Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Chicago won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubting that the 2013 version of the Detroit Lions, especially on defense is going to look far different from the team that finished with eight straight losses en route to 4-12 record.

The Lions have a total of 22 unrestricted free agents, many of whom have played an integral part over the years in the team’s rebuilding process. Because of the team’s salary cap situation, players looking for bigger contracts (Cliff Avril) will likely be looking elsewhere for offers.

Listed below are a group of players that the Lions should find a way to bring back. They won’t be the highest paid players, nor are stars, but play critical roles in the team’s success in all three phases of the game.

*Note: I believe the team needs to bring back Delmas as well, but could do so on the franchise tag.

1. Chris Houston, CB:
It may be a good thing for the Lions that Houston really struggled in the last few games of the year. He was torched in the Atlanta game, especially, as Roddy White and Julio Jones caught touchdown passes over Houston. That being said, other than Suh and Fairley, Houston was really the only playmaker the Lions had on defense. Not only that, he is the only constant in the Lions defensive backs group that you can count on week in, week out.

Like a lot of the unrestricted free agents, it really depends on what the asking price is here. Houston is not a No. 1 cornerback on most NFL teams. He is a fantastic No. 2 guy, and should be paid accordingly. If the asking price is not ridiculous, Houston will be brought back.

2. Sammie Lee Hill, DT:
As the staff and management repeatedly say, the goal is to keep good players here. Hill is one of those players. He may have regressed a bit in 2012, but what Lions’ player didn’t regress? Hill, in his fourth year out of Stillman College, recorded only 15 tackles on the season and did not have a single sack.

Defensive tackles rarely fill up the stat sheet, unless you are Ndamukong Suh, which Hill is not. But he could start on a few teams in the NFL, so having him as your run-stuffing, third defensive tackle is a luxury this team should look to keep. Again, if the price is right, bring him back.

3. Lawrence Jackson, DE:
LoJack came on strong at the end of the year, finishing with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the last four games. That is not a good number by any means, but the Lions will take what they can get out of the defensive end position (which is not much). With uncertainty surrounding starting defensive ends Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch, and whether or not the two will be brought back, Jackson becomes very valuable as he fits this system that the Lions employ very well.

There is no telling what the Lions will do at any position right now, as it is so early in the offseason, but don’t be surprised if the team uses a defensive end-by-committee approach at one of the spots next year. Jackson should be a part of that rotation.

4. Will Heller, TE:
Heller, or as I like to call him, Dexter (because he looks exactly like Michael C. Hall), had a coming out party in the latter portion of the year when Pettigrew was out with an injury. Heller assumed the starting role and actually displayed some hands that we are not accustomed to seeing. That just adds to his versatility as he is already one of the better blocking tight ends in the game. Add in the fact that they Lions don’t have a fullback on the roster, and that makes Heller even more valuable as he assumes that role as well.

Despite being the third tight end on the Lions, he plays a crucial role in the Lions offense. He will most likely be brought back.

5. Kassim Osgood, WR/ST
This one may come as a surprise. Why would a special teamer be a must-sign. Well, look at how our special teams improved drastically after the disaster that were the Titans and Vikings games. Since that debacle, the Lions gave up an average of 6.2 yards per punt return and 20.5 on kickoffs. That all happened when Osgood signed with the Lions.

Now, is he solely responsible for that improvement? Of course not…there are 11 guys on special teams that can make a tackle. But Osgood, along with John Wendling and Ashlee Palmer, are stalwarts are the Lions’ special teams units. If the Lions want to win in all three phases of the game, the special teams aspect needs to be fixed, and Osgood can help with that.

Dec 29, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half of the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Texas beat Oregon State 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Sadly, the 2012 college football season has come to an end. During the bowl games, SideLion Report took a look at some of the prospects watch, some of whom could end up being Detroit Lions after the 2013 NFL Draft. Some of them acquitted themselves very well in their respective games.

Let’s take a look at a few particular players who stood out that could potentially be on the Lions’ radar come draft time.

Kerwynn Williams, RB, Utah State – Formerly a wide receiver, Williams made the full-time transition to running back this season, and flourished. After being shut down in the first three quarters against Toledo, Williams went on a running spree in the fourth quarter to finish with 235 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the win. General manager Martin Mayhew addressed the fact that he failed to have an insurance policy for Jahvid Best last season. That leads me to believe he will find someone for that role for this year. Williams could be a guy to watch.

