On Friday, ESPN blogger, Kevin Seifert published an article identifying teams' hidden draft needs. To be honest, I never cared much for Kevin when he worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, but I have grown to like and appreciate his work for ESPN.
Not to say I agree with everything...
So with all respect due to Mr. Seifert, here is a rebuttal:
With DeAndre Levy set to start at middle linebacker, the Lions don't have much depth behind outside linebackers Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims. Peterson will be 32 when training camp begins, and the Lions will need to identify a successor soon.
This would've been entirely true, two months ago. Since then, the Detroit Lions have signed three linebackers, Ashlee Palmer, Caleb Campbell and Landon Johnson.
Add those names to the starters and holdovers—Jordan Dizon, Vinny Ciurciu, and Zack Follett and all of a sudden, the Lions are crowded at linebacker.
Depth? Got it...Landon Johnson can back up every single LB position and Ashlee Palmer can be a reserve both OLB positions. Dizon has experience at both MLB and SLB and Follett was used as a situational pass rusher last year.
Special teams ability? Got it...Johnson, Ciurciu, Palmer and Follett are all good special teams players and Campbell is a converted safety that looks perfect for the role.
Seifert continues...
And as long as we're talking about under-the-radar needs, we might as well include a placekicker. Jason Hanson is coming off a relatively down year, having missed seven of his 28 field goals, and will turn 40 in June. This is hardly a top need for the Lions, but perhaps they could identify Hanson's eventual successor late in the draft.
While I don't disagree with the basic premise, I disagree that its a need—under the radar or not. Hanson is coming off a disappointing season, but only in comparison to his amazing 2008. Hanson still shows the ability to reach the endzone with consistency on kickoffs and handle longer field goals.
Could the Lions grab a LB or K? Of course. The Lions are committed to taking the Best Player Available and that leaves everything but a first round QB or TE on the table.
However, considering both a shallow LB class and the crap shoot that is drafted kickers, it is probably best if the Lions avoid both positions unless they're overwhelmed with value.
Michael Schottey operates Blue And Silver Pride and is a Detroit Lions featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He also serves as a team correspondent for DraftTek.com and is a guest blogger for Mlive's Highlight Reel. Check out his Podcasts and add him on Twitter!
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