Training camp for the Detroit Lions officially starts on Thursday and the team still doesn’t have a complete roster. Well, they have bodies just not the bodies they want. First off, out of their eight draft picks, ONLY ONE has signed a deal. Like with most draft picks the Lions expect those deals to fall into place quickly when camp opens, so they’ve kept their focus on former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Takeo Spikes. No deal is in place yet, but the team is hoping to have one in place by Thursday morning.

“I think there’s a chance if we can come to terms that we could get him before camp,” coach Rod Marinelli said.

What an obvious statement huh? Just brilliant, ha ha. But in all honestly the Lions are starting to make the most sense for Spikes. He’s still exploring options but at this point in his career he needs to take whatever offer he can get, and honestly this isn’t a bad one for him to take. In Detroit, he should get some decent playing time, even competing with Paris Lenon for the strong side position. Last year with the Eagles he showed he can still perform, tallying 85 tackles in 14 games.

“He gives you a wealth of experience,” Marinelli said. “He’s played at a tremendous level, and I think he’s still got a lot of rubber left on the tires.”

Personally, I think Spikes will wind up signing with Detroit, when who knows. If he really wants to compete for a starting job with any team then he needs to make his decision sooner then later. Team president, Matt Millen said they’re willing to give Spikes the time he needs to make a decision. Thats fine and dandy but the team needs to lock him up quick or focus on their draft picks.

Like I said earlier, only one pick has signed so far. That player would be third round selection Cliff Avril a defensive end who could also play some linebacker. For a team with so many needs its imperative for them to get their young kids in camp and working out. Millen thou isn’t to worried saying all contracts should be finalized soon, with camp starting Thursday I hope thats umm tonight!

“Even the top two, we’re in range,” Millen said. “We just have to kind of come together on some languages and stuff.”

The worst thing for the Lions would be for any players to miss extended camp time, especially those big two. Those two are Gosder Cherilus, offensive tackle, and Jordon Dizon, linebacker. Both have a legitimate chance to get playing time this year and need to be there from the start getting acclimated to the system and pace of the NFL.

The season isn’t to far away and Detroit may not have the pieces to compete for a championship but they do have an offense that can keep fans on the edge of their seats. Got tickets yet? Here’s your chance starting as low as $40.

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