Lions News

"ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions started training camp this morning with rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon the only player without a contract and not in camp. Dizon was drafted on the second round out of Colorado. All of the other draft picks -- excluding West Point cadet Caleb Campbell -- had signed contracts and were on the field for the morning practice. The last to sign was first-round pick Gosder Cherilus, an offensive tackle from Boston College. Advertisement Cherilus signed a five-year contract in the morning. Campbell, a seventh-round draft pick who played safety at Army, was poised to begin his pro career but a change in policy announced by the Army on Wednesday forced ..."

"The Lions knew before the draft that Cherilus faced charges relating to a bar brawl last year. They investigated the situation and still felt "very comfortable" with drafting Cherilus, coach Rod Marinelli said. But the Lions did not know before the draft that Dizon had been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failure to provide insurance. The arrest came six days before the draft, and it did not show up on a background check two days before the draft. "I don't like surprises, and I was surprised," Marinelli said. Still, Marinelli stands by Dizon."

"The Lions are searching for help at linebacker, but it has nothing to do with losing rookie Caleb Campbell to the Army. The Lions are playing a waiting game with Takeo Spikes, a 10-year pro who was released in March by the Philadelphia Eagles after his only season with the team. Spikes visited coach Rod Marinelli and the Lions' staff recently. "I really liked him," Marinelli said at his annual pre-training camp news conference Wednesday. "I had just a heck of a visit. He's a real pro. He's in shape. He's smart. He's been in the system. "We spent -- a couple weeks ago -- a whole day with him. Every guy was extremely impressed with him. Hopefully, we can get something going with the guy. ..."

"The Army wants Caleb Campbell -- now. Campbell got his marching orders to return to the Army on Wednesday, just hours before he was scheduled to report to the Lions for his first NFL training camp. Campbell, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, had hoped to combine careers as a soldier and athlete. But, instead of donning the Lions' Honolulu blue-and-silver uniform, he'll be wearing the Army's uniform of the day at least until May 2010. Campbell, a defensive starter for most of his four seasons with Army's Black Knights, was taken by the Lions on the seventh round of the NFL draft in April. He played safety at Army but was switched to linebacker by Lions coach ..."

"Safety Caleb Campbell became the first Army player to be drafted by the NFL in 11 years when the Detroit Lions selected him in the seventh round last April. It'll be 11 more years before the next Army player is drafted by the NFL. Maybe longer. That's because the Army doubled back on both Campbell and the Lions and ruled he cannot play pro football in 2008 – this after spending all spring telling the NFL he could. Initially, the Army ruled that its players could invoke the "alternative service option," which would allow any player under NFL contract to serve the first two years of his military commitment as a recruiter in the town of his employer. That's why the Lions spent a draft pick ..."

"Safety Caleb Campbell will not be allowed to continue his career with the Lions because the Army has reconsidered its policy. Campbell was drafted this year in the seventh round by the Lions out of West Point under a policy that would have allowed him to play pro sports while on active duty. But the Army has changed course. Campbell participated in minicamp but will not be allowed to participate in training camp. He may apply for release from active duty in May 2010."

"Caleb Campbell's pro football career is on hold -- at least temporarily. Campbell, the West Point graduate and rookie linebacker with the Detroit Lions, has been given a change of orders requiring him to report to the army immediately for active duty instead of beginning training camp with the Lions. Campbell was notified on Wednesday of a change in policy, and was told to report to West Point for assignment."

"But as the players report to training camp today, Millen says the team is headed in the right direction -- and he says the fans will recognize it eventually. "I think that our fan base is a pretty knowledgeable fan base, so I think they'll believe their eyes," Millen said. "And I think this is a great football town. I've said that a million times. So I think the more they can see and the more they get a feel for this group, I think they're going to like what they see. "That's my opinion. So they'll make their own decisions.""

"With his team on a seven-year losing streak, Detroit Lions president Matt Millen knows fans aren't interested in hearing a pep talk or rallying cry for the upcoming season. Millen, who has been at the helm all seven of those years, has a lot of confidence in the ability of the Lions to succeed this season. He understands, though, fans are going to be skeptical about his optimism. "I think our fan base is a pretty knowledgeable fan base, so I think they'll believe their eyes,'' Millen said. "I think this a great football town, I've said that a million times. I think the more they can see and the more they get a feel for this group, they're going to like what they see. That's my ..."

