Bob Quinn Keeps It Real
By Mike Payton
We haven’t heard from Detroit Lions General Manager Bob Quinn all that much since his hire. But what we have heard has been refreshing truth.
After Bob Quinn’s initial press conference back in January, the one thing that stood out to me the most is that Quinn is no nonsense and has no plans to placate to the fans and media by promising winning seasons and championships. Something Martin Mayhew and his “nothing to see here” attitude brought to Detroit. On Wednesday afternoon, Quinn got back in front of the media at the NFL Combine and continued that stance by is saying “this team didn’t make the playoffs last year. There’s a reason for that.” That statement there is proof that Quinn and his staff recognize the Lions need help and that they’ve been spinning their wheels for far too long.
Don’t get me wrong, Quinn wasn’t entirely transparent and he never will be. But some of the things that Quinn talked about on Wednesday gave some answers as to which direction this team will be heading in during the offseason. Here are few things tat stood out to me and what they could mean.
Depth is of large importance
Bob Quinn spoke an awful lot about depth Wednesday afternoon when questioned about free agency and the draft. To me this meant that the Lions will not be impulse buyers when it comes time to find new players. I’m sure the Lions will target big fish in certain situations. For example I’m sure that offensive linemen like Cordy Glenn, Russel Okung and Kelvin Beachum will be high on their radar. But this does not mean they will jump in on guys like Alshon Jefferey or Von Miller.
What to expect should be a decent amount of small under the radar moves that improve the teams overall depth as opposed to sticking a really expensive band-aid on one or two positions.
Quinn sees defensive line as a strength
This one had most people scratching their heads after hearing it. The Lions defensive line clearly needs a bit of an upgrade in 2016. After multiple injuries and the 13th, but probably not the last appearance of Andre Fluellen, it’s a wonder why anyone would see this as a strength. What I took from this statement is that Quinn knows that Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker are a lock to come back in 2016. If this is the case, a full reboot is not necessary. But adding a few pieces will be.
Obviously the other factor is that Quinn is not going to show his hand to the world before free agency opens up in less than three weeks. Expect the Lions to address this position one way or another.
More cuts are coming
Quinn mentioned that he has a list of guys that won’t be returning next season. He declined to name any names but its safe to assume there will be some of the Lions usual suspects like Brandon Pettigrew on it. With free agency around the corner, expect to see may be gone in 2016 as early as next week.
Detroit Lions Free Agency: Just Say No 2
Lions fans will find out soon enough what the full plan is for the offseason. Until then I ask you the fans, what are your thoughts on Bob Quinn so far? Be sure to leave your comments below or talk to me on Twitter about it @SLR_Mike