Stallworth is a Risk/Reward Proposition

There's an irony that after all the blown number one draft choices on wide receivers, the Detroit Lions find themselves looking for a compliment to Calvin Johnson.  Make no mistake about it: Matthew Stafford is the foundation of the new Lions and he has one very talented option downfield.  In a perfect world, there would be two but Bryant Johnson, Dennis Northcutt and Derrick Williams don't seem to have it.  Johnson #2 might be a good third receiver.

Enter Donte Stallworth, the recently reinstated wide receiver from the Cleveland Browns who pled guilty to DUI and second degree manslaughter after killing a pedestrian in his vehicle in 2008. 

Without question, the Lions should be looking for defense in the upcoming draft.  This is a critical draft to put a good defensive line and defensive backfield together.  Still, there is a need to also somehow find that second option receiver and perhaps even a running back.  Common sense would suggest a run at defense in the initial draft picks and to select a receiver and back late.

Stallworth is a talented, albeit tarnished gamble.  Over and above the fact he has been hobbled by injuries, there is the question of character when it comes to the accident that ended in a death.  Stallworth did less than a month in jail and is on a strict probation.  However, this is a bit different than the Michael Vick issue where the (then) Atlanta Falcon quarterback was involved in ongoing criminal activities.  Stallworth got behind the steering wheel of an automobile and had a horrific accident.  Was it premeditated?  No.  Is he remorseful?  I hope so. 

The question with Stallworth is very simple: Will he be a good person and teammate?  The question is not talent.

It's a very forgiving society we live in.  From a business and team standpoint, the Lions should pursue him.  Chances are he can be signed for a smaller contract and his appreciation may show in the form of outstanding productivity on the field.  Quite simply: There is small risk and huge reward potential.

Keep those draft picks for the defense early.  I have confidence in Kevin Smith at running back and suggest the Lions focus on offensive linemen late in the draft.