Detroit Lions: 10 under the radar Senior Bowl prospects
Detroit Lions needs: revisited
Quickly, we need to re-examine the Lions roster to see what the big needs are, but with the eighth overall pick and nine picks through the seven-round draft, the Lions will also be able to go after some depth at quite a few positions.
In his postseason press conference, general manager Bob Quinn made a blanket statement about needing “playmakers.” He refused to assess the draft class or say what his roster’s deficiencies were in his opinion, though.
It is safe to say that several things stick out about the Lions roster. A cornerback to pair with Pro Bowler Darius Slay and alternate Quandre Diggs in the secondary is needed. More speed and edge rush to improve the defense’s pressure is another area for improvement. Offensively, the line still needs continuity and consistency; there is talent but age and health have been factors that have hurt the Lions production and balance.
Guard T.J. Lang, the heart of the offensive line, went down with a concussion and missed ten games, while rookie runner Kerryon Johnson missed six games after breaking the 100-yards rushing curse in game three against the New England Patriots. The trade that sent receiver Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles changed the offensive dynamic, too, but so did losing big-play wide receiver Marvin Jones, Jr. to injury for seven games.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford had troubles with consistency, too, as the entire offense, and the whole team really struggled to put whole games together. The Lions didn’t get much out of their tight ends this season, which was a sore spot considering the injuries and trade shorthanded the offense.
Stafford failed to reach 4,000 yards passing for the first time since 2010. However, the team did average over 100 yards rushing per game for the first time since 2013.
On another positive note, rookie tackle Tyrell Crosby stepped into the starting lineup later in the year and performed well along with fellow rookie guard Frank Ragnow who started the entire season. Pro Football Focus gave both good grades, 70.0 and 61.9, respectively.
The Detroit Lions had some big injuries but also started to figure things out defensively after Damon “Snacks” Harrison was traded for at tackle and Jarrad Davis transitioned to weakside linebacker. Rookies Da’Shawn Hand and Tracy Walker chipped in beyond their draft status to boost the unit, as well.
Overall, the depth was improved from last year but there were also more injuries. The Lines both still need upgrades, the receivers and secondary still need help, while the linebackers and running backs are starter thin. The Lions could use better talent behind most of their starters and lack a proven backup at key positions like quarterback.