SB Nation Detroit: All Posts by James Bradyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48919/detroit-fave.png2013-04-22T12:22:32-04:00https://detroit.sbnation.com/authors/james-brady/rss2013-04-22T12:22:32-04:002013-04-22T12:22:32-04:00Fisher still popular pick for Lions
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<p>Eric Fisher is still the more popular selection for the Detroit Lions in SB Nation's mock draft.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> have had many players at multiple positions mocked to them this offseason. With the No. 5 pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, they are guaranteed to land one of the top five players in the nation, on their board, but what position will they go with?</p>
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<p>Many feel the Lions' biggest need is at cornerback, while quarterback <span>Matthew Stafford</span> definitely could use some more help in the form of an offensive tackle. There are also issues on the defensive line, and to this point, we've seen players at all of those positions mocked to them.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/4/22/4250052/2013-nfl-mock-draft">Dan Kadar of SB Nation</a> released his penultimate mock draft on Monday and he has the Lions going the Stafford protection route, with Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher at No. 5:</p>
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<p>Following the retirement of <span>Jeff Backus</span>, the Lions are in need of a left tackle. The team won't come out and say <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/47779/riley-reiff">Riley Reiff</a> can move there, and it's probably for the best. If the Lions can add an athletic talent like Fisher, it would allow Reiff to play on the right side or guard where he's much better suited. A pass rusher will get a long look from general manager Martin Mayhew, but it's just as important to keep franchise quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10272/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a> upright.</p>
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<p>It's true that <span>Riley Reiff</span> could probably move over to left tackle, but solidifying both tackle spots with Reiff on the right side, where he is clearly better suited, and Fisher on the left side would be a strong play for the future stability of the positions. You can also check out Fisher's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/3/19/4123294/eric-fisher-2013-nfl-draft-scouting-report">scouting report here</a>, where it's made clear that if he's behind Luke Joeckel, it's not by far.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/4/22/4252654/2013-nfl-mock-draft-eric-fisher-lionsJames Brady2013-04-01T15:53:27-04:002013-04-01T15:53:27-04:00Lions, Ansah remain popular in mocks
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<p>Ezekiel Ansah remains a popular choice for the Detroit Lions in mock drafts around the Internet.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> made an impact in 2011, and seemed poised to make it to the next level heading into 2012. Unfortunately for them, they fell flat and only managed to win four games this past season. Now, they have a No. 5 pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and definitely need to get an impact player at that point.</p>
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<p>Dan Kadar of SB Nation released his latest mock draft on Monday, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112942/ezekiel-ansah">Ezekiel Ansah</a> of BYU is the pick at No. 5:</p>
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<p>If Fisher is off the board, the Lions should go after a high upside defensive end like Ansah. Although <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87274/lane-johnson">Lane Johnson</a> would get consideration to replace the retired <span>Jeff Backus</span>, the hole at end is just as great.</p>
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<p>Fisher refers to offensive tackle Eric Fisher, who is going to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> at No. 4 in this mock draft. Ansah is a player that the Lions worked with at the Senior Bowl and they've been linked to him ever since. His draft stock has been rising this offseason and seeing him go in the top five wouldn't be a huge shocker.</p>
<p>Ansah is incredibly talented and would instantly be a starter for the Lions. Look no further than his SB Nation scouting report from Matthew Fairburn. He's got a great blend of size and speed that will make him a good weapon at defensive end for the Lions, or any team that happens to draft him.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/4/1/4171092/nfl-mock-draft-2013-lions-ezekial-ansahJames Brady2013-03-25T14:45:14-04:002013-03-25T14:45:14-04:00Lions to take first in 1st round?
