Tag: Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions should not add Baker Mayfield and or Deebo Samuel

Detroit Lions general manager, Brad Holmes told the media and the Lions fan base at his introductory press conference that he intended to build the core of his roster through the NFL Draft. Holmes cautioned this would take some time without putting a timeline on the roster restructure. Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has asked for a trade as the Browns have brought in  Deshaun Watson to call plays. In San Francisco wide receiver/ running back, Deebo Samuel has asked for a trade due to being over used and wanting to lineup just at receiver. The Detroit Lions should stay away from both players, here is why.

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 26: Detroit Lions helmets in the bench area prior to the week 16 NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons on December 26, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

If the Detroit Lions were closer to the end of a rebuild and ready to compete for division titles and playoff spots, then trading for either Samuel and or Mayfield could make some sense. After all both players are young and talented.

Jared Goff the current Detroit Lions quarterback is and should be the stopgap quarterback until the team is ready to draft a QB (which could happen in this years draft.) Baker Mayfield who’s character has come into question is better suited to call plays elsewhere in my opinion as Lions head coach Dan Campbell is still building the culture he wants.

Deebo Samuel is talented. There is not question, and no debate about it. While the Detroit Lions do have a need at the wide receiver position, does it make sense to either give up draft picks as well as then sign Samuel to a $20-$30 million per-year contact for a team that is not close (at this time) to winning?

Back to the comments Brad Holmes not only made but continues to bring up, building through the draft. Everyone likes quick fixes, I know I do. But in sports quick fixes are the equivalent of a band-aid. Meaning there is still much work to do to stop the bleeding of losing.

Holmes also said that the organization needs as much draft capital as they can get. Trading Matthew Stafford to the Ram last offseason helped the Lions acquire precious first round draft picks in 2022 and 2023. Judging by his comments made a few days ago, Holmes does not sound thrilled with the rising costs at the receiver position.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: A detail view of a NFL Crest logo is seen during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

That cost would not only be in money form, but if they traded for a player like Deebo Samuel it would surely cost at least one if not two first round draft picks. This is a retooling of a roster that has needed one in the worst way. I echo what Brad Holmes said the proper way is to build is through the draft and not rush by costing the team draft capital and salary cap space.

Drop a comment and let me know what you think of the Lions plan to build through the draft.

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By standing pat in free agency the Detroit Lions must nail the draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is next week. For the rebuilding Detroit Lions who did not make much noise in free agency the draft became that much more important. Detroit re-signed many of their own free agents to short deals in hopes that will be enough to win a few more games while building a core group of players through the draft. Theoretically that is the right path to take although it does put a lot of pressure on the front office to get the draft right.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have two first round draft picks which is certainly a nice luxury to have. Picking #2 overall and dead last in the first round, Lions general manager Brad Holmes must maximize this opportunity for the sake of the rebuild.

It should bother no one the Lions were pretty silent during the free agent period. This is not a great year for quarterbacks in the draft although there are a couple who are interesting prospects. Wide receiver, edge rusher and defensive backs are the flavor of this years draft.

It is widely being speculated the Detroit Lions may snatch one of the elite edge rushers at #2 then what? That seems to be anyone’s guess. Logically it seems that if the team drafts defense then they should go offense with the second first round pick.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 02: A general view of a Detroit Lions helmet before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 02, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Logic is out the window. Sort of. You hear the phrase “best player available” a lot leading up to and during the draft. That needs to be tossed for the Lions. They need a game plan for the draft. With the current roster any player the team drafts is the best available in other words no player on the roster is better than the newest draft pick.

If Brad Holmes can add a blend of offense and defense the way he did last year the Lions will be a better team. Not adding impactful free agents puts the spotlight on the general manager and scouting department who must produce a solid draft class.

 

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Detroit Lions and city of Detroit news

It took five years. Five agonizing pursuing years, but the city of Detroit has been awarded the 2024 NFL Draft. NFL owners voted and awarded Detroit the draft over Green Bay Wisconsin and Washington D.C.  Hundred of thousands of NFL fan flock each April to the site of the NFL Draft, it is the leagues second biggest event to the Super Bowl. In Detroit Lions news, the team has been selected to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks.

30 April 2021, US, Lake Forest: The caps of all 32 NFL teams are set for the draft of football player Amon-Ra St. Brown. In the draft, the 32 NFL teams get to take turns selecting young players. The prospective pros have no say in which team they begin their National Football League careers. (to dpa “Texans pick quarterback – St. Brown not yet selected in NFL draft”) Photo: Maximilian Haupt/dpa (Photo by Maximilian Haupt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The economic impact on the city that hosts the NFL Draft is between $95.5-$100 million for the three day event. The Detroit Lions have been petitioning the league since 2017.

