Kalvin

Pearson

Pearson can enter restricted free agency in 2008. A solid special teams performer, Pearson faces a long road to make the final roster with Will Allen, Jermaine Phillips, Sabby Piscitelli, and Tanard Jackson ahead of him.

The special teamer wants a multi-year deal. The Bucs are well set at safety with Tanard Jackson, Jermaine Phillips, and Sabby Piscitelli under contract.

Everyone in the NFL wants to start, but Pearson looks to have a legit shot, mostly because Detroit lacks great alternatives. Pearson saw most of the first-team reps at minicamps, but he’s still best suited for a special teams role. At 5'10/200, he probably wouldn’t hold up as a full-time strong safety.

With rookie Louis Delmas entrenched at free safety, Bullocks and Marquand Manuel are Detroit’s best options on the strong side. Special teamer Kalvin Pearson probably isn’t a realistic consideration. Bullocks has better ball skills and upside than Manuel, 30. This is an IDP situation to monitor.

While rookie Louis Delmas is locked in at free safety, the new coaching staff has been less than content with its option at strong safety. They no longer see Daniel Bullocks as a starter, and free agent Marquand Manuel was recently brought on board as another option.

Backup safety/special teamer Kalvin Pearson will move into the nickel back role indefinitely. King was not playing well, so his loss won’t change the Lions’ fortunes in the secondary. They’ll be burned by the pass all year.

At 5'10/200, Pearson is too small to last long at the hard-hitting position, but the alternatives are unappetizing. Daniel Bullocks was burned routinely last season and Marquand Manuel is strictly backup material.

We prefer strong safeties in IDP leagues, but Detroit will likely end up playing musical chairs at that position. Delmas, who leveled Aaron Brown in Wednesday’s practice, has much better range than Kalvin Pearson or Marquand Manuel. He’ll get to more plays and Detroit will be run on often.