Positional Analysis: QB's

1. John Kitna : John Kitna will turn 36 years old September 21st, so the Lions need to figure out where they are at with the QB's on hand. Kitna has his good points, and some downfalls, but his biggest issue is his doggedness to make a play when there isn't a play to be made. He turns the ball over too much, but will now supposedly be in a system to match his strengths, and lengthen his career. I do see him having more success as a play-action QB, with boots and plays that play to his strength. In Mike Martz's system, there was not much play action, but there will be now. One thing that is clear from watching the Lions practice is that they will run, or die trying.

2. Dan Orlovsky : Dan Orlovsky is in the last year of his rookie contract, and the Lions need to evaluate him hard. He's been a victim of circumstance, but he'll have a chance to show that he can manage a huddle and move a team. He's got great size (6'5", 230 lbs.), and a really nice arm. His accuracy is a problem sometimes, and he doesn't have great awareness in the pocket yet. He is unquestionably the #2 QB on the Lions right now; whether he's good enough to earn another contract has yet to be determined. Stay tuned.

3. Drew Stanton : Stanton has struggled in camp so far, but he looks the part of an NFL QB, and definitely has the necessary talents to be an NFL starting caliber QB. He actually moves very well in the pocket, and shows off better than average arm strength. Right now, his biggest problem is his accuracy, especially with medium, zone-type routes; balls that will turn into INT's. When he can air it out on deep outs, he's fine, although he doesn't throw a good deep ball yet. He has the tools and the savvy, but if he can't be more accurate, then he's not going to move up the board.

Positional Analysis: QB is a position in flux right now, and the Lions have plenty of options. I like what they're doing right now, giving plenty of practice reps to Orlovsky and Stanton, while letting Kitna get enough to stay sharp. This is a big year to evaluate the position, and there will be opportunities to improve the position next off-season.