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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) /

Offensive Line

Currently under contract: Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Tyrell Crosby, Joe Dahl, Beau Benzschawel, Dan Skipper

Note: According to ESPