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Detroit Lions: This offseason’s 5 biggest team needs

By Brian Wallace

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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As free agency and the draft are approaching, the Detroit Lions have needs to fill in order to achieve the level of consistency they’ll need for success.

The Detroit Lions are headed in the right direction. But there is work to be done to get the team to be more consistent.

In my opinion, the team needs for the Lions are as follows and in no order of priority.

Linebackers

If Tahir Whitehead leaves as a free agent that leaves only Jarred Davis as the best linebacker on the team. The others are young and unproven, there is upside to this group. Depth is badly needed.

Defensive Tackle

A’Shawn Robinson is solid and a good run stopper. The Detroit Lions need a consistent inside pass rusher. Something they have sorely missed the past couple seasons. Adding another big bodied run stopper is in my opinion a must.

Defensive End

Ezekiel Ansah and then who? Going to leave it at that.

Running Back

Three seasons of Ameer Abdullah, three seasons of being dead last in the NFL in rushing. Let that sink in.  That is simply unacceptable. Simply put an upgrade is desperately needed. Great news, this years NFL draft is running back loaded. I’m torn as to if I want the Detroit Lions to keep Theo Riddick or go with an entirely new backfield set.

Left Guard

Graham Glasgow had a bad season and in my opinion will be moved to center, as it is being speculated Travis Swanson will not be back with the team.

The team could pursue Carolina Panthers, free agent Andrew Norwell for an upgrade. If this is indeed the route general manager, Bob Quinn takes, then the team will not need to draft or sign a center. Even though Quinn spent a bunch of money last offseason on the offensive line it still need addressed.

The Lions currently only have six picks in this year’s draft. As they sent their sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for left tackle bust Greg Robinson. They must make them count. Quinn has a good track record of drafting players who see the field. That trend will need to continue for the Detroit Lions to improve in 2018.

Next: What flavor of running back does Detroit prefer?

Tight end Eric Ebron’s name has come up in trade speculations and rumors. I have to wonder if Quinn would like to have all seven draft picks at his disposal in order to upgrade the team and get younger in important areas.

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