I still don't understand why the Detroit Lions, stuck at 22nd in defense last year, passed over the top pass rusher and linebacker in this year's draft, but I guess we're about to find out. They're one of 26 teams to hold minicamps this weekend, and look for Mike Williams to be there.
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| Lions president Matt Millen (left) takes some heat for picking Mike Williams (right). (AP) |
"Before the draft, Matt (Millen, the team's president and CEO) and I were talking," said Lions' coach Steve Mariucci, "and we said, 'What if Mike Williams is there when we pick?' We both agreed we'd have to choose him."
Well, they did, and for that reason alone Williams becomes one of the most intriguing players to watch from this year's draft. And the others? Well, I chose four more, and not because they're the best at their positions or could have the greatest impact, but because, like Williams, I'm not sure why they are where they are.
The roll call, please:
Mike Williams, WR, Detroit
When the Lions passed over Demarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman and Derrick Johnson for someone who lines up at a position where the Lions are deep, the first reaction was: Don Coryell got loose in the building. The second was: There's something wrong with Charles Rogers' recovery.
Neither, it turns out, is accurate, though Mariucci conceded the Lions don't really know what they have in Rogers, the wide receiver coming off his second season-ending injury in two years.
"Charles really hasn't played for two years," Mariucci said, "and he's coming off surgery. And Roy Williams is coming off surgery, too. We also lost Tai Streets and Reggie Swinton, so we needed another player."
No problem there. But with the first pick? I mean, can Williams help the Lions more than, say, a Ware or Johnson? Detroit thinks he can, and here's why: They look at their offensive production the past three years -- correction, their passing production -- and it's dreadful.
They averaged 184 yards passing per game, and that's not enough to satisfy the coach or the front office. What's more, they weren't explosive, averaging 5.32 yards per attempt last year, which was below the NFC average.
While they considered Ware, Merriman and Johnson, they believe Williams can do as much for their defense by making their offense more productive. If the passing game improves, the Lions extend their drives. And the longer they control the ball the less the opposition has a chance to score.
"Part of what we wanted to do was improve Joey's (Harrington) surrounding cast," said Mariucci. "Mike Williams will help us do that."
