Lions trying to strike up deal

[dragondawg]

No. 2 pick on block, but sources say Broncos balked at asking price

By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer

Knowing several NFL teams are collectively drooling over the talents of receiver Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions have let it be known their No. 2 overall draft pick is up for trade.

Yes, the Lions have held preliminary discussions with the Broncos regarding the No. 2 pick the past month, NFL sources confirmed.

But no, Broncos fans shouldn't get their hopes up.

According to sources, the Lions asked for multiple draft picks that included Denver's No. 21 selection. The Broncos considered the asking price far too high and trade discussions have ceased.

While a Denver deal with Detroit appears unlikely, the Broncos have been trying to deal their No. 21 pick. Some of the Broncos' trade possibilities have them moving up on the draft board; others have them moving down.

For the Lions, the possibility of dealing the No. 2 pick is all about the benefits of moving down. Provided the Oakland Raiders take Louisiana State quarterback JaMarcus Russell as expected with their No. 1 pick in the draft April 28, Johnson is widely considered a no-brainer selection at No. 2.

The Georgia Tech product is a 6-foot-5, 239-pound athletic specimen who was clocked in the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds at the scouting combine, plus had eye-bulging measurements at his recent pro day workout of 42K inches in the vertical leap and 11 feet, 7 inches in the long jump.

Put another way, Johnson is to receivers in this year's draft what Reggie Bush was to running backs in last year's draft.

The Lions, however, just happen to be the one team that wouldn't dare take another receiver so high in the draft, not after they were burned by Charles Rogers with the No. 2 pick in 2003 and Mike Williams with the 10th selection in 2005. Roy Williams worked out well with the No. 7 pick in 2004, but at some point, the Lions need to adjust priorities.

With an average record of 4-12 the past six seasons, the Lions are contemplating whether they can get greater value by moving down in the draft for multiple players and picks in return. The Broncos became a logical candidate in part because of how coach Mike Shanahan aggressively traded up to get quarterback Jay Cutler last year (a series of deals moved Denver from No. 30 to No. 11), but also because the two teams worked out a trade earlier this month.

In that deal, the Broncos sent running back Tatum Bell and right tackle George Foster to the Lions in exchange for cornerback Dré Bly.

The Bly ordeal

According to a Broncos source, Bly will not be traded and will play for the team in 2007. There will be doubts, though, until after the draft - when many deals are made - or Bly douses speculation about his preference to play closer to home with the Washington Redskins.

Reached Friday, Bly would not comment.

Big Daddy update

The new deadline for the Broncos to consummate their trade with Miami for defensive tackle Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson has been set for March 30. At issue for Wilkinson and the Broncos is an old knee injury.

The 340-pound Wilkinson, who turned 34 on Tuesday, wants to ease his mind by having his medical people tell him whether his knee can hold up for a 14th NFL season. If Wilkinson is satisfied, the Broncos will then have their doctors check out his knee.

If all are satisfied, the Broncos would keep their commitment of giving their sixth-round draft pick to the Dolphins. If not, the trade would be voided and the sixth-round choice would return to Denver

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5457658

[theAPAOps5]

As always Dragon you are up on the latest press. REP

[-Slap-]

The asking price for number two will come down as we get closer to draft day. Its good that there's continuing dialogue between the MasterMind and the MentalMidget.

[cutthemdown]

If we got calvin Johnson I would crap my pants!!!!!!!!!!! Then I would smell it just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

[Borks147]

Detroit is in a unique position. Everyone knows they won't take Calvin with the number 2 and thus are willing to move down, but at the same time there might be a bidding war to get the 2nd pick so a team can get Calvin; and I'm not sure which factor is the deciding one.

Reportedly they were asking for, among a lot of picks, Al Wilson. I just don't think Shanny pulls the trigger on that kind of package. So what would you guys give up for the rights to Calvin?

[Borks147]

Another thing that came up in the article was the fact that Charles Rogers was the 2nd overall pick for Detroit a few years ago. Obviously, Calvin is a higher rated prospect than Roger, but I would like to know what was so "special" about Rogers back in the day. Does anyone remember? Hindsight is of course 20/20, and I really don't want go sell-out the future in order to get Calvin unless he's a sure thing (obviously that can't be guaranteed).

[atomicbloke]

If Al Davis picks up Calcin Johnson, it would put the draft plans of a lot of teams in disarray.

[SoCalBronco]

If Denver really wants Calvin Johnson, then any deal should wait until Draft Day. If Oakland pulls off the Moss to GB for Rodgers and a conditional pick (based on Rodgers performance), they will likely take CJ instead. I don't think Denver should lock itself into a spot anytime before draft day on the assumption that Oakland will not screw them over.