Ezekial Ansah, DE, BYU – If there is a player that you can bring into your facility, get up to speed on you scheme and playbook, and then mold them into the player that you envision, that would be Ezekial Ansah. Originally from Africa, Ansah has only played a few seasons of football so the best is yet to come with this kid. He has a great frame that is the size of a prototypical defensive end. But the fact that he has dominated at his position in only a few short years of playing football has scouts drooling. If he is around in the second round, the Lions need to take him. He could be the next Jason Pierre-Paul.

Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt – One draft tactic that the Lions have ignored lately that seemingly every other team in the NFL recognizes is that you are able to pick up talented running backs in the later rounds of the draft. The Lions are repeatedly using high draft picks on skill position players that are not panning out the way the fans would like. If the Lions decide to pick up a running back in say the fourth round, perhaps, Stacy could be a great selection. Stacy did it all for the Commodores in their win over NC State. He ran out of the I-formation, wildcat, and even threw a pass during the game. He looks to be an under-the-radar running back that could turn out to be a nice No. 2 option at the position.

Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU – Mingo provided constant pressure all game long in the loss to Clemson. He and line mate, Sam Montgomery, were wreaking havoc in the backfield for most of the game until they were burned out because of the amount of plays Clemson ran on offense. Though some believe Mingo is a better fit in a 3-4 system because he is a bit light for the position at 240 pounds, the Lions like undersized defensive ends so Mingo may be perfect for their system. Pairing him with Avril possibly on the outside with Suh and Fairley on the interior could be dominant.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – As much as it pains me to say, the Lions still need wide receivers. Outside of Calvin Johnson, there really is not much certainty at the position right now. Burleson could be a cap casualty. Titus Young could never play another down as a Detroit Lion. And Broyles may not be ready for the beginning of next year because of yet another ACL injury. Hopkins had himself quite the game against a top-notch defense in LSU. He was able to shine with Sammy Watkins hobbled by an injury early on in the game. If he comes out, and is sitting there in the second round, I might nab him because he has top end speed, but also some size to him as well so he has the ability to play across from Megaton. Something the Lions don’t have on the roster as of now.

Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan – Although much of the focus was on Jadaveon Clowney, Lewan had himself quite a day as well. Besides two big hits, Clowney was held in check all game long. Lewan, if he were to declare for the draft, assured himself a Top 15 selection with his performance in the Outback Bowl. It’s unlikely the Lions take an offensive tackle that high, but with some uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus, offensive tackle could be in play.

Alex Okafor, DE, Texas – The reason Texas won against Oregon State was because of the constant pressure that was being put on Oregon State quarterbacks by Okafor and Co. The defensive end finished the game with 4 ½ sacks, his best performance of the year. There is no doubt that one of the Lions top needs is defensive end, and Okafor could be a perfect fit. He has been inconsistent at times throughout his career, so the Lions would not consider him at 5, but if he were to slip into Round 2, Mayhew should think long and hard about selecting him.

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – For some odd reason Notre Dame just kept attacking Milliner on the outside, and all he did was swat away whatever crossed his path. Most believe Milliner is a sure-fire, Top 10 selection, and his performance in the national championship game pretty much cemented that believe. It was a good game plan by Notre Dame to throw the football, but throwing towards Milliner was the wrong choice. The Lions desperately need a shut-down cornerback with some size, and Milliner could be that guy if he does well in pre-draft workouts.

Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama – At No. 5, I don’t think the Lions can afford to draft a guard, but this might just be the year to do so with Warmack on the board. There are questions about his pass-blocking because of his short arms, which could cause him to slide a bit in the first round, but he is undeniably a beast in the run-blocking department. He proved that when he engulfed linebacker Manti Teo time after time. The Lions need interior line help badly, as general manager Martin Mayhew hinted at, but the team may address that later on in the draft.

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) talks to his team in the huddle against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: This position is set for next year. Stafford will again be the starter, and is the franchise quarterback despite a down season. Backup Shaun Hill is signed through next season. Kellen Moore will get another camp to show that he is worthy of keeping around. Moore will never beat out Stafford, but there is a chance he could be the backup down the line.

Running Back: LeShoure is the only back that is assured to be back. Fan favorite,
Joique Bell, is an exclusive rights player, meaning they will have him back if the Lions choose to do so. That will most likely be the case. Kevin Smith is a free agent. While he is a tireless worker, and a great person to have in the locker room, it’s tough to seem return in anything more than a third-down back role.

What would be nothing short of miraculous is if Jahvid Best was cleared to play in 2013. In the season-ending press conference, Schwartz did not close the book just yet on Best, but said it was out of his hands. Look for the Lions to find a speed-back like Best somewhere in the draft.

