Detroit Lions Top Ten Weakest Positions (And How to Fix Them)

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End

Present Starter: Brandon Pettigrew

I know what you’re thinking.  How can TE be a need with Eric Ebron being a recent first round pick and not doing that badly?  Well, he’s pretty much the only tight end on the roster next season.  Brandon Pettigrew finished his third season in a row on IR and should be gone in 2016, meaning a new tight end that can block routinely is needed.  Or, conversely, another pass catcher who can make the offense even more dynamic.

Free Agency Fix

Best Free Agent: Ladarius Green
Other Options: Jermaine Gresham, Larry Donnell

Ladarius Green was asked to fill in for all time great Antonio Gates and has been shown at times to be a dynamic player…if he can stay healthy.  Jermaine Gresham never lived up to his first round hype, but another chance with a reduced role in Detroit could do him wonders.  Larry Donnell came into the league with no fanfare but suddenly burst onto the scene in 2014.  He hasn’t done as well in 2015 but is a big body who has shown he can catch and be a viable threat in that phase as well.

2016 NFL Draft Fix

Best Prospect: Hunter Henry, Arkansas
Other Options: Nick Vannett, OSU; Bryce Williams, ECU; Laquon McGowan, Baylor

Like center, this is another weak draft for tight ends.  There are far too many one way players who would be just as comfortable listed as wide receivers or offensive tackles and not enough who fall in the middle.  Hunter Henry had a solid season for the Razorbacks, but he isn’t in that elite 1st round (or even really 2nd round) discussion for a TE.  Nick Vannett is a prototype TE, but a raw one who will need work.  Williams is a guy I personally like in Detroit, but is more of a pass catcher than blocker, with the Lions needing the latter. I don’t even care, I want to see 400 lb. Laquon McGowan in Detroit.  I’m not sure what for, but I want that.

Next: Defensive End