Detroit Lions Top Ten Weakest Positions (And How to Fix Them)
By Kent Platte
Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive End
Present Starter: Jason Jones
The lowest rated Detroit Lions defender in 2014, Jason Jones didn’t do much to improve in 2015. He has been outplayed by Devin Taylor while Ezekiel Ansah has thrived on the other side. It’s possible the team could turn to Taylor to fill the starter role, but if they get a chance to nab an immediate improvement they should take it.
Free Agency Fix
Best Free Agent: Jason Pierre-Paul
Other Options: Olivier Vernon, Jared Crick
Throughout the 2013 pre draft process, Ziggy Ansah was often compared to the former, raw South Florida player Jason Pierre-Paul. After destroying much of his hand this offseason, JPP didn’t get much play in 2015. He could very well re sign with the Giants or move onto a friendly market where he’d likely be looking for a short term deal (Long term deals off a down year are rare). Vernon was missed in Miami, while Jared Crick isn’t having the improved season we expected after a strong 2014. Neither would cost a fortune and would be a good way to improve the position or, at the very least, improve the depth there with veteran players.
2016 NFL Draft Fix
Best Prospect: Joey Bosa, OSU
Other Options: Deforest Buckner, Oregon; Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State; Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Bosa is another one of those guys who will be long gone. DeForest Buckner is a giant of a man who plays like one, and could improve the Detroit Lions at multiple positions. Ogbah is more of a straight pass rusher, while Lawson’s game is a bit less refined. Both of those two will likely require some time to bring along, meaning a player like Devin Taylor would be key to their development, allowing the team to push them slowly.