Detroit Lions offseason recap

July 1, 2:31 PMDetroit Lions ExaminerChris Morgan

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Stafford is the cornerstone of Detroit's future. (AP Photo)

Well, the Lions are done practicing until the end of July. Now begins the dullest time of the year to be a football fan. There isn't likely to be much news in the next few weeks, unfortunately. With that in mind, I figured I would take a look back at what has transpired so far this offseason. It has been quite a busy one thus far for Detroit. However, when you are coming off an 0-16 season, that certainly should be the case.

Things started with Martin Mayhew shedding the interim GM tag to become the official General Manager. Considering he worked under Matt Millen, it seemed like a poor choice at the time. However, thus far he has appeared to be at least capable as a GM, and certainly looks better suited for he job than Millen ever was.

Then, the coaching staff was gutted. In came Jim Schwartz, fresh off running the defense down in Tennessee. Up to this point, I have been extremely pleased with the job Coach Schwartz has done. I like his philosophy, I've been impressed with pretty much every interview he has given, and I think he has the potential to be an excellent head coach. Both coordinators were also replaced. On defense, the Lions hired Gunther Cunningham, and for the offense they got Scott Linehan. Both men are failed head coaches, but they generally don't make you a head coach unless you were good at what you were doing before. Now, both Cunningham and Linehan are doing just that. They both have proven track records as coordinators. Two more smart moves for the Lions.

Then, the rebuilding (yet again) of the franchise began. The Lions have made a few trades and signed several free agents. Probably the biggest acquisition was outside linebacker Julian Peterson. In Peterson, the Lions got a once great linebacker who is still good, and definitely an upgrade at the position. However, it did preclude Detroit from taking Aaron Curry in the NFL Draft (more on that later). The Lions also got themselves a new middle linebacker in Detroit native Larry Foote. Foote is at the end of his career, but he is an upgrade and a nice stop gap solution.

Stop gap solutions have been the name of the game for the Lions this offseason. They've also added defensive tackle Grady Jackson, and offensive linemen Jon Jansen, Epraim Salaam, and Daniel Loper. None of these guys are great, but they will do in a pinch. When you go 0-16, you take any improvement you can get. The Lions also added two new cornerbacks in Anthony Henry (via trading Jon Kitna) and Phillip Buchanon (via free agency). Neither of these players figure to be stop gap solutions, and both have a chance to start for the next few seasons. A defense that was one of the worst in NFL history last season got quite a bit better in free agency. There are still a few holes, and in a couple of years there will be more holes, but the defense should be vastly improved.

The Lions have also added three new wide receivers this offseason. Both Bryant Johnson and Ronald Curry came over as free agents, and Detroit then traded Gerald Alexander to Jacksonville for Dennis Northcutt, who raced an ostrich on the TV show SportScience. None of these three gentlemen are anything more than solid WRs, but they provide good depth behind Calvin Johnson and when Johnson gets double teamed, they can take advantage of it.

Free agency was just a portion of the Detroit's roster revamping this offseason. There was also the NFL Draft. The Lions philosophy? Go for talent over need. Against the wishes of some writers, the Lions decided to draft underclassman quarterback Matthew Stafford first overall. With the 20th pick, they took tight end Brandon Pettigrew, then with the first pick in the second round they added Louis Delmas, a safety out of Western Michigan. They also drafted Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams, defensive tackle Sammie Hill, and linebacker DeAndre Levy. They drafted a few more guys, but they were late picks who may not even make the team, although I did like the Zack Follett pick in the seventh round.

Then, minicamps began. So far, things are looking good, by which I mean better than last season. Daunte Culpepper came into the offseason workouts in much better shape, and has apparently looked quite impressive throwing the ball thus far. So has Stafford, but given the nature of the quarterback position, he will likely start the season on the bench, which is a wise move.

Most of the players added in free agency have looked alright, save for Jackson who has been battling injury. Most of the rookies have done pretty good as well, except for Louis Delmas. He hasn't been good, he's been outstanding. Every thing I've read about him has been a rave review. It would appear, if things progress as expected, that Delmas could be a perennial Pro Bowler. One without the attitude issues of Shaun Rogers to boot.

So, that's where the Lions are right now. I think it is safe to say that last season is no longer even in the rear view mirror. It's long gone. These are the 2009 Detroit Lions and they are an entirely different team, complete with an unnecessary new logo. I like what I have seen thus far, but there is still a long way to go. Training camp is when practice really picks up, and then of course there is preseason, when we will really get to see what the Lions are made of. Even that is essentially meaningless when compared to the regular season. However, the roster has seen a lot of turnover already and most of it seems positive. Things are looking up for the Lions and their fans. We've just got to hope things keep getting better until the team finally is ready to contend for the playoffs. As much as I like what I have seen thus far, I wouldn't expect that too soon.