Detroit has long been on of the best sports cities in the country. The Lions even when bad pack Ford Field. The 2024 draft may see the Lions at the end of the organization’s rebuild.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is a very voicetress polarizing he will be front and center when the Lions appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks. The show goes inside NFL training camps.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

For Lions fans it will be a good look into the culture that Dan Campbell and Detroit GM Brad Holmes are building. The popular HBO show, showcases raw access to players and coaches meeting rooms, training rooms, living quarters and practice fields.

The two events coming to a downtown Detroit that is on the upswing is a good move for the city. The funds generated will also help the city with other construction projects.

For Detroit Lions fans, this is proof that the old days of the Lions are gone. Now with a new owner, GM, rebuild the team is actually giving hope they will soon be competitive.

The early planning stages of the 2024 NFL draft include, live bands, fireworks around the city and other surprises.

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Detroit Lions remembering fullback (FB) Cory Schlesinger

Fullback is not a glamourous position by any means. The fullback gets charged with blocking, be it for the running backs or on a passing down. They get to carry the ball minimally. In today’s pass happy NFL the fullback position has nearly gone extinct.  But the good fullbacks they get remembered. In 1995 the Detroit Lions drafted a fullback out of the University of Nebraska in the sixth round, Cory Schlesinger who would become a Lions legend.

DETROIT – SEPTEMBER 10: Cory Schlesinger #30 of the Detroit Lions during a game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 10, 2006 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Seattle won the game 9-6. (Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Cory Schlesinger, is still remembered fondly by Detroit Lions fan’s as a player who laid devastating blocks for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. Schlesinger was also a special teams standout recording 118 tackles for the unit during his career.

Detroit Lions fans still get a charge out of how many face masks Schlesinger is said to have broken with his all-out style of play. The number of broken steel cages is said to be around the 200 mark.

Cory Schlesinger, was a Lions fan favorite. He also had the love and respect of his teammates and coaching staff. Being a student of the game has helped Schlesinger in all aspects of his life.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Former Detroit Lions legend, Jeff Chadwick holds a Legends Camp, where former NFL players come and instruct children in the finer points of the game. The former NFL players offer a lot of insight as they go through drills with the children.

For a student of the game like Cory Schlesinger, children can learn a lot from Cory and other former NFL players. The camp prepares young athletes for the next phase of football, where ever they fall.

The Legends Camp is action packed and is a great way for children to bond not only with fellow peers and people they may not know, but also former NFL players who  take time out of their own busy schedule to help children reach full potential on the football field, which they can carry with them in their own lives.

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Detroit Lions remembering wide receiver, Jeff Chadwick

Never underestimate the heart of a warrior. Jeff Chadwick who grew up in Michigan and was a high school track star attended Grand Valley State University. Chadwick was not drafted by an NFL team. Undeterred and clinging to his football dream, the Detroit Lions gave Chadwick a tryout. The rest as they say is history.

LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 1986: Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions runs upfield against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 1986. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images)

Joining the Detroit Lions wide receiver room in 1983, that already boasted NFL established players, Leonard Thompson, Mark Nichols, Freddie Scott and Robbie Martin. Jeff Chadwick would need to earn playing time. In the NFL nothing is just given to a player.

Little by little, game by game Chadwick saw his playing time increase. He became a reliable deep ball threat. Chadwick would also run across the middle of the field. In fact in his rookie season Chadwick amassed 40 receptions for 617 yards and four touchdowns.

1986 was statistically Jeff Chadwick’s best with the Lions, he had 53 receptions and 995 yards, Chadwick would go on to play for the Seattle Seahawks and  Los Angeles Rams, in a very solid NFL career.

Now days, Jeff Chadwick runs a football camp in Clare Michigan. Chadwick enlisted help from other former NFL players (many of which are former teammates) to help instruct and show children proper technique’s at all the different positions.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

It is a valuable lesson for children. It has a larger impact due to former NFL players who played at the most elite level of football. Less than one percent of the population plays in the NFL.

Yet, with former NFL players getting down and dirty and sweating along with the children going through the same drills it allows the children to gain a lifetime of memories and allows them to dream about perhaps playing in the NFL one day.

