Detroit Lions: it is draft day

Embed from Getty Images Today players who have worked to get to the NFL will get the call. Some early and some late. For the Detroit Lions, it is a very important draft for a team on the cusp to take the next step.

Bob Quinn, Detroit general manager seems to have a rule of thumb about the players he selects. Much like the New England Patriots for whom Quinn, used to work for. He seems to go for dependable players. Over splash and hyped players.

The Detroit Lions, who currently hold the #20 pick in the first round could have their pick of a defensive stand out. Or a much needed running back. Two players I like are Alabama’s defensive end Da’ Ron Payne or LSU running back Derrius Guice.

I am not a general manager, It is very possible Bob Quinn, is locked into some other player. By looking at his past draft picks. Quinn, is going to get players who are both dependable and consistent in their play.

Big names be damned. It is about bring the Detroit Lions, more consistent play across the board. They are very close to being a very good football team. But, there is work to be done.

It is always fun to see the look on players faces as their name is called. It is also fun to play couch general manager and comb over the draft picks. With Bob Quinn, and his Patriots ties I personally have a hard time seeing Detroit, select a running back in the first round.

This is a very deep talented  draft for running backs. So good talent can be found in the second through last round of the draft. It also provides the team with better value for the draft pick.

So starting tonight the 2018 Detroit Lions, roster will start to take shape. And hopefully a step closer to a championship.

Detroit Lions: need to be at least 9-7

Embed from Getty Images Matt Patricia, was brought in because the Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn, wanted a coach who would push the team to a championship level. It was and is a gamble.

After former Detroit, Jim Caldwell posted back to back 9-7 records with a playoff appearance Bob Quinn demanded more.He’s in charge so it is his call to make.

Matt Patrica, the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator came to the Detroit Lions with his marks from current and former players as well as members of the New England coaching staff. The loudest praise came for Patriots head coach Bill  Belichick.

The move had better be the right one. Caldwell, had the Lions playing more consistent on the grid iron. So in order for this move to be considered justifiable or successful in his first season Matt Patricia must finish no worse than 9-7.

I know full well that is not setting the bar very high. In year one of a new coaching staff there are going to be issues as players learn a new system and new language. There will be great moments and disappointing ones to be sure.

The Detroit Lions still have huge glaring needs at defensive end, running back, tight end as well as offensive guard. That is a lot to upgrade in year one. Even if Bob Quinn and his staff draft those positions the team would be counting on rookies to deliver right away.

While I do believe Matt Patrica, will be a very good head coach. I can make the case it will not be in year one. So 9-7 is the bench mark. Otherwise Bob Quinn, will endure public wrath of fans for replace a coach that posted back to back winning seasons.

Detroit Lions: draft needs

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions are in the best shape of all the Detroit sports teams. Yet, there is work to be done in order for the team to contend year in and year out.

 

As the 2018 NFL draft nears. Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn, needs to prioritize the top needs to push the Lions, to be more consistent in all phases of the game. My uneducated list is as follows.

Tight end. Eric Ebron, could not catch the ball consistently and Detroit released him and moved on. In order for the Lions offense to be better balanced a solid tight end is needed.

Defensive end. This group was woeful at best. They could not get the push needed and it hurt the rest of the defensive unit badly at times. To me this needs to be addressed in the first two round.

Running back.  Three years of Ameer Abdullah. Three years the Detroit Lions have been dead last in the entire NFL in rushing. Simply put that is unacceptable. To me this should be a first round choice. In a year of good running backs available why not get one of the best?

Offensive guard. Graham  Glasgow, suffered a sophomore slump. He still played well at times. Now it seems Detroit, is moving him to center. Travis Sawnson is oft injured and when healthy is below average and was not resigned by the team. If the team brings in a new running back how about a new guard to help open run lanes?

So there it is in no certain order. My list of Detroit Lions draft needs. We’ll see how it plays out next weekend.

Detroit Lions: Jarrad Davis

Embed from Getty Images A first round draft selection in last years NFL draft. The Detroit Lions have chosen to build around linebacker Jarrad Davis. For good reason.

Jarrad Davis, struggled at times last season. Many young linebackers do. In fact he was taken completely out of third down coverage because he had blown a few passing assignments.

He fought through an early season neck injury. Then it began to click for him. He’s pass coverage improved. It also became increasingly clear to the Detroit Lions, Davis was a special player. Someone who could anchor the linebackers.

With new head coach Matt Patrica, on board Jarrad, was said to be thrilled. Meanwhile Patrica who knows a thing or two about defensive players said he was excited to get to work with the young player.

It will be fun to watch Jarrad Davis’s, growth as a player. The Lions, suddenly have a very good, very solid group at linebacker. They also have a head coach and coaching staff who will utilize the speed this group has to strengthen the entire defense.

The Lions, fan base should be happy. I feel this is the best group of linebackers the Detroit Lions have had since the early 1990’s.

Detroit Lions: too buddy, buddy

Embed from Getty Images In any sport it is a very good thing when everyone is on the same page. Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn have brought that to the Detroit Lions. But is it too much?

As soon as the Lions hired Matt, all we heard about was not only how close he was to general manager Bob Quinn from days gone by in New England as part of the Patriots organization. But how close the two co-workers families are.
They have been seen everywhere together seemingly joined at the hip if you will. Which begs the question can coach and general manager be too close?
It is both human nature and healthy to have disagreements on issues. That opens up communication. If two people never disagree it’s not always bad.
I dare say if they work together day in and day out (which they do) and they have a history together (which they do) then they truly could just be of one accord. Great!
In my opinion this is good in free agency. The coach should have a say. But ultimately the general manager should make the final call. The same process is true in the NFL draft.
In the end it is not a bad thing the two are friends. In fact it is kind of refreshing. As the Detroit Lions prepare for this year draft. We will see what they’re minds have come up with as a way to help push the team forward.

Detroit Lions offering second chances

Embed from Getty Images We all fall short in life. No matter if it is our upbringing, curses, someone does something to us or we just make bad choices.

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, recently said that under the right situation and depending the depth of the issue he would “be open to giving a person another chance.”
Notice he said person and not player. He is humanizing the subject. Patricia went on to say he went into coaching to “make a difference in people’s lives.”
That is very refreshing to hear. Giving the win now attitude of teams, owners and fans. General manager Bob Quinn has done his best to steer clear of “red flag” players.
Yes, it is true that a certain amount of homework must be done before considering if a player should be blessed with a second chance. It is also true that every single person should have a second chance. Why do you think we feel good when there is a comeback?
I invite you to think back on your life and think of a time a better choice should or could have been made. Were you shunned? We need to show others the same mercy we have received.
We as a society need to stop judging people from a mistake. And embrace them and help them. The Detroit Lions reaffirmed for me Matt Patricia is the right guy to lead them.

Detroit Lions to move up, down or stay put?

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn, has gone on record as saying he would like to acquire more draft picks. With team needs at offensive guard, running back and defensive end he should have his pick in a deep draft at those positions.

I believe the Detroit Lions should stay put. Unless they have fallen in love with a prospect during the 2018 NFL combine. In my opinion there are only 2 offensive guards worth drafting in the first round. There is one clear cut defensive end available. This is a running back deep draft.
Unless Bob Quinn is prepared to give up multiple draft picks to move up the team should stay right where they are. I believe Quinn tipped his hat when he said he would like to attain more draft picks.
The Lions could get more draft picks moving up they would lose picks as it generally costs too much to move up in the draft.
I also, believe staying put gives Detroit the opportunity to draft a player who can step in and help immediately. Detroit Lions fans probably will not know what will happen until draft day. Bob Quinn generally drafts well.
The the anticipation is what draws us in.

Matt Patrica: a players coach with and edge

Embed from Getty Images He is not gruff. He is very well spoken. He is highly intelligent, in fact he is literally a rocket scientist. But do not be fooled. Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia also has an edgy side to him.

His former players with the New England Patriots have nothing but high love, respect and genuine admiration for they’re former defensive coordinator.
It is just not the defensive players. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady called Patricia “one of my all time favorite coaches.” That was not just lip service. It is a common theme.
He came to Detroit in a very light hearted press conference. He joked. He smiled. He was articulate. But, as his former players heaped the praise on him they also mentioned in the next breath. Matt Patricia is a very demanding coach.
He gets his point across and it does not matter if a rookie or a ten year veteran. That is a tall tale sign of a good coach. In some aspects it is much like being a father.
Love them. Instruct them. Teach them. Listen to them. Then when they mess up go to them and handle it. Put all the boarders up so there is no grey area.
Matt Patricia, is the right head coach for the Detroit Lions. He is orderly and precise. Something the organization has lacked at times.
It will be interesting to see how he handles the day to day nuances of coaching duties.

Detroit Lions still rebuilding

Embed from Getty Images The Last championship was 1957. It’s all been downhill from there. The Detroit Lions have been in an 61 year rebuild ever since.

That’s not fun to read and it certainly was not fun to put down. That said I believe the Detroit Lions are close to being a model of consistency in the NFL. But being a Lions fan is not easy.
General manager Bob Quinn has masterfully added players in free agency and added both depth and quality personnel to the roster. And now we find ourselves heading into April’s 2018 NFL draft.
Lions fans know the needs. Defensive ends, running back, offensive guard are at the forefront of needs that must be addressed. I feel they will. As guard and running backs are very strong in this draft.
The Detroit Lions are in good shape headed into the draft. Free agency has yielded in my opinion better more athletic linebackers. They are certainly better at tight end. And finally have a solid conerback opposite Darius Slay. Although the secondary was not a huge weakness.
I’m both very interested and curious to see where Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia go in the draft. They are a lot of good options that can help improve the team moving forward. With glaring needs I have faith Quinn will adress them.
This is a great time to be doing homework on every player who will be available. That is what I am doing. I want to know when the name is called what that player brings to the table.
So get excited Detroit Lions fans. The team is coming together.