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Detroit Lions: What would a complete rebuild look like?

By Fayez AliAhmad

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 15: Detroit Lions Head Football Coach Matt Patricia watches the action during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 15: Detroit Lions Head Football Coach Matt Patricia watches the action during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Trey Flowers, Detroit Lions
Trey Flowers, Detroit Lions (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Step 2: Who stays? 

I made a list of the players I would keep and put them into three categories. The first category, young with talent/potential. The second category, players on the border. Lastly, players under contract/special teams.

Category 1: Young with talent/potential

Offense: Running back Kerryon Johnson, Running back Bo Scarbrough, wide receiver Kenny Golladay, tight end T.J. Hockenson, offensive tackle Taylor Decker, center Frank Ragnow, guard Graham Glasgow

Defense: Defensive end Trey Flowers, defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, defensive end Austin Bryant, defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, cornerback Justin Coleman, safety Tracy Walker, safety Will Harris.

Looking at this team, pretending to be a potential general manager, these are the players I am looking to build around. Many have yet to hit their prime and are solid building blocks.

Glasgow and Robinson could potentially leave, but they deserve extensions. Bryant and Harris are unknowns, but it would not be a good idea to let them go without developing them. Those 16 players are my foundation.

Category 2: On the border

Offense: Quarterback David Blough, quarterback Jeff Driskel, running back J.D. McKissic, running back Ty Johnson, wide receiver Marvin Hall, tight end Isaac Nauta, guard Joe Dahl, offensive tackle Tyrell Crosby

Defense: Linebacker Jarrad Davis, defensive end Romeo Okwara, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin

This list was made for players who would stay on this team based on their play or who would potentially leave in free agency. McKissic and Hall were excellent pickups but would most likely go for better opportunities, but we would look to keep them.

Blough, Driskel, Nauta would have to produce for roster spots. Johnson, Dahl, Crosby, Davis, Okwara, and Reeves-Maybin would be fighting for starting jobs. All players on the cusp.

Category 3: Special Teams/Under Contract

Offense: Tight end Jesse James

Defense: Linebacker Christian Jones

Special Teams: Kicker Matt Prater, punter Sam Martin, long snapper Don Muhlbach

Obviously, the special team’s trio is here to stay. James and Christian Jones signed new contracts that might be hard to move on from.

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