Is the Lion's back 7 really that bad?

I keep hearing about how bad our defensive back 7 is. I keep hearing how desperate we were in the draft to grab a corner or 6 and about 11 linebackers as we are in such dire need. So, seeing as i'm a little fuzzy on this, I wanted to check it out.




Firstly, the Lions finished 16th in pass defense and 24th in run defense. Not great, but considering they were last for the previous 2 years it is a step back to respectability. They had 14 interceptions (19th overall) and 21 forced fumbles (6th overall) That doesn't sound so bad does it?


Even though the Lions were near the top of the league at sacks and tackles for loss, a very small number of these came from the linebackers and defensive backs. A lot of the credit for the Lions having a 16th ranked pass defense is given to the defensive line harassing the QB. But didn't we just improve our D-Line to best in the league by adding Nick Fairley? So why the worry? Let's break it down further...


Case 1: Chris Houston

It kind of goes without saying that the Lions need to keep Chris Houston. A high 2nd round pick in 2007, we got him on the cheap for a 6th and 7th round trade with the Falcons who had just broke the bank to get Dunta Robinson. As a restricted free agent as things stand we will get to keep him, hopefully we can sign him long term. He only had 1 interception, but actually had 3 more wiped off the board due to penalties. Even so his lack of picks gets him criticism. He is very fast and keeps with his man well. You rarely see him beaten. Even if he is not a stud number 1 corner, he is steady and a better than most number 2. Schwartz likes his safeties to make the playmaking while his corners play the run and tackle well. Houston fits the bill for a Schwartz and Gun corner and is a great player for the Lions.


CASE 2: Alphonso Smith

Martin Mayhew should be investigated for unethical trading by the IRS for how he ripped off Denver (and Dallas, and Seattle, and just about everybody!) in trades. He plundered them for Tony Scheffler and Alphonso Smith for next to nothing (and Denver went into this draft needing to get a Tight End and Corner urgently!)
When I think Alphonso Smith I recall happy memories of this insane pick of Aaron Rodgers, and the Carlton dance in the endzone against the Rams. He made 2 turnovers in that game and had 5 interceptions before going on IR. Considering he joined the Lions after training camp it is amazing to think of what he can do for Detroit going forward. The Broncos used a 1st round pick to get him and we gained him by giving up a 7th round tight end.
Unfortunately, I also remember him being torched by Tom Brady on thanksgiving and benched in the 2nd half. He grew a little too big for his boots it seems. With solid training and work with the coaches I think he can be at least a number 2, or a standout nickleback. He has really impressive athleticism.


CASE 3: Aaron Berry

No-one should forget about Aaron Berry. The guy who beat out Dre Bly and others to get a roster spot after being a highly sought after undrafted free agent. He started game 1 against Chicago and got an interception. He later left with an injury that required him going on IR and missing the rest of the season. His injury meant the Lions picked up Nathan Vasher who was very impressive as a starter on the Lions 4 game win streak.
Berry is packed with potential and despite only getting one game last year before injury, the coaching staff believe in him. He possesses all that is needed to be a starting corner in this league.

THE SAFETIES

Last year we were living off CC Brown, Ko Simpson, Marvin White or Marquand Manuel playing safety opposite Louis Delmas. Man life has gotten better! I am really pulling for Amari Spievey to improve and become a quality safety for years but this lockout will have stolen the opportunity to have a full offseason honing his skills. Randy Phillips had a few moments last year but really this has to be Eric Coleman's job to lose. The veteran knows his craft and looks like another shrewd pickup by Mayhew. He is much better than what we were facing last year but is missing the opportunity to grow with his new teammates. But here we have 2 quality starters with young promising prospects behind them, great!

THE LINEBACKERS

I can only put up a picture of DeAndre Levy as he is the only player we know for sure will be starting. And this is a place we know will be addressed at some point. However, Schwartz and Mayhew have both stated this offseason that both Palmer and Carpenter can start, or at least compete for one spot. Doug Hogue definately looks like he can be a starter...in 2 years. But again this is better than what we faced last year and with how strong (and now upgraded) the defensive line is, this corps is going to get plenty of opportunity to make plays in the backfield and we will see interceptions and fumble recoveries aplenty.

Here are my breakout players for 2011 on defense:

Breakout D-Lineman: Cliff Avril.
If he plays a full season he passes the 10 sack mark and makes his first pro bowl.

Breakout Linebacker: DeAndre Levy
Easy call here but if he plays a full season healthy he is a pro bowl player.

Breakout Corner: Alphonso Smith/Aaron Berry
If we have a legitimate number 1/2 corner to go with Chris Houston then Alphonso Smith will destroy QBs from the nickel spot and get 7-8 interceptions. Otherwise I think Aaron Berry will be the breakout corner this season.

Breakout Safety: Amari Spievey
I love the future of this guy. With the opportunity to develop in a full season under Delmas and Coleman and getting a share of playing time he can grow into the tackle/interception machine we want him to be. He may never get an opportunity as good as this.

So what is the prospect for the back seven this year? I think it is not as bad as people are saying. Comments to add? Please state below...