It’s hard to believe, but the Detroit Lions are starting to act like a real NFL franchise.
This is a drastic turn around from the previous regime that helped run the organization into the ground and become the only NFL team to go 0–16 during the regular season. Let’s take a look at what the Lions have done to gets things turned around.
For starters, they have done an amazing job at throwing up smoke screens when it comes to who they are going to select No. 1 in the 2009 NFL draft.
Though many of the ‘draft experts’ in the media have said Detroit is going to select Matt Stafford, the team has not shown their hand.
In fact, they have started to create some doubt as to who they are going to take with the first overall selection.
Over the past week, the Lions have been visited by the agents for Stafford, linebacker Aaron Curry and offensive lineman Jason Smith. Reports have been circulating that Stafford is going to be receive a contract with $40 million in guaranteed money.
But if Detroit decides to save some money, along with making a safer selection, they could select Smith or Curry with their first overall pick.
Each player would probably save the Lions $5 to $7 million while addressing two of the major problems with their team – offensive line and the horrid defense that finished dead last in 2008.
Don’t forget the Lions will be entering the draft with 10 picks, including five of the top 82 selections.
When it came to free agency, the Lions may have not signed the biggest free agent available but what they did do was address their needs.
The picked up a solid veteran presence at the outside linebacker position by signing former Seahawk Julian Peterson. Detroit was also able to dump Jon Kitna into the lap of the Dallas Cowboys for a serviceable safety by acquiring Anthony Henry.
And let’s not forget the trade of wide receiver Roy Williams to the Cowboys for a first-round pick.
Detroit did a solid job revamping their coaching staff as well, bringing in Jim Schwartz as their head coach and veteran assistants Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham.
Kudos to rookie general manager Martin Mayhew, who has done a decent job since Detroit decided to dump Matt Millen.
Of course, Detroit can offset all of these positive steps on Saturday by making rash decisions, but the way things have been shaping up for the franchise during this offseason, it looks like the Lions have turned the corner and finally have become a real NFL franchise.
