I may be in the minority, or I may not be. Out of all the previous drafts in the Millen regime, this one is one of his best. This year’s draft wasn’t inundated with great, sexy names, like previous years. In previous years, taking the “best player available” was something Millen couldn’t resist. He HAD to pick a sexy name. Well, the sexy names were gone at 15. I believe Millen didn’t have the temptation there, thus making him finally do what we’ve been asking of him through his many years of drafting: ADDRESS NEEDS. And dare I write this, Millen recognized his style of drafting (Best Player Available) was not working anymore. If Millen can continue his new style of drafting each year of addressing needs, perhaps he may finally see light at the end of the Tunnel of G.M. Mediocrity. (*cough* B.S. *cough*)
The Lions needed a Right Tackle, Millen drafts a Right Tackle, the Lions needed a Linebacker, Millen drafts a Linebacker. The Lions needed a runningback, Millen drafts a runningback. And so on, and so on. Now, who knows whether or not Gosder Cherilus, Jordon Dizon, Andre Fluellen, Kevin Smith (etc…) will pan out or not. All we can do is hope they do pan out. If you look at NFL.com’s draft list, out of 5 positions they listed as needs for the Lions, the Lions filled 4. Cornerback was the only position they didn’t address. If Brian Kelly still has legs, and if Leigh Bodden pans out, perhaps it won’t be such a need this year.
The Lions picks were relatively boring picks with not-so-”sexy” names. People around town wanted Rashard Mendenhall, and rightfully so. I’m don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting a player whoever the Lions passed on, they may turn out to be great players on other teams. The only thing I will disagree on is taking a runningback in the first round. You’d have to wonder what Rashard Mendenhall could do behind the worst offensive line in the entire NFL. Don’t discount Kevin Smith, though. I feel he’s very underrated. The guy has a chip on his shoulder, and is going to come in blazing to try to prove many wrong.
To sum it up…they addressed their needs. And now, all we can do is do what we do best: Hope, like we’ve been hoping for the past 50+ years. If anything this year’s draft may make for an easier to watch upcoming 5-11 season.
