| 22 April 2010
I took the day away from TWFE yesterday, as I know I'm going to be writing a ton the next 3 days. I'm also staying up into the wee hours writing the Tigers west coast swing game recaps for Bless You Boys. So pardon me if I start getting a little punchy later today. I expect an anti-Chris Berman rant sometime tonight!
With that out of the way...
The draft is a little more than 5 hours away. Let's check out the latest "scoops."
PFT reports the Raiders may have 3 year veteran running back Darren McFadden on the trading block. What running back lacking team just might be interested? You guessed it, the trade happy Detroit Lions!
The price, of course, would be the sticking point. The Lions aren't likely to give up a second-round pick for McFadden, but they might consider their third-rounder (66th overall). McFadden is a former first-round pick who has big-play ability but has been mired in the mess in Oakland. Also, he's just 22 years old and would seem an ideal fit for what the Lions are looking for.
Killer also tells us Martin Mayhew has been "in trade discussions with several teams prior to the draft about acquiring a running back." I doubt the Lions do anything till they see how the 1st round shakes out, and if a back high on their board is available to them at pick 34. McFadden might not be a bad fallback, as he's still young, has some speed and doesn't have a ton of miles on his legs.
In the same post, PFT tells us which veterans are currently on the block, available to the highest bidder.
Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh, Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, Titans running back LenDale White, Bills running back Marshawn Lynch, Ravens running back Willis McGahee, Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers, Dolphins quarterback Tyler Thigpen and Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison.
Depending on the price, I would not be surprised to see the Lions make a trade or 2 over the next 3 days. They do have a few extra 3rd day picks burning a hole in their pocket.
I have to admit I like a GM who isn't afraid to pull the trigger a trade. Mayhew has the style of famous Detroit GM who was not afraid to make bold moves, Trader Jack McCloskey, who guided the Pistons through the glorious Bad Boys years.
At Yahoo's always entertaining Shutdown Corner blog, they throw out a few scenarios which could throw the draft into chaos. One includes the Lions...
The Detroit Lions acquire Albert Haynesworth: It's well-known that the Redskins are eager to deal this albatross. However, Haynesworth never looked better than when he was working with current Lions head coach Jim Schwartz in Tennessee. If the Lions can make this trade, it would open the gates for an elite left tackle, something that's still a point of need. They'd probably be better off sticking with Ndamukong Suh, but Haynesworth might be had for a relatively attractive price in draft currency.
God, I hope not. Haynesworth is overpaid and under motivated. In other words, your typical Matt Millen free agent signing.
One of the best NFL beat writers around, Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News, has his final mock draft up for perusal. Who does he have the Lions selecting?
Ndamukong Suh, Defensive tackle, Nebraska
The Lions need defensive size to tackle Adrian Peterson, plus an inside pass rush to pressure Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in the division. Suh fills both bills for the NFL's 32nd-ranked defense.
Other needs: RB, CB, DL, OL
Suh is the consensus selection by damn near all of the NFL talking heads. Peter King, Don Banks, the Hair known as Mel Kiper, Jason La Canfora, the entire staff of FoxSports.com, Pete Prisco, the National Football Post, Clark Judge, you get my drift.
Unless the unthinkable happens and Mayhew is able to trade down, 'en-DOM-uh-ken' Suh is going to be the pick.
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