SB Nation - Chris Graham

Monday Notes: Lions Release One, Add Two

Sean Yuille — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:09:20 -0000

The Lions released middle linebacker Chris Graham on Friday and signed wide receiver Tommy Saunders, an undrafted free agent from Missouri.
Defensive end Jason Hunter is now a Lion. He was released by the Packers last week and has already joined the Lions. Hunter had the most special teams tackles on the Packers in 2007, so he could end up playing a similar role with the Lions.
According to Drew Rosenhaus' Twitter page, "Kevin Smith played much of last season with an injured shoulder for the Lions. He is feeling healthy and expects to have a monster season."
Larry Foote thinks the Lions' practices are much different than what he experienced in Pittsburgh. Surprisingly, the Steelers' practices were apparently more laid back. Part of that is because a lot of swearing goes on during the Lions' practices, which apparently is also different than what Foote experienced as a Steeler.
Gunther Cunningham really likes Louis Delmas.
Zack Follett has talents both on and off the football field.
Grady Jackson's brother, who was charged with the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, apparently was invited to the Lions' rookie camp. He failed the physical, though, preventing him from participating. The Lions were willing to wait a month and give him another physical, but that obviously won't be happening now.
Greg Landry, the Lions' last all-pro QB, thinks Detroit should have drafted defensive players with their first-round picks.
Former Lions tight end Michael Gaines may end up signing with the Bears.
Ken Lucas, the one-time Panthers cornerback who was nearly traded to the Lions, lost out on $3.3 million by not allowing his trade to Detroit to go through. He ended up signing with the Seahawks.

Monday Notes: New Logo, Uniforms Set to Debut Today

Sean Yuille — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:40:28 -0000

A few of you have asked about what happened to the second-round of the Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft. Well, I realized there was no way we were going to complete it in time. Once we got through the first-round, the sense of urgency wore off and I pretty much put it aside for other things. Considering all of that, the second-round will not proceed beyond the previously posted No. 33 pick. For the few picks made after No. 33, I apologize, but I'm not going to post them. That would really make the draft look incomplete, and I am obviously leaving the Lions' second-rounder up since it already has been posted. Now I know to start this much earlier than I did this year.
Don't forget that the Lions are unveiling their new logo and uniforms today at 12:30 p.m. I expect the logo and unis to look like they do in the image below, though I wouldn't be surprised if a few minor changes have been made since the leaks from last month.

Cody Spencer and Chris Graham played middle linebacker for the Lions during their minicamp this past weekend. Yeah, I think it's pretty clear that the Lions will be drafting a MLB this weekend.
As you can imagine, the defense is in need of upgrades at various positions. For that reason and based on what he saw during the Lions' minicamp, Tom Kowalski thinks the Lions should focus on defense during the draft this weekend. In fact, he wants the Lions to draft Aaron Curry, Peria Jerry/Ziggy Hood, and Louis Delmas with their first three picks. That sounds like a good plan to me.
Ronald Curry could be a slot receiver for the Lions.
The Lions signed cornerback Pacino Horne last week.
Matt Millen has been hired by ESPN to be an NFL and college football analyst. I guess ESPN has given me some free time on Monday nights, as I will not be watching Monday Night Countdown, one of the shows Millen will apparently be on.

Lions Move Mulitalo, Dizon to Injured Reserve

Sean Yuille — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:23:40 -0000

With only one game left in the season, the Lions decided to move offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo and linebacker Jordon Dizon to the injured reserve. Since the season is almost over, this move basically means that neither would have played on Sunday. If both were going to be out, it only makes sense to sign a couple of players to replace them, as they will be right back on the active roster after the season anyways.

To replace Mulitalo, the Lions signed offensive guard Junius Coston, who has played for both the Packers and Raiders in his four-year career. Dizon's spot on the roster went to wide receiver Chris Hannon, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins. He had only been with the Dolphins since December 3, as he was claimed by Miami from the 49ers. San Francisco signed him after the Panthers released him in the final round of cuts this past August.

The Lions also made a couple of adjustments to their practice squad. Wide receiver Paul Raymond was released and linebacker Chris Graham was signed. Graham played at Michigan and was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He also attended a Lions rookie mini-camp following the draft.