Detroit Lions headlines: Blount signing, Brugler’s Mock Draft
The Detroit Lions have found themselves a new veteran running back to add to their roster. We’ll cover that topic and more in today’s headlines.
The Detroit Lions made their first big splash of the offseason last week, inking veteran running back LeGarrette Blount to a one-year contract. But how did the relationship between former New England Patroits’ Blount and new Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia help seal the deal?
Plus, we take a look at the rest of this so far uneventful free agency period and the upcoming NFL draft in today’s edition of headlines.
Familiarity with Matt Patricia helped LeGarrette Blount land in Detroit – Pro Football Talk
There’s little doubt that the prior relationship between LeGarrette Blount and Matt Patricia help sway the veteran runner to sign in the Motor City. According to Blount himself, the kinship was more playful than professional. Which makes sense since one coached the Pat’s defense and the other played for the offense. Fortunately for Detroit, both are Super Bowl champs.
Brugler Mock 3.0: Jets’ trade lands franchise QB – NFLDraftScout.com
A name all Detroit fans should be watching in the coming weeks is Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan. The Philadelphia Eagles’ signing away of Haloti Ngata combined with the mediocre play we’ve seen from former second round selection A’Shawn Robinson means defensive tackle is a major need for the Motor City. Bryan is a name rocketing up draft boards and is even mocked to the Lions in draft expert Dane Brugler’s latest mock.
What can be learned from Lions’ moves — or lack thereof — so far in free agency – ESPN.com
The Lions have gone about the business of filling their roster with players who are likely better for depth than starters. I’m not sure how much that will change in the coming weeks before the draft. Certainly expect a few more vets to be signed between now and then. But the best bet is Detroit wants to do their bulk of their offseason damage in the draft.
Detroit Lions’ underwhelming free agency doesn’t spell doom in 2018 – Detroit Free Press
Just because the Lions aren’t making many splash signings doesn’t mean they aren’t going about building their roster the right way. Don’t forget, Detroit went about the business of retaining many of their own players, especially on defense. Retaining players like Ezekiel Ansah isn’t exactly cost effective. And although this is a team with a new head coach and staff, this roster was already stocked with talent.
Next: Detroit Lions - The best draft picks of the past decade
Alex Smith, Matthew Stafford head top deep-ball throwers of ’17 – NFL.com
In the above article, the connection between quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Marvin Jones is highlighted as the second best deep threat combo in the NFL. With so much growth between the two in the past two seasons, the sky is the limit in Year Three.