By Larry Lage
The Associated Press

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have the second pick in the NFL draft, but because Cincinnati has already signed Carson Palmer, they essentially have the first choice Saturday. It's not expected to change Detroit's plan.

The Lions have not had an offensive player capable of making a big play since Barry Sanders retired just before the 1999 season.

It will be surprising if Detroit doesn't attempt to fill that void with Charles Rogers, who can run the 40-yard dash in less than 4.3 seconds and broke a slew of receiving records at Michigan State.

"He'll be one of the fastest players in the league," said Detroit coach Steve Mariucci, who replaced the fired Marty Mornhinweg in February. "He scores touchdowns and makes the big plays.

"Over and above that, there is something to be said about having a local guy on your football team. ... He's going to be good in the community for this city."

After sounding as if it was a forgone conclusion that Rogers would be picked by Detroit, Mariucci later pleaded: "Can we wait and see if he's on our team first?"

Detroit has won just five games - none on the road - the past two seasons so it has numerous holes to fill on its roster.

In addition to a glaring need at receiver to help quarterback Joey Harrington, last year's third draft pick overall, the Lions need linebackers and defensive backs. They could also use a running back, defensive lineman and an offensive guard.

That's why they are publicly expressing a willingness to listen to trade offers.

"It's tempting," Mariucci said. "When you look at the board and your depth, you would like to have another one of those, another one of those, another one of those. Then somebody offers you three or four picks. Three or four players that are going to make your team in exchange for that No. 2 pick. You entertain that thought.

"It's intriguing to think of the possibilities. You could reload your team by making one transaction."

Lions president and general manager Matt Millen said a few teams have already called to inquire about acquiring what is now the top pick in the draft.

"I had some conversations just this morning," Millen said Thursday. "It's just talk until the heat is turned up a little bit - then we'll see."

Other than making a trade or taking Rogers, Millen said there were five other players Detroit could choose: Kansas State cornerback Terence Newman, Arizona State defensive end Terrell Suggs, Miami receiver Andre Johnson, and defensive tackles Dewayne Robertson of Kentucky and Penn State's Jimmy Kennedy.

But Millen also acknowledged he might be hiding what he really plans to do in order to make teams worry that Detroit may take the player they want.

"There's probably a little bit of that in everybody's speech," Millen said.

Rogers refuses to worry about whether the Lions are bluffing.

He just plans to enjoy being at the draft on Saturday in New York City, along with a bus he is filling with family and friends from his hometown of Saginaw.

"It's going to be a beautiful day," Rogers said. "I can't lose. I will have a smile on my face regardless of what happens."

Even though the Bengals have signed Palmer, Lions executive vice president Tom Lewand said NFL rules do not allow Detroit to sign the player it wants. But the team can talk about general contract terms with the prospects being considered.

"By being on the board, we have the increased ability to be able to have discussions with the player and his representatives about his signability," Lewand said. "That is significant to us."

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