"The Lions have contract agreements with all but their top two draft picks. Defensive end Cliff Avril has signed. Six others have agreed to terms Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, the Lions’ first-round pick, and linebacker Jordon Dizon, their second-rounder, remain unsigned. But president Matt Millen doesn’t expect negotiations to drag too long. The Lions have contract agreements with all but their top two draft picks. Defensive end Cliff Avril has signed. Six others have agreed to terms. Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, the Lions’ first-round pick, and linebacker Jordon Dizon, their second-rounder, remain unsigned. But president Matt Millen doesn’t expect negotiations to drag ..."

"If there is a motto for the Lions when training camp begins Thursday morning, it should be "finish what you start." Last year was a tale of two seasons: a heartwarming saga as NFL's biggest surprise with a 6-2 record in the first half, and a disaster as the biggest disappointment in the second half with a 1-7 record that left them out of the playoffs. President Matt Millen is looking for an attitude adjustment this year, and it has nothing to do with the team's work ethic. Millen is sold on coach Rod Marinelli as the right man to develop a winner."

"The Lions reached agreements on contracts with six of their unsigned draft choices on Tuesday, leaving offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus and linebacker Jordon Dizon as the only picks who have not signed or agreed to terms. Agreeing to terms Tuesday were running back Kevin Smith of Central Florida (third round), defensive tackle Andre Fluellen of Florida State (third), wide receiver Kenny Moore of Wake Forest (fifth), fullback Jerome Felton of Furman (fifth), defensive tackle Landon Cohen of Ohio U. (seventh) and linebacker Caleb Cambell of Army (seventh). All of the contracts are for three years. Financial terms were not revealed."

"The Detroit Lions are close to having all of their draft picks signed in time for training camp except their top two picks -- offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus and linebacker Jordon Dizon. Agreements with most of the picks should be reached before Wednesday's reporting date, and perhaps earlier today, Lions president Matt Millen said."

"The Lions are hoping to sign free agent linebacker Takeo Spikes before training camp. Players report Wednesday and begin practicing Thursday morning. I think there's a chance if we can come to terms that we could get him before camp," coach Rod Marinelli said today. But Spikes apparently is also exploring other options. "There's an interest there on both sides," president Matt Millen said. "I think he wants to still look at some things. We%u2019ll be patient.""

"With the first practice of training camp drawing closer, negotiations are expected to heat up soon between the Detroit Lions and their eight unsigned rookies. Third-round draft choice Cliff Avril recently signed a deal and is Detroit's only draftee who is under contract. "We're getting close, we're making progress with most of them,'' Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand said."

"The Lions report to training camp Wednesday and begin practicing Thursday morning, and as of Monday afternoon, they had signed only one of their nine draft picks -- defensive end Cliff Avril, a third-rounder. But talks have been progressing. "I still have a high degree of confidence that we'll have deals in place," chief operating officer Tom Lewand said. "I think we've got the issues identified. I think we've got the gap narrowed. We've just got to continue to work with each guy.""

"The Lions' off-season moves failed to impress the football experts at ESPN, who are rating the team 29th among the league's 32 teams. On the eve of training camp, the network says shifts in offensive strategy won't be enough to lift the team from the NFL's bottom rung. Here is its assessment:"

"One of the most-watched position battles is Tatum Bell vs. rookie Kevin Smith at tailback. Bell got into former offensive coordinator Mike Martz 's doghouse -- which is about the size of Buckingham Palace and still requires a guesthouse to accommodate the overflow -- and did not play after the fifth game last year. Smith was a workhorse at Central Florida, with 450 carries in 2007. Smith must prove he can break tackles in the pros. It's a different level. Both should benefit from their experience in a zone-blocking scheme."

"Dan Orlovsky was feeling good on a picture-perfect Michigan golfing afternoon a week ago -- blue sky, temperature in the 80s and no rain in the forecast. Orlovsky had landed a 125-yard shot pin high, drawing the requisite needling after a good shot at a golf outing. "Three-putt range," somebody said. Nope," Orlovsky said. "Birdie range." Gimme range would be better, but Orlovsky hasn't had many things handed to him in his first three years as a backup quarterback with the Lions. He hopes to change that this year, starting with the first practice Thursday morning in training camp at Allen Park."

"Caleb Campbell is set to embark on a rare mission -- a soldier-athlete, hoping to combine dual careers in the military and pro football Instead of taking leave and reporting to Basic Officer Leadership Course, as do nearly all West Point graduates, Campbell's first duty assignment is on the gridiron. Campbell will report to Lions training camp in Allen Park on Wednesday, hoping to begin a pro career. He played safety at Army but has been moved to linebacker by the Lions, who drafted him in the seventh round in April."

"With the PGA Championship coming to Oakland Hills, the Beijing Olympics nearing the starting line and the Detroit Tigers fighting for a postseason spot, the Detroit Lions training camp isn't likely to get much attention. For the past several years, the Lions have been generally quiet during camp: No contentious contract holdouts, very few starting battles and no quarterback controversy. This season isn't likely to be any different, but that doesn't mean there aren't issues that have to be addressed."

