Friday, June 11, 2005

 

Above the Law

Lions pass on injured CB, sign McQuarters

 

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) --
The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Chicago Bears defensive back R.W. McQuarters.

The Bears released McQuarters on May 23. He had signed a $21 million contract extension with the team in January 2002 that ran through 2006.

The Lions had shown interest in McQuarters and former New England Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law. But Law is recovering from a broken foot and Lions President Matt Millen said he didn't want to lose McQuarters while waiting on Law's rehabilitation.

"I love Ty Law and I want to think I would still consider him, but right now, with where we're at, I wanted to make sure I'm getting something," Millen told the Detroit Free Press late Friday.

In five seasons in Chicago, McQuarters had 295 tackles and nine interceptions. Last season, he showed his versatility when he switched from cornerback to safety and returned punts.

He was acquired by the Bears in a 2000 trade with the San Francisco 49ers, who took him in the first round of the 1998 draft. He played his first two seasons under now Lions coach Steve Mariucci.

The addition of the 28-year-old adds more experience to a defensive secondary that has been upgraded in recent years by free-agent acquisition and draft picks.

"I'm looking for him to compete in a lot of spots," Millen said. "He's a younger guy but he's been around and he knows the division."

 

 

Round 2

 

Shaun Cody

Grade: 4.05

Position: DE

Class: Sr

School: Southern Cal

Conference: Pac-10

Ht., Wt.: 6-4, 293

40 Time: 4.95

Selected by: Detroit Lions

Round 2, pick 5 (37 overall) Grading System

BIO: Moved into the starting lineup as a freshman, winning both All-Conference and All-America honors the past two seasons. Finished his senior year with 45/13/10 after a junior campaign of 26/10.5/6.

POSITIVES: Athletic defensive lineman who forces the action from either the end or tackle position. Quick off the ball, has the ability to change direction at full speed and displays a closing burst to the play. Gets leverage on opponents, quick with his hands and works to protect himself throughout the action. Strings plays out to the flanks and shows speed off the edge. Tenacious, chases hard and takes it to the ball handler. Outstanding techniques and moves. Stout at the point and effective defending the run or rushing the edge.

NEGATIVES: At times easily wired in blocks or handled by a single opponent. Gets straight legged and stood up at the line.

ANALYSIS: A super athletic prospect that can be used in a variety of defensive systems as well as a number of spots on the line, Cody possesses good upside for the next level. Offers growth potential which will only make him better as he physically matures. Should be a solid yet unspectacular player in the NFL.

PROJECTION: Late First Round