The team used the two vacant roster spots on former Arena Football League quarterback R.J. Archer, who previously tried out for the Lions during rookie minicamp, and defensive back Dontrell Johnson, who the team was awarded off of waivers from the Jaguars, according to the Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson.

The Lions cut wide receiver Troy Burrell and defensive back Alonzo Lawrence

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) June 22, 2012

The Lions were awarded defensive back Dontrell Johnson off waivers from the Jaguars

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) June 22, 2012

It’s unfortunate for some Lions fans that wide receiver Troy Burrell was cut because he is a local product out of Wayne State University. However, it isn’t shocking that he was cut seeing as the Lions already have one of the deepest rosters as far as the wide receiver position goes and Burrell would have had to beat out the likes of Stefan Logan, Maurice Stovall, Patrick Edwards, and a few others for the final fifth wide receiver roster spot.

May 21, 2012; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Troy Burrell (18) during organized team activities at Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Burrell has too much talent not to be picked up by another team who is in need for a project slot receiver. He posted incredible statistics at the Division II level with 187 receptions, 3,132 yards, and 27 touch downs in his four year career in the GLIAC conference. It will only be a matter of time before Burrell’s name is added to a roster—most likely a struggling team who could use the added depth and Burrell’s history of performing on game day.

As for Alonzo Lawrence, additional Lions fans may be upset that he didn’t get to make it to training camp. SLR previously discussed how Lawrence is an intriguing prospect because of his large 6-2 frame, ability to play multiple positions, and, most importantly, his interesting collegiate background. He has bounced around from college to college before finally coming out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as an undrafted free agent. Although the Lions secondary is shaky right now and it is unclear who will exactly be starting at each position, Lawrence didn’t make the cut, but he should catch on with another camp who likes to utilize larger corner backs.

So who exactly are the Lions getting with their two additions to the 90-man training camp roster? Good question.

R.J Archer is an interesting grab for the Lions because he too has had a fascinating road to the NFL. The William & Mary product has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in their 2010 summer minicamp and with two different Arena Football League squads. Archer had originally tried out for the Lions, but walked away without receiving a roster spot.

This signing is intriguing because it could hint that the Lions other undrafted free agent rookie quarterback Kellen Moore isn’t performing too well in their past few minicamps. Moore has reportedly shown a weak arm and has floated a majority of his passes in camp. Additional Lions bloggers have hypothesized that Moore will not make the final 53-man roster and, in fact, the Lions may very well only carry two quarterbacks this season since veteran quarterback Drew Stanton is now an Indianapolis Colt. It will be interesting to see how the Lions quarterback situation shakes out from here on into the preseason games.

June 12, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts III (84) catches a pass as cornerback Dontrell Johnson (43) defends during minicamp at Florida Blue Health

Recent waiver claim Dontrell Johnson is an undrafted rookie free agent who originally signed with Jacksonville on May 31st. After spending nearly a month with the Jags, the Murray State alumnus was waived and awarded to the Lions. NFLDraftScout.com had listed him as the 60th best corner back entering the 2012 NFL Draft, but his physical measurable’s are what seems to be most interesting. The Lions seemingly cut Alonzo Lawrence and his 6-2, 215 pound frame for Johnson who is a smaller, finesse type of cover corner with a 5-9, 176 pound frame. Apparently the Lions felt it was more appropriate to have a smaller, quicker corner back in camp who can run a 4.45 40-yard-dash and can swivel their hips faster than a bigger-bodied defensive back can.

These recent signings could prove to have no impact on how the Lions 2012-13 season actually turns out; however, it is possible that one of these guys turns out to be the next Kurt Warner—a soon to be NFL Hall of Famer.

For extra credit, take the time to watch Alonzo Lawrence’s highlight tape from 2011. He has some jarring hits and can really smoke people. He is tremendous on special teams, too. Not to mention he is dangerous with the ball in his hands after he makes those athletic interceptions.

Jan 16, 2009, Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew during the press conference to introduce Jim Schwartz (not pictured) as the Lions new football coach at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-US PRESSWIRE

The mark of an excellent General Manager in pro football is one who can mine the back roads of scouting, and find those golden nuggets that the other teams have passed on. I think this is the year Martin Mayhew shows just how good a talent evaluator he is. I never paid much attention to the free agents the Lions have signed in the past because of who was signing them. If Matt “I’ll take a receiver” Millen couldn’t get the draft picks right, how in the hell was he going to find something in the free agent talent pool?

Since the Lions have emerged from the darkness of the NFL cellar in 2009 behind the leadership of Mayhew and Head Coach Jim Schwartz, their low round picks have actually mattered. 7th round draft picks started making the team. Zack Follett was a fan favorite until concussions derailed his career. Now that the Lions have gotten the hang of drafting quality players that can contribute, I feel like Mr. Mayhew is working extra hard on the free agents this year.

I know the most publicized signee is Boise St. quarterback Kellen Moore. The quarterback who went 50-3 in college football was deemed too short by the NFL to be wasting a draft pick on. I think he has an excellent opportunity to be the number 3 QB this year, and the back up to Matthew Stafford in the future. Getting a back up quarterback as a free agent is the kind of shrewd move we’re just not used to seeing around here.

The free agent that interested me the most is Alonzo Lawrence. He’s a former cornerback who is 6’2″, 215 pounds and is being converted to Safety. The Lions found Lawrence at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Not to be confused with Macomb Community College, MGCCC has actually turned out professional football players. Terrance Cody of the Ravens is one. He has a fascinating history. He held Julio Jones, a high first round pick, to 0 catches in the 2007 Mississippi-Alabama high school All-Star game. He was the 2nd best cornerback prospect in the nation according to Rivals Recruiting service when he came out in 2008. When he and his big head walked onto the Alabama campus as a freshman, he thought he should be starting. Coach Nick Saban didn’t see it that way. “Me and Coach Saban didn’t really see eye-to-eye”, Lawrence said. ” I came in with a big head , young, wanting to play. I felt like I was supposed to be playing.”

Lawrence transferred to Southern Miss but had trouble with his classes and moved on to MGCC. His Coach there, Steve Campbell, thinks the Lions got a steal.

“I think they got ‘em a great NFL player, I can see him being a Pro Bowler,” Campbell told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. “I think they signed a difference-maker. It would shock and amaze me if he’s not up there for a number of years.“ “Alonzo is built like a big, physical safety,” Campbell said. “But he’s got hips and the coverage ability of a corner. I could see him playing corner for some cover-2 teams and he does fine in man coverage. Or, I could see somebody just putting him at safety and him doing really well there, because he will tackle, he’s physical and he does have coverage skills.”

The Lions badly need someone to play next to Louis Delmas. Every championship team has that one starter that came out of nowhere. Could Alonzo Lawrence be that find? His former coach Steve Campbell sure thinks so.

Alonzo is a great talent,” Campbell said. “He’s of the same talent/caliber if not even more so than guys we’ve had gone to MSU or Bama or on to NFL. He’s a high-SEC caliber talent.”

Remember that the SEC is the best conference on this planet, so I’m really looking forward to hearing more from Mr. Lawrence.