Overall Fantasy Impact: Average
Gone is Mike Martz and his pass-at-all costs offense. The Lions plan to try a more traditional approach this time so defenses can’t completely disregard the run as they did in the Martz era.
To that end, the Lions drafted small-school star Kevin Smith to compete for the running back job. If he can come through, that should mean more openings for Jon Kitna and his talented receiving crew.
QUARTERBACKS: This may be the last year for Kitna as the Lions undisputed starter, since local favorite Drew Stanton is waiting in the wings.
Kitna topped 4,000 yards for the second straight year, but his 18 TD passes were tied for 15th in the league. Like the rest of the Lions, he came out of the gate fast (8 TDs in his first four games) before the bad times began. If his young receivers stay healthy and he gets support from the running game, that TD total could go up, making him a decent mid-round sleeper.
Stanton will likely get his chance this year only if Kitna gets hurt or the team gets off to an awful start.
RUNNING BACKS: Smith rolled up big numbers at Central Florida, although the obvious worry is how he’ll adjust to the tougher competition. The one thing he’s got going for him is the Lions’ lack of other viable options at the position, so he seems to be a safe bet for the starting nod. But don’t go expecting 1,000 yards right out of the gate. Until the Lions get their rusty running game in order, Smith will likely struggle.
Tatum Bell ran for 87 yards and a TD in the season-opener, but his season was over by Week 6. Somehow he remains on the Lions roster despite his grumbling about playing time last year, but unless he has a knockout camp, he’ll likely be let loose. That would give Brian Calhoun, who’s been hurt for much of his first two years, a chance at playing time, making him a decent flyer to take at the end of a deep draft.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: For all of the firepower in this group, it was journeyman Shaun McDonald who led the team in receiving with 943 yards. Injuries wreaked havoc with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, while McDonald thrived in the Martz system he knew well from his days with the Rams. In a more normal offense, McDonald’s value should plummet this year.
Williams was just average (836 yards, 5 TDs) after a huge 2006 campaign that seemed to signal his arrival among the league’s best. Yet another Lion who started fast and then tailed off, Williams seemingly has all the tools, but hasn’t quite put it together. Meanwhile, Johnson has the potential to bust out in his second year. He has ridiculous ability, although nagging injuries hid it much of last year. Only 22 years old, Johnson should develop into a Top 25 Fantasy receiver this year and possibly equal Williams numbers.
Mike Furrey joins McDonald as another possession receiver off the bench who won’t get near as many opportunities in the more traditional offense.
The Lions tight ends are a forgettable bunch. Michael Gaines is the best choice, but even he shouldn’t be much of a fantasy factor.