Detroit Lions: Is Bob Quinn ready to give the defense a big boost?

The secondary is pretty deep and in all honesty, it looks like the Lions may have to cut some pretty good players back there. This is a good thing. There’s nothing better than having to agonize about what good players to release because you have better players that will be making the team.

Both corner back and safety look to be talented enough to do their job on any given game day, even if they suffer an injury or two. This is the joy of having real, palpable depth.

The story is a little different in the front seven though.

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The linebacking corps is better. It’s still not 100% where it needs to be, but it’s better and provided they stay relatively healthy, they should be effective enough to play the way they’re supposed to.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they did acquire another linebacker before the season or address it as quickly again next offseason as they did this year, but if nothing else changes before the season begins, they should be good enough to be effective with the proper coaching.

Which is exactly why Matt Patricia is here.

Remember that New England head coach Bill Belichick switched Patricia over to linebacker coach in 2006 after he had started off with them as an offensive assistant before becoming the assistant offensive line coach. His five years of coaching the linebackers was a successful start on his way up the Patriots coaching chain.

It also held a special place in his heart that he even admits is still there today.

So it will not be all that unique to see him spend some extra time working with the linebackers to make sure they understand their responsibilities and are at least mentally ready to play the game as they will be expected to play it.

This leads us to the defensive line. This group is still a work in progress and despite Akeem Spence not fitting Patricia’s new scheme, the fact that they traded him leaves a thin position even thinner.

Yet it does free up some extra money that could be used to find another piece of the puzzle.

And ironically, that perfect piece is still available in free agency; Johnathan Hankins.