New arrivals will push Detroit's Big Three

Despite having three first-round picks at WR, the Lions were forced to go out and find players who fit Mike Martz's system.

Originally Published: May 11, 2006
By Gary Horton | Scouts Inc.
While new Lions head coach Rod Marinelli is making headlines for his physical offseason practices, offensive coordinator Mike Martz is quietly putting together a Motor City version of the old St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf." In one short offseason the Lions have added four offensive players who fit well in Martz's system.

Wide receiver Corey Bradford from Houston along with running back Arlen Harris and wide receiver Mike Furrey from St. Louis are all role players who will upgrade an anemic pass offense that features three wide receivers who are high first-round draft picks. The Lions also are looking at signing receiver/return man Az-Zahir Hakim, who played under Martz in St. Louis during 1998-2001.

The receiving trio of Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Mike Williams has grossly underachieved, and they were a big reason Detroit's passing game ranked 26th in 2005 and averaged only 178 yards per game. When breaking down Detroit's wide receiving corps and projecting what it will look like in 2006, the big three is the obvious place to start.


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Gary Horton

Scouts Inc.
Gary Horton spent 10 years in the NFL as a scout and another 10 years at the college level as an assistant coach and recruiter. He is the founder and most seasoned member of the Scouts Inc. staff, and his extensive experience at all levels of football make him an excellent talent evaluator.

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