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<p>Could the Detroit Lions draft a franchise left tackle in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> have been one of the harder teams to predict when it comes to putting together a mock draft. They were on the cusp of becoming one of the NFL's elite teams in 2011, but fell flat in 2012. So which team is the real one? There's talent there, but is there enough talent?</p>
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<p>Figuring out their primary areas of need is a tough call at this point. Some believe that a team picking in the top five picks shouldn't draft based on need though, and that they should take the best player available. There is a chance that they can do both though.</p>
<p>The latest <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/3/25/4143254/2013-nfl-mock-draft">SB Nation mock draft</a> was a collaboration between Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn, and they have the Lions taking offensive tackle Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan with the No. 5 pick:</p>
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<p>Following the retirement of <span>Jeff Backus</span>, the Lions are in need of a left tackle. The team won't come out and say <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/47779/riley-reiff">Riley Reiff</a> can move there, and it's probably for the best. If the Lions can add an athletic talent like Fisher, it would allow Reiff to play on the right side where he's much better suited. A pass rusher will get a long look from general manager Martin Mayhew, but it's just as important to keep franchise quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10272/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a> upright.</p>
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<p>Fisher is considered one of the top players in the draft and wouldn't be a reach with the No. 5 pick. As explained in the mock, that would be a good situation for the Lions with Reiff going to the right side. For more on Fisher, you can check out SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/3/19/4123294/eric-fisher-2013-nfl-draft-scouting-report">scouting report here</a>.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/3/25/4145690/2013-nfl-mock-draft-lions-eric-fisherJames Brady2013-02-25T14:20:10-05:002013-02-25T14:20:10-05:00Lions could take Ansah due to familiarity
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<p>Could the Lions draft defensive end Ezekiel Ansah in the first round due to their familiarity with him from the Senior Bowl?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> are paying plenty of attentions to the prospects during the NFL Scouting Combine. The top end of the draft has a lot of defensive talent, but the combine could be a place for some of those players to really separate themselves from the rest of the pack.</p>
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<p>Detroit have a top five pick, and going with the "best player available" method of drafting will be difficult. That said, they're no stranger to picking high and given that the top-end is heavy on defensive line talent, well, they're no stranger to drafting defensive linemen high, either.</p>
<p>Matthew Fairburn of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/2/25/4026530/2013-nfl-mock-draft-combine-star-lotulelei-tank-carradine">SB Nation</a> released his latest mock draft on Monday and he thinks it's par the course for the Lions, as he has them taking Ezekiel Ansah, the defensive end out of BYU:</p>
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<p>We've had this connection in a previous mock and it continues to make sense. The Detroit Lions worked closely with Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl and desperately need help at defensive end. Ansah could be the missing piece on Detroit's defensive line. </p>
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<p>It's true that the Lions spent time with Ansah at the Senior Bowl, but if that were the only reason for this selection, it would be quite odd. Fortunately, that's not the only reason, as Ansah has been considered one of the top defensive linemen in the draft for some time.</p>
<p>Many drafts have him going in the top 15 picks, and it stands to reason that some one-on-one time at the Senior Bowl could definitely have given the Lions some positive feelings on Ansah to tip the skills in his favor over guys like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114291/bjoern-werner">Bjoern Werner</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115467/damontre-moore">Damontre Moore</a>.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2013/2/25/4028576/2013-nfl-mock-draft-detroit-lionsJames Brady2013-02-18T12:28:16-05:002013-02-18T12:28:16-05:00Lions to add DL in first round?
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<p>Could the Detroit Lions continue their investment in their defensive line with another early pick in the 2013 NFL Draft?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> have invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, but they find themselves in need of doing so once again. <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> remains a reliable player when he's not getting penalized, but there are question marks surrounding <span>Cliff Avril</span>, a free agent, and <span>Nick Fairley</span>, who under-performed.</p>
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<i>Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://prideofdetroit.com">Pride of Detroit</a> for more on the Lions and their 2013 NFL Draft needs</i>
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<p>On top of that, <span>Kyle Vanden Bosch</span> was cut and the Lions are once again looking at potentially spending a high pick on their defensive line. As it happens, they definitely need to do something this offseason on the line, as their pass rush and run stopping ability was poor last season.</p>
<p>Dan Kadar of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/2/18/3999998/2013-nfl-mock-draft-combine-performances-could-push-players-up">SB Nation</a> released his latest mock draft on Monday, and he has the Lions addressing the need by taking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115467/damontre-moore">Damontre Moore</a>, the defensive end out of Texas A&M:</p>
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/7411/cliff-avril">Cliff Avril</a> is a free agent and Kyle Vanden Bosch was cut. In a draft that's top-heavy in pass rushers, the Lions would be wise to strike with a player like Moore. While he doesn't have an elite first step, he's a relentless player and can hold up against the run particularly well.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft">Stay up to date on all of SB Nation's 2013 NFL Draft coverage</a>
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<p>Even when Detroit stacked their defensive line, they were an attack-first team with a very aggressive mindset. They haven't been very good at stopping the run, and it's hurt them big time in games. Moore is a very good pass rusher and he's absolutely stout against the run.</p>
<p>So if the Lions use him properly, they should be significantly better in both areas in 2013, provided they do actually draft him. Additionally, Moore is a complete player who would be ready to start right away.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/2/18/4001386/nfl-mock-draft-2013-detroit-lions-damontre-mooreJames Brady2013-02-11T14:08:40-05:002013-02-11T14:08:40-05:00Lions to make surprise pick in first round?
