 years for Sanders to finally be enshrined. Sanders has remained involved with the Lions as a broadcaster and currently works in scouting and personnel evaluation. Now that he has been enshrined, the Lions should also retire his jersey number.

The sad truth is that Sanders is likely the last viable Lions Hall of Fame candidate for the forseeable future. In becoming the 17th Lions Hall of Famer, the Lions should really go all out to celebrate someone who has remained so loyal to the organization in spite of all of it's failings.

A couple of recent reports in regards to potential personnel moves the Lions may make have generated a hue and cry, but will not likely amount to much. During Super Bowl week, there were some published rumors in regards to the Lions trading their number two overall 2007 first round draft pick for the Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. Obviously, if the Lions were going to receive the McNabb of seasons past in exchange for that draft pick, it might be worth pondering. The truth is, Donovan McNabb, capable leader that he is, is likely past his prime. That coupled with McNabb having to recover from two pretty severe injuries, each of which ended his last two seasons prematurely, leads me to believe that McNabb may never regain the ability he once possessed. Even if the Lions investigated such a possibility, how would they address the inordinate amount of salary cap money that they would have tied up in the QB position paying both McNabb and Jon Kitna to be starting QB's?

There was also some consternation expressed over recent comments made by Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz that they weren't considering drafting a QB in April's draft. Martz is megalomaniac. I do believe that he has enough faith in his offense that he believes that his system supercedes the talent and character of his starting QB. That being said, he is an excellent quarterback coach who would likely love nothing more than to generate more interest in his future services by developing another potential Pro Bowl QB. If anything, Martz's comments are a clear indication of the beginning of smokescreens being put into place, so that the Lions draft pick can remain a mystery. The Lions are not in any sort of position where they can exclude the best talent available in exchange for fulfilling immediate roster needs. The criticisms that have been tendered against Martz suggest that Martz's comments will effect the Lions ability to potentially trade down in the draft. I understand this premise, but it is awfully early in the process (the combines haven't happened yet) for any assumptions to be made about the April draft.

Here is my Lions 1st Round Draft Board (the players who would fit their roster needs)

1) OT Joe Thomas 2) WR Calvin Johnson 3) DE Jamaal Anderson 4) CB Darrelle Revis 5) LB Paul Pozluszny (if he were able to move to the middle)

Head Coach Rod Marinelli can sure make stirring comments, even if the book is still out about whether or not he is the right man for the Lions head coaching job, or not. In a recent "Monday Morning QB" column, Peter King (SI.com) was able to extract some impassioned comments from Marinelli. When asked who would win the Super Bowl, considering the strong ties that Marinelli has with both Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy and Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith, Marinelli proclaimed, "the winner will be the sport of football, the game of football wins."

Marinelli further states that "Every young man playing football, any coach coaching football in the United States at any level...they should all watch this game and see the class of these two coaches and class of these two teams. This is going to be one of the great days for football, and I love football so much I hope every kid who plays this sport watches the game, just to see how great a game it is when it's done right. Obviously, Marinelli's comments come from a football "true believer" who feels so strongly for the game that it could easily be misunderstood by those who don't understand Marinelli and where he is coming from.

Hopefully, this passion can translate into future success for Marinelli. His track record is impeccable and it is no surprise that he would express so much support for two figures who have been so instrumental in helping him construct his vision of what represents quality football. That being said, Marinelli has to begin to sell his own players on this love and belief for the game of football. In spite of the Lions lack of success in '06, it was apparent that Marinelli did not lose his team. Marinelli does have a tough road ahead, though. There will be numerous personnel changes made this offseason, along with another difficult, physical and arduous training camp. If these rudiments for success do not begin to yield positive fruits, Marinelli may eventually lose his troops. If there is anything that may test his profound faith in the game of football, the next six months may hold the elements in store to do so.

The Lions have found their replacement for the departed Larry Beightol. Jim Colletto, a former Purdue Head Coach, has agreed to assume the role of Lions Offensive Line Coach. Colletto, who had recently filled the same position at UCLA, is a seasoned NFL vet who has previously worked for the Raiders and Ravens. Most importantly, Colletto has had a previous working relationship with eccentric Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz, who had developed a personality rift with the deposed Beightol, which should aid in the team's ability to field a cohesive coaching staff.

Colletto has a lot of work ahead of him. With the interest that the Lions expressed in Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas at the Senior Bowl (they reportedly wined and dined him), Colletto has one of the more important tasks on the entire staff, developing the hoped for Orlando Pace-styled Left Offensive Tackle that the Lions offense, and Jon Kitna, so desperately need. The Lions can't afford to have another busted draft pick, especially in one that should provide a cornerstone for the franchise. Colletto's hiring could become one of the most important decisions made during Head Coach Rod Marinelli's brief tenure.

Colletto does have two dependable returning components in OT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola. Unfortunately, for most of '06 the Lions featured a patchwork, under-performing unit that was dogged by injury and disappointment. In order for Martz's offense to be effective, and Jon Kitna to remain in one piece, the Lions offensive line must improve. Colletto does have some raw substance to work with. Rookies Frank Davis and Jonathan Scott exhibited a lot of promise and journeymen like Clint Stickdorn, Blaine Saipia, and Stephen Peterman all provided yeoman's work as late season fill-in's for free agent disappointments Rex Tucker and Ross Verba. If Colletto can yield returns on former Pro Bowler and free agent disappointment Damien Woody, the Lions may become factors in the NFC North faster than expected.

The Lions have a lot of work to do this off season if they plan to upgrade their personnel. Luckily, the draft, free agency, and improvements that may be achieved among their current personnel, all provide a sense of hope that the Lions may be able to claw their way back to NFL respectability, even in spite of having been amidst one of the worst runs of poor performance in recent professional sports history. Hope springs eternal, as they say.

With that in mind, I believe that the Lions have a few areas that they can focus upon this off season that may drastically improve their prospects for future success. The number one priority, especially after allowing 63 quarterback sacks, is upgrading the offensive line. Other than the fact that OT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola are likely to remain as starters, this is also one of the more wide open personnel groups, in which several dark horses could emerge. Personally, I would bid adieu to veterans like Rex Tucker, Ross Verba, and Damien Woody and see what talent could be cultivated from among Frank Davis, Jonathan Scott, and the various other young players who were forced into late season duty. If the Lions choose to draft another left offensive tackle in the first round, I would support the move wholeheartedly. Mike Martz's multi-receiver offense provides limited protection for it's QB's, so quality offensive line play is a premium.

The second most valuable component that needs to be addressed is that the Lions have a desperate need for a quality, difference-making, edge rushing defensive end. Kalimba Edwards has been a colossal failure, who is unlikely ever to become any sort of consistent threat. The Lions have decent backups on the roster in Bill Swancutt and Jared DeVries who are unlikely to ever provide more than that. James Hall, who was injured most of this year, has been the Lions most consistent pass rushing threat during recent seasons. The "Tampa" Cover-2 zone defense's success is predicated upon the front four disrupting opposing offenses with a consistent pass rush, which prevents the offense from developing the type of comfort zone and rhythm that can allow them to pick apart a zone coverage (to the tune of a nearly unfathomable 70% completion rate for opposing offenses in 2006!). To find a difference-making edge rusher is not easy. Quality defensive ends are usually costly in free agency or via trade. Their are rumors that the Lions would like to attempt to acquire Tampa DE Simien Rice. Rice's health and age are concerns, but he may be the best, most reasonable option for them, unless a college defensive end like Arkansas' Jamaal Anderson or Clemson's Gaines Adams distinguishes himself before the draft.

The Lions were finally able to sign WR Mike Furrey to a new 3-year contract. Furrey, who had 98 receptions in 2006, appears to be taking an expanded role within the organization. Many believe that Furrey has already spoken with Rams free agent WR Kevin Curtis about reuniting in Detroit. Curtis would also be reunited with his former Rams Head Coach Mike Martz, should he decide to sign with the Lions. I believe strongly that Furrey exemplifies the type of character and work ethic that the Lions have desperately needed in recent years. The Lions clearly need a dependable second outside receiver and it remains to be seen whether the Lions will pursuit another slot receiver, an outside receiver like Curtis and move Furrey to the slot role, or look in-house and give "Big" Mike Williams one final shot to prove that he can live up to past expectations.

Now that Furrey is signed, the Lions need to work overtime in trying to re-sign DE/DT Cory Redding, who enjoyed a break out season in 2006 as a devastating inside pass rusher. The Lions may have to resort to placing the franchise tag upon Redding (ala Jeff Backus) and begin negotiating a new deal later. The Lions would be devastated by the loss of Redding, that is certain. Rod Marinelli has already expressed a similar sentiment, stating that Redding needs to realize how integral a component he has become to this franchise.

Besides re-signing Furrey and Redding, the Lions have a lot of work ahead of them this off season, if they expect the team to improve. Signing Furrey was one major step in the right direction, hopefully it will be followed by a few more.

