Posted by Lisa on June 9, 2009, 1:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Cheer up, we got Pettigrew"
I called it early, because Pettigrew is a stud. It was far better to get the top TE, who will also help seal the edges, than reach for any of the OTs available at 20...who would be sitting the bench for a year. As much as I wanted a DT or MLB with that pick, they got great value with Pettigrew.
Pettigrew was rated in the top ten by most teams, but those picking in the top 10 didn't have TE as a primary need. However, it was a need for the Lions. In Linehan's offense the TE is necessary, not a luxury position as the TE is for a Martz offense. However much it disturbs me, the Lions (due to Millen) have focused their money on offense it is mandatory that they make that side of the ball work.
Pettigrew is the most complete TE I've seen in a long time: his blocking skills are more heralded, but he has great hands and body control. He creates separation with his body and long arms, and is a mismatch for most LBs and CBs. The run blocking just got better with Pettigrew chipping the faster DEs (Backus might just look decent if he has somebody inside who doesn't look like a turnstile), and Culpepper also loves having a big target for a safety valve.
Linehan wants to run the 2-TE offense more to generate a run game and to pass-protect for longer. CJ and BJ are fast but still need time to build up their deep speed; so the QB needs to hang in for 4 seconds, instead of 2. 
I know he wasn't the popular choice for most casual Lion fans and outside people, but I like the Pettigrew pick. It shows that they make their own evaluations based on their scheme and needs, not listening to ESPN and other pundits who don't know the team. They are going to build the right way now. I still dislike taking a QB at #1, but Pettigrew was NOT a reach.
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