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<p>Could the Detroit Lions make a surprise pick and take Ezekiel Ansah in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft?</p> <p>Few teams were expected to make a jump from good to elite as much as the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> were in 2012. They fought hard down the stretch in 2011, with their offense keeping pace with teams like the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a>, but they were let down by their defense in the end.</p>
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<p>Most assumed that an offseason would fix those issues, but it seems to have made things worse. The defense <i>and</i> the offense heavily regressed, and now they have a top five pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Having the pick is certainly good for them, as they have some serious needs to fill.</p>
<p>Matthew Fairburn and Dan Kadar collaborated on the latest <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/2/11/3975632/2013-nfl-mock-draft" target="_blank">SB Nation mock draft</a> on Monday, and they have the Lions taking <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112942/ezekiel-ansah" class="sbn-auto-link">Ezekiel Ansah</a>, a defensive end out of BYU:</p>
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<p>Surprise! What fun is a pre-combine, pre-free agency mock draft if you aren't going to throw in a few weird picks to make things interesting. Defensive end is the one spot on Detroit's defensive line that needs fixing. They spent a lot of time with Ezekial Ansah at the Senior Bowl, and the BYU defensive end dominated the game. He could be atop their board.</p>
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<p>It's certainly a surprise pick, as Ansah doesn't go this early in most drafts around the Internet, but this one does at least make sense given the reasoning provided. The Lions are familiar with him and they do like him.</p>
<p>On top of that, Ansah fits the bill for what they want to do. Detroit has invested heavily in their defensive line in the past and it hasn't necessarily paid off. Now they have some guys on the way out and adding a player like Ansah, on the surface, can only help them.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/2/11/3977078/2013-nfl-mock-draft-detroit-lionsJames Brady2013-01-28T15:41:30-05:002013-01-28T15:41:30-05:00Lions drafting another D-lineman early?
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<p>The Detroit Lions could be looking at yet another high pick on their defensive line when the 2013 NFL Draft rolls around.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> certainly have their issues, falling short of expectations big time this past season. Now they'll look forward to try and add some key pieces in free agency, and to a greater extent, the 2013 NFL Draft. Offensively and defensively, the team looked lost this season, and their needs are pretty expansive.</p>
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<i>For more on the Detroit Lions and their 2013 NFL Draft needs, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://prideofdetroit.com">Pride of Detroit</a>.</i>
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<p>That being said, they are only one season removed from looking like one of the NFL's elite, so if they manage to pick up some strong talent this offseason and move past the issues of last season, the Lions could really find themselves in a good position.</p>
<p>Dan Kadar of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/1/28/3924336/2013-nfl-mock-draft" target="_blank">SB Nation</a> released his latest mock draft on Monday, and he has the Lions taking <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114291/bjoern-werner" class="sbn-auto-link">Bjoern Werner</a>, a defensive end out of Florida State.</p>
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<p>Doing a mock draft before free agency always leads to plenty of assumption. It's difficult to project where free agents will land, but it's easy to guess where they'll leave. Lions defensive end <span>Cliff Avril</span> is facing free agency again, and if he's not brought back Detroit will need pass rush help. Werner is the best natural end available here. He's a technician on the defensive line and could be a good foil next to <span>Ndamukong Suh</span>.</p>
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<p>Detroit has invested a lot into the defensive line recently, so the pick of Werner does seem like somewhat of a luxury. That being said, as noted by Kadar, the Lions do have some players coming up in free agency. <span>Kyle Vanden Bosch</span> is also starting to show his age, which also helps the credibility of this pick.</p>
<p>The Lions have had a strong pass rush, which will be bolstered by Werner, but he's also a solid run stopper, which has been an issue for Detroit as well. They have some needs, and defensive line may not be the top among them, but few would argue Werner's talent and his ability to start next to Suh.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/1/28/3925708/nfl-mock-draft-2013-detroit-lionsJames Brady2013-01-21T14:53:35-05:002013-01-21T14:53:35-05:00Lions after another d-lineman in the draft?