Pro Football Talk.com recently reported that a member of the Lions front office indicated that the Lions may be leaning towards selecting OT Joe Thomas with their 2007 draft pick. Thomas, a towering Left Offensive Tackle, has suffered a knee injury in his past, which could effect his future draft standing. The Lions are in Mobile, Alabama this week scouting their draft prospects in the Senior Bowl, which is considered the premier showcase for draft eligible college seniors.

Thomas would be a desirable candidate in my eyes, since Lions incumbent Left Offensive Tackle Jeff Backus is both capable and reliable, but is far from the franchise cornerstone that Thomas may eventually be. In regards to Backus, the Lions could release him or shift him to Right Offensive Tackle. With the recent news that Mike Martz will likely remain the Lions Offensive Coordinator, selecting Thomas would be a shrewd move because the Martz-designed offense relies heavily on an Orlando Pace-type Left Tackle. In Martz's offense, the running backs are often involved in pass patterns and rarely utilized in max-protection schemes, which increases the responsibilities that are expected from the offensive line.

Lions QB Jon Kitna was sacked an astounding 63 times during the 2006 season. Although Kitna may not be the most fleet of foot, 63 sacks is an abomination that if repeated would likely see Kitna eventually suffering from a major injury. Their are five key organizational cornerstones that are generally accepted as being associated with success in the NFL (QB, LT, CB, edge-rushing DE, and 1-2 RB's). By selecting Thomas, the Lions may be filling one of those key positions that is currently filled, but could use an upgrade in my opinion.

Upon the announcement of Bill Parcells' retirement as Cowboys head coach, along with the recent rumors that Parcells had his agent submit his name for the recently vacant New York Giants GM position, one has to wonder, could Parcells bring his leadership and expertise to the Lions organization in a front office capacity?

Parcells' name has been mentioned in the past as a candidate for the Lions head coaching position. Parcells, who is believed would appreciate the relative hands-off approach of the Fords in football decisions, is a football lifer who may be ready for a new challenge in the sport. Parcells is under contract with the Cowboys for one more year, but could likely be had in a new role for the right price. Parcells has a winning pedigree that is without question and would bring 30 years of NFL experience to the table.

Their are two immediate obstacles that I can foresee. One obstacle is that Parcells is an advocate of the 3-4 defense, which is incongruous with the current Cover-2 zone scheme that the Lions utilize, and is the defensive scheme utilized by both of the 2007 Super Bowl participants. The other obstacle is whether Parcells and Lions executive Tom Lewand could work in partnership as ably as Lewand has with Team President Matt Millen. In regards to Millen, who has been a miserable failure in his personnel decision making, the Lions would have to drastically reduce his input in personnel decisions and reduce his role within the organization. If the Fords are at all serious about changing their franchise's fortunes, they should at least investigate this possibility.

The Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz and Wide Receivers Coach Kippy Brown were both mentioned as candidates for recently available head coaching positions. Martz, who was mentioned as potential candidate for the jobs in Oakland and Miami, and Brown, who removed his name from consideration for the Grambling State University job, will both likely remain in Detroit for the 2007 season. Martz's name could resurface as a candidate as jobs become available, but his age and widely-perceived eccentricities may hinder his chances of being considered for any available positions,

The fact that Martz is probably staying, will have a major impact on the Lions future personnel decisions. The Lions are close to re-signing WR Mike Furrey, who would have already been re-signed had he and the Lions not disagreed over whether he should be paid as a number two receiver or not. The Lions will likely pursue Rams free agent WR Kevin Curtis as an outside receiver and move Furrey to the slot, if they are to sign Curtis. Martz's presence may also have an influence on whether the Lions draft an offensive skill player or offensive linemen with their upcoming 2007 draft pick.

The Lions are looking to replace recently fired Offensive Line coach Larry Beightol, who reportedly had numerous personality conflicts with Mike Martz. One name that has surfaced as a potential replacement is UCLA Offensive Line Coach Jim Colletto. The Lions may investigate other potential candidates while scouting prospects at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama this week. One intriguing candidate could be Steelers Offensive Line coach Russ Grimm, who was recently passed over for the Steelers head coaching job. Grimm interviewed for the vacant Lions head coaching position last year, but was not awarded the job. One school of thought is that Team President Matt Millen would offer his former Redskins teammate a position. That being said, one has to wonder whether he and Martz would see eye-to-eye on offensive line responsibilities, since Martz's pass-heavy scheme is drastically different from the smashmouth, run-first variety that the Steelers have subscribed to.