"Everybody has questions. How soon can quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco start in Atlanta and Baltimore? Where does Brett Favre play in 2008, if he plays at all? Is there another team such as the New York Giants that will come out of the shadows at playoff time to seize the Super Bowl? There are no ready answers in July and August. Training camp is a time to grind, but it's also a time for optimism. Let's set the stage for the NFL's 89th season."

"Yes, the Bears have some issues as they head into training camp this week. But they are not alone. Each of the 32 teams in the NFL will be trying to answer deep questions, tie together loose ends and bury ghosts of the past. Here is a look at the other 31:"

"Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes visited the Lions this week, a Lions official confirmed to the Free Press. Spikes is a free agent after he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles in March. The Lions could use another linebacker. The Lions lost Boss Bailey and Teddy Lehman this off-season. They drafted rookie Jordon Dizon in the second round to join Paris Lenon and Ernie Sims. Other linebackers on the roster include: Tyrone Pruitt, Alex Lewis, Anthony Cannon, Gilbert Gardner, Alfred Fincher, Caleb Campbell and Buster Davis."

"Wherever I was going to be my goal was to improve. Six picks really is not enough. My goal is always double-digit picks every year. In this defense I definitely think I can get a lot of picks."

"The Lions are receiving at least one benefit from last year's improved won-lost record. A lower position in this year's draft breeds optimism of having their draft picks signed when players report to camp on Wednesday. The first practice is Thursday morning. "We have an ongoing dialogue with all eight of our unsigned players," said Tom Lewand, the Lions' chief operating officer and lead negotiator on player contracts. "I feel like we're on course to bring things to a conclusion with all of them before the start of camp.""

"The Lions are moving closer to restoring their tradition of opening training-camp practices to fans. Coach Rod Marinelli is expanding fan access this year, making 22 practices at Allen Park open to fans with varying degrees of access. The general public can attend eight practices on four days -- July 29, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-5. There are double practices all four days, and admission for 700 fans at each practice will be on a first-come, first-served basis."

"The Lions are opening the gates a little wider for fans wanting to watch training-camp practices. Eight practices on four days will be open to the general public. Coach Rod Marinelli opened practice last year on a much more limited basis. Practice will be open to fans on July 29, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-5. There are double practices all four days. Admission will be for 700 fans to each practice, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Other practices will be open for fans who have season tickets (July 24-29), suite and club-seat holders and sponsors (July 30)."

"ACL reconstructions typically require a minimum of eight months to rehabilitate, so the depth chart might be topped by Forte, Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe to open the season. Coach Lovie Smith made it clear after organized team activities that he was committed to going forward with that trio in the post-Benson era. Asked if he’ll be ready for the start of camp, Jones said: ‘‘I think so. They’re going to be cautious with me and take it slow. The doctors recommended I don’t get hit in the first week of training camp. I don’t know what the plan is for the preseason.’’"

"According to the Tampa Tribune, the Lions are reportedly interested in Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms. The Lions, Cowboys and Bears have all inquired about the former Tampa Bay starter. Simms suffered a life-threatening spleen injury three games into the 2006 season and didn't play in the 2007 season. Since the injury Simms has had a rocky relationship with head coach Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers organization. Currently, Simms is the fifth quarterback on the Bucs' depth chart, behind Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown and rookie Josh Johnson."

"Almost everywhere he turns, Dwight Smith feels at home. Smith is back with family and friends in Detroit, where he learned fundamentals of football on playgrounds and became a star defensive back at Central High School. Even the Lions locker room has an air of familiarity, with so many players and coaches Smith crossed paths with in his first seven NFL seasons. With training camp only a week away, Smith has a special feeling for the start of his eighth season and first as a Lion. It's a strange sensation for a veteran, but Smith looks forward to the heat and banging pads in practices."

"Clifton Brown of the Sporting News does not have an optimistic view on how the Lions will fare this upcoming season. Brown predicts the Lions will win only three games this season."

"The Lions have signed third-round draft pick Cliff Avril to a three-year deal, the team announced today. Avril, a 6-foot-4, 252-pound defensive end out of Purdue, was the 92nd pick overall in this year's draft."

"According to the Tampa Tribune, the Lions are reportedly interested in Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms. The Lions, Cowboys and Bears have all inquired about the former Tampa Bay starter."

"The Lions signed defensive end Cliff Avril of Purdue to a three-year contract on Monday, making Avril their first pick of the 2008 draft to come to terms. Financial terms of Avil's deal were not immediately available."

