FischInMich
05-27-2003, 11:51 PM
Lions report: Inside slant
May 26, 2003
The Lions had 11 wide receivers on the roster for their minicamp three weeks ago. But that might not be quite enough.
The receiver class of 2003 includes rookie Charles Rogers, the No. 2 pick in the draft, who is expected to make an immediate impact -- probably as a starter in his first NFL season.
It also includes last year's starters -- Az-Zahir Hakim and Bill Schroeder -- who are expected to be more productive as the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers than they were as the featured receivers a year ago.
In addition, the Lions have David Kircus, a sixth-round pick who is expected to make the team on his speed and athleticism, as well as Travis Anglin, a seventh-round pick with good receiving skills.
And they feel there is potential in Scotty Anderson, a third-year player; Pierre Brown, a second-year player currently playing in NFL Europe; rookies Jermaine Lewis, Scottie Vines, Todd Fry; and punt/kick returner Eddie Drummond, who will occupy a receiver slot on the roster.
What the Lions needed, however, is a dependable veteran go-to receiver to make the tough third-down catches. They didn't have one last year and team president Matt Millen was still searching the free-agent lists to find one for 2003. He hopes Shawn Jefferson is the answer.
Before agreeing to terms with Jefferson, they brought in former Chicago receiver Marcus Robinson before the draft but Robinson didn't want to wait and signed with Baltimore.
A Ricky Proehl or Antonio Freeman-type player would be ideal for the Lions, and that is what they think Jefferson can be. They needed a veteran who understands the scheme and could fit in quickly and easily with second-year quarterback Joey Harrington, making the third-down catches to keep the chains moving.
That is not a job at which any of their current top three -- Rogers, Hakim and Schroeder -- excel.
It would be asking too much of the rookie Rogers to fill that role. With his speed and lack of NFL experience, it is likely he will be used primarily as a deep threat.
Hakim and Schroeder, likewise, seem better suited to use their speed and quickness outside, regardless of where they line up in the formation. Both will run inside after the catch but they are not particularly adept at catching passes in traffic over the middle.
Copyright (C) 2003 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/report/DET/6392601
May 26, 2003
The Lions had 11 wide receivers on the roster for their minicamp three weeks ago. But that might not be quite enough.
The receiver class of 2003 includes rookie Charles Rogers, the No. 2 pick in the draft, who is expected to make an immediate impact -- probably as a starter in his first NFL season.
It also includes last year's starters -- Az-Zahir Hakim and Bill Schroeder -- who are expected to be more productive as the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers than they were as the featured receivers a year ago.
In addition, the Lions have David Kircus, a sixth-round pick who is expected to make the team on his speed and athleticism, as well as Travis Anglin, a seventh-round pick with good receiving skills.
And they feel there is potential in Scotty Anderson, a third-year player; Pierre Brown, a second-year player currently playing in NFL Europe; rookies Jermaine Lewis, Scottie Vines, Todd Fry; and punt/kick returner Eddie Drummond, who will occupy a receiver slot on the roster.
What the Lions needed, however, is a dependable veteran go-to receiver to make the tough third-down catches. They didn't have one last year and team president Matt Millen was still searching the free-agent lists to find one for 2003. He hopes Shawn Jefferson is the answer.
Before agreeing to terms with Jefferson, they brought in former Chicago receiver Marcus Robinson before the draft but Robinson didn't want to wait and signed with Baltimore.
A Ricky Proehl or Antonio Freeman-type player would be ideal for the Lions, and that is what they think Jefferson can be. They needed a veteran who understands the scheme and could fit in quickly and easily with second-year quarterback Joey Harrington, making the third-down catches to keep the chains moving.
That is not a job at which any of their current top three -- Rogers, Hakim and Schroeder -- excel.
It would be asking too much of the rookie Rogers to fill that role. With his speed and lack of NFL experience, it is likely he will be used primarily as a deep threat.
Hakim and Schroeder, likewise, seem better suited to use their speed and quickness outside, regardless of where they line up in the formation. Both will run inside after the catch but they are not particularly adept at catching passes in traffic over the middle.
Copyright (C) 2003 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/report/DET/6392601