Detroit Lions: Bob Quinn shows resolve, driven to win in playoffs
Detroit Lions personnel changes
To get back to the changes in personnel, Quinn stated that rosters change between 35%-45% per season or about 19-23 players. That means right around twenty of your 53-man roster are going to be different from year-to-year. So, to accommodate these changes you must have interchangeable or versatile parts.
Quinn also said that the new coordinator will have to be flexible enough to attack the weaknesses of every opponent; that means being strong at both running and passing the football on offense via players who are versatile and a roster with depth. Of particular concern for the offense was how many short passes were being called in 2018, where the Lions were fourth worst in average completed air yards (CAY).
Looking at Bob Quinn’s history, his remark about adding playmakers to the roster and his actions after assessing a need like that, we can all assume that he will add some playmaking ability. To us here at KCW, this means players with ball skills, pass rush ability, and speed. If we do a quick once-over of the roster we can see where some immediate concerns are.
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Detroit Lions offense
At quarterback, it seems like depth and development behind Stafford may be addressed beyond the Cook signing. At running back, LeGarrette Blount will likely be gone so giving Kerryon Johnson a more competent backup or complimentary player seems logical, as well. Zach Zenner, a backup runner, filled in well for Johnson and will give him a crack at proving himself further. Theo Riddick had no huge role in the offense but continues to hold a roster spot due to his third-down production while rookie fullback Nick Bawden has to get healthy to know if he can contribute in 2019.
Along the line, Rick Wagner, right tackle, and T.J. Lang, right guard, have top 5 highest paid player status. Not only that, Lang seems to have been hit in the head the requisite number of times to warrant Quinn finding more help up front, probably via the draft. His long-term obligation is to bring down the Lions cap number by not overpaying anyone.
Tight ends and wide receivers have only two remaining big weapons, Marvin Jones, Jr. and Kenny Golladay, both receivers. Quinn clearly believes that for the Lions offense to run and pass well that a tight end who can block and catch well is imperative. Expect that hole to be filled this offseason.
Eric Ebron, the former Lions player who was released this past season, never did both things well and consistently had a dropping issue which persists even in his Pro Bowl, debut season in Indianapolis.
At the other receiver spots, working from the slot, backing up the outside players, the Lions will need a couple of sets of hands attached to quick feet. A modern offense is predicated on speed and creating matchup’s that are favorable to the offensive team. The LA Rams use a lot of six-foot, 200 pounds, fast wideouts that can run the ball or run patterns.
That description fit Golden Tate well but the Lions got a good pick for a guy that was gone at season’s end, regardless. Players that fit that kind of mold could be very useful. Expect speed and ball skills.