Front Office Views: Bly Gives Lions Experience

Here are a few thoughts I am thinking today about the Detroit Lions signing of veteran cornerback Dre’ Bly:

Dre’ Bly isn’t going to be part of taking the Detroit Lions to the level they ultimately want to reach at some point, but I like this move for the 2010 season.

Bly is at the end of his career, but should allow the Lions to perform with a little more competitiveness in the secondary until they find another long-term solution. He brings experience and still has the ability to put himself in position to make plays on the ball.

The other veterans at cornerback are just guys. Chris Houston is a capable athlete, but never found consistency in Atlanta. Jonathan Wade has the athletic tools to hold up well in a reserve well, but had trouble with assignments in St. Louis. And Eric King was too inconsistent in extended time with the Lions last season.

Rookie Amari Spievey could be a solution moving forward. He’s tough and isn’t afraid to get involved in run support. He has shown he can make plays on the ball in short-area coverage during his career at Iowa. But as a rookie, you can’t ask a lot from Spievey right away.

In the best case scenario, it will be a good sign if Bly and Spievey can emerge as starters for the Lions this season. And the Lions will need to continue addressing the secondary next spring. As we approach training camp, only Louis Delmas grades as a legitimate starter in the Lions’ secondary.

Any questions or comments? Email Brian DeLucia.