Are the Detroit Lions biggest ‘holes’ as big as we think?
By Robert Jones
The Detroit Lions, like every team, have some areas of concern, but the key question is; are those holes in the roster as bad as we believe?
The Detroit Lions have spent their offseason so far in the same manner as any other team in the NFL; looking for answers that will allow them to become championship contenders.
General manager Bob Quinn and new head coach Matt Patricia authored an ‘ode to the running game’ draft class for the Lions with a pair of defenders tossed in for good measure to go with what has been considered an inconspicuous class of free agent signings outside of their linebacker bonanza.
Yet in the aftermath of what the Lions have done with the roster so far, because we’d all be fools to believe that Bob Quinn won’t make some more moves, even if they are subtle, the roster is surprisingly optimistic to look at and continues to get deeper.
The additions of veteran runner LeGarrette Blount and Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson in the draft have put more talent and competition into the Lions backfield.
Detroit also drafted Arkansas center/guard Frank Ragnow with their top pick and were able to steal Oregon tackle Tyrell Crosby in the fifth round. Once you toss in the handful of veteran offensive linemen the Lions have signed as well, one gets the impression that the offensive line should not only be improved, but deeper too.
Something that bodes well for a team that had far too many injuries on the line last season.
The Lions still boast a strong receiving corps that is led by possibly the best top four wideout combo in the league with Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay and TJ Jones.
Meanwhile the secondary which was a strength last year has gotten deeper and better. With a consistent pass-rush in front of them, this group has the making of being very good at slowing down opposing receivers.
Free agency heralded in more talent for the linebackers. Players that will fit Matt Patricia’s defense and also give him the versatility he wants out of the position.
Everything looks pretty good except a couple of notable exceptions.
The two positions of most concern for Lions fans everywhere has to be the tight end group and the defensive line.
Both have concerns, but for different reasons.