April 22, 2008...6:26 pm
Detroit Lions Draft 2008
Read more about the upcoming Draft at NFLDraftBible.com
Lions 2007 season record: 7-9
Team Needs for the 2008 Draft:
1. Defensive Tackle: Detroit is making an effort to re-tool its defensive strategy and secondary to a “Tampa2″ style which is dependent on pressure up front. The trade of Shaun Rogers to Cleveland prompted Detroit to fill the void with Chuck Darby via free-agency. However, Darby is 32-years-old and coming off a knee injury that limited him to just six games last season in Seattle. Cory Redding (Draft-3 (’03) returns after setting a career-high for tackles (78) in 2007 while also being named the team’s defensive captain. That said, the new look secondary will only be as good as the Lions pass rush and the team needs to add depth to its rotation at defensive tackle.
2. Running Back: After two years under Mike Martz’s pass-heavy offense the Lions are looking towards a more balanced approach in 2008 from new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto. Colletto wants to help improve the running game by implementing a zone blocking scheme up front. This makes Tatum Bell the favorite to start because of his familiarity with the system from his days in Denver (2004-2007).However, the Lions are inexperienced behind Bell as back-up Brian Calhoun (Draft-3 (’06) only has 14 yards on 11 carries in two seasons.
3. Right Tackle: Currently, the team is without a bona-fide starting right tackle. Both, Jonathan Scott (Draft-5 (’06) and George Foster shared time in the starting role last season. Scott appeared to have the upper hand vs. Foster until suffering a hamstring injury in late November. On the other hand, Foster has the advantage of having played in Denver (zone blocking) for five seasons.
4. Offensive Lineman: The offensive line is anchored by left tackle Jeff Backus (Draft-1 ‘01) and center Dominic Raiola. Although Backus has never missed a game or start (112 consecutive starts) since being drafted, the Lions are without a true left tackle behind Backus on its depth chart. Second stringer Manny Ramirez has only seen action in one NFL game and Ben Noll, is typically reserved for the practice squad.
5. Tight End: Starting tight end Dan Campell has already established himself as one of the league’s premier blockers. Conversely, Campell is still developing as a pass catcher and is also recovering from an elbow injury that limited him to just two games in 2007. The Lions added Michael Gaines via free-agency after he set career-highs in Buffalo with 14 starts, 25 receptions and 215 receiving yards but, the team could use a more dynamic pass receiving tight end to complement Campell.
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