One area where the Lions should be much improved defensively is in nickel situations where Boss Bailey, who was injured all of last season, will line up at linebacker with Alex Lewis. Bailey will replace Teddy Lehman, who did a decent job, but doesn't have Bailey's speed, instinct for playing zone coverage and playmaking ability. Lewis also has excellent speed and has a good knack of when, and how far, to drop. Both players need to improve in one-on-one coverage, but they only have one year of experience each, so that should improve with more playing time. Lewis has shown some pass-rush ability, but he's undersized and can get knocked off track too easily. Look for the Lions to spend more time with Bailey in pass-rushing drills. . . .


The Lions are still looking for candidates to back up Pro Bowl return specialist Eddie Drummond. Free-agent receiver Kevin Johnson is currently slated as the No. 2 punt returner, but neither the team nor Johnson wants to see that going into the regular season. The backup kick returner right now would likely be Shawn Bryson, who is solid but doesn't have enough burst to be a significant threat.


SCOUTING REPORT: Second-year receiver Roy Williams has the ideal blend of size, speed and soft hands. He's an excellent route-runner with good football intelligence and field awareness. He's tough but not foolish. Williams will go over the middle, catch the ball in traffic and lay out for the ball, but he won't give a hard-charging safety or linebacker a free shot at his exposed ribs, and he makes no apologies about it. He needs to improve his blocking technique, but Williams showed his grit last season when he played a half-dozen games on one good ankle, able to cut in only one direction. Because he'll be sharing the ball with Charles Rogers and Mike Williams, Roy Williams might not put up gaudy numbers, but he has a nose for the end zone -- and the highlight reel.


POSITION BATTLE: It's going to be a three-way fight for the starting right tackle spot, and the leading candidate is the only guy who has yet to take an NFL snap -- second-year player Kelly Butler. The Lions acquired restricted free agent Kyle Kosier, who has starting experience, but they want to keep him as a backup because of his versatility to play four line positions. Victor Rogers, who has 14 career NFL snaps for experience, is probably the most athletic of the three and is a decent pass protector, but Butler is stronger, plays tougher and has more long-term upside. All three players will be given a fair shot at the job but, if all things are equal, Butler will get the nod.


JUNE 1 CUTS: None. The Lions already released veterans WR Az Hakim and S Brock Marion so that they wouldn't have dead money on the books in 2006.


SAFETIES ANALYSIS: Grade: B-. Free agent Kenoy Kennedy gives the team an immediate and menacing presence. Free safety Terrence Holt has a lot of playmaking potential but is unproven.




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I thought one of the reasons we brought in Jamel White, RB, was to be the back up to Drummond.





I see Butler getting this job assuming the Lions don't make a play for Kyle Turley; which is possible but not likely. (Discussion in different thread).





I'm not convinced this is true.

Who would the Lions cut on June 1st? Earl Holmes? If Holmes gets cut, it will be as part of the late pre-season releases. The June 1st cuts are typically cap related and I don't think the Lions have any cap issues to drive such moves. If the Lions make a serious play for Ty Law or RW McQuarters, then they may have to release someone.



Regarding the projected June 1st cuts from other teams and other available free agents, the player I would like most to see the Lions make a run at is Lance Shulters. Although another cornerback is a nice 'to have' talent, I am still concerned with our overall depth at safety. Kenoy Kennedy is the only proven player back there worth a damn. Although I like what I've seen of Terrence Holt, his lack of ideal speed for the free safety position scares me. Bracy Walker should have NEVER been re-signed for this team, and the other host of characters are extremely suspect. As of right now, this is the position on the team that concerns me beyond all others.

I meant that statement in exactly this context. Not necessarily the DAY of 1/Jun - but once Millen sees who's available.

I don't believe they are happy with the Secondary - and they shouldn't be. There's holes (Walker and no back up at FS) Consistant injuries (literaly everyone except for Holt, Smith, Kennedy and Walker) and inexperience (Holt, Smith, Wilson). So I think something is emanate.

In fact... I'll take it a step further. I think something very big could happen.

I thought one of the reasons we brought in Jamel White, RB, was to be the back up to Drummond.


Right. For now I think K Johnson and Jamal White are the backups. If some how we got Law, he could also return kicks.

I thought Wilson might try at KR/PR. He is fast enough and doesnt cost a lot, plus we are flush at CB right now. Mooch has said he wanted to try him at FS also. The more I think about it the more I like the idea of Law, (if healthy). What that does is put Bly and Law, Bryant at Nickel, Smith a Dime or a move to FS for Smith and Wilson at Dime. What a secondary that would make. You put your 4.2 guy on their fastest receiver, your Killer on anyone who comes across the middle with Bailey and lehman or Davis at LB with the Bigs, Hall and Cody up front. Now who is going to beat that?

WHEN IS THE SEASON GONNA START???????!!!!!!!

I would only use Jamel White as the backup KR/PR. Johnson and Law are too old and frail to be returning kicks IMO. I can't imagine Law returning kicks unless they put that clause in his contract. Stanley Wilson could be a possibility. Obviously the kid has speed and burst, gotta make sure on the hands though. If I see a muffed PR, all hell will break loose.

What you gonna do? Lay down some Brawny Lad on their arses, smack em around with the Slim Jim, or stuff their throats full of Swiss Misses?


http://www.team188.com/features/brawny/

All of the above. As well as try find a cat to punch Maybe I'll find out where he lives and go drop a bomb in his closet like Najeh Davenport when he broke into that skank's dorm room and dropped one in her laundry basket.

Punch this cat and you'll likely loose your life

OMG!! Look at the pussy on this chick!

...just thought this would be a good place for my avatar to go...

Too big if you asked me...makes my dog seem small.

(ba-bum-bum-ching)

That cat could open huge holes for KJ, let's put him at right tackle.