FanProphet

Detroit Lions

This should be a fun season for the Detroit Lions. Kitna is coming off of his best season as a professional, Mike Furrey is coming off of a career season where he grabbed 98 balls, Roy Williams amassed 1300 yards on 82 receptions, they’ve improved their offensive line, Mike Martz continues to polish his offensive genius, a good runner in Tatum Bell arrives and should be capable of carrying the rushing load, and Detroit acquired the best athlete in the draft, Calvin Johnson.

Jon Kitna: Their is not a single QB in the NFL that could be anymore happier with the Lions drafting C. Johnson. With the improvement of this offensive line don’t expect a season where Kitna throws another 22 interceptions. The Lions will once again play from behind most of the season, and not being able to depend on a consistent running game, look for Kitna to have a better statistical season than last year.

Roy Williams: Becoming one of the best WR’s in the game. The Lions can’t run the ball, Williams is coming off of a career year, he now has more help on the opposite side, and he’s not afraid of going across the middle and turning a ten yard route into a long touchdown.

Calvin Johnson: There is a reason the Lions drafted this receiver #2 overall in the 2007 draft when they already had two quality players at the position. Johnson is obviously that good and playing alongside of Williams will only make him great. You cannot draft Johnson as high as an ‘ocho cinco’ yet, or players in that same tier yet, but look for an impressive rookie campaign and possibly pro-bowl type numbers.

Tatum Bell: Just because Denver disposed of Bell doesn’t mean he can’t run the ball. As of now he’s #2 on the depth chart but I expect that to change by the end of training camp. You never know this could be a season where the explosive Bell accelerates it into high gear. Not at the top of the RB list but will add value on any fantasy roster.

Kevin Jones: I don’t see the fit with this guy yet. He’s never had a great rushing season and even though he was able to gain over 500 yards receiving, Jones only managed to produce 1200 yards from scrimmage. Could add value if Bell is injured but not worthy of a draft selection until mid/late rounds.

DEFENSE: Draft someone from the offensive side of the ball because this defense will add value to any skill position player. I hate when a team gets blown out and their offensive players pick up tons of garbage time fantasy points. This is that team. No fantasy value with this unit.

Mike Furrey: Possession receiver with not much fantasy value this season. Fits well in this Detroit system in terms of NFL value, however, in terms of fantasy production Furrey is nothing more than a late round flyer.

Jason Hanson: The only constant within this franchise for over 16 seasons. Hanson will have many opportunities to produce numbers but if the Lions are playing from behind in most games, his fantasy value diminishes. Worthy of a fantasy draft selection due to his consistency, reliability, and if Detroit plays well, his scoring ability.