2020 Lions Defensive Need #3 – Defensive Line
To be more specific, A’Shawn Robinson, Romeo Okwara, Darius Kilgo, and Mike Daniels are all slated to hit free agency in 2020 so the Lions have some decisions to make. Tackle Damon Harrison just signed a one-year extension with some extra guaranteed money at the beginning of the season. Free agent signee Trey Flowers has been a bright spot, although an expensive one from his end position.
Looking at the unit as a whole, the top players have underperformed for what they are paid and the injuries have derailed players like second-year end Da’Shawn Hand from improving altogether.
Fourth-round selection at end, Austin Bryant, has been attempting to get into a game for the duration of the season but has yet to make any contributions. So, while there are players there who may eventually form a better, younger nucleus up-front it would be wise to continue to build as if none of the injured players are going to contribute much.
Many fans are tempted to give much of the defense a pass due to the health of the players but it would be unwise to assume that things will just get better when everyone gets healthy in the offseason. Every unit has some average, marginal players who get a lot of game reps. If Bob Quinn hopes to have a dominant defense, quite a few spots have to get big upgrades.
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