Probably another bone-headed move. After all, to most every NFL fan across the nation but the die-hard Honolulu blue and silver faithful, the Lions have firmly established themselves over the decades as being a bone-headed franchise. From an owner that is either clueless or doesn't care, to bizarre front office personnel, to wacky coaches and their game decisions, to even wackier player performances both on and off the field, and former high first round draft picks that flamed out like like a Roman candle in a thunderstorm, it should come as no great surprise that the Lions have only won one playoff game in the last half-century. It's like Murphy's Law. Give them a chance to get it wrong -- and they WILL get it wrong. This is what they do. As sure as ducks quack, fish swim, and politicians pick our pockets, the Lions will find a way to screw things up.
Last year, despite glaring needs at most every other position, the Lions spent their first round pick on offensive tackle Riley Reiff. He couldn't even start. Other NFL teams selected guys that could step right in and be "impact" players. Difference makers. Unlike in years past, when a team drafts even a quarterback with a high first-round pick -- they don't sit around as understudies for a few seasons learning the ropes. They're expected to jump right in and start. Witness Robert Griffin III in Washington, Russell Wilson in Seattle, and Andrew Luck in Indianapolis. They not only made a difference, but now have a year of experience under their belts and will likely be better because of it in the years to come. Other teams also got a variety of different positional players as first-rounders, and they made a difference too. Maybe 15 years from now, Riley Reiff will have proven himself to be one of the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the game, and eventually be inducted into the NFL's Hall of Fame. Stranger things have happened, I think, maybe. But why in the hell would Detroit make him a first round draft pick when they already knew he wouldn't be able to crack the starting line-up? Only the Lions.
Now there's local buzz about the Lions perhaps drafting yet another offensive tackle with the #5 overall pick. Yes, Eric Fisher's a "home boy", having played his high school and college years within a couple hour drive of Detroit -- but what difference should that make? In the world of pro sports, where a jock had his roots, or used to call home, is totally irrelevant.
The Lions are in desperate need at several positions. Like a running back. A receiver to compliment Calvin Johnson. A tight end that can catch. Defensively, their linebacker corps is decidedly mediocre at best; they've got one safety that supposed to be good, but can't stay healthy, a defensive line that underachieves with their play, but overachieves with their shenanigans, both on and off the field, and has anybody seen a cornerback that can actually -- you know -- cover an opposing receiver once in a while for the last few years? Good grief, they've even got a soon to be 43 year old place kicker.
The Lions have more (pot)holes to fill than Michigan road commission crews. The only thing they seem to have going for them is QB Matthew Stafford throwing for about 5000 yards a year, primarily to Calvin Johnson. Their passing game, such as it is, holds its own. The LAST thing they need is another offensive lineman that probably wouldn't start either.
And that is EXACTLY why yours truly wouldn't be a bit surprised if Eric Fisher is their first round pick.
Because that's what they do.
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