Lions Begin OTAs

The Lions held their first Organized Team Activity workouts as they prepare for the upcoming season.  Quarterback Jon Kitna said yesterday’s OTA session was a lot better than he expected.  He added that he welcomes the added responsibility of calling audibles at the line of scrimmage, something he was unable to do with Mike Martz as offensive coordinator.

Lions Wrap Up Rookie Minicamp

The Lions coaching staff got their first look at the team’s crop of rookies at a minicamp over the weekend.  Head coach Rod Marinelli said he saw good things from third round pick Kevin Smith, a running back out of Central Florida.  The Lions also moved Caleb Campbell, who played safety at Army, to linebacker.  Detroit begins its organized team activity practices later this week.

Howie Schwab On The Draft’s Feel-Good Story

Three-Day Mini-Camp Opens Today for Lions

The Lions coaching staff will get their first look at this year’s rookie class at a three day mini-camp.  The eight-players drafted last week will be in attendance, along with six-undrafted rookies who signed with the team.

Lions Add RB Depth with Signing Pinner to One-Year Deal

Looking to add some depth to the running back spot, the Lions today signed Artose Pinner to a one-year deal.  The deal brings Pinner back to the team that originally drafted him back in 2003.  He enters his 6th NFL season, joining the Lions as a fourth round pick.  He has played in 47 regular season games, with 858 yards on 250 carries.  He has scored 8 TD’s.  Pinner played last season with the Falcons.

Lions Safety Released On Bond

Lions safety Kalvin Pearson is free on bond after being arrested for allegedly attacking and strangling a pregnant woman.  He faces several charges related to the incident that occurred over the weekend.  The state attorney’s office is investigating and will determine whether he will be charged.  Pearson signed with Detroit during the offseason after spending the past several years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Lions issued a statement saying they are aware of the situation and are looking into it.

No Serious Offers Right Now on the Table for WR Williams

Would the Lions still look to move Roy Williams now that the draft is done and mini-camps are soon to follow?  It could happen, but Sunday Lions President Matt Millen said there are no real offers on the table right now for Williams.  “In the world of trading,” Millen said in the Detroit Free Press, “this is how it goes: ‘Hey, you interested in moving Roy?’ ‘Yeah, we could. It depends.’ ‘OK, well, we’d give you a bologna sandwich.’ It always starts with a bologna sandwich.”  There are a few teams that would still love to have the services of Williams, with the Cowboys and Redskins at the top.  Here’s one - how about a straight up deal between the Lions and Bengals - Roy Williams for Chad Johnson?  Talk about mega deal!

Lions Draft Leading Rusher In Third Round

The Lions drafted six players on the second day of the NFL Draft.  Detroit traded with Miami to gain the first pick in the third round and selected running back Kevin Smith.  Smith led the nation with 2567 yards for UCF last year.  The Lions also took defensive tackle Andre Fluellen from Florida State and linebacker/defensive end Cliff Avril out of Purdue in the third round.  In the fifth round, the Lions selected Wake Forest receiver Kenneth Moore and fullback Jerome Felton of Furman.  Defensive tackle Landon Cohen from Ohio and Army safety Caleb Campbell were seventh-round selections.  They join offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus and linebacker Jordon Dizon, who were taken in the first two rounds on Saturday.

Pearson Charged with Battery on a Pregnant Woman

On the same day of the NFL draft, safety Kalvin Pearson found himself in a bit of trouble, as he was arrested in southwest Florida on domestic violence charges.  He was charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman and domestic battery by strangulation, both felonies, according to an arrest report.  Pearson signed with the Lions as a restricted free agent in March.  “We are aware of the situation with Kalvin Pearson, and we are gathering information,” the Lions said in a statement. “We will have no further comment today.”

Lions Select OT Gosder Cherilus With The 17th Pick