Why the Detroit Lions can go from worst to first in 2019
Detroit Lions personnel
The changes in personnel also help us to feel better about 2019. T.J. Hockenson, tight end from Iowa, was the number one pick and possesses both soft hands and athleticism but also is an accomplished blocker from his time in Iowa City. Two other tight ends were brought in to give the offense flexibility in the run game and passing game.
Tight end Jesse James was signed to a big free agent deal and Isaac Nauta, a seventh-round draft pick at tight end, give the Lions depth in a key place for embracing the Bevell running emphasis.
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Along with a line that has been completely assembled by Bob Quinn since 2016, the team added tough runner, C.J. Anderson, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, to bolster the depth behind Kerryon Johnson. Holdovers Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner have done well when asked to fill in as part-time contributors and rookie Ty Johnson might stay as a speed option.
The receiver corps has lost its former best member, Golden Tate, to a mid-season trade but retains Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, Jr. both of whom are looking forward to a better 2019. Jones is looking to return to full health, while Golladay is looking to build off of a breakout 1,063-yard effort.
Danny Amendola and Jermaine Kearse both bring starter experience behind the two main starters. Logan Thomas, another tight end signed this offseason, also has a solid shot to stick as a fourth option.
Although the Lions didn’t do much at quarterback, Tom Savage is probably a pretty good upgrade from Matt Cassel, too. Overall, the personnel seems to fit the new ideas of what the Detroit Lions are trying to accomplish and that should help the Lions create some bigger plays by not tipping their hat based solely on who is in the game.