Here are 10 building blocks for Lions

Originally Published: December 18, 2008

Even though the Lions are on the brink of infamy, Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson thinks they have at least 10 players to build around.

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By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.

Building Blocks in Detroit

Check out the other eight Detroit players Matt Williamson thinks the team should build around. Insider

The Lions' record is 0-14, head coach Rod Marinelli will be gone at the end of the season and the Detroit franchise is at its lowest point ever. WR Calvin Johnson is a stud and a player the Lions can build around. Here are nine other players who should help this team get out of the cellar.

1. WR Calvin Johnson, 23 years old

If I had to choose one skill player in the league to build a team around right now, it would be a three-horse race between Johnson, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson and Texans WR Andre Johnson. Calvin Johnson is very talented and it shouldn't be a shock if he is considered the best player at his position by this time next year. Whoever comes in to coach this team must feature this rare player.

2. LOLB Ernie Sims, 23 years old

He is the Lions' second-leading tackler and the prototypical weakside linebacker in the Tampa 2 system, ala Derrick Brooks. Sims is explosive and tenacious, but isn't a well-known commodity or household name. He has the leadership skills required to rejuvenate this dreadful defense.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

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