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Column: Mariucci was right about QBs; Lions must retain hope for ...
MLive.com, MI - 6 hours ago
The Lions are a mile out of the playoff chase, but they'll be doing some scoreboard watching this weekend anyway. Well, members of the team's scouting department will probably be the most interested.

At 2-13, the Lions are tied for the worst record in the league with the Oakland Raiders, but the Lions currently have the No. 1 overall draft pick because the tie-breaker is strength of schedule and the Lions have played the weaker schedule. The difference is close, though, as the Lions' opponents have a winning percentage of .532 while the Raiders' foes have a percentage of .544.

There were only four common opponents for the Lions and Raiders this year so there is the chance for some fluctuation in the winning percentages. Here are a couple of clashes the Lions will be looking at: If Detroit wants a shot at the No. 1 pick, they've hoping the Baltimore Ravens beat the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos beat the San Francisco 49ers.

Also, the Lions want all their division opponents to lose this weekend while they're hoping all of Oakland's AFC West division rivals come out winners.

What's the difference between the No. 1 and No. 2 overall pick? Much-needed leverage.

The Lions would like to trade out of the top spot and acquire more picks and the team at the top holds all the cards. If another team wants to trade and really wants to target a specific player, whether it's Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson or even somebody else, it all starts with the top team.

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 05:12:00 GMT

Post your comments about this story here.

[Lefty Noob]

If Detroit lands the #1 pick, and Millen (should he still be in charge come Draft Day) trades down instead of drafting Adrian Peterson, he should be fired on the spot, then re-hired, then fired again. Yes, the team has a lot of holes to fill. But Peterson is the kind of player you can build a franchise around, and they definitely have an urgent need at that position.

[EmpireWF]

Umm...I beg to differ. If Millen is around (and it sounds like he will be...much to the dismay of Lions fans) and he doesn't take Brady Quinn with the 1st pick, he should be fired on the spot.

You can't take Peterson #1 after all his injury problems. And the Lions need a QB more than a RB.

[legend]

Millen will not be around. That is the only certainty. Just getting rid of him will make the Lions better. They need help on the offensive line from what I read, and I don't think trading down is that bad of an idea.

[Notorious C.L.E.]

I don't see how the Lions can justify passing Quinn up. He is a tremendous quarterback prospect that does not have any glaring weaknesses. If you do not have a franchise quarterback, you draft one when you have the chance. Jon Kitna is nothing more than a stopgap at the position. Kitna could start next year if the Lions want to groom Quinn from the bench, as he did it well with Carson Palmer, who happens to be my pro comparison for Quinn.

I haven't started giving prospects their numerical grades yet, but I expect Quinn to be in my top three come April.

[Lefty Noob]

I just don't see it, guys. I'd go with Peterson because a running back like that comes along once in a blue moon, and I'd even trade down and build up in the trenches BEFORE considering Quinn. Kitna and McCown are servicable. They won't ever be league MVPs, but they aren't horrible, plus they already have a young Martz is interested in grooming. I just don't see where you can justify going QB with the #1 pick.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I just don't see it, guys. I'd go with Peterson because a running back like that comes along once in a blue moon, and I'd even trade down and build up in the trenches BEFORE considering Quinn. Kitna and McCown are servicable. They won't ever be league MVPs, but they aren't horrible, plus they already have a young Martz is interested in grooming. I just don't see where you can justify going QB with the #1 pick.

Well if we are speaking of serviceable, so is Kevin Jones...and with good blocking schemes, Denver has proven you can insert most backs and have a 1,000 yard gainer.

Quinn is the bigger risk (injuries aside), but probably has the bigger upside...I don't think a servicable QB gets you into the playoffs...they should roll the die...

But knowing Millen, he will go off the board for a place kicker...

[Lefty Noob]

Jones WAS serviceable. And then he suffered a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation in his left foot, an injury that will likely keep him out for a full calendar year and may end his career. As it stands, you have to assume that you're going into next year with no true, viable option at tailback. Both Peterson and Quinn are great players, but I give the OU RB the edge in talent anyway, and it's a need position for the Lions.

[cwstech]

Everyone knows he will take Calvin Johnson. A WR is a sure pick for the Lions. HAHAHAHA!!!!!

[azrael492]

I would also go r for Peterson. Jones has been OK, but he is not great. It has been shown before that you can get to the playoffs with a subpar QB (Dilfer, Johnson), but you need a RB that gives you a chance to eat the clock. They also have WRs that can make the QB better than he is. With every ick after Peterson, they should improve the O line to make sure they can run the ball.

[ThePundit]

"And with the #1 pick in the draft, the Lions select" ...another wide receiver

They're going to take Brady Quinn. And they should. When was the last time they had a good QB? Gary Danielson????

[mervinout]

ok can we both agree the past few years the lions have sucked at the draft?

So why would they draft peterson, he has been injured for significant time the last two years

[Notorious C.L.E.]

While the injury is a concern, I do not believe there is anything wrong with Kevin Jones. The system Martz runs is not conducive to power running, as we saw in St. Louis with Steven Jackson. You can't expect consistency from a between the tackles runner when they are coming out of three receiver sets. I know Martz loves his system, but he should incorporate some power formations into the playbook.

If Detroit wants an insurance policy/change of pace back for Kevin Jones, they should look in the later rounds. Lorenzo Booker of Florida State fits the bill, as he can contribute as a runner, receiver, and returner.

[mervinout]

i think they have to go quinn, just cause id love to see quinn be a bust in the nfl and what better place then detroit. But do you people really think 1 draft pick solves the lions problems. Is it reasonable to think the lions would trade down with a team who has a couple first round picks?

[EmpireWF]

The only team with 2 1st round picks this season are the Patriots. And you know they won't be trading up to the 1st.

Detroit can't pass on Quinn.