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Detroit Lions remembering quarterback, Eric Hipple

When NFL teams draft a player they usually do so because they believe the player can help them for years. That rang true for the Detroit Lions in the 1980 NFL Draft, when the franchise selected quarterback Eric Hipple out of Utah State University in the fourth round. Hipple would play his entire 10 year career with the Lions.

Football: Detroit Lions QB Eric Hipple (17) in action vs Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium.
Anaheim, CA 10/19/1986
CREDIT: Andy Hayt (Photo by Andy Hayt /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X33891 TK1 R4 F13 )

In the beginning Eric Hipple found trying to become a starting NFL quarterback tough sledding. When then Detroit Lions starting quarterback Gary Danielson sustained  an injury the third string Hipple got the call.

Eric Hipple did not enjoy instant success, he had to work at it. Through hard work and dedication Hipple became a solid NFL signal caller. In 1985, Eric Hipple enjoyed his best season as a Lions throwing 17 touchdowns.

Through it all Eric Hipple knows how hard work and dedication pay off. Hipple also understands how beneficial it is to listen to coach’s even when you do not always agree with them.

Eric Hipple’s former teammate Jeff Chadwick holds a summer football camp for children. This summer (July 13-14) children can learn from former NFL players.

Hipple will be attending the camp and instructing children what it takes to be a starting quarterback. The children will be put through a series of drills one on one in group settings.

As a player who had to fight to become a starting quarterback at the most elite level (NFL) Eric Hipple is a wealth of knowledge that can help children take the next step in their dream of taking a snap and throwing the ball downfield.

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Detroit Lions remembering OT/OG Scott Conover

Less than one percent of the American population get to experience being an NFL player. In the 1991 NFL draft, round 5 (118th overall) the Detroit Lions would make Scott Conover one of the less than one percent. His journey from the University of Purdue to Detroit was in and of itself curious and at the same time fascinating. While at Purdue Conover played mostly defensive end and then was switched to offensive guard.

Detroit Lions tackle Scott Conover warms up before the Lions 58-37 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1995 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on December 30, 1995 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Crisp/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions drafted Scott Conover to help the teams offensive line, keep in mind when he was drafted Conover had just one year experience playing guard. Now he would be expected to do it on the most elite level of football, the NFL.

In the 1994 Lions season Scott Conover scored a receiving touchdown. Conover played six NFL seasons before retiring. He now spends a portion of his time helping with youth football camps.

NOV 3 1987; Mike Harden puts a hit on Lions Jeff Chadwick before gaining any more yardage in the 3rd quarter.; (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Fellow Detroit Lions alum Jeff Chadwick, whom Conover did not have as a teammate yet know each other through various Lions events has a great youth football camp (July 13-14, 2022) is one of the youth camps that Conover attends with the intention of helping young athletes gain more knowledge of the ins and outs of football.

From small tips and pointers to large tips and pointers. Children of all ages gain a lot of useful information from Scott Conover. Conover is known at the camps to get down and dirty. He hits the pads and runs through the drills in hopes of showing children you never take it easy at any practice. Not to mention that it is a blessing and a gift to make the final cut and be on a team.

Children can learn a lot from a former NFL player who played defense in college and switched to offense at the tail end of his college career.

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Detroit Lions remembering LB, Jimmy Williams

“He has a nose for the ball,” that is a phrase that more times than not is associated with a linebacker. The Detroit Lions have had some solid linebackers over the years, Joe Schmidt, Ken Fantetti , Mike Cofer, Chris Spielman, George Jamison, are some of the more “household” names. I would like to submit a former linebacker that I believe has fallen through the cracks of time, Jimmy Williams.

Jimmy Williams had a very good college career at the University of Nebraska. In fact Williams was voted first team All-American in 1981 (Kodak,) Williams was voted second team All-American 1981 (AP,) also during the 1981 Cornhuskers season Jimmy Williams was voted three-time Nebraska Defensive Player-of-the-Week.

ANAHEIM, CA – OCTOBER 2: Jimmy Williams #59 and William Graham #33 of the Detroit Lions battle for possesion of the ball against Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams during a game at Anaheim Stadium on October 2, 1983 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 21-10 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Williams fantastic ’81 season lead to the Detroit Lions selecting him in the first round (15th overall) in the 1982 NFL draft. What followed was perhaps the most underrated Lions linebacker career, all Jimmy Williams did was make plays.

Jimmy Williams would play nine of his 11 NFL seasons in Motown. Where he would lead the Lions in tackles. Williams seemed to always be around the football, remember the “he has a nose for the ball” phrase? That was Jimmy Williams.

