Impact Analysis: Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions

July 29, 2010 @ 20:25:00

By John Kotch Jr.
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Since their dismal 2009 season ended almost six months ago, the Detroit Lions have made some significant personnel changes on both sides of the ball. As a matter of fact, so much has changed with Detroit's offensive unit, that last season seems like a million years ago.

To say that the Lions struggled offensively in 2009 would be an understatement. They finished in the bottom third of the league in virtually every statistical category. The team's desire to remedy this problem brought about some intriguing offseason acquisitions. The addition of former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson, in particular, is one key addition that's likely to have the biggest impact on the Lions' ability to move the ball this season. 

The Lions garnered limited production out of their wide receiver position last season, despite the presence of stud wide receiver Calvin Johnson. However, Johnson's limited output is understandable. Johnson was the only offensive weapon the Lions had that posed any real threat to opposing defenses, and he routinely saw double and triple coverages. Combine this situation with a rookie quarterback playing behind a shaky offensive line, and it's easy to see why Johnson had a down year. The Lions had been looking for a counterpart to Johnson since he arrived in Detroit, and obtaining a viable receiving threat to line up on the opposite side was a top priority for the team heading into 2010. 

Helping Megatron, one Burleson at a time

Burleson was acquired after much lobbying by Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Linehan coached Burleson when both men were with the Minnesota Vikings. During the 2003 and 2004 seasons, Burleson was used effectively as a complement to then-Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss. Burleson had the best season of his career playing opposite Moss in 2004, with 68 catches for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns. In conversations with Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, according to reports, Linehan would often cite Burleson as a perfect example of the type of receiver he needed to fill this same role for the Lions. Linehan believes that Burleson, 6-foot, 198 pounds, can be particularly effective in the short passing game. He's physical, quick off the ball and can gain immediate separation from cornerbacks that attempt to jam him at the line of scrimmage. In addition, Burleson's familiarity with Linehan's offense should make for a short adjustment period. 

A year ago, Lions wide receiver Bryant Johnson was the one expected to fill the void opposite Calvin Johnson, but he posed no threat to opposing defenses and failed to take advantage of single coverage. With the arrival of Burleson, Bryant Johnson finds himself relegated to the third wide receiver spot.

Lions wide receiver Derrick Williams, then a rookie, was benched last season for making a habit of committing mental errors. Williams consistently dropped passes, muffed kick returns and ran incorrect routes. He's young and still has a chance to show something in the future, but unless there's a rash of injuries, he isn't likely to see much action this season.

Fantasy outlook

The Lions have made significant upgrades to their defense as well as their offense. This should further enable them to be more offensively balanced and call a good mixture of run and pass plays. Last season the Lions constantly had to play from behind, which prevented any creativity in their play-calling.

Lions quarterback Matt Stafford will have a full year of experience under his belt and should be markedly improved over last season. An improved offensive line will enable Stafford to spend less time on the turf and more time in the pocket getting the ball out to his wide receivers. The coaching staff has praised Stafford's understanding of the system.

Calvin Johnson remains a top-tier No. 1 fantasy selection and is poised for an increase in production as he is apt to see some relief from the gang coverages he consistently saw last season.

Burleson is two years removed from a torn ACL and returns fully healthy to an offensive scheme with which he is well familiar. Burleson is apt to see a lot of single coverage with Johnson continuing to draw extra defenders. Burleson is considered a No. 4 with low-end No. 2 upside.

Both Bryant Johnson and Williams have zero fantasy value at this time and are considered undraftable.

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John Kotch Jr.
John Kotch Jr. has been a KFFL contributing writer since 2007.

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