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<p>Could the Detroit Lions spend another pick on a defensive lineman in the first round come the 2013 NFL Draft?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> were expected to make the jump from good to elite in 2012, but they fell flat, finishing with a 4-12 record. They weren't able to get things done on either side of the ball, and they'll need to have a strong offseason to come back and be the team everyone thought they would be this season.</p>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">For more on the Detroit Lions and their draft, visit </b>
<a href="http://prideofdetroit.com" target="_blank"><b><i>Pride of Detroit</i></b>.</a>
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<p>First, they've got free agency in March, and then the 2013 NFL Draft in April. They'll need to ace both to ensure they're not picking top five again come next year. That being said, with the No. 5 pick this year, they can at least make the best of things.</p>
<p>Matthew Fairburn of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/1/21/3894084/nfl-mock-draft-2013-luke-joeckel-geno-smith-chiefs">SB Nation</a> released his latest mock draft on Monday, and he's got the Lions taking a defensive player in defensive end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114291/bjoern-werner" class="sbn-auto-link">Bjoern Werner</a> of Florida State:</p>
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<p>This offseason, Lions defensive end <span>Cliff Avril</span> will be one of the most expensive free agents on the market. If they choose to let Avril walk, or want a younger upgrade to <span>Kyle Vanden Bosch</span>, Bjoern Werner would be an excellent choice. He's a pure 4-3 end and an excellent technician.</p>
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<p>Detroit has invested some high picks in the defensive line of late, with guys like <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> and <span>Nick Fairley</span>. But they do employ the "best player available" strategy and the Lions have consistently been picking near the top of the draft.</p>
<p>This usually means some kind of lineman is the pick. That being said, Werner could fill a need depending on how free agency shakes up. It certainly seems unlikely that they are able to bring Avril back at a reasonable contract number. Werner would seamlessly move into that role if the Lions brought him in.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/1/21/3900588/2013-nfl-mock-draft-detroit-lions-bjoern-wernerJames Brady2013-01-03T11:24:19-05:002013-01-03T11:24:19-05:00Lions don't want to use tag
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<p>The Detroit Lions don't want to use the franchise tag this offseason, instead preferring to get everybody signed to new contracts.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> aren't likely to use the franchise tag this offseason, at least according to general manager Martin Mayhew. As noted by Dave Birkett on <a href="http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2013/1/3/3830754/detroit-lions-franchise-tag-2013" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, Mayhew said that he doesn't see the Lions using the tag this year.</p>
<p>Last season, the Lions used the tag on defensive end <span>Cliff Avril</span> after talks went down to the wire. They also said at this point last year that they did not want to use the tag on Avril, but the contract talks broke down and they were forced to.</p>
<p>There's certainly plenty of players coming up that could use the tag, including cornerback <span>Chris Houston</span> and safety <span>Louis Delmas</span>. If talks break down with those players, then the Lions could default to using the franchise tag, regardless of their desire to not use it at this point.</p>
<p>Players typically do not like the franchise tag and at least one of them, Houston, have spoken out against it already.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/2013/1/3/3831826/lions-franchise-tag-martin-mayhewJames Brady2013-01-03T10:48:04-05:002013-01-03T10:48:04-05:00Mayhew regrest not planning for Best's absence
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<p>Martin Mayhew counts not planning for Jahvid Best's absence as one of his biggest mistakes of 2012.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> just wrapped up a 4-12 season, well below their expectations. General manager Martin Mayhew has kept his job, but he's going to have to turn things around in 2013 if it's to stay that way. So what's to blame for the bad season? There's plenty of reasons, but among Mayhew's mistakes, he counts one regarding running back <span>Jahvid Best</span> among his most significant.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20130103/SPORTS01/301030163/1049/sports01?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreepDetroitLions+%28freep.com+%7C+Detroit+Lions%29" target="_blank">Detroit Free Press</a>, Mayhew said that depending on Best to return from a concussion and not creating a contingency plan in the event that he wouldn't be able to was the biggest mistake. Given the lack of production from the running game and the increasing dependency on quarterback <span>Matthew Stafford</span>, it seems like a valid choice.</p>
<p>Best suffered two concussions in 2011, and all throughout that offseason, the Lions reiterated their hope and belief that Best would be ready in time for the regular season. He did not return, and all throughout the 2012 season, Best's status was constantly up in the air.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/lions/2013/1/3/3831646/jahvid-best-concussion-lions-martin-mayhewJames Brady