The Detroit Lions most underrated and overrated need for 2020

Why defensive tackle is the most underrated need for the Detroit Lions

Some of you may not follow as to why this position group has the potential to be the single biggest need for the Lions this offseason. Well, I’m here to fill you in on why it is exactly that.

The top three interior defensive linemen going into 2019 were Damon Harrison (fresh off a contract extension), A’Shawn Robinson, and Mike Daniels. Of those three guys, there is the potential for exactly none of them to return in 2020.

Two of the three starters, Robinson and Daniels, are set to hit free agency. Daniels, in his limited play, had a solid grade of 70.1 from PFF. Had he seen the field more he likely would have made a bigger impact for the Lions, but injuries prevented that from happening.

Robinson improved in his final season of play under his rookie deal, and his familiarity with the scheme should be enough for the Lions to want to bring him back. However, we know some Lions aren’t fans of the way Patricia coaches and Robinson may want to play somewhere else.

Lastly, fresh off an extension and a disappointing season, Harrison is considering retirement. He had this to say per the Detroit Free Press when asked about why he as mulling over the decision:

"“Because my mind’s still telling me I can do it, but my body’s just not good.”"

Retiring so soon after demanding and receiving a contract extension could lead to some unhappy Lions fans and members of the front office. We all know the Lions aren’t above going after players that retire soon after signing an extension, and I don’t know that Harrison would be an exception unless the Lions have learned from their past mistakes.

If the Lions were to lose all three players then, without knowing how free agency or the draft could turn out, the Lions would be left with a top three at the position of Da’Shawn Hand (who is better used as a versatile chess piece), rookie Kevin Strong, and John Atkins.

If the Lions are to stop this position group from weakening to a point of no return, then they need to either re-sign one or both of Robinson/Daniels and/or have Harrison decide to put retirement off for one more year. If they can’t do any of that, they will have a new clear-cut number one need to fill in free agency and via the draft.

Free Agency Options: (re-sign) A’Shawn Robinson, (re-sign) Mike Daniels, Jarran Reed, Vernon Butler, Shelby Harris, Michael Brockers

Draft Options: Derrick Brown (AU), Javon Kinlaw (SC), Leki Fotu (UU), Davon Hamilton (OSU), Rashard Lawrence (LSU), Neville Gallimore (UO), Jason Strowbridge (UNC)