Detroit Lions: Top 3 offseason storylines to watch in 2019
The Detroit Lions head into the heart of their offseason and training programs with several storylines to watch. Here are our top three stories to watch.
The initial wave of free agency has long past. The 2019 NFL Draft is now complete. All that’s left for the Detroit Lions is hard work. The next few months will be filled with OTA’s, minicamp, training camp and the preseason. Before you know it, the Motor City will be playing meaningful football once again.
In the meantime, there are several storylines that Lions’ fans should be following that will help shape the outcome of this upcoming season. Here are the three top stories we’ll be following in the coming months.
The Darrell Bevell Offense
Based on Bevell’s history, the Lions figure to feature their run game prominently this upcoming season. And the tip of the spear will be second-year running back Kerryon Johnson. Coming off a knee injury, and considering his infamous injury history that reaches all the way back to high school, Johnson’s health will be a constant concern until proven otherwise.
As for Bevell, how is he going to incorporate quarterback Matthew Stafford into this new offense and can he get the most out of the veteran passer entering his 11th season? We should start to see the genesis of this work this summer.
The Battle at Cornerback
Who will start alongside Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay Week One? The favorite right now has to be veteran Rashaan Melvin. But will another young corner step up this offseason to take that starting role? Will Teez Tabor finally live up to his second-round draft billing? Will 2019 fifth rounder Amani Oruwariye be the surprise starter and become the steal of the draft? Or could the Lions opt to move pricey free agent signee Justin Coleman outside from the slot?
Damon Harrison‘s Contract
Despite general manager Bob Quinn’s reassurance that Damon Harrison’s absence from voluntary workouts has nothing to do with him wanting a new contract, it’s certainly interesting timing. We know Snacks wants a new deal in Detroit.
And one of the reasons the New York Giants were so willing to trade the 30-year old All-Pro for a 2019 fifth-round pick is because he has two years remaining on his current contract with a combined salary cap hit over $16 million. And now one of the league’s best run-stoppers wants a raise.
Next. Don’t expect Matthew Stafford to just be a game-manager. dark
There is little doubt that the Detroit Lions’ defense improved greatly due to the presence of Damon Harrison along the interior of their defensive line last season. And it appears if the Lions want to continue to build on his presence in the middle, they’ll have to pay extra for it. Stay tuned.