Detroit Lions Top Ten Weakest Positions (And How to Fix Them)
By Kent Platte
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Outside Linebacker
Present Starter: Josh Bynes
Present starter Josh Bynes hasn’t been a bad player for the Detroit Lions, but he’s indicative of what the problem is with their Linebacking corps. He’s one of the few ‘replacee’ players that I’d gladly have back on the team in 2016. Just not as a starter. His lack of speed has been painfully evident this season, especially in coverage, and he’s proof that having a good head on your shoulders and strong football intelligence will only get you so far.
Free Agency Fix
Best Free Agent: Von Miller
Other Options: Tahir Whitehead, Courtney Upshaw
I’m about 95% sure that Von Miller either never hits the market or prices himself out of Detroit. If he came to Detroit, however, oh boy, imagine that kind of athleticism lined up behind Ziggy! Barring that, bringing back Tahir would still be a good option even if he plays outside, while the Ravens’ Courtney Upshaw would be a solid get depending on the scheme next year.
2016 NFL Draft Fix
Best Prospect: Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
Other Options: Myles Jack, UCLA; Leonard Floyd, Georgia; Su’a Cravens, USC
Plenty of athleticism among the linebacking group in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions need to get some speed and agility in their group, and any one of the guys listed above would fit that nicely. Smith and Jack have a lot of creative uses in a defense, while Floyd/Cravens are more traditional linebacker archetypes.
Next: Cornerback