Detroit Lions headlines: Patricia’s gameplan, Best player available

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions 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: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Matt Patricia’s gameplan for his Detroit Lions will be matchup based. That topic and more is covered in today’s edition of headlines.

There is a lot of mystery surrounding the dynamic gameplan new head coach Matt Patricia is going to conceive for the Detroit Lions this upcoming season. And that’s is probably the way Patricia likes it. Known as a mad scientist when it comes to game-planning, the former New England Patroits defensive coordinator shared a bit of his outlook for the Motor City recently.

We’ll cover that story, plus look forward to the NFL draft and what the Lions might do in today’s fresh edition of headlines!

Matt Patricia bringing Patriots’ running back outlook to Detroit – NFL.com

In the above article, Patricia shares some of his ideas for Detroit. Particular, his game-planning, which will be matchup based. Using the Lions’ lowly rushing attack as an example, it sounds as if the first-time head coach plans to play a running back-by-opponent approach.

So, despite the fact the team signed veteran running back and three-time Super Bowl champion LeGarrette Blount earlier this year, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll always get the starting nod. That will depend on which of their stable of running backs Patricia believes will have the most success against that week’s opponent.

Quinn: Lions in a good spot heading into NFL Draft – DetroitLions.com

The Lions have appeared to have put themselves in a very flexible position in the upcoming draft, not being locked into a certain need to fill early. Detroit should be able to draft the best player available within their areas of perceived need. Running back, pass rusher, defensive tackle, tight end and linebacker being the favorites.

It’s a good year for DTs, wherever Lions draft one – The Detroit News

The Lions lost a major asset when Haloti Ngata decided to leave Detroit for the green grass of Philadelphia in free agency this offseason. And depending on how you feel about third-year defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, defensive tackle may be a giant need for the Lions.

Fortunately, this draft class seems to be loaded with defensive tackle talent. Detroit just needs to get themselves more draft picks to take advantage of them.

2018 NFL draft: 6 possibilities for Detroit Lions first-round pick – Detroit Free Press

Of the six prospects named above, four of them are on defense. All four are along the defensive line, which I think is very telling. Many believe the front half of the first round will be chock full of quarterbacks and other offensive talent. That could certainly push some talented defenders to Detroit at #20.

Next: Would it really make sense to sign Dez Bryant in Detroit?

Bucky Brooks mock draft 4.0: Ravens pick Lamar Jackson – NFL.com

In this latest mock, the Lions take a pass rusher in UTSA’s Marcus Davenport. But, with Boston College’s Harold Landry still on the board and his connection with new defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, his former D-Line coach with the Eagles, I think Detroit would rather have him.