[Borks147]

Originally Posted by atomicbloke

If Al Davis picks up Calcin Johnson, it would put the draft plans of a lot of teams in disarray.

if Calvin really does have the kind of work ethic he wants everyone to think he has, he won't be happy with that move either..

[Borks147]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

If Denver really wants Calvin Johnson, then any deal should wait until Draft Day. If Oakland pulls off the Moss to GB for Rodgers and a conditional pick (based on Rodgers performance), they will likely take CJ instead. I don't think Denver should lock itself into a spot anytime before draft day on the assumption that Oakland will not screw them over.

true sh*t

but if you're the raiders, what tandem would you rather have:
Moss and Russell
Rodgers and Calvin

crap...yeah lets hope that the trade doesnt go through....

[kappys]

Originally Posted by aborquez147

Another thing that came up in the article was the fact that Charles Rogers was the 2nd overall pick for Detroit a few years ago. Obviously, Calvin is a higher rated prospect than Roger, but I would like to know what was so "special" about Rogers back in the day. Does anyone remember? Hindsight is of course 20/20, and I really don't want go sell-out the future in order to get Calvin unless he's a sure thing (obviously that can't be guaranteed).

phenomenal hands.

[CBF1]

Charlie Rogers was a stud in college. He had a string of I think it was 13 straight games with a TD catch. Over a 1000 yards and double digit TD's his last 2 seasons at Mich State? I think it was.

Arron Rodgers to Calvin does not worry me too much.... AR is over rated.

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

If Denver really wants Calvin Johnson, then any deal should wait until Draft Day. If Oakland pulls off the Moss to GB for Rodgers and a conditional pick (based on Rodgers performance), they will likely take CJ instead. I don't think Denver should lock itself into a spot anytime before draft day on the assumption that Oakland will not screw them over.

That's when you get a backup plan in order. Have a deal in place with Arizona to trade the #2 overall pick to them in case the Fade take Calvin Johnson. Arizona makes sense because they have the #5 pick and they covet Joe Thomas, who won't be there when they're on the clock.

I can't see this happening, though. The price would be steep beyond belief to move from #21 to #2.

[wabbit]

Mike Klis doesn't throw this stuff out for no reason, so I have to believe Denver...and Detroit, may yet swing some kind of grand banana trade.

...or, Denver could be making it look that way so that Washington comes calling with it's #6.

...or, Shanahan will be content to see what falls to 21

or...it just goes on & on without end

Mike Shanahan has created a monster...and it's him.

Back in the day, he dreaded even the thought of handing out draft choices after getting screwed blue by Wade Phillips with three paltry picks left in the pantry in '95...and the highest prospect in the fourth round.

Now, the guy seems determined to relish the role of the NFLs' Banum & Bailey...there might not be a sucker born every minute among the NFL GMs, but there is always Matt Millen and whoever runs the free-for-all that is the Washington Redskins.

Point is, no-one knows what the hell Shanahan is likely to do...perhaps not even Shanahan at the moment.

...but if there's a crack in the door, I've come to believe he'll barge right in.

So, we end up with one pick in the first and one in the 7th, but, by God, he will be a good one...we hope.

[Ratboy]

I rather take Joe Thomas. Cutler needs protection, He already has 3 receivers that are decent.

[crazyhorse]

Originally Posted by wabbit

Mike Klis doesn't throw this stuff out for no reason, so I have to believe Denver...and Detroit, may yet swing some kind of grand banana trade.

...or, Denver could be making it look that way so that Washington comes calling with it's #6.

...or, Shanahan will be content to see what falls to 21

or...it just goes on & on without end

Mike Shanahan has created a monster...and it's him.

Back in the day, he dreaded even the thought of handing out draft choices after getting screwed blue by Wade Phillips with three paltry picks left in the pantry in '95...and the highest prospect in the fourth round.

Now, the guy seems determined to relish the role of the NFLs' Banum & Bailey...there might not be a sucker born every minute among the NFL GMs, but there is always Matt Millen and whoever runs the free-for-all that is the Washington Redskins.

Point is, no-one knows what the hell Shanahan is likely to do...perhaps not even Shanahan at the moment.

...but if there's a crack in the door, I've come to believe he'll barge right in.

So, we end up with one pick in the first and one in the 7th, but, by God, he will be a good one...we hope.

Donks only having 2 picks in this years draft?

I'm down.

[watermock]

I hope that clears everything up...

This reminds me dreadnaughts putting up smokescreen to shake a tail from persuers. I smell smoke tho. Beezer is mousing under the quilt to figure out what's going on.

I don't think Calvin is the target. I predict we give Snyder back his 3rd and our 4th in 08, the 21 and maybe...oh hell...who the hell knows.

Calvin wouldn't only be expensive from a draft standpoint, he's likely to be a 20m SB multi-millionaire in a month. He's supposed to be a model citizen, but damn...If we have a QB that likes trucks and like both kinds of muck, Country AND Western, that's fine with me.

