Detroit Lions IDP Report

[RWings]

Here's my crack at the Lions IDP report. The word is that 2nd year Defensive Coordinator Dick Jauron is going to use several different formations and personnel groups in their nickel and dime packages so it'll be interesting how that affects some of the players like Boss Bailey, Teddy Lehman and Kenoy Kennedy. Anyway, here it is:

 

 

 

Defensive Line - RDE James Hall (6 yr pro; 48 tackles, 11.5 sacks) has been fairly consistent with his tackle count over the last three years as a starter, although 2004 was his first double-digit sack year. He provides the only real outside pressure which is why the Lions were supposedly targeting an edge rusher in this year’s rookie draft. Instead, they went with the hopefully versatile DT Shaun Cody (2nd round out of USC) who they intend to use on both the inside and outside. Perhaps he can be a threat from the left side, because starting LDE Corey Redding (3 yrs; 40 tackles, 3 sacks) and the perennially underperforming DE Kalimba Edwards (4 yrs; 22 tackles, 4.5 sacks) don’t strike much fear into any offensive tackles. The real stud on this D-Line is the mammoth 345 lb. All-Pro RDT Shaun Rogers (5 yrs; 68 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 passes defensed) who stuffs the run as well as anyone and can still get upfield to disrupt the QB. He’ll continue to be an effective force in the middle and can even improve on that tackle count since he had 81 stops as a rookie. Old man LDT Dan Wilkinson (12 yrs; 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and even older DT Kelvin Pritchett (15 yrs; 17,1) are merely placeholders for Shaun Cody.

 

Fantasy Outlook – Shaun Rogers is the one to get here. He finished 9th in scoring among all DLs last year and, being in his prime, seems a strong bet to finish in the top ten again this year. James Hall is the other starter to grab in most leagues – he ended up #18 in DL scoring. Shaun Cody is worth a spot in dynasty leagues since it seems that the Lions are focused on getting him on the field this year and he may even end up the year as a starting DT.

 

Linebackers – There were many expectations that the Lions would draft Derrick Johnson at #10, but actually the linebackers are the strength of the Detroit defense, especially now that WLB Boss Bailey (3 yrs; 2003 stats: 88 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 int) is back from missing all of last year with a knee injury. Reports out of mini-camp say that he has his explosiveness back and the Lions are anxious to see this playmaker back on the field. His return moves SLB Teddy Lehman (2 yrs; 102 tckls, 1 sack, 1 int) over to the strong side where he’ll probably see a dip from last year’s scoring unless he plays the middle in the nickel package. He’s already taking reps at MLB and is the heir apparent when current MLB Earl Holmes (10 yrs; 111 tckls, 0 sacks, 0 int) steps down or is injured. Holmes can still get you tackles, though, as he’s cracked the century mark in 5 out of the last 6 years. LB James Davis (3 yrs; 83 tckls, 3.5 sacks, 0 int) got to see a lot of time last year with the Bailey injury and responded well enough to merit consideration this year, but I doubt he’ll unseat any of the 3 starters barring an injury. LB Alex Lewis (2 yrs; 59 tckls, 2 sacks, 1 int) will also be in the mix.

 

Fantasy Outlook – Holmes and Lehman finished 28th and 29th in LB scoring last year and both are solid picks, but for different reasons. Lehman will be remembered at draft time because of his big rookie year, but with his switch to SLB I think he’s going to go a bit higher in redraft leagues than maybe warranted. He’s the pick, though, in dynasty leagues because eventually he’ll be the Lions MLB with more versatility than Holmes provides. Holmes is still the MLB in a 4-3 defense, so he’s worth a spot, but keep in mind that he does little beyond tackles and will probably give way to Lehman on passing downs. If Lehman plays MLB in the nickel package, obviously that will boost his value. Bailey is the risk/reward pick this year – he’ll either crack the top twenty due to his opportunistic play or he’ll crack something else and be gone again. He made it through his rookie year, but keep in mind that he’s had 3 knee surgeries – one each in the pros, at Georgia and in high school.

 

Defensive Backs – Here’s where it gets a bit ugly. This unit was the weakest amongst the defense and coordinator Dick Jauron was determined to bring in an intimidating presence in the backfield. Hence the release of their FA signing of last year, Brock Marion, and the signing of Kenoy Kennedy (6 yrs; 87 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 int) from Denver. He’ll play strong safety and will get plenty of opportunity to make an impact. At free safety, the Lions appear to be giving the job to Terrence Holt (3 yrs; 27 tckls, 0 sacks, 0 int) although there is concern about his inexperience and lack of speed. There’s also a chance they could sign Lance Schulters or even RW McQuarters who can play corner or free safety. The Lions are also interested in Ty Law which would make things interesting at the cornerback position. Playmaker Dre’ Bly (7 yrs; 38 tackles, 0 sacks, 4 int, 15 pd) was hurt a bit last year, but even if they signed a veteran corner, his job appears safe. It’s Fernando Bryant (7 yrs; 51 tckls, 0 sacks, 0 int, 9 pd), who was signed last year from the Jags, who would probably be the most affected if they brought Law in. Chris Cash (4 yrs; 30 tckls, 0 sacks, 1 int, 3 pd) and Andre’ Goodman (4 yrs; 28 tckls, 0, 1, 1) are considered the backups, but rookie Stanley Wilson and Keith Smith are also vying for a spot. Bracey Walker (12 yrs; 78 tckls, 1 sack, 1 int) will most likely be the backup at SS.

 

Fantasy Outlook – Kenoy Kennedy finished #26 in DB scoring and that was with a stronger supporting cast in Denver. He may have to make more plays in Motown, although he’s still more known for his bone-jarring hits and hefty fines than picks and sacks. He’s definitely the pick in this unit. After that, I’d consider All-Pro corner Dre’ Bly who has a knack for making big plays when he can stay healthy.

[Rovers]

Nice report, RWings. Too bad Lehman is on the strong side. I am hoping Kennedy has to make more plays this year.

[RWings]

Nice report, RWings.    Too bad Lehman is on the strong side. I am hoping Kennedy has to make more plays this year.

 

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Thanks, Rovers. Yeah, I think the strong side will dent Teddy's value a little bit, but you never know where Jauron will finally utilize him.

 

I, too, am hoping that Kennedy is very busy

[RWings]

As widely reported, RW McQuarters has signed a one-year deal with the Lions. Not sure exactly where they will utilize him, but it mostly impacts Fernando Bryant and Terrence Holt since McQuarters can play FS or corner. Maybe he takes one of their jobs or he becomes the nickel back and provides depth. Time will tell, but it most likely takes the Lions out of the Ty Law sweepstakes.