But even with the fun of games such as "To Sign Or Not To Sign," it's more rewarding when keeping this in perspective.

Case in point?

According to this article, The Lions should consider exploring a plethora of running back options, siting the team's woeful rushing stats since the departure of Kevin Smith, the legendary "ankle-breaker."  While it's true the team has a huge question mark due to Smith's injury, I don't see a need to "reach" on a running back.

It's true.  The Lions have had only one top 20 rushing offense since 2000 and never reached higher than 24 (this year) any other year.  But let's not blame the running backs here.  There are other factors to consider before the Lions go signing free agents who they are basically setting up to fail.

A. Play-calling

It's no secret the running game was abandoned for one reason or another during Mike Martz's tenure.  It was no secret Detroit was going to throw the ball around a lot.  Although Martz was only on staff for two years, Jim Colletto was using a pared-down version of his playbook during the dreadful, 0-16, 2008 season.

The previous years featured the "Wet Toast" offense and opposing teams dared the Lions to pass by stacking the box.  They knew the Lions were unable to pass the ball effectively, or vertically for that matter, so stopping the run was easy.

B. The Score

This might be tied to the play-calling, but when you trail by 21 after 15 minutes, running the ball is not an option.  Not a smart one, anyway.  Our defense wasn't rated much higher than the running game during those years either.  During the last two, the defense has given up a record for most points allowed in 2008, and almost gave up just as many this past season. 

The same thing could be said in the previous years with the Lions never having a middle of the road defense anytime during the 2000s.  I'm so glad those years are gone.

C. The offensive Line

If this list was in order of priority, or blame, this group would be on the list as number 1, 1a and 1b.  Maybe even 2 through 4 as well with play-calling as number 5.  The feelings for Backus has been well documented for years. 

For some reason, Jeff Backus has been considered the face of everything wrong that Matt Millen accomplished.  The problem with that logic is he is one of the handful of picks, along with Dominic Raiola, from Millen's era that is still on the roster.

Other than those two, the whole line has been a revolving door of sorts, especially at the guard positions.  Even our proven FA signings falter.  Damien Woody was supposed to be a rock.  He was, and sunk right to the bottom.  The right tackle spot was a laughing-stock until Cherilus Godsner was drafted 17 overall in 2008. 

Its been upgraded to a light chuckle.  Even with all the free agents and draft picks, we would still be better off getting the guard of Buckingham Palace.  If the Lions are going to sign people who get paid to stand still all day, then they might as well get the best money can offer.

Thankfully, all these issues can be addressed soon.  Scott Linehan has shown to be slightly more balanced with the play-calling, even though Stafford still averaged 37 pass attempts per game during his rookie season.  Stafford did this while throwing to the sorriest excuse of a receiving corps with the exception of Calvin Johnson.

The defense has some bright spots.  As a unit, they finished dead last again for the third straight year.  That sucks.  But what doesn't suck, however, is the the emergence of DeAndre Levy—who might be pushing Foote out the door—and Louis Delmas.  Delmas made a case for the rookie of the year, but his team's record made an even better case against it.  That also sucks. 

Sammie Hill has also been a bright spot, although I think he gets a little leniency due to the learning-curve. Well, that, and he wasn't supposed to start next year.  Also, Sammie might be getting a new partner in April to help take some pressure off and solidify the middle (DT, MLB and S) for a terrible defense.  After all, they have nowhere to go but up.

The offensive line is, well, not as bad as we expected it to be.  Matt Stafford took about 2.4 sacks per game, but that meant he got off around 35 passes, so I can't complain too much.  But the unit has to be upgraded.  I can feel good about saying the exceeded expectations, but lets call it a fluke and upgrade it anyway. 

The tackles seem set (although most would disagree) and the center is locked (I would disagree).  But regardless, it's time for a changing of the guards (sorry, couldn't help it).  I'm not too sure how the Lions plan on addressing that need, but I cannot see how it doesn't happen this offseason.  It has to.

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With the disclaimer out of the way, here is something I would like to share and draw feedback on. It's common knowledge that the Detroit Lion’s defensive line is in shambles. It is also obvious a youth movement needs to happen right now. This draft is the perfect time to fill that need.

Unless something drastic happens, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy will most likely be a Detroit Lion next season. But, it's the second round where the mystery builds. Here is where the disclaimer comes into play. I'm thinking about the prospect of drafting Terrence Cody of Alabama with the 34th pick.

Before calling Arkham Asylum to take me away, hear me out.

Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and Coach Schwartz have already stated their desire to get bigger and stronger. So, where does that leave Suh or McCoy, who are both at the moment clocking in under 300 lb.? Chances are, they will be encouraged to get bigger. No one knows exactly how that would affect their games. But, if moved to the edge, they would be faster than most tackles and strong enough to play the run.

That's where drafting Cody in the second round comes in.

At 6'3," 378, he creates a wall inside if partnered with last year's fourth round selection, Sammie Hill, as the two players are almost 700 lb. combined. That would pretty much plug all inside running lanes, keep offensive lineman from getting to the second level, and ensure single blocking for both ends, while freeing up linebackers.

I understand, it will be hard to pull the trigger on drafting two defensive lineman back to back, but this would create depth and a rotation; a key to a consistent pass rush. We've seen Detroit's defense collapse on fourth quarter drives all season, allowing opposing teams to either sustain drives or score game-winning points. Creating depth and building a solid rotation on the line will help keep the players fresh at the end of games. 

In my mind, it's a no-brainer (although my wife tells me that in regards to everything, but what does she know?). In the third round and later we can address other issues or continue to draft the best player available (BPA), but this should happen. Cody isn't listed as a first round prospect on any boards I've seen so far (not saying they aren't out there) so it's a good chance he would still be available in the second, maybe even third round.  Why take the chance, however? Grab him with the second pick of the second round and solidify your line for the next 5-10 years.

Let me know what you think.

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