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Detroit Lions must show patience in 2018 free agent market

By James F. Puzzuoli

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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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions reacts to a fourth quarter pass breakup while playing the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions reacts to a fourth quarter pass breakup while playing the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

CORNERBACK

Darius Slay has one cornerback spot locked down. Just need that guy on the other side. It appears cornerback Nevin Lawson will be back for 2018, and should fill that other spot, at least for a year.

Meanwhile, cornerbacks Teez Tabor and Jamal Agnew may need one more year of seasoning, but they are both being counted on for more in 2018. Hopefully, by the end of the season and going into 2019, one of them has taken over for Lawson.

The cornerback position takes time to develop. Really in any given year, this position is worthy of a draft pick. It feels like it takes three years for players to really get it. A constant influx of new talent is key.

SAFETY

Overall, the safety position is pretty solid.

I think safeties Glover Quin and Quandary Diggs have the starting positions locked. Safeties Miles Killebrew and Tavon Wilson add depth and flexibility in the nickel packages.

Still, the Detroit Lions should keep an eye out for another safety in the draft. Glover Quin has been amazing for the Detroit Lions, but it would be nice to have the next guy to groom under him. But with so few picks, that guy might not get selected until 2019.

Overall, this free agent class does not appeal to Detroit in terms of the big money guys. This particular year will be about patience and making the right moves.

Next: The best Lions' draft picks of the past decade

So much of the Detroit Lions’ fortunes rest on the upcoming draft. There are plenty of positions that need picks, and only six picks to make it happen.

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