There have been fan viewed bigger names at the linebacker position for the Lions over the years. But those of us who saw Jimmy Williams play, remember just how solid and fluid he was.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

In his post playing days Williams has been in coaching. In fact he started coaching in 1994. Jimmy Williams is going to take part in former Detroit Lions wide receiver (not to mention former teammate) Jeff Chadwick‘s Legends Camp.

Imagine a child being taught the game of football by former NFL players and the knowledge they provide. Throw in someone like Jimmy Williams who not only played at the highest level in football but went on to coach. That is a lot of knowledge right there.

July 13 (ages 8-12) and July 14 (ages 13-18) 2022 are dates to keep in mind. For just $89 children can learn from former NFL players. The experience will be incredible the knowledge will last a lifetime.

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With the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, Detroit Lions fans should be excited about the future

The 3-13-1 regular season record does not sound like a bright future is ahead for the Detroit Lions. What if I told you that given the state of the L.A. Rams, the Lions future has very good potential? This is not a “homer” or “drink the kool-aid” write up, so ditch that thought right now. This is what I see looking at both teams. One playing in the NFC Championship Game (Rams) and one trying to reverse it’s fortunes (Lions.)

General view of the Kool-Aid man in the Kool-Aid lounge during the after party for “Spy Kids: All The Time In The World 4D” Los Angeles premiere co-sponsored by Osh Kosh B-Gosh & Kool-Aid at the EPSN Zone at L.A. Live on July 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. *** Local Caption ***

The Los Angeles Rams are a very good football team and on on the cusp of grabbing a spot in Super Bowl LVI (56.) The Detroit Lions are rebuilding….. again. However this is where hope comes in, hope in the form of Lions general manager Brad Holmes.

Holmes you may recall spent 18 years working in the Rams organization.  You see Brad Holmes played a large role in the Rams roster building. Holmes is known for getting tremendous talent in the mid to late rounds of NFL Draft’s. Something he demonstrated with his first Detroit Lions draft class.

With seven draft picks in last years NFL Draft, six of Brad Holmes seven picks became starters during the 2021 Detroit Lions season. The seventh draft pick gained more playing time as the season moved along.

The Lions traded longtime starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams and cashed in. Holmes has two- first round draft picks, a second round draft pick and three third round draft picks as well as one each in rounds 4-7. One more draft tidbit of note the Lions have been awarded an NFL record three compensatory draft picks due to free agents who signed with other teams.

As if the plethora of draft picks was not enough the Lions will have $35 million in available salary cap space and will be able to bring in a few big name players to push the rebuild along. That is something Brad Holmes spoke about after the season.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 28: General Manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Holmes told reporters that he now intends to add players, signaling that 2021 was a bottoming out season for the Lions. NFL rebuild are faster that other sports.

For Detroit Lions fans take a look at the L.A. Rams. If you like what you see and it is hard not to, imagine that coming to Motown.

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Draft position aside, the Detroit Lions need to build the culture

The Detroit Lions are 2-11-1 on the season. Do not let that fool you, the Lions are better than the record would indicate. For weeks the Lions seemed locked into an destined for the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. By beating the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday the Lions fell to the second pick at least for now. Here is the catch. Draft position does not matter. Really. Detroit will still pick in the first 10 draft slots and by all accounts they will get an elite player. That should not be the focus.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 28: General Manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Perhaps you have heard the phrase that reverberates around sports franchises, “build the culture.” So what exactly is building the culture? The phrase in it’s truest meaning is an expression of team values, attitudes and goals. Building the culture put’s the team’s focus on winning, improvement and promotes team successes.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said that is critical to the teams success by laying a solid foundation of culture building. Head coach Dan Campbell echoed the same thing. The fact that the Lions are winning games late in the season is a good thing.

This is a rebuild. Dan Campbell and his coaching staff have done a remarkable job with a roster void of a bunch of talent. The Lions have lost many close games. The fact they are starting to win some shows a few things.

Players have clearly bought into what Holmes and Campbell are trying to do. The team has fought hard and not given up even as losses mounted. The Lions are not even close to being the worst team in the NFL.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs onto the field during an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Another thing that has become clear, the organization does not seem to mind sliding in draft position either. Players are focused on winning games, the coaching staff is focused on getting everyone better prepared.

Fans need to look past draft picks. It is far more important to build the culture simply because that has a far reaching impact on the team moving forward.