Free agency is just around the corner, and an under the radar focus for the Detroit Lions is linebacker. Who’s available, and whom might they go after?
When Matt Patricia was hired as Detroit Lions head coach in February of 2018, the assumption was that the defensive side of the ball would undergo the most change. Well, sure. He had previously served under Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots since 2012.
Upon being hired as head coach of the Lions, Patricia made this revealing comment when asked about his defensive philosophy via MLive.com.
"“From a philosophical standpoint, what I’ll tell you is this. When you build — and this is really both sides of the ball — you want to build from the ball out, Okay? So start at the ball, and work out. You always want to be strong in the middle of your defense …whether it’s the linebackers or safeties, they’re critically important to what you’re trying to do.”"
The comment about linebackers is particularly noteworthy. Lions general manager Bob Quinn was already in the process of revamping the team’s linebacker corps when Patricia was hired, after the unit’s underwhelming performance in 2016. That season, Lions linebackers accounted for precisely zero interceptions, zero sacks and zero forced fumbles. Ouch.
The 2017 draft saw the Lions draft linebacker Jarrad Davis out of the University of Florida in the first round to anchor the middle of their defense and pull the unit out of the doldrums of minimal productivity and minimal impact.
Davis has shown progress, particularly as a blitzer, and he has emerged as a leader of the defense. But he still has a ways to go, and 2019 undoubtedly will be a pivotal season for him and his development.
Davis has some help. “Jack” linebacker Devon Kennard was coaxed away from the New York Giants as a free agent last offseason. In his first season with the Lions he chipped in with a career high seven sacks. The Lions will be looking for more from Kennard in 2019 as he continues to master the defensive concepts.
Apart from those two, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare in the linebacking corps, but it’s not exactly stocked with game-changing playmakers either. Eli Harold is an unrestricted free agent and could return, Christian Jones quietly had a solid first season in Detroit, and former fourth round pick Jalen Reeves-Maybin might still get a chance to graduate from his primarily special teams role.
The Lions top offseason positional needs – edge defender, tight end, cornerback among others – don’t necessarily include linebacker. However, Patricia’s early comments and clear affinity for the position still echo and could prompt the Lions to look for some quality depth at the position this offseason. With that said, let’s look at four potential targets for the Lions at linebacker. Today, we’ll focus on free agency.