Wide Receiver: Other than Calvin, this position is up in the air. Broyles is part of the long-term future at this position, but whether or not he can remain healthy is the question. The fact that he knows what it takes to return from an ACL injury is promising, but two in two years is not a good sign.

Burleson should be back, as he provides an option in which Stafford trusts and a fantastic locker room presence. That being said, he is on the downside of his career, and has a high cap number. Because of his return abilities, Mike Thomas will return as well.

Then there is Titus Young. Schwartz was non-committal to Young in the press conference after the season ended, saying there is still a window for him to return. Safe to say, though, that the window is closing fast. Kris Durham and Patrick Edwards will get looks in camp. Edwards is someone to watch for next year as a return man.

Tight End: Will Heller is a free agent, but displayed how important he is to this team with Pettigrew out. He should be resigned. Pettigrew and Scheffler will both return, but need to prove more.

Offensive Line: This group has not changed much for quite some time, and that might change this offseason. Raiola and Peterman are under contract, but neither is very good. One or both could be a cap casualty with promising G/C Bill Nagy behind them on the depth chart. Rob Sims will return at the other guard spot.

At tackle, Cherilus is a FA and could be looking elsewhere because of the depth the team has at tackle. Fox and Hilliard provide great depth and could battle for the right tackle spot next season. At left tackle, Backus has been a mainstay, but Reiff is the future and showed why in 2012. Backus should be back, but if the Lions feel comfortable with Reiff already, they could save money by letting Backus go.

Defensive Line: This was by far the most disappointing group this season. With all the high draft picks and accolades this group received, they underachieved greatly. Outside of Avril, the defensive ends did next to nothing. Avril racked up 9.5 sacks, but disappeared far too often in games. If he continues to ask for more money than he deserves, Avril will be in another uniform next season.

On the other side, Vanden Bosch has another year on his contract. Although a great leader, he provides very little in terms of a pass rush. Problem is, it would cost more to release him than to bring him back next year. Willie Young and Lawrence Jackson are free agents, and fit this system well. Ronnell Lewis will be back as well.

Suh and Fairley are the cornerstones of this defense. The DE’s should be doing a much better job because of the attention they get. If Mayhew can get Corey Williams and Sammie Lee Hill back with reasonable contracts, this will be a dominant group inside.

Linebacker: Durant and Levy are free agents, and its likely one, if not both will be back because they fit this system well. The team should upgrade at one of the spots, but the Lions can’t address every hole because there are many. If the coaches feel Travis Lewis or Tahir Whitehead are ready for a bigger role that could alter who is brought back.

Tulloch and Palmer will be back to man the middle as both are signed through next year and beyond. Promising linebacker, Carmen Messina, signed a futures contract and will be back as well.

Cornerback: The biggest priority this offseason will be to retain Chris Houston. He is not a No. 1 cornerback, let’s just get that out of the way right now. But is a tremendous No. 2, and should be paid that way. It’s just a question if the Lions have the money to do so.

The Lions also have some promise at the position with the three draft picks from 2012. Bentley missed most of the season, and struggled when on the field, but has a knack for the big play. Jonte Green may have been the biggest surprise of all the draft picks, and showed he can play with the big boys. If Greenwood has as much talent as the coaches say, the Lions have their No. 3, 4, and 5 corners for years to come.

The biggest goal of the offseason will be to find that top corner that can lineup opposite Houston. The Lions have tried over-the-hill veterans to fill the spot, but it clearly has not worked. Jacob Lacey, Drayton Florence, and Pat Lee are unlikely to be back.

Safety: This is arguably the team’s biggest need in the offseason. Louis Delmas is an unrestricted free agent, and the team will most likely look to bring him back, whether on a new contract or via the franchise tag. The tag could be more likely because of Delmas’ inability to stay on the field.

Behind him, there is even more uncertainty. Speivey is a restricted free agent, but his 2013 season could be in doubt because of concussion symptoms. The Lions would be wise to bring in a starting caliber safety to play next to Delmas because safety was the glaring weak spot of the defense.

Don Carey, John Wendling, Tyrell Johnson and Ricardo Silva could all be back next season as depth.

Special Teams: It’s unclear at this point if Hanson will be back, but after hearing some of his quotes, it sounds as if he will come back next year at possibly a veteran’s minimum. That would help the salary cap situation a bit. Mulbach is also a free agent and should be brought back as well.

Nick Harris and Stefan Logan will be looking elsewhere for work, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they were not on NFL rosters next year. They were both that bad.

One player that would serve the team well to bring back is Kassim Osgood who improved the coverage teams a great deal.