The Detroit Lions will be putting it on the line this offseason

Having said that, there is now certainly a possibility that the Lions could use their first pick on an offensive lineman for the third time in Bob Quinn’s four drafts. A pick that doesn’t excite the fans, but certainly makes Matthew Stafford, Kerryon Johnson and any of the other backs that have to play behind it a little bit happier.

All the way up to Friday when the Lions did actually release T.J. Lang, there had been a lot of talk about the possibility of him returning at a more economical number, but in the end, it didn’t work.

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My guess is that it was a medical issue. Quinn had mentioned that any decision on Lang would be more of a doctor’s decision. After six concussions in his career and the other nagging injuries that have hampered him over the last few seasons, it would not be a surprise if the medical recommendation was not overly positive.

But when one door closes another one opens. The problem is that the best of the talent at the top of the draft lies on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions could unquestionably fill a need at defensive end with the number eight pick. A need that has been the popular pick among draft analysts for the Lions to fill.

Obviously which direction the Lions go will probably be affected by free agency. If the Lions secure a defensive end like Trey Flowers, who is the name we keep hearing linked to them, then it’s possible they could select an offensive lineman.

There is also the possibilities of maybe trading down to open up even more options.

If the Lions were to sign a player like former Seattle Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy in free agency, then the door would certainly be open for the Lions to capitalize on a strong draft for edge-rushers. The possibilities would include Clelin Ferrell, Josh Allen, Montez Sweat who had a tremendous showing at the combine and the latest flavor of the week to be linked to the Lions, Rashan Gary from Michigan.

One way or another it seems like there will be a great deal of attention given to linemen by the Lions brass as they plot out their strategy. The only surprise would be if Quinn does not double dip in free agency and the draft adding multiple players to both the offensive and defensive lines.

The Lions shopping list is not small and Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia have their work cut out for them this offseason, but I think we can definitely expect them to continue to follow their mantra and build from the ball out.