For months leading right up to the draft, there were a lot of rumors swirling that the Lions wanted to trade Roy Williams. Millen and Marinelli steadfastly denied they were looking to trade Roy Williams but said they would listen to any and all offers on any player.

I never really believed the Lions were serious about trading Williams - certainly not for a single first round pick that Dallas was supposedly dangling in front of the Lions. The way the Lions drafted this past weekend should be a good indication that they weren’t serious. If they had moved Williams, they would have had to replace him, likely in the draft. We had too many other needs to have to concentrate on another wideout. Yes, we drafted Kenneth Moore, but he will be given a shot to win the punt and kick return spot.

There was no logic to trading Williams this year. Yes, he could maybe walk next year, but so what? Trading him would have been a salary cap hit and then we would have had a spot to fill. Having Williams and Johnson at the wide receiver spots this year should pay dividends. They have a chance to be one of the top pairs in the NFL. That is, provided Detroit throws the ball enough this year.

Also, since Williams could leave next year, in the true NFL fashion, he should have a gang buster year in order to set himself up for a huge payday. Why not take advantage of that and use him to spark the offense this upcoming season.

As much as I wanted to believe the Lions wouldn’t trade Williams, it was hard to be sure with Matt Millen at the helm, but I have to give him credit. I think he did pretty well this year in the draft and not moving Roy Williams was absolutely the right choice.

Obviously, we are talking about Shaun Rogers here. It seems to be the question of the week. Internet rumors, started by ESPN2 First Take, is that Shaun Rogers is about to be released by the Lions. Forums, message boards, blogs and sports columnists are all giving their take on the big guy. I thought I would throw my two cents into the ring.

First, Rogers is due a significant $1M roster bonus on March 2. So, that may be a pivotal date as the Lions aren’t likely to pay that bonus and then cut the guy. Or least not until they get him into camp and see if he serious about slimming down and getting in shape. Rogers is under contract to make some serious money over the next three years: $4.25 million, $5.25 million and $7 million.

The decision to give Rogers one more shot or to release him is very interesting. The Lions struggled on defense this year and already have many holes. To be serious contenders in the next season, the Lions are going to have to concentrate on defense in free agency and the college draft. The question can be asked, Can you afford to release the big guy when you already have so many holes? By releasing Rogers, the Lions would have to fill another gap. A lot of folks think a significant portion of the Lions defensive struggles this year were to due to the defense having to be on the field significantly more than the offense. There is some validity to that line of thinking.

However, I feel that Rogers has been more of a liability than an asset the last year - maybe the last couple. The guy has some tremendous ability and can single handedly change a game. He is clearly out of shape and can play maybe half a game. So, what is better? A potential superstar that only plays 50% of the plays or another guy not quite at the same level that plays every defensive down? Personally, I take the latter - especially if you are trying to build a team cohesiveness.

The Lions have given the guy many shots and I don’t feel he deserves another. If Coach Rod and the Lions are to get to the next level, they need committed, determined team players. Rogers doesn’t fill that bill. Unfortunately, there isn’t a player waiting in the wings to take over for Rogers. So, we would have to fill that spot. Still, I would take the chance. There are likely to be some players available in free agency this year that can be plugged in for Rogers. Then, take a mid round draft pick to learn from the veteran you picked up in free agency. Use the early round picks for corners and linebackers.

We have to get better on defense next season. While to some dumping Rogers seems to go the other way, I think it will pay huge dividends in the long run assuming the Lions concentrate on defense this off season. With Millen, that may not be a safe assumption.