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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

12/27/2007

Going bowling

Sunday's Lions-Packers game won't be much of a looker. The Lions are out of the playoffs, the Packers have the No. 2 seed wrapped up and weather could be a factor. Still, there's plenty of football to watch over the next week if you're a Lions fan. It's bowl season, after all, and that means the draft is right around the corner.

Here's four names and games the Lions might be interested in so you can adjust your viewing schedule:

OT Sam Baker, USC (Rose Bowl, 5 p.m. Jan. 1): The Trojans are loaded with potential Lions. Linebackers Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Keith Rivers are all possible first-rounders, and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis would be perfect for Rod Marinelli if he fell out of the top 10. But Baker is the guy to watch. He's a dominant left tackle who might be a mid-first steal after injuries impacted his senior season.

LB Dan Connor, Penn State (Alamo Bowl, 8 p.m. Saturday): His teammate junior Sean Lee might be a better pro, but Connor is the typical tough, play-making linebacker you'd expect to find at Penn State. He led the Big Ten with 136 tackles this year, and could start immediately at the middle position. Keep an eye on cornerback Justin King, too, as a possible second-rounder.

CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State (BCS title game, 8 p.m. Jan. 7): Linebacker James Laurinaitis will be long gone by the time the Lions are on the clock, but Jenkins is the type of physical corner who'd start immediately in the Cover 2. Also watch Kirk Barton, who could be the answer at right tackle if the Lions don't nab someone like Baker or Boise State's Ryan Clady in the first round.

RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (Sun Bowl, 2 p.m. Monday): Don't laugh. Kevin Jones' injury history (season-enders the last two years) and contract situation (he'll be a free agent after next season) means the Lions are in the market for a running back. Stewart is the type of productive, skilled back who might be available early in Round 2. Oregon's opponent, South Florida, has another potential Lion in cornerback Mike Jenkins.

For good measure — and since you'll be watching the Michigan and Michigan State games anyway — also keep an eye on Boston College left tackle Gosder Cherilus and Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey. Cherilus has made 50 straight starts for the Eagles and is a big reason why quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 4,000 yards. Like Barton, he'd be a nice addition in the second round. (The Lions will take a lineman somewhere early in the draft.) Harvey might be the best pure pass rusher available. The Lions probably can't afford to wait and develop him, especially since they took Ikaika Alama-Francis in the second round last year, but pressing the quarterback is crucial to their defensive success so Harvey merits consideration.

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