Detroit Lions: What have we learned from free agency?

The other option would be a Bob Quinn pick. A pick we have seen him do twice in the first round during his three-year tenure as the Lions general manager. That would be to select an offensive lineman. In this case, Alabama tackle, Jonah Williams.

Now there are other linemen that are actually rated a little higher, but in the case of Williams, here’s a tackle that is projected to play guard in the NFL and many believe will be a very good one. He also has that versatility that Matt Patricia loves. He can basically play just about any position on the offensive line.

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This would be the successor to T.J. Lang at right guard. Plugged in from day one, like Frank Ragnow was last season at left guard, and will be a starter for the next 10 years playing at a high level.

Not to mention that he’s another SEC player and that Bob Quinn loves SEC players. Actually let’s be honest, who doesn’t like them?

Matt Patricia would be ecstatic to have either Devin White or Jonah Williams on his team. These picks would also keep them in line with their mantra to build ‘from the ball out.’

Now for those of you who are thinking tight end or receiver, expect the Lions to address them relatively early in the draft. The acquisition of Danny Amendola isn’t just to have a veteran slot receiver who will help the company line in the locker room, but also for him to mentor the Lions’ young receivers.

And the tight end crop is quite deep and frankly, I admit that I really like former LSU tight end, Foster Moreau. He proved at the combine that not only was he a better athlete than expected, but also flashed very reliable hands for a player that the Tigers underused. And he could easily be had in the second round or possibly even the third.

As for receivers, there are plenty to go around and they can also be had in the second, third or even fourth round. Players like Parris Campbell, Deebo Samuel, N’Keal Harry, and Andy Isabella are options that can be had in the second round or after.

There are other possibilities how this could all play out, but using what we know and has been demonstrated by Bob Quinn over the last three drafts, not to mention the fact that Matt Patricia’s build from the ball out philosophy basically screams line of scrimmage, this is my best guess.

Quite frankly after the work they have done in free agency, either route would certainly help improve the Lions. Yet in what is possibly the most competitive division in the NFL, will these moves along with another productive draft be enough to help the Lions claw their way to a division title?

That may be asking too much of them, but the possibility of still finding their way into the playoff picture is not. There is still a lot of work to  be done, but what they have accomplished in free agency sets up possibilities in the draft which should set up the opportunity for the Lions to be a much-improved team next season.