ESPNMAG.com - Detroit Lions

LAST SEASON: 2-14, 5th in NFC Central
PROJECTION: 4th in NFC North


	Porcher is one of the Lions' secret weapons.

McMahon or Harrington. It doesn't matter. This is a 3–13 team. The most interesting thing about Detroit is the new downtown stadium. And whom it'll pick No. 1 next year.

STRONG SIDE

DL: A strong D-line gets even stronger with speed-rusher Kalimba Edwards taking over at right end. The second-round pick needs to add some weight to his 265-pound frame, but he showed an explosive first step in camp. On the other end, underrated Pro Bowler Robert Porcher (11 sacks) gets better every year. He'll benefit from having some young legs beside him: T's Luther Elliss and last year's rookie star, Shaun Rogers, control the middle. If Rogers gets in better shape -- no excuses, the Lions do have a new $35.5M training center -- he could become one of the league's best on the nose.

WEAK SIDE

DB: The secondary's a mess. Safeties Kurt Schultz and Ron Rice and CB Bryant Westbrook are gone -- and they won't be missed, considering the Lions finished 25th in pass defense (220.5 ypg) in 2001. Free agent Brian Walker helps. He can man either safety spot opposite 11-year vet Corey Harris, an ex-Raven. LCB Eric Davis, 34, and RCB Todd Lyght, 33, will get weekly workouts chasing receivers from behind.

NFC North

1. Packers

2. Bears

3. Vikings

4. Lions

Scouting Report Index

OTHER UNITS

QB: It's not a question of whether but when: No.3 overall pick Joey Harrington is The Man. For now, second-year scrambler Mike McMahon, who impressed Detroit coaches with his strong arm and fleet feet in three late-season starts, gets the nod. It's his until Harrington learns how to read D's.

RB: The young Lions QBs needn't bother looking here for help. The Lions were 28th in rushing and haven't gotten better. Best option: James Stewart, who averaged 4.8 yards despite a bum ankle. FB Cory Schlesinger opens holes and has decent hands. After that, it's just plain ugly.

WR: The Lions ranked third in the NFC in passing yards (224.8 ypg) despite inconsistent QB play. Former Ram Az Hakim and ex-Packer Bill Schroeder replace Herman Moore and Johnnie Morton -- an even swap. Germane Crowell, who missed most of 2001 with a knee injury, is expected back by Week 6.

OL: Detroit tied for worst in the league with 66 sacks allowed. Massive RT Stockar McDougle (6'6", 367) has been injured or inconsistent since he was a first-rounder two years ago. Second-year LT Jeff Backus lacks mobility. The Lions added 39-year-old G Ray Brown. Hey, he can't hurt.

LB: Stephen Boyd retired because of a back injury. His replacement, Chris Claiborne, is a great athlete with a big upside. The OLBs, former SS Barrett Green (six feet, 232) and Clint Kriewaldt (6'1", 236), can run but are undersized. Good thing this patchwork group plays behind a strong line.

ST: K Jason Hanson missed 6 of 12 FGs from 49 yards or closer. He'll rebound. Veteran P John Jett has never averaged under 40.9. Returner Desmond Howard is still a threat to break big plays.

This article appears in the September 16 issue of ESPN The Magazine.