Roster Replacements Candidates – Walker, Diggs
Currently there are two safeties on the roster I would say have a shot to replace Quin. That would safeties Tracy Walker, the rookie who had a promising first season (89.8 PFF grade), and Quandre Diggs, the hard-hitting youngster from Texas.
All of last season Diggs was the starting strong safety, while Quin started at free safety. Walker would often see the field in three safety sets, but when on the field in two safety sets he mostly played at the free safety position
As things are now it would be best if Diggs sticks to his position at strong safety. He has already shown that he is an above average strong safety and he has also shown that he can be elite in flashes. This past season PFF gave him an above-average grade of 72.7, while at the same time, racking up 78 total tackles, eight passes defensed, and three interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown).
The obvious choice to make as the roster is right now is for Tracy Walker to become the full time starting full safety. While playing in a part-time role for the Lions’ defense last season he graded out as one of the top safeties in the league with a season long grade of 89.8 from PFF. He did so while also grabbing an interception (almost two), two passes defended, and 21 total tackles (18 of which were solo).
If Walker were given the starting job, after beating out fellow reserve safety Tavon Wilson of course (nothing should be given, everything should be earned), Tracy would serve as an above-average safety (and possibly even elite).
Walker showed during his rookie season that he has the potential to be one of the best safeties in the NFL. As long as he remembers what he has learned from Quin and continues to develop, he would be able to more than replace Quin’s production over the past few seasons.
As for replacing Quin’s leadership position on the team, the Lions will probably look into bringing in a veteran free agent into the mold that has shown he is a leader on and off the field should Walker win the starting job. I would also think that cornerback Darius Slay will take on a bigger leadership role in the defense as well as defensive tackle Damon Harrison.