Two former Spartans could soon be standing side-by-side once again.

Former MSU head football coach Bobby Williams shifted from Detroit Lions running backs coach to wide receivers coach Monday.

One expert says Detroit could benefit from the change if the Lions choose former MSU wide receiver Charles Rogers in April's NFL Draft.

B. Duane Cross, an NFL Draft expert for CNNSI.com, is "99.9" percent sure the Biletnikoff Award winner will land in Detroit and the previous relationship between Williams and the former standout athlete will help to acclimate Rogers to the pros.

"He'll need a comfort zone after games - someone whose shoulder he can lean on," Cross said. "I think that if there's one player in this draft who's perfect for this spot - it's Charles Rogers. Quite honestly, (quarterback) Joey Harrington needs someone to throw to for the next 10 years."

The Lions have the No. 2 selection in the draft.

Cross said Williams will likely succeed at his new position

"The techniques are different, but the overall coaching is there," he said. "He's a great guy to have on the staff. A lot of guys on staff are point specific, but coach Williams is a guy with a lot of different backgrounds - he brings so much to the table."

Lions head coach Steve Mariucci hired Tom Rathman as the running backs coach, prompting Williams' move.

Williams could not be reached for comment.

Rogers is MSU's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (27).