Now that a new coach and new GM are in place, it's almost time to close the book on the Matt Millen era in Detroit. But not without one more example of how even Millen's best luck backfired.

Last winter when the Lions were shopping Shaun Rogers, Millen agreed to trade the discontented defensive tackle to Cincinnati for third- and fifth-round picks. It was a fair deal considering some of the offseason's other moves: Kris Jenkins to the Jets for a three and a five, Corey Williams to the Browns for a second-rounder.

When that deal fell through at the last minute, Millen rekindled talks with Cleveland and shipped Rogers across Lake Erie for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-rounder. It seemed like a fortunate turn at the time for the Lions, at least in the context of having to move Rogers. They got a starter at their biggest position of need, a cornerback coming off a career-high six-interception season, and an extra draft choice to beef up the roster.

A year later, the Lions might be kicking themselves that first deal didn't go through. Bodden is coming off a mediocre season and due an $8.6-million roster bonus next month that, if declined, will make him a free agent. Andre Fluellen, drafted with Cleveland's pick, looks like an NFL contributor, though it remains to be seen how he'll fit in new coach Jim Schwartz's system. And the nuts and bolts of that trade may have caused the Lions to pass up Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, a future star at cornerback who you can see in the Super Bowl next week.

Remember last February, when draft speculation centered around the Lions taking a cornerback with their first-round pick? Had Bodden not been acquired, that still would have been a possibility (unless you believe the Lions were comfortable with Brian Kelly, Travis Fisher, Keith Smith and Stanley Wilson as their corners). Instead, they didn't take a defensive back until the seventh round and went with right tackle Gosder Cherilus, after trading down two spots, at the top of the draft.

This isn't to bash Cherilus, who had some up-and-down moments as a rookie but should start for some time at right tackle. But Rodgers-Cromartie had four interceptions in 11 starts as a rookie and two more (plus seven break-ups) in three postseason games, when he's been one of the best defenders on the field each time he's played. (A kick returner in college, Rodgers-Cromartie would have been extra enticing on draft day for his position flexibility.)

With no Cherilus, George Foster would have started at right tackle last year and the Lions still would have finished 0-16. Then, with the No. 1 overall pick this April, there'd be little doubt what they should do – draft left tackle Andre Smith of Alabama, move Jeff Backus to right tackle and spend the rest of your picks putting a supporting cast around Rodgers-Cromartie, Ernie Sims and the one or two other keepers on defense.