Detroit Lions: How Bob Quinn’s free agency splash changes the draft

Lions lure big target at TE

Breaking with the tradition of signing former Patriots is the signing the Detroit Lions made at tight end. Many experts had Jesse James as the best tight end available in free agency. It certainly seems like Quinn agrees, as the infamous outlaw’s namesake (6-7, 261 pounds) is here on a big deal to match his large size.

There’s a gaping hole at his position, so much so that many speculated that Quinn would select a tight end at pick number eight this coming April. With James signing on as the unquestioned starter, it means that the Detroit Lions can put their focus on the future. James is a 25-year-old former Steeler who is here on a four-year, $28.5 million dollars contract according to Spotrac.

James’ stats improved in yards per reception and yards, although his targets and receptions were down, due mainly to teammate Vance McDonald‘s 2018 season. James was sixth on the Steelers with 423 yards on 30 receptions. Levine Toilolo had the most yards receiving of the Lions tight ends a year ago, with 263 yards on 21 receptions.

Third-year tight end Michael Roberts is the only remaining player from last year’s roster.

What it could mean for the draft

Ultimately, these moves help decide the direction that Quinn and Patricia will take during the NFL Draft in April. Andrew Adams, a safety, was also just signed to possibly address the loss of Glover Quin, who just was cut after six years with the team. Quinn stated in his remarks at season end that he wanted playmakers and he seems to be following through with his intentions.

The moves that probably won’t change the search for other options are Aboushi and Amendola who are stop-gap players or there to compete as “an option”. Amendola is nearing the end of his career and Aboushi has never been a consistent starter. So, wide receiver and offensive line are for sure still concerns going into the draft, meaning that they are candidates to be viewed as more pressing needs to be drafted early.

The three big signings, Flowers, James, and Coleman all look to address starter positions for several years. That doesn’t mean that the Lions can’t think about drafting players behind them, though. In fact, that’s exactly when good general managers find talent to develop behind their starters. The pass rush was anemic in 2018, so it definitely wouldn’t surprise anyone if an edge player was drafted early.

On the other hand, the need to draft a tight end has been lessened by James being inked for four years. The same thing applies to Coleman being on the roster. Both positions are fairly shallow, though, which could mean that these would be positions targeted for later round picks.

The Zenner re-signing eases the need to look for another runner a bit but it looks like a Day 2 or early Day 3 need. The Lions need another commodity behind Kerryon Johnson and in front of Zenner. Most teams have at least two talented guys sharing the load now and Detroit needs depth at running back to further the Quinn, Patricia, Bevell desire to run the ball more.

Pro days are in full swing after the combine helped to clarify what each player’s skills are. The Detroit Lions have spoken with all of the top prospects available, who do you think they’ll draft now that they’ve signed the new crop of free agents? Let us know in the comments.

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