There is alot of smoke screen blowing around pre draft.

Shanahan didn't throw away the draft last year to get Cutler, and he won't this year either.

Anyone who thinks they know what Shanahan is going to do is crazy. If anyone doesn't know Cutler would jizz his pants to get Calvin they are crazy, but it would be a steep price, but remember, we are dealing with the meathead.

One think I'm kinda sure of...we will rape either Detroit or Washington again.

[watermock]

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Donks only having 2 picks in this years draft?

I'm down.

That won't happen...not a chance. When Bliss and Calvin Johnson show up you might be shocked.

[crazyhorse]

Originally Posted by watermock

That won't happen...not a chance. When Bliss and Calvin Johnson show up you might be shocked.

The only thing about the Donks that shocks me is they seem to have no interest in the D line.

[elsid13]

Originally Posted by Ratboy

I rather take Joe Thomas. Cutler needs protection, He already has 3 receivers that are decent.

He has one proven WR - Walker. a guy that might be good - Marshall and aging hurt possession WR - Smith. That ain't decent

Beside Thomas is good, but Jake Long (LT from Michigan) is the guy that we need next year. The guy is 6-7/ 315 and plays in zone blocking scheme already and would have gone ahead of Thomas if he came out this year.

[RMT]

Originally Posted by aborquez147

Detroit is in a unique position. Everyone knows they won't take Calvin with the number 2 and thus are willing to move down, but at the same time there might be a bidding war to get the 2nd pick so a team can get Calvin; and I'm not sure which factor is the deciding one.

Reportedly they were asking for, among a lot of picks, Al Wilson. I just don't think Shanny pulls the trigger on that kind of package. So what would you guys give up for the rights to Calvin?

what if there were a 3-way trade between Detroit, Chicago, and Denver? Wilson and picks to Det, a pick or two to Chicago, and then the #2 and Briggs to Denver?

[MechanicalBull]

Originally Posted by elsid13

He has one proven WR - Walker. a guy that might be good - Marshall and aging hurt possession WR - Smith. That ain't decent

Beside Thomas is good, but Jake Long (LT from Michigan) is the guy that we need next year. The guy is 6-7/ 315 and plays in zone blocking scheme already and would have gone ahead of Thomas if he came out this year.

That's how I feel. Walker is great, Marshall has potential but could also go the way of Watts we just don't know yet either way. If somehow we drafted Johnson he would start out as the #2 and bump Marshall and Smith down to 3and 4. Which would pretty much mean the end of Rod's playing time/career almost.

I won't be upset at drafting Johnson but that would mean no DL help at all. If we stay at/around 21 I would like to draft DL in the first and then Steve Smith or Anthony Gonzales in the 2nd.

[Broncoman13]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

If Denver really wants Calvin Johnson, then any deal should wait until Draft Day. If Oakland pulls off the Moss to GB for Rodgers and a conditional pick (based on Rodgers performance), they will likely take CJ instead. I don't think Denver should lock itself into a spot anytime before draft day on the assumption that Oakland will not screw them over.

True, but it's not like Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, or Gaines Adams is a "bad" consilation prize!

Truth be told, I'd rather trade up to #2 and then send the pick to the Texans for #8 and their 2nd (#40 I think). We can then draft a guy like Laron Landry at #8 and then a guy like Crowder at #40.

I guess I just don't see the benefit of Calvin Johnson. We have 1 football. Travis Henry, Javon Walker, Dan Graham, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and Rod Smith. I guess you could sub Calvin Johnson in for Brandon Marshall, but he wouldn't get more than 50 catches and I'm fine with Marshall and Walker to be honest. If we're going to give Cutler a bunch of weapons, why not invest into protecting him first. Joe Thomas would go a long ways toward making sure Cutler had time to hit all of those guys for years!

Bottom line. If we do anything, I hope it's move up 5 or 6 spots for a guy like Okoye, Branch, Anderson, Landry, somebody that has top 10 talent that is slipping a little bit. Send a 3rd to move up and acquire a difference making DLineman or safety. Otherwise stay put or trade down a bit and go after guys like Joe Staley, Marcus Thomas, Dan Bazuin, and Josh Gattis in the latter parts rounds 1,2, and 3.

[baja]

I suspect Shanny and Co do not have one single player pegged to go after, rather they have a list of guys they would like to get and have already planned what they are willing to give up to get them. They have pre-planned a trade scenario for their list of guys and will wait and see if one of them falls enough to make the trade worth it..

[Dukes]

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

The only thing about the Donks that shocks me is they seem to have no interest in the D line.

Why is that surprising? Did we show ANY interest in Cutler last year?

Shanny didn't speak to him once on the phone or in person before drafting him.