Positional Analysis: WR's/TE's...

Wide Receivers

1. Calvin Johnson: Although he experienced some tough luck during his rookie season, Calvin Johnson remains one of the most talented players in all of football. He needs to learn how to stay healthy, and once he figures that out, the sky is the limit. His hands still need some work, but that's really nit-picking. Teams will soon figure out they can't bump him at the line; he's too fast for bigger corners, and too strong for smaller corners. This offense should take more of an advantage of his jumping abilities with fade routes in the red zone, as well as shorter routes that would allow him to break tackles in the secondary. He's due for a breakout season.

2. Roy Williams: Entering his contract year, Roy has proven that he's a top ten receiver in the NFL, and should reap the rewards after this season. It is important that the Lions re-sign him after this season, since replacing him would be impossible. He needs to stay healthy, since he missed four games with a minor knee injury that didn't require surgery last year.

3. Shaun McDonald: Currently on the PUP, McDonald is the Lions most effective slot receiver. He led the team in receiving last year, but with a change in offensive philosophy shouldn't see as much action. Still, he's in his contract year, and it would behoove the Lions to sign him after the season. He's only six months older than Williams, and provides the Lions with a top slot alternative down the road.

4. Mike Furrey: Furrey is an integral part of the Lions offense, as he provides important insurance for all receiver spots, and can play any position well. He caught 61 passes in 2007, but will probably catch fewer balls as the Lions will try to get the ball into their top receivers hands more often, but it doesn't demean his value at all. He's an important part of the Lions going forward, but will need to be replaced, since he's already 31 years old.

5. Devale Ellis: A big reason why the Lions selected Kenneth Moore in the draft is because of Ellis's injury history, but Ellis has outclassed the Lion's rookie in all facets so far. Ellis flashes his quickness during practice, and has shown during games that he can play in the league if healthy. If healthy, his roll with the team should grow, since he has the requisite quickness and youth. He's a lock to make the team as the Lions fifth receiver/returner right now.

6. Brandon Middleton: Probably is on the outside looking in for the Lions right now, and I don't believe he's eligible to be on the practice squad. He's a good competitor who can play in the league for another team that isn't so deep at receiver.

7. John Standeford: He's bounced around the league's practice squads since 2004, and is probably on his last legs in the league. He's not eligible for the Lions practice squad this year, but is a good practice player.

8. Kenneth Moore: In an otherwise excellent draft class, Moore is the one head scratcher of the bunch. He has not stood out in practice at all. The Lions might have thought they were getting a versatile performer who could return kicks and help out in the slot, but he has to show more than he has just to earn a spot on the practice squad. He's looking like a bad pick right now.

9. Taye Biddle: He flashes some speed, and is a practice squad candidate, although his hands leave alot to be desired. He does have a sleek, slender build that screams "speed".

Tight Ends

1. Dan Campbell: Currently is on the PUP, but is still primed to be a starter at some point when he returns from his elbow injuries. He's known as one of the top blocking TE's in the NFL, and his presence will help both the running game and passing game. He has great size.

2. Michael Gaines: Signed as a free agent this year, Gaines is a mountain of a man, who looks like a third tackle and is an excellent source of extra blocking for this years running game. Part of the Lions problems in the past with their blocking was that they put too much on their offensive line to block, and didn't give them enough help. Gaines is the type to help out in the red zone and short yardage. He moves ok, but that's not what he does best. He's very valuable to this team right now.

3. Casey FitzSimmons: Already in his sixth year with the Lions, and still giving the Lions a nice versatile performer who's their best receiver from the TE position. I suppose he'll be valuable on third down situations, and on special teams where he is quite valuable. He led the team with 20 special teams tackles last year.

4. Sean McHugh: As one of the Lions most versatile performers, should win a spot on the roster because of other's versatility as well. Since Jerome Felton can play as a halfback, as well as fullback, he can be a TE/FB and has been pretty helpful for the Lions. He's a solid blocker and a good pass catcher from both positions. He's very usuable, and can help the team.

5. John Owens: He's an extra player right now, and isn't seeing much time in practice. He's a good extra blocker should injuries strike, but he's not eligible for the practice squad, although it's concievable that he could make another NFL roster.

Positional Analysis: As the Lions move forward, they are pretty well stacked up at both receiver and TE positions. They don't have a superstar per se at the Tight end position, but very usable blockers who can catch as well. It's a position they will have to address in the future, but for now, they are in terrific shape. If the Lions re-sign Roy Williams, they should be set at wide receiver for years to come.