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Scheffler A Big Play Tight End, But Who Plays Linebacker?
There are a couple things about the Lions’ three-way trade that sent linebacker Ernie Sims to the Eagles in exchange for former Western Michigan tight end Tony Scheffler, who is coming from Denver.
One is the health of a first-round draft choice from last year, Brandon Pettigrew. Maybe there are some problems with his rehabilitation following knee surgery. Secondly, Scheffler is a very good receiver. He has the speed to stretch the field down the middle, but is more of a receiver than blocker. He is a mediocre blocker - at best - but could really help take some of the pressure off Calvin Johnson. Scheffler is very athletic and can make plays in space.
He was available because of a run-in with Denver coach Josh McDaniels. It stemmed from QB Jay Cutler’s dispute with McDaniels. Scheffler was close to Cutler, who, of course, was traded to the Bears. Scheffler reportedly was overheard in the locker room saying he, too, wanted out of Denver - and was benched by McDaniels.
The Lions can use this type of weapon offensively, but it does leave their linebacker corps thin. Obviously, Sims didn’t figure in their long-term future. In the last decade, the Lions have had 12 first-round draft choices. Sims was the only one from the defensive side of the ball. He hasn’t been a big playmaker, and his consistency has waned the last two seasons.
But somebody has to play linebacker? The draft is not particularly deep with multi-purpose outside backers. Most of the best ones would fall under the category of pass rush specialists. An exception is Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon, but he will be long gone by the time the Lions draft 34th overall in the second round. Weatherspoon would be a stretch at the second overall pick. The Lions could play DeAndre Levy in Sims’ spot. It’s where he saw a lot of his playing time last season, but who would man the middle now that Larry Foote has departed? Could be the Lions are eyeballing somebody like Florida’s Brandon Spikes in the second round. His slow 40-yard dash time doesn’t mask the fact he is a terrific football player.
One is the health of a first-round draft choice from last year, Brandon Pettigrew. Maybe there are some problems with his rehabilitation following knee surgery. Secondly, Scheffler is a very good receiver. He has the speed to stretch the field down the middle, but is more of a receiver than blocker. He is a mediocre blocker - at best - but could really help take some of the pressure off Calvin Johnson. Scheffler is very athletic and can make plays in space.
He was available because of a run-in with Denver coach Josh McDaniels. It stemmed from QB Jay Cutler’s dispute with McDaniels. Scheffler was close to Cutler, who, of course, was traded to the Bears. Scheffler reportedly was overheard in the locker room saying he, too, wanted out of Denver - and was benched by McDaniels.
The Lions can use this type of weapon offensively, but it does leave their linebacker corps thin. Obviously, Sims didn’t figure in their long-term future. In the last decade, the Lions have had 12 first-round draft choices. Sims was the only one from the defensive side of the ball. He hasn’t been a big playmaker, and his consistency has waned the last two seasons.
But somebody has to play linebacker? The draft is not particularly deep with multi-purpose outside backers. Most of the best ones would fall under the category of pass rush specialists. An exception is Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon, but he will be long gone by the time the Lions draft 34th overall in the second round. Weatherspoon would be a stretch at the second overall pick. The Lions could play DeAndre Levy in Sims’ spot. It’s where he saw a lot of his playing time last season, but who would man the middle now that Larry Foote has departed? Could be the Lions are eyeballing somebody like Florida’s Brandon Spikes in the second round. His slow 40-yard dash time doesn’t mask the fact he is a terrific football player.
posted by Pat Caputo at
12:27 PM
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