Detroit Lions Weekly Recap

Lions have Re-Signed Tyrunn Walker

The Lions were able to retain a key piece of their defensive line by brining back Tyrunn Walker. It’s unknown whether or not the Lions intend to re-sign DT Haloti Ngata, but at least they’ll have something to build on by bringing back one of their starting defensive tackles from last season. Walker only managed to play 4 games before being placed on season-ending IR after suffering a broken leg. The fact that Walker’s season was cut short due to injury allowed Detroit to get him on the cheap side.

Ian Rapoport said on Twitter that he heard it was a 1-year deal worth $1.6M; if so, that’s a great deal by the Lions for a solid defensive starter.

Lions Reportedly Expressing Interest in George Iloka

With the Lions cutting ties with safety James Ihedigbo, the team is in need of some safety help; George Iloka could come in and fill the void at the position. It’s expected that Isa Abdul Quddus would take over the starting role, but he’s only started 16 games in his NFL career and is a bit of a question mark, opposed to Iloka who seems a bit more experienced with 44 starts under his belt. Iloka was a solid player for the Bengals, but with his contract ending this offseason, his price might be too high for Cincinnati to re-sign him.

Combine Recap

The NFL Combine wrapped up this past week and the Lions are hard at work preparing for the draft. Detroit is expected to go with an offensive or defensive tackle in round one, but with the Lions bringing back Walker and free agency right around the corner, Detroit might scoop up some players to fill those positions.

In one of the deepest defensive tackle drafts in recent memory, the Lions can go with a DT in the second round who would still have a first round grade, so there may not be a sense of urgency to grab one at pick 16. However, one player that really seemed to intrigue the Lions this past week was Baylor DT Andrew Billings; be sure to keep an eye on him.

Offensive tackle is a real question mark for the Lions as of now, but I expect them to sign a veteran player come free agency. The talent level at wide receiver isn’t what it has been in recent years, so don’t expect them to go with a wideout in round one. Detroit is in need of a pass catcher though, so they could grab one in the middle rounds, or even in round two where there would be a couple intriguing players; Ohio State’s Michael Thomas and TCU’s Josh Doctson are a couple players that could be options for the Lions in the second round.

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