"According to the Tampa Tribune, the Lions are reportedly interested in Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms. The Lions, Cowboys and Bears have all inquired about the former Tampa Bay starter. Simms suffered a life-threatening spleen injury three games into the 2006 season and didn't play in the 2007 season. Since the injury Simms has had a rocky relationship with head coach Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers organization."

"The Lions signed free-agent safety Dwight Smith on Feb. 27 to a two-year deal. The Detroit Central graduate played with Tampa Bay in 2001-04 and set a Super Bowl record in 2003 with two interception returns for touchdowns (44 and 50 yards). Smith spent the past three seasons in New Orleans and Minnesota and has started 76 games in his career. He spoke with Free Press special writer Jon Machota during off-season workouts:"

"Most people can identify with being in a bad relationship that needs to end. When the relationship first started, there was nothing but hope and promise. It originally seemed that person could be a good fit, but as things progressed, somebody, if not both parties, realized they were not compatible. Then it was time to move on. This basically summarizes the dysfunctional relationship between the Bucs and Chris Simms, the unhappy quarterback who wants out, but whose team will not let him go. We learned last week that Dallas, Chicago and Detroit are interested in Simms. There are plenty more rumors to come, and no matter which team Simms plays for this season, he will be a backup - ..."

"They can???t do anything without fans trashing them. It???s almost as if every employee of the franchise should just throw up their hands and give up. ???We know, we know ... we???re cursed. Why even bother???? Do fans just expect them not to market themselves? Are they just supposed to decide that they???ve been bad for 50 years and they???re just not going to try anymore?"

"Sports wagering service sportsbook.com has put the Lions' chances to win Super Bowl XLIII at 80-1, according to point-spreads.com."

"The Lions see a familiar pattern in rookie contract signings, even though they are operating at a lower level than most of their recent seasons. There is a logjam of unsigned players drafted in the first two rounds, but Tom Lewand, the Lions' chief operating officer, expects it to break as training camp approaches. Lions players report to camp on July 23. The first day of double practices is July 24 -- two weeks from today. Advertisement Throughout the NFL, signings have been sparse in the first two rounds -- except the top of the draft, where three of the first four picks have signed."

"Four former Army players hoped to apply the academy's alternative service option in 2008 to pursue NFL careers. The number has dwindled to one. Safety Caleb Campbell of Perryton, Texas, became the first player in 11 years to be drafted from West Point when the Detroit Lions claimed him in the seventh round in April."

"Lions second-round pick Jordon Dizon, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound linebacker, can play both outside and inside, but he is being groomed for the middle linebacker position. He is a native of Hawaii and was the 2007 runner-up for the Butkus Award, given to college's top linebacker. He chatted with Free Press special writer Jon Machota during off-season workouts."

"Rockies manager Clint Hurdle thinks the Detroit Lions have a lot in common with the Colorado World Series team. The Lions in the Super Bowl? Maybe.CBSsports.com's Danny Knobler writes about Hurdle in his latest column. Some highlights:Clint Hurdle says the Lions of 2007 were a lot like his Rockies of 2006. And the 2007 Rockies, as you may remember, made it to the World Series.Hurdle was born in Michigan, and he remains a big fan of the state's teams. With the Rockies in Detroit this weekend, Hurdle had a chance to speak with long-time Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell -- and also with Lions coach Rod Marinelli."

"Former Lions coach Steve Mariucci made some comments about his future as a coach, the Packers without Brett Favre and, most interestingly, about Matt Millen and the Lions in Saturday's edition of the Marquette Mining Journal. "Matt Millen has changed 58 coaches already, and he's now finally changing players," Mariucci said. "Sure I've stayed in touch with some of them and some of the coaches, and on occasion Bill Ford Jr. -- I respect the heck out of Bill, he'll take that team over some day.""

"Kevin Jones went through a workout Saturday while four NFL teams watched the running back sprint and cut just five months after he had major knee surgery. Dr. D.S. Ping, who has been helping Jones rehabilitate his right knee, said Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit sent representatives to the workout in Saline, Mich. The Lions cut their former first-round pick in March with one year left on his contract after he hurt the knee late last season, adding to the injury woes that have stunted his success in the league. The Cleveland Browns also called, Ping said, and asked for a video of the workout."

"? BetUS.com has set the odds at 10-1 that Roy Williams will hold out from training camp."

"Lions rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon was arrested April 20 in Boulder, Colo., and cited for driving under the influence, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failure to provide proof of insurance, according to the Daily Camera of Boulder, Colo. Dizon, 22, who played for Colorado University, was selected by the Lions in the second round, 45th overall, in the NFL draft on April 26."