Chris Houston fits the Lions in a number of ways. He is fast and can run with the best receivers in the NFL. He is young. Just 25. He wouldn’t cost much. A late-round draft pick. The Lions wouldn’t be on the hook with him forever - like they would be with a free agent. This is the last year of the contract Houston signed in 2007 after being taken in the second round (41st overall) in the NFL Draft.
But Houston is available for a reason. While he is often in good position to make plays, his ball skills are lacking. He not only has gotten beaten on a number of so-called "jump balls," but he has been prone to pass interference penalties. Also, how healthy is he? He missed the last few weeks of last season because of a significant hamstring injury.
There is a reason the Falcons gave up on Houston so soon, and were willing to give free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson such a huge contract as a free agent.

My Column in Monday's Oakland Press: Mike Hart's Words Have Comeback To Haunt Michigan: http://tinyurl.com/ydydc6l