Power Ranking Number 26: Detroit Lions

Two years ago this team didn’t win a game, but it seems like with the last two drafts and the off-season moves this team is head on its way up. Many people feel that quarterback Matthew Stafford is on his way to being a franchise quarterback and the Lions have surrounded him with offensive weapons, adding the like of rookie running back Jahvid Best, wide receiver Nate Burleson and tight end Tony Scheffler to go along with one of the league’s best wide receivers in Calvin Johnson. Stafford missed some games last season because of injury and the Lions hope that by adding offensive guard Rob Simms to the offensive line that will help. The Lions offensive line hasn’t been one of the league’s best in recent history and that is why many thought that they would draft an offensive tackle in the first round this season.

With the number two overall pick in this year’s draft they drafted Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh who many believe was the best overall player in the 2010 NFL draft. Bring in the likes of defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and defensive tackle Corey Williams will be a huge help on the defensive line. The Lions secondary is still a question mark but they did trade for cornerback Chris Houston and brought back veteran cornerback Dre Bly to go along with second year player Louis Delmas.

So will the Lions win the Super Bowl, I highly doubt that, but could they be one of the most improved teams in the NFL, that is more likely.

NFL Free-Agent News & Notes

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with fullback Leonard Weaver.

The Indianapolis Colts and free agent linebacker Gary Brackett agreed on a five-year contract.

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans) on a four-year deal.

The Miami Dolphins will release FS Gibril Wilson.

It appears a deal between the Chicago Bears and free-agent DE Julius Peppers (Panthers) is close to being completed.

The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent TE Brandon Manumaleuna (Chargers) on a five-year deal

NFL Free-Agency News & Notes

Detroit Lions and wide receiver Nate Burleson (Seahawks) agreed to a five-year deal worth $25 million, includes $11 million in guarantees.

RB Chester Taylor (Vikings) will visit the Chicago Bears on Friday.

DE Julius Peppers (Panthers) will visit the Chicago Bears on Friday.

TE Brandon Manumaleuna (Chargers) will visit the Chicago Bears on Friday.

LB Karlos Dansby (Cardinals) will visit the Miami Dolphins on Friday.

FS Antrel Rolle (Cardinals) will visit the New York Giants on Friday.

The Cleveland Browns will trade DT Corey Williams to the Detroit Lions for a round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz visited free-agent DE Kyle Vanden Bosch's (Titans) house early into free-agency.

San Diego Chargers have traded CB Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets for a third round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft that could turn into a second round pick.

The Carolina Panthers have release QB Jake Delhomme.

The Carolina Panthers have released DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu.