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There are a lot of teams looking for quarterbacks in this year's draft, but the Detroit Lions aren't one of them. They believe in Matt Stafford, and it's easy to see why. He's accurate, confident, smart and talented.
Greg Monroe does not have the explosiveness of the Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, nor the size and power of the Sacramento Kings' DeMarcus Cousins, but he's been as effective as any rookie post player since the All-Star break.
"What is most important right now is getting ready to play football in 2011," said team president Tom Lewand March 12, hours after the league imposed a lockout.
Commissioner Roger Goodell says an appeal has been filed after the NFL ruled last month that the Detroit Lions violated the league's policy against tampering.
The one thing both Lions' players and managers agree upon is that, one way or another, football will be played in 2011.
Club president Lewand was asked if the Lions had appealed the tampering charges levied against the team.
Look at it like this: The Lions have 10 players left on the roster from the eight drafts supervised by former general manager Matt Millen (2001-2008).
Outside linebacker: Mayhew said he viewed both Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer as candidates to start at outside linebacker next season.
The Lions' offensive and defensive lines are expected to return intact whenever the 2011 season rolls around. The defensive line is, in fact, the strength of the team.
Schwartz is still reluctant to discuss the rehab of QB Matthew Stafford, except to say, "I feel optimistic he'll have a good rehab."
Kevin Smith wasn't surprised the Detroit Lions chose not to offer him a contract. The running back just hopes the NFL labor deal gets done soon so he can find a new home in the league.
The Lions may have a new #34 this upcoming season since it won't be Kevin Smith.
Traditionally, the most overused cliché prior to the NFL Draft is, "The best player available."
The Lions clearly are looking hard at group of four offensive tackles with their 13th overall pick - USC's Tyron Smith, Colorado's Nate Solder, Boston College's Anthony Castonzo and Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi.
