General Manager Matt Millen and the Detroit Lions brought in first time head coach Rod Marinelli to lead the team in it’s rebuilding phase. Marinelli is a no nonsense guy and demanding disciplinarian. This will be in stark contrast to former head coach and push over Steve Mariucci. In the off season they decided to bring in offensive genius Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. Millen and Marinelli are hoping for some new offensive vision in 2006.
The Lions gave up on the Joey Harrington project in the off season and are going with John Kitna and Josh McCown as their quarterbacks. Kitna will get the starting roll on opening day, but you can be sure you will see Josh McCown if Kitna starts to struggle. Neither is a long term option but will have to do this season. Martz is hoping to get more productive from the running backs in Detroit. Kevin Jones will be the first option but Artose Pinner and Shawn Bryson will get the ball for some snaps. The Lions are hoping Martz will bring out the best in young wide receivers Mike Williams and Roy Williams. Both have yet to live up to their pre NFL hype, but should get the chance to shine this season.
Bet on the Detroit Lions at Pinnacle Sports here.
Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims was the first player selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2006 NFL Draft. Sims was the first defensive player selected by General Manager Matt Millen since he took over. The speedy Sims will start immediately for the Lions and will have an immediately postive impact. The exisitng defensive line is solid already but the secondary is suspect. Look for the Lions to get hurt deep several times in 2006.
Head Coach: Rod Marinelli
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Martz
Defensive Coordinator: Donnie Henderson
Division: NFC North
2005 Record: 5 – 11
Field: Ford Field
2006 Detroit Lions Draft Picks:
Round 1 – Ernie Sims – Outside Linebacker – Florida State
Round 2 – Daniel Bullocks – Strong Safety – Nebraska
Round 3 – Brian Calhoun – Running Back – Wisconsin
Round 5 – Jonathan Scott – Offensive Tackle – Texas
Round 6 – Alton “Dee” McCann – Cornerback – West Virginia
Round 7 – Fred Matua – Guard – Southern California
Round 7 – Anthony Cannon – Outside Linebacker – Tulane
