Final Analysis
The Lions do have needs to be filled and with that in mind they should be eyeing free agency with a cost effective approach to get the most for their buck. That was why I targeted young players that were not considered the top available player at their position, yet still have the talent and/or versatility to fit what the Lions will be trying to do.
Building a championship team starts with the draft. Many general managers have mortgaged their teams future by going for the ‘splash’ signing in free agency. One of the biggest positives that has come out of Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia’s background in New England is understanding that it is about finding players that can contribute effectively in free agency and truly building the team through the draft.
How well the Lions are able to navigate free agency will certainly set up the draft. If the Lions can sign multiple pieces in free agency to cost effective deals, then the draft will be about adding a couple pieces that should have immediate impact on the club while allowing them to stock up talent with their remaining picks to develop depth.
That is what good teams do. They find depth in the middle to late rounds and develop it, which is the most cost effective way of adding talent. Young players on rookie contracts.
Next: Lions 2018 NFL Draft - Full 7 round mock
The Detroit Lions most certainly have their game plan in place by now for free agency and will adjust it according to how things play out. With the right moves they can bolster their defense and actually fix the ground game. Those two units that will prove to be the difference between being contenders or pretenders next year.