Dave Birket is reporting on his blog that Lions coaches and officials have spoken to their Left Tackle Jeff Backus about possibly moving to Left Guard on the offensive line. Reports say he was “receptive” about the idea.
http://davebirkett.blogspot.com/2009/02/backus-candidate-at-guard.html
I’m not sure Backus can play Guard but if he can, we could kill two birs with one stone here. He may even be an upgrade at Guard; one thing’s for sure: he struggled stopping speed rushers on the outside and stronger Defensive Ends seems to push right through him. He seemed like he likes to stand up a lot over there after the snap.
So, if this is true – I’m thinking that they might take a big left tackle first overall – or I suppose at #20, their second first round pick coming up in the NFL Draft. The Lions really need an upgrade to their line. Time will tell if this is true and if Backus can even do it succesfully. This is news comes after earlier this week, the Lions resigned Daunte Culpepper. Let’s hope this is a sign that they are not going to take Matt Stafford with the first overall pick.
Tags: Detroit Lions Football, First overall Pick, Jeff Backus, Left Guard, Left Tackle, NFL Draft
