Detroit Lions NFL Draft WarRoom

by Jon Dove on May 10, 2011 1:00 PM EDT

Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team's draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.

Offensive Scheme: Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan likes to run a balanced offense that works play action. The Lions are committed to establishing the run even if it doesn't produce the desired results. However, they are not afraid to open it up down the field mainly because they have weapons like Calvin Johnson. The one thing the receiving corps has been missing is a speed threat opposite Johnson. Everyone needs to keep in mind that the Lions are working to improve their talent so they are not able to run every play in the book.

Defensive Scheme: This defense was built from the defensive line out and that unit has a lot of talent. It has a good mix of young athletic players and savvy vets. Creating pressure with the front 4 allows defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham to drop more people into coverage. They employ a 4-3 base with some cover two tendencies but will mix in man coverage as well.

Thoughts: Since Jim Schwartz and Martin Mayhew took over, the Lions have made great draft decisions and filled a talentless team with hope. Their first draft brought them a franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford and while he has struggled to remain healthy the future remains bright. Since the Stafford selection, the Lions have done a good job balancing their selections between offense and defense. They have provided Stafford with weapons while not neglecting the defensive side of the ball. This past draft they went out and brought in 3 players that will make an immediate impact and has some thinking a possible playoff run. Overall, there draft strategy has appeared to focus on best player available but I can see where need plays a role. This WarRoom is improving this team each and every year and have made sound decisions with their choices.

Five Year Record: 18- 62

Coach: Jim Schwartz

GM: Martin Mayhew

Draft History: Click Here to see a complete draft history

Best Pick: Ndamukong Suh

Worst Pick: Derrick Williams

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Lions still need 1 more draft before I'll start saying playoff-bound

I think they’ll finish 8-8/9-7, miss the playoffs, still have a top 20 pick.

"The right (draft) move sometimes might be to strengthen a strength. Filling holes in the 1st round leads to grabs and busts." - Steve_Chiefs.

by JazzyBBP on May 10, 2011 5:36 PM EDT reply actions

This coming draft should be great for the Lions

With the LT’s and all

by ICEICETHATGUY13 on May 10, 2011 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

sigh

RIP KURTIS CHAIVRE

by det32 on May 13, 2011 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions

man that 5 year record is rough lol

but Suh makes it a whole lot better lol

by vitzeng on May 10, 2011 10:03 PM EDT reply actions

I have had more of the kool aid than Jazzy. I think the Lions are playoff quality now.

Actually, I thought they had an outside chance last year but the carousel at QB was too much to overcome.

Jon, I sort of agree with you about the Lions draft strategy. They do go with BPA, but the players they take are taken to fit a particular role in their scheme.
In hindsight, Fairley is a near perfect fit in Detroit’s D Line. Athletic, nasty, and a great penetrator and pass rusher. This was a great long term pick that will still contribute in the short term.
Young and Leshoure are more playmakers on offence that will allow the Lions to be more multidimensional. Last year, we really had no credible three WR sets or short yardage running game. This should allow the Lions to run more and pass less, while going deeper down the field more often.

I like that Mayhew is not afraid to be aggressive and get the players that he thinks fit the Detroit scheme to a tee. While the loss of later round draft picks is not good, he seems to be successful in his trades and waiver/UDFA acquisitions that add those depth players.
As Detroit improves and their spot in the waiver line drops farther down, it will be tougher to pick up those useful cast offs.

After ten years in the wilderness, I have faith that the Lions are on the right track.

"Filling a need doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good player," said Schwartz. "It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that best fits; it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting a player that’s better than what you have already."

by NorthLeft12 on May 11, 2011 8:11 AM EDT reply actions