The Detroit Lions plan has become clear. Patience in free agency. Develop the roster via the draft: not only this year, but previous drafts as well.
Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn made no big splashes in this year’s free agent market. He was absolutely right to do so.
Some positions look about the same as last year, and overall actually look pretty good:
- Quarterback
- Starter Matthew Stafford is the clear starter. He will be backed-up by Jake Rudock, who signed his exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) deal. The position is set.
- Safety
- Glover Quin is awesome. Enough said. Cornerback Quandre Diggs could permanently move to safety, which could be something special. Resigning Tavon Wilson provides needed depth, and Miles Killebrew should continue to develop in year three.
- Wide Receiver
- Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay are a solid trio at the top. T.J. Jones was tendered at the last moment, and could be signed by another team. If he returns to Detroit, Jones is a capable number four and helps as a return specialist.
- Starter – LeGarrette Blount
- Second String – Theo Riddick & Ameer Abdullah
- Depth – Zach Zenner, Dwayne Washington, Tion Green
Some positions actually look better than last year:
RUNNING BACK
This position is definitely more crowded. The acquisition of running back LeGarrette Blount fills a major hole on the offense. And, overall, it was cost effective.
In Blount, Detroit finally has a guy that can run between the tackles. Plus, he can take on a heavy workload. Not to mention, he has a nose for the end zone.
Running backs Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah are the perfect complements to Blount. They both catch the ball (especially well in Riddick’s case). Plus, fewer touches may make them fresher and less apt to injury. In the end, a more effective 2018 for both of them.
Even with this big group, a well-scouted draft pick is still very necessary. Third round or later would be ideal. This pick should learn from Blount, contribute in 2018, and be a leader in 2019.
In terms of depth, the Detroit Lions resigned running back Zach Zenner for a reason: probably special teams and pass blocking. Dwayne Washington and Tion Green certainly have their work cut out for them in terms of making this roster.