Detroit Lions plugging roster holes before the NFL draft
The Detroit Lions free agency additions are filling roster holes while providing overall depth and flexibility for the upcoming draft.
As the offseason progresses, the Detroit Lions are restocking the roster in preparation for the 2018 season. The team’s new head coach Matt Patricia is working with general manager Bob Quinn to mold the defense into the unit he envisions winning football games.
Linebackers seem to be the focus as four players have been re-signed or added in the past month. Most recently, former New England Patriots linebacker Jonathan Freeny was added yesterday – a player Patricia is well familiar with. The focus of these signings has pointed to versatility and size at the position.
In addition to the linebackers, six other defensive players have returned or joined the Lions during free agency. In comparison, five total offensive players have been signed. Two-thirds of the players added have been on the defensive side of the ball.
It’s no surprise the team has added to the defensive personnel taking into account the influence of a former defensive coordinator promoted to head coach. The Lions simply had more needs on that side of the ball. But that doesn’t force the team into any specific draft plans.
Adding defensive tackle Sylvester Williams makes the position less of a priority early in the draft. Other positions the team might have gone for early include defensive end, tight end and running back. Using the franchise tag on defensive end Ziggy Ansah and re-signing defensive end Kerry Hyder as well as signing tight end Luke Willson and running back LeGarrette Blount allow the Lions a lot of flexibility when they are on the clock this April.
The team is still expected to add another running back and tight end, and most likely will add to the defensive line at both tackle and end at some point. They could also use another guard or center on the offensive line, depending on where they prefer offensive lineman Graham Glasgow to play. The best part is they don’t necessarily have one or two positions that would be obvious targets in round one.
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When the draft begins, the Detroit Lions can truly draft the best player available and still fit one of the team’s needs. Not because every position on the roster desperately needs help, but because every position on the roster has serviceable players that will move to depth positions in favor of a blue chip draft pick. It’s a great position to be in. And we can thank Quinn and Patricia for their actions in free agency.