ohn Niyo of the Detroit News reports the Detroit Lions released four players on Monday.

Those released were running back Cedric Peerman, wide receiver Michael Ray Garvin, cornerback DeAngelo Smith, and defensive tackle Terrance Taylor. Peerman, Smith, and Taylor were chosen by other teams in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Taylor, a 6-0, 320-pound defensive tackle from Michigan, was a fourth-round pick (136th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts. Waived at the end of training camp, Taylor spent two weeks on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad before signing with the Lions' practice squad for the final month of the 2009 season.

A fifth-round pick (143rd overall) out of the University of Cincinnati by the Dallas Cowboys, Smith was waived claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns and opened the season on their 53-man roster. Waived after week one, Smith was claimed by the Chicago Bears, but waived and re-signed to the practice squad two weeks later. The Lions plucked Smith off the Bears' practice squad in Week 11, and in 7 games, including one start, Smith was credited with 16 tackles, 7 on special teams, and a pass break-up.

Smith made deadlines last August when he challenged Cowboys fifth-round kicker David Buehler to a 50-yard race at the end of practice...and lost.

Peerman was chosen in the sixth-round (185th overall) out of Virginia by the Baltimore Ravens. After rushing for 40 yards (on 14 carries) and a touchdown, and catching 4 passes for 42 yards during the pre-season, Peerman was waived and claimed by the Cleveland Browns, who would waive and re-sign him to the practice squad two weeks later.

Detroit signed Peerman to their practice squad in Week 8, and added him to their 53-man roster in Week 15. Peerman was active for two games.

Garvin began his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Florida State. Garvin caught one pass for 15 yards with the Cardinals during pre-season action, but was waived with an injury settlement. He was signed to the Lions' practice squad for the final three weeks of the 2009 season, and to a two-year "Reserve/Futures" contract in January.