| 04 September 2010
The Lions have done a ton of trade business with the Seattle Seahawks, but not far behind have been the Denver Broncos.
Martin Mayhew has consummated another deal with the Broncos this afternoon, though it involves a player I'm loathe to see them let go. But Mayhew may have gotten more in return.
Via the Twitter feed of ESPN's Adam Schefter:
Broncos used a high pick on CB Alphonso Smith and now have sent him to same place as Tony Scheffler for TE Dan Gronkowski.
UPDATE: Mlive's Killer Kowalski reports the Lions also sent the Broncos a 3rd day draft pick.
In addition to Gronkowski, the Lions reportedly gave up a late-round pick -- perhaps the 2012 7th rounder they got in Tyler Polumbus deal
I realize the Lions desperately need help in the secondary. The move to pick up Smith makes sense, as corner is a position of extreme need, and the Lions are very solid at tight end.
But I'm still sad to see Gronkowski leave. It seemed like every time I've seen him on the field (admittedly it's been mostly in the exhibition season), Gronkowski made plays. Unfortunately for Gronkowski's career in Detroit, he was blocked at the tight end position by Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler and Will Heller.
At least the Lions were able to take a player they didn't need at a well stocked position and flip him for secondary help.
As for Smith, it seems the Broncos have been shopping him of the past week. PFT recently reported the Broncos were even considering releasing Smith, quite a fall for a player the team was very high on less than a year ago.
According to Broncos blog Mile High Report, the reason why the team tired of Smith is his tendency to be boom or bust kind of player, as shown by his most recent performance.
A perfect microcosm of Smith's pro career, it saw flashes of brilliance - Smith had an interception and a fumble recovery - as well as poorly-timed lowpoints - Smith tripped and fell on Javon Walker's 63-yard touchdown reception, and Smith was called for an Illegal Contact penalty on a 3rd down play in the 4th Quarter that kept a Vikings drive alive.
Apparently the Broncos grew tired of his inconsistency. He should fit right in with the Lions.
But lets not forget the Broncos traded a 1st round draft pick in order to draft Smith in the 2nd round of the 2009 NFL draft. So scouts believe the talent is there, it's just a matter of bringing it out of Smith on a consistent basis.
Cornerback is a position many players have to grow into at the NFL level. Not many play like gangbusters as a rookie. The Broncos didn't have the patience to wait for Smith to blossom. I'm betting the Lions do.
Think of the trade in this way. Gronkowski was the 4th tight end on the roster. Smith should become a top four corner for the Lions. What position is a bigger need for the Lions? 'Nuff said. Let's not overlook the fact Smith can return kicks as well, another weak spot on the team.
Gronkowski's a nice player, and will play in the NFL...but the Lions just don't have room for him. So in flipping him for Smith, the Lions got something for essentially nothing.
I'm absolutely convinced Mayhew was a horse trader in another life.
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