Logic says the Lions should take Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 2 overall pick in next month's draft if he's available.
Johnson appears to be a future star. He's 239 pounds and can run a 4.35 40 yard dash. His vertical jump is between 42 and 45 inches, making the 6-foot, 5-inch Johnson potentially one of the league's best red zone threats. Though humble, Johnson says he has the abilities of Terrell Owens and Randy Moss along with the work ethic of Marvin Harrison.
But logic can't trump history for a franchise that used top-10 draft choices on receivers in three straight years from 2003 through 2005 -- Charles Rogers (No. 2 overall in 2003), Roy Williams (No. 7 overall in 2004) and Mike Williams (No. 10 overall in 2005) -- with very poor results. Even if Johnson is available, the Lions, who are trying to trade out of the No. 2 pick, can't pick him. They made it pretty clear in free agency that Johnson isn't on their list, re-signing Mike Furrey (98 catches last season) as a $3 million a year No. 2 receiver to play next to Roy Williams. They gave former Rams receiver Shaun McDonald a two-year, $2.8 million contract.
Matt Millen's three-year wager on receivers was an expensive one. He bet $14.4 million in guarantees and roster bonuses on Rogers, who was cut last year after a lack of production and off-field issues, and is out of the league. He made a Pro Bowl hit with Roy Williams, who should max out the first five years of his contract at $27.68 million. Mike Williams essentially was forgotten last season despite a five-year, $11.5 million contract that had $7.5 million in guarantees. He caught just eight passes all season.
ESPN.com - NFL/DRAFT07 - Clayton: History of drafting WRs not kind to Lions
Detriot Lions and WRs
Detriot Lions and WRs
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