There's been a lot of talk lately about whether the Lions blew it by drafting Calvin Johnson No. 2 overall. Johnson struggled with drops and general flighty play in his first real taste as a featured receiver last week. Meanwhile, Joe Thomas is a big reason for the Browns' resurgence and Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing despite missing 2 1/2 games with a knee injury.

Both Thomas and Peterson will be Pro Bowl players in short order, but I can't fault the Lions for picking Johnson, even knowing what I know now. Johnson was the consensus best talent in the draft and he's done little to dismiss that notion this year. Sure, he struggled at times last week, but he deserves a pass after basically being an afterthought the first 10 games of the season.

Peterson is a stud, as the Lions will see for a second time Sunday. But injuries were his big question entering the draft and a torn knee ligament later they're still a concern. Thomas would have been a great addition, especially considering the Lions' shortcomings at right tackle, but with Johnson on the board he was Plan B.

The Lions made the right choice for the future by drafting a receiver for the fourth time in five years. Johnson will be the centerpiece of the offense next season, and his presence means the Lions don't have to break the bank to sign Roy Williams as a free agent next winter.