Which positions might the Detroit Lions address in a trade?

As the trade deadline slowly approaches, is there an area of need the Detroit Lions might be willing to make a move to improve?

Just last season, the Detroit Lions made a trade that changed the fortune of their defense. A few days before the NFL trade deadline, the Lions sent a fifth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for defensive tackle Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison.

Prior to Snacks’ arrival in Detroit, the Lions’ run defense was giving up an average of 139.3 yards on the ground to opposing offenses. With the 6-foot-3, 350-pound Harrison anchoring the defensive line, Detroit gave up just 92.5 rushing yards per contest. And the Motor City defense would end 2018 ranked 10th in yards allowed, 8th in pass defense, and 10th against the rush.

That kind of successful move could spur the Lions to make another impactful trade or two this season. And with the trade deadline quickly approaching (Tuesday, October 29th), Detroit could make that move very soon. But what positions might the Lions look to address?

The Motor City could clearly use a premier pass rusher. It’s one of the reasons they were unwilling to give up on former first-rounder Ezekiel Ansah for as long as they did. Detroit did sign defensive end Trey Flowers this offseason to a sizeable contract (5 years, $90 million), but he’s only averaged 7.0 sacks a season for the past three years. And through his first four games in Detroit, Flowers has only been able to rack up a single sack.

Despite the presence of Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., and Danny Amendola, the Lions might look to address their lack of wide receiver depth as well. Beyond that starting trio, Detroit’s wide receiver depth chart consists of rookie Tom Kennedy and Marvin Hall, both of whom were recently called up from the practice squad.

Here’s how Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press recently responded to a question during a recent chat session when asked about a possible trade for a pass rusher …

"” … I agree that’s a need, but we also have to look at how the Lions construct their defense. They don’t seem to put as much emphasis on that as other teams. I’d say a backup running back. If something happens to Kerryon, you need someone you feel comfortable with to carry the load as a rusher and blocker on third down. I like Ty Johnson, but I don’t think he’s that guy quite yet.”"

At running back, the Detroit Lions did add Paul Perkins off the waiver wire from the New York Giants last month. The Lions also claimed J.D. McKissic from the Seattle Seahawks at the beginning of the season and he’s played well in spot duty. With that in mind, I believe a pass rusher and a wide receiver make the most sense if Detroit opts to make a midseason trade once again.