Posted by Lisa on February 4, 2008, 1:37 pm Link: Yahoo
Message modified by board administrator February 6, 2008, 8:52 am
Vinnie Iyer gives his top 25 (the full 99 is listed at TSN's Warroom, which I'll not be paying for) but I'm omitting his comments so I can include my comments on each player as a possibility for the Lions.
1. Asante Samuel, CB, Patriots.
He is going to be a high-priced free-agent if the Patriots can't work something out with him. And he's worth the price. I don't think the Pats can franchise him again. However, for the Lion's purposes I don't think he is a viable alternative. He's 5-10, 187 and even though he plays bigger than his size, he doesn't really fit the prototypical Tampa 2 CB. Did I mention how expensive he'll be?
2. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Titans.
Does this guy remind you of anyone? He and Shaun Rogers may be the best DTs in the NFL, along with a healthy Kris Jenkins in Carolina. But frankly Haynesworth has as much baggage as Shaun. I don't see him as an upgrade to Shaun. Plus, the Titan defense really struggled without Albert and if they believe his intensity was more than money related, the Titans will not let him go.
3. Alan Faneca, G, Steelers.
This is one of the locks of free agency that Faneca will be let go. Too much water under the bridge between the two sides. At 31 he's on the cusp of being considered too old to sign as a free agent, though he probably has a good 5 years left in him. However, I really don't think the OG is THE position of need for the Lions. They actually have a lot of depth at OG and the real lack on o-line is with the OTs. IMO, this isn't a logical move, which of course makes it more than likely Millen tries for him. 
4. Dallas Clark, TE, Colts.
Like Iyer mentions the Colts aren't going to let him go lightly. He's a major cog in their offensive machine. I've really no idea if the new Lion OC COULD even make use of a pass catching tight end. My confidence isn't real high here.
5. Jared Allen, DE, Chiefs.
Seriously, like the Titans did without Haynesworth, this defense looked like crap without Allen in at DE. All of a sudden he's in and the defense starts clicking for KC. I would do cartwheels if Allen hit free agency, but it's not going to happen.
6. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots.
What the heck would the Lions do with another WR with attitude? Even if he left his dream team. Additionally, the guy cannot avoid trouble even when he's keeping a low profile.
7. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys.
There is no way the Cowboys let him go. In fact, I don't think the Cowboys will even allow him to talk to anybody else.
8. Corey Williams, DT, Packers.
Williams is a hard working, good all around DT and can play some DE according to JS Online. The Pack have pretty good depth at DT and Williams is looking for a 5-6M deal. Which may be a little pricey for the Packers to match considering they have a first rounder waiting to take his job. If the Lions do go after Williams, I don't think he's quick enough to play the under-tackle position to compete with Cory Redding. And if they do trade Shaun Rogers, Williams doesn't have the bulk for the "cock-nose". They would have to adjust what they're doing with the line.
9. Derek Anderson, QB, Browns.
Cleveland is trying to negotiate a 3 year deal, and if they cannot get a long term deal done then they will tender him at the highest level. I don't see him as a realistic option to hit free agency.
10. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders.
IMO he plays a bit finesse considering his size, but he has the size potential for the Tampa 2. He thinks he's better than he is, however. So I don't think any deal done would get done on the cheap, for sure.
11. Michael Boley, OLB, Falcons.
Boley is a Restricted Free Agent and I'm sure Atlanta will do the logical thing and tender him, at the very least. I think he's more valuable in the defense Smith will be installing than he would be for the Lions.
12. Terrell Suggs, OLB/DE, Ravens.
Millen wanted to draft Suggs coming out of Arizone, but Suggs had some bad post-season work outs that knocked him out of the Lion's draft range at the time. I still think it was a mistake to pass on him. Now, his value for the Lions increases because he fits the Dwight Freeny mold, though he been playing in the 3-4 in Baltimore. Barring Jared Allen, Suggs might be the best DE fit for the Lions.)
13. Michael Turner, RB, Chargers.
The guy might be the best free agent RB this year, but he doesn't fit what the Lions SAY they are looking for. They SAY they are looking for a shiftier back who can make a man miss. However, the RBs they are looking at are Jamal Lewis-esque. (What I hear is that they were really high on Tulane's Matt Forte before the Senior Bowl. He was the Sr. Bowl MVP, so he may have increased his draft value too much for the Lions.) Still, it may be more economically feasible to find a RB in the draft at or around the 3rd round than spend big on a free agent.
14. Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks.
This is a guy I liked a lot coming out of college. The draft is deep at CB, but they need depth up the wazoo since they will let Keith Smith go, and maybe Stanley Wilson too. Travis Fisher is a free agent. And though the rumors of Fernando Bryant's retirement were greatly exaggerated, it is true that they cannot bank on him lasting a full season. However, Seattle has the option to fran tag him and may use it.
15. Lance Briggs, OLB, Bears.
Here's another guy who believed his press clippings, and thought he was better than he is. I'm not saying he's not good, but he thinks he's elite level and will not be satisfied with what I think he deserves in a contract. He's pretty much talked his way out of Chicago but San Fran is looking at him as an ILB in their 3-4 defense and they probably are more willing to give him the money he's looking at.
16. Ken Hamlin, S, Cowboys.
This would be a great get for the Lions. As much as I like Gerald Alexander and Keith Bullocks, they are very young and lack experience. They cannot start Kenoy Kennedy, please. So Hamlin's experience with understanding offenses is key, as is his ability to tackle and play the pass.
17. Bernard Berrian, WR, Bears.
It would be great to steal the Bears best offensive player, but realistically where would another WR fit?
18. Julius Jones, RB, Cowboys.
Julius Jones is a backup at best. I don't see him as a difference maker.
19. Ryan Lilja, G, Colts.
Lilja is fairly successful in the Colts blocking system, but considering the way the last Colt's OG, Rick DeMulling, played for the Lions, even if they had a need at OG I would be less than thrilled.
20. Clark Haggans, OLB, Steelers.
Unlike Suggs, I don't think this 3-4 OLB would be a fit for the Lions at any position. He's not really that great of a pass rusher, and he lacks speed.
21. Jordan Gross, OT, Panthers.
He's a good RT. You don't break the bank for a RT. But he's a possibility if the Lions don't re-sign Damien Woody.
22. Jake Scott, G, Colts.
Ditto the comments for #19 Lilja except increase they cynicism by 2.
23. D.J. Hackett, WR, Seahawks.
In no way can I figure out where Hackett would fit on the Lions. He was an injury no show for much of the year for Seattle.
24. Justin Smith, DE, Bengals.
He's got the potential of Kalimba Edwards, except he shown he can actually get sacks. He had a down year, so may actually be a bargain DE. He fits what Marinelli looks for in a DE with his speed, agility and pass rush moves. The only question is coming from a situation he was in with Cincinnati, he may be very hesitant to come to a similar iffy situation. Marinelli would have to sell his defense, big time.
25. Max Starks, OT, Steelers.
He's somewhat inconsistent, but he's a big physical guy who can push the line. I like him a bit more than Jordan Gross overall. Heaven knows the Lions need to get physical on the o-line. Some may question the knee injury that ended his season, but what I hear is that he's almost ready to work out now and a knee injury to an o-lineman isn't the same as a knee injury to a RB. His youth is going to push his value up over some of the other OTs who will be free agents. He could be the long-term fix at RT that the Lions have been looking for since Lomas Brown played in Detroit.
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