Revisiting the Detroit Dilemna

There have been some updates in the Detroit Dilemma over the past couple of weeks. It appears that Detroit could be looking to address different needs and not draft Calvin Johnson with the second overall pick in this year's draft. They have recently traded troublesome cornerback Dre Bly (pictured, right) to the Denver Broncos for fumbling running back Tatem Bell, offensive lineman George Foster, and a fifth-round pick.

By trading Bly, the Lions have addressed a couple of needs: They have a strong backfield in Bell and Kevin Jones; they fill a need at offensive tackle, and pick up an extra pick which they could use to bolster their defensive backfield with the absence of Bly. Previously, many mock drafts had projected the Lions to take highly-touted offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the second overall pick, but now that they have Foster, many have updated their mocks to show the Lions taking Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.

Another thing to consider is that Detroit has also signed free agent T. J. Duckett, formerly of the Washington Redskins, to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. With Duckett assuming the role as a short yardage and third-down back, it is conceivable that the Lions could switch Duckett to fullback and implement a one-two punch of Bell and Jones. Certainly, this would create many mismatches for defenses that should have Mike Martz licking his chops come gameday.

With the many offensive weapons in place, Martz/Marinelli/Millen could be looking to use the second overall pick to add depth to the offensive line, draft a franchise quarterback, or trade down and address holes at cornerback and other spots. Still, everyone has to be chomping at the bit when Detroit is on the clock and Calvin Johnson is available, because it looks as if Oakland will select JaMarcus Russell (below, right) with the first pick in the draft, especially after the outstanding combine performance and exceptional pro day he has had going into the draft. Russell's draft stock couldn't be higher.

He possesses the size and arm strength that Al Davis covets in the passing game as well as ability to make things happen with his legs. Although Brady Quinn (above, left) has had the benefit of being mentored by Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weiss, a former NFL offensive coordinator for the three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, most scouts consider Russell to be the better prospect.

Photograph of Dre Bly taken from broncos.scout.com.
Photograph of Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell taken from ESPN.com.