Detroit Lions Strategy And Personnel
DRAFT VISITS
CB Jimmy Smith, CB Prince Amukamara, DE Cam Jordan, LB Bruce Carter, WR Torrey Smith, Maryland, DE Greg Romeus, G/C Mike Pouncey, RB DeMarco Murray, DE Aldon Smith, Missouri, OG Will Rackley, RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois, LB Akeem Ayers, CB Ras-I Dowling, OT David Mims, OT Tyron Smith, CB Ammar Dyson
SCHEDULED
DE/LB Chris Carter, Fresno State, LB Doug Hogue, Syracuse, OL Johnny Culbreath, RB Alex Green, Hawaii
After appealing the league ruling on tampering charges, the Lions have retained their seventh-round choice in this year's draft that was originally forfeited. It is the second pick in the final round. The switch of positions with the Chiefs in the fifth round remains, and the Lions will forfeit a pick in the 2012 draft. If they make the playoffs this season, it will be a sixth-round pick and a seventh-pick if they don't.
TEAM NEEDS
Outside linebacker: This was by far the weakest link in the defense last season and three of the four players who started are gone. The problem is, there is a pronounced scarcity of outside linebackers in this draft that fit the Lions' 4-3 scheme.
Cornerback: The Lions have tendered Chris Houston, but there is still a chance he could be lost to free agency once the new collective bargaining agreement is in place. On the other side are promising but unproven players like Alphonso Smith and Prince Miller.
Offensive line: This unit is expected to return intact next season, but that line includes 34-year-old LT Jeff Backus entering the final year of his contract and RT Gosder Cherilus coming off micro-fracture knee surgery.
Running back: The Lions released Kevin Smith, leaving them with second-year Jahvid Best and veteran Maurice Morris. They have for years now lacked a true power back.
MEDICAL WATCH
No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER
None.
TRANSITION PLAYER
None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--CB Nathan Vasher: Potential UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS AQCUIRED
--S Erik Coleman: FA Falcons; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--CB Eric King (released).
--LB Julian Peterson (released/failed physical).
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