Detroit Lions

The Lions were once again one of the league's worst teams in 2006. After finally drafting something other than a wide receiver in the first round, (and a mighty good player in Ernie Simms) the Lions remained one of the bottom dwellers in a bad NFC North. Kevin Jones went down late in the '06 season, and as a result the Lions have traded for Tatum Bell (losing Dre Bly in the process) and singed hefty former first round pick, T.J. Duckett to a one year deal. If Jones is out, at least the Lions will have admirable backups. Jon Kitna played well at times in Mike Martz "let it fly" system, tossing 21 touchdowns, but also losing 22 interceptions in the process, something very common in Martz's scheme. Roy Williams had a nice year in Detroit, showing why the Lions selected him with their first rounder pick 4 years ago. And Mike Furrey had a career year after spending 2005 as a safety. Big Mike put his hands on 98 balls, leading the NFC in receptions while catching 6 touchdowns. Overall, the Lions remained a consistent disappointment under Matt Millen's managerial regime, while Rod Marinelli couldn't turn things around in his first season. It will be interesting to see if Marinelli's toughness and strict coaching style pulls the slack out of Detroit and turns them around in '07.

Recent Records:

2004: 6-10 2005: 5-11 2006: 3-13

Off-Season Plans:

6-10, 5-11. 3-13… Do you see a trend here? God knows I sure do. The Lions, regardless of how many high draft picks they add to their squad, continue to fail in their pursuit of happiness. Fans are starting to throw things, and many hope every day that Barry Sanders will come back, ending the terrible nightmare that has ensued since his departure from the league many years ago. If you're a Lions fan, I'm sorry, because I don't see much changing in 2007. Adding Dwayne White, (former Buc defensive end) should help a very bad defense in Detroit, but losing Dre Bly can't help. Tatum Bell could excel in Mike Martz' system, but then again, he could be fumble happy and just another backup when Jones' returns, if he ever does. Millen never seems to make the right decision, and while this season the draft has a plethora of fancy skill position players that would help the Lions, Matt is almost sure to mess it up, and go with a "safe pick" this time around. If there was ever a time Matt should follow his fantasy team ideal of drafting, this would be the year. Expect the Lions to pass on the best receiving prospect of all time, Calvin Johnson, only to take a lineman or trade down for a defensive upgrade. But then again, trading down isn't part of Millen's repertoire. Millen reminds me of the little league baseball coach who thinks his kid is the best player in the league. Everyone knows that dad's kid sucks, can't hit or throw, but they let Matt believe his kid is awesome, and therefore Matt's team gets a bad pick, and they lose every year. That might not make sense, but this will, Millen can't manage a winner. There, I said it. Good luck Detroit, you'll need it to rack up a nickels worth of wins next season. Here's to hoping the Lions make the right decision and select Brady Quinn, a young super star in the waiting on a team where Jon Kitna is the best option.

See the LIONS draft situation at Lucky's Mock Draft!