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Detroit Lions New Year’s resolution: Fix run game and offensive line

By Michael Kirkland

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 31: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 31: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Ansah is the answer
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Draft Day

At least one of the Lions’ picks in the NFL Draft should go to providing depth and improvement up front.

If you saw the beginning, …heck, if you saw the middle or end of the season, you know the Lions need another guy who can flex out to left tackle.

Whether Swanson returns or not, Glasgow is the other option at center, so you need depth at left guard, or possibly a starter. Just as it seemed irrational to not bring in another running back last year, it would seem equally short-sighted to assume the same group of linemen will just “get it” next year.

The Lions have their first through fifth picks only to address some considerable needs. We know that they will select twentieth in each round, due to just missing the playoffs.

Plan A

My Plan A is to select an offensive lineman who can play left tackle effectively, but start his career at guard.

The chink in the plan is that the defensive line is in desperate need of pass rushers, and at least another tackle, too. The running backs need a guy who can stay on the field for all three downs. Those are not the only items on the Lions wish list, either. There are issues at linebacker, strong safety, and cornerback and wide receiver depth.

Many have speculated that the Lions may take a pass rusher or running back in Round One. In concept, I have no problem with those ideas. Both are greater positions of need according to experts.

Many fans do not consider line upgrades necessary. After this year it would be a big mistake to ignore this area like we did with corner backs two years ago, or running backs last year.

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