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Roundtable: Best Player Available or Draft for Need?

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Roundtable: Best Player Available or Draft for Need?


1.) Do you assume Dan Campbell would approve of the Lions drafting Kayvon Thibodeaux?

Vito Chirco: Properly, I am going to say this to begin off: I do not assume that is even a query if Aidan Hutchinson remains to be accessible at No. 2 general. 

Nonetheless, if Hutchinson is gone, I believe the choose comes right down to Travon Walker and Thibodeaux. Due to Campbell’s reported dislike for Thibodeaux, because of the Oregon EDGE not being a “tradition match,” I believe the group will go for Walker (if selecting between the 2). Nonetheless, I imagine it is a slim margin, and I imagine Campbell might be coerced within the days main up the draft, if Detroit basic supervisor Brad Holmes makes a giant push for Thibodeaux. 

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Moreover, I believe a few of what’s been reported has additionally been a “smokescreen,” as in I do not assume Campbell’s dislike for Thibodeaux is as sturdy as what’s been reported. I believe Campbell might be satisfied to pick out Thibodeaux over Walker. So, sure, I believe with some pushing that the second-year Detroit head man would approve of the Lions drafting the previous Oregon standout.

Adam Strozynski: I imagine Dan Campbell understands that he has an uphill climb with placing expertise on this roster, and Thibodeaux is a proficient participant, who could rock the boat. Normally the very best guys within the league have a pair warts and pimples, and Campbell understands this. So, sure, I believe he would approve of Thibodeaux.   

2.) Do the Lions want to pick out a working again on this 12 months’s draft? 

Chirco: No. Whereas the Lions do not possess a bonafide No. 1 working again, I do just like the depth they’ve constructed up on the place, with the likes of D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike. 

Now, I believe subsequent 12 months’s draft is a distinct story. With Williams’ contract set to run out on the finish of the 2022 season, I may see the Lions turning into gamers for a working again within the 2023 draft.

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Strozynski: Final 12 months, you came upon in case your offensive line is nice sufficient. You could possibly’ve had John Maakaron as a working again, and you’d’ve been okay. Simply take a look at Craig Reynolds in Weeks 14 and 15 final season. Going into this 12 months, this workforce is nice sufficient on the working again place, particularly with the roster’s defensive wants. 

3.) If the Lions do find yourself drafting a quarterback, who ought to or not it’s?

Chirco: Though it is unlikely, I will say Liberty quarterback Malik Willis. 

I do know he is largely seen as a developmental prospect and would take a first-round choose (possibly even a top-10 choice). Nonetheless, to me, although he is been overvalued in latest mock drafts, he is the very best signal-caller on this 12 months’s draft class. He is the definition of a dual-threat passer, possessing each a robust arm and the flexibility to beat you together with his legs.

Now, I do not assume the Lions will find yourself taking him until they commerce again into the top-half of the primary spherical (choose No. 10-16 vary). Nonetheless, if Detroit have been to draft a QB, I imagine it must be Willis.

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Strozynski: Man, that is powerful, as a result of I do not look after any of those quarterbacks. If I have been a betting man, I might say Kenny Pickett. I believe he has an opportunity to be this 12 months’s Mac Jones; underrated popping out of faculty, however possibly essentially the most able to carry out on the massive stage.  

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4.) Finest participant accessible or drafting for want: how ought to Detroit GM Brad Holmes method the 2022 NFL Draft? 

Chirco: With a wide range of wants, particularly on the defensive aspect of the ball, I believe Holmes’ draft technique ought to stay greatest participant accessible. And, if such is the case, I believe the group’s choice at No. 2 general is one among three gamers: Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux or Georgia defensive finish Travon Walker.

Strozynski: You want a lot all over the place. So, it is a no-brainer for me: greatest participant accessible.

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5.) Solely the Lions would lose a draft choose, after the league already had introduced the draft order. What did you assume if you first heard that the Lions now not have a seventh-round choose this 12 months? 

Chirco: My first thought was that the Lions’ luck stays downright terrible. Now, I do know it is only a seventh-rounder that the group misplaced out on. So, within the grand scheme of issues, it probably will not be that consequential.

Nonetheless, it nonetheless looks like this screw-up by the league would not have occurred to another NFL franchise, possibly outdoors of the equally woeful Cleveland Browns.

Strozynski: Shocked and bummed on the identical time. However, how applicable for this group to provide one thing away, then assume it acquired it again, solely to seek out out it by no means had the choose. Makes you giggle and say solely the Lions. 

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6.) Out of your recollection, who was the Lions’ worst ever draft choose?

Chirco: I do know there have in all probability been far worse gamers chosen. However, in my lifetime, I will say it has been huge receiver Mike Williams, who was chosen out of USC with the No. 10 general choose within the 2005 NFL Draft. Williams went on to play simply two seasons in Detroit, and he amassed simply two touchdowns and 449 yards in 22 video games in Honolulu Blue.

To make issues worse, future All-Professional linebackers DeMarcus Ware (No. 11; Cowboys), Shawne Merriman (No. 12; Chargers) and Thomas Davis (No. 14; Panthers) all have been chosen after Williams.

Strozynski: Jeff Okudah. Now possibly there’s some recency bias to it, however hear me out. This workforce was at a crossroads with a quarterback who had two years left on his deal. You had come off one of many worst seasons in latest historical past, you had a coach and a basic supervisor on the recent seat and it was a draft class with franchise choices on the quarterback place (Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa).

As a substitute, this group drafted a sluggish cornerback that has been injured his first two seasons. And, heading into this 12 months, he’s recovering from an Achilles’ harm, which is able to do wonders for that pace. A bust and a wasted choose at No. 3 general.

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Detroit, MI

Lions Hosting Shemar Stewart For Official Top 30 Visit

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Lions Hosting Shemar Stewart For Official Top 30 Visit


The Detroit Lions are set to host one of the top edge rusher draft prospects coming out of college for an official visit.

According to The Draft Network, Shemar Stewart will meet with Detroit on Wednesday after he arrives in town on Tuesday evening.

The talented defensive end indicated growing up in South Florida contributed to his humble mindset and overall athletic development.

Playing collegiately at Texas A&M, Stewart secured 65 tackles, four passes defensed and 4.5 sacks.

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“I wasn’t a sack-chasing warrior. I just wanted to become the best player for my team and sometimes the stats don’t show that,” Stewart shared at the NFL scouting combine. “Sometimes I had to play dead to rights and sometimes I just couldn’t finish or couldn’t just get there in time.

“But also teams was not going to sit there and pat the ball against us. We had a stacked D-line. Everybody knew better than just sit there and pat the ball against us.”

The 6-foot-5, 267-pound defender discussed that he would remain grounded, even if he were to become a first-round NFL draft pick.

“I came from nothing,” Stewart told reporters. “I’ve never been the person to not be humble. I’ve been humbled a lot of times, so I remain humble no matter where I get in life.”

Stewart has a relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.99, which ranks third all time out of a possible 1,802defensive ends measured in the past 40 years.

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Morning 4: Hear from residents who experienced explosion of Detroit apartment building — and other news

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Morning 4: Hear from residents who experienced explosion of Detroit apartment building — and other news


Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.


Hear from residents who experienced explosion of Detroit apartment building

An apartment building was ripped apart by an explosion on Detroit’s west side, leaving residents in shock and searching for new homes.

The explosion occurred on Monday (March 31); the scene was chaotic, and by Monday night, the building had been demolished, leaving behind only memories for those who once called it home.

Reports of the explosion began around 5 a.m. near Littlefield Street and Schoolcraft Road, prompting first responders to rush the injured to three hospitals: Henry Ford, Children’s Hospital, and Detroit Receiving Hospital.

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Local 4 visited Detroit Receiving Monday night to retrieve updates on the injured residents.

Read more here.


12, including officers, taken to hospital after house fire in Farmington Hills

12 people were taken to a hospital early Tuesday morning after a fire at a home in Farmington Hills.

Farmington Hills Fire Chief John Unruh said crews received a call at around 5 a.m. reporting a fire at a home near 10 Mile and Middlebelt on April 1, 2025.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they learned people were still trapped inside the home. Officers responded to the house before firefighters arrived and went inside to rescue those trapped.

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Read more here.


New safety laws in Michigan require rear-facing seats for kids under 2—Here’s what else has changed

Changes are coming to Michigan’s car seat laws, impacting families with young children.

The new safety regulations take effect Wednesday, April 2, and will alter how long kids must ride in the back seats of vehicles.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children, and being in the correct car seat can reduce the risk of death by 50%, as car seats save lives.

Read more here.

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New Dearborn lawn care rules to be strictly enforced starting today — here’s what to know

The city of Dearborn is cracking down on people who let their grass grow too long, and stricter enforcement begins Tuesday, April 1.

The rule that grass can’t be longer than 6 inches has already been in effect, but now, if the city leaves a violation on your door, residents have to notify them when the grass has been cut.

If residents fail to notify the city, it could result in a fine.

Read more here.


Weather: Wintry mix, potentially severe storms hitting Metro Detroit Wednesday — Here’s a timeline

This is no April Fool’s joke, we are actually waking up to subfreezing temperatures. High pressure bringing us early sunshine before clouds build back in this afternoon. Highs only in the 40s.

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Detroit, MI

Durhal: Detroit’s PILOT ordinance is boosting affordable housing development

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Durhal: Detroit’s PILOT ordinance is boosting affordable housing development


Detroit is at a pivotal moment in our history. After emerging from the largest municipal bankruptcy in the nation’s history, the city is building and growing again. Among many policy tools, Detroit is successfully attracting investments through tax incentives, which are an undeniable factor in re-energizing our city, drawing in new businesses and development that showcase Detroit’s potential.

When I speak with residents and community advocates, they tell me tax incentives and abatements are great. Their problem isn’t the “what,” but rather the “where” these developers choose to build. As one Detroiter said to me, reflecting the feeling of nearly every person I speak with: “It’s time to build in our neighborhoods.” 

They’re right.

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Detroiters want a balanced approach to the future development of the city, one that includes investing in the people who call Detroit home, not just in large commercial ventures. And for many of them, the idea of development starts at home, with safe and secure housing in the neighborhoods they love.

Their concern is real. As the city continues to grow, the need for affordable housing is pressing. Around 39,000 Detroiters, or 13% of the city’s residents, spent more than half of their income on rent and mortgage in 2022. Meanwhile, home prices skyrocketed, from an average $37,000 in 2013 to $84,000 in 2023. And though Detroit has built nearly 5,000 affordable units in the past five years, that’s well short of the roughly 46,000 that the Detroit Justice Center estimates the city needs. 

To address this challenge, Mayor Mike Duggan and the City Council worked closely to build more than $1 billion in affordable housing. But the reality is that Detroit needs to invest an additional $1 billion to meet our residents’ demand for affordable housing. 

When we realized this need, we got right to work, brainstorming solutions and working collaboratively for almost three years. The result of this collaborative effort was the introduction of the PILOT Fast Track Ordinance, or “payment in lieu of taxes,” which is an agreement built on Michigan Public Act 239 of 2022 that allows developers to make reduced payments to the city in place of traditional property taxes. 

Instead of paying the standard tax rate, developers receive a lowered rate for a set period. This reduction creates a financial incentive to develop housing that’s affordable for residents. And with lower and more predictable costs, developers can focus on building housing that serves Detroit’s low- and middle-income families.

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The PILOT ordinance passed unanimously in late 2024 and is already cranking up the development of affordable housing.

Before PILOT, Detroit had no way to incentivize the rapid building of housing units for middle class families. Back then, families had no relief and doing business in Detroit was just too hard. The city had no way to encourage and reward individuals to fix abandoned and vacant buildings in our neighborhoods.

Under PILOT, developers get extra credits if their project aims to turn these existing buildings and transform them into livable, affordable housing units. In that way, PILOT is paving the way for unprecedented investment in Detroit neighborhoods by encouraging and rewarding developers who build affordable housing where vacant and abandoned buildings once stood.

The Villages at Parkside is one landmark project under PILOT that will bring hundreds of quality homes to the city’s east side. Developers of this project, which breaks ground in fall, said PILOT played a fundamental role in making more housing possible and praised it as the best tool in the state for such projects. The entire city will soon benefit from the great promise of PILOT, which is already attracting smaller and minority developers to build in Detroit.

PILOT represents an innovative model for how Detroit can develop effective partnerships and cut red tape to accelerate the construction of homes that working and middle-class people can truly afford. Through PILOT, Detroit can address housing shortages, rein in rising rents, prevent displacement and reduce homelessness. Low- and middle-income Detroiters will enjoy greater housing stability and more financial flexibility to support local businesses, services and neighborhood programs. They can thrive in the communities they live in and help shape the future of their neighborhoods.

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By promoting fairer growth and stability for all Detroiters, we can build the kind of city we all envision — where neighborhood revitalization brings new jobs, spurs local economic growth and strengthens the bonds within our communities.

Fred Durhal is a member of the Detroit City Council.



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