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Rating the Detroit Lions roster needs as free agency begins

By Payne Schanski

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Amani Oruwariye #24 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Amani Oruwariye #24 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Currently under contract: Kerryon Johnson, Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson, Wes Hills

Need for a starter: 3

Need for depth: 8

My two cents: I still think a healthy Kerryon Johnson is the guy, a big play threat with potential for 1,000 rushing and 500 receiving yards if he gets his rhythm and a full injury-free season. He hasn’t shown that he can stay injury-free though, hence the remaining need for depth. I love Bo Scarbrough’s bulldozing style and can’t wait to see what a little bit of confidence from last year will do for him heading into 2020.

Gentle suggestion(s): For whatever reason, veteran running backs just don’t seem to work in free agency. If any type of trade down scenario gives the Lions an extra pick late in the first or early in the second round, JK Dobbins has enormous potential to be an NFL star. At minimum, he could contribute immediately as an insurance policy for Kerryon.

Wide Receiver

Currently under contract: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola, Marvin Hall, Chris Lacy, Travis Fulgham

Need for a starter: 2

Need for depth: 4

My two cents: This is a really solid positional group. Golladay has made the full transformation into a star, Jones remains a touchdown machine and underrated deep threat, and Amendola complemented the two of them well in the slot. Marvin Hall didn’t see the ball much (seven receptions) but he sure made his moments count (37 yards per catch).

Gentle suggestion(s): I’m still holding out hope for Travis Fulgham to be a dark horse guy that breaks out, but if the coaching staff isn’t sold on him, maybe a steady low cost guy. No one specific in this free agent class even comes to mind, but I don’t think wide receiver is worth a draft pick this year either.

Tight End

Currently under contract: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James, Isaac Nauta

Need for a starter:  1

Need for depth: 6

My two cents: With what they invested in this position last year, there’s absolutely no excuse to not produce at a moderate to high level in 2020. Lock Hockenson and Jesse James in a room and don’t let them out until one of them can deliver 800 yards and 6 touchdowns next year.

Gentle suggestion(s): Re-sign Logan Thomas. Remind Jesse James that he’s 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, and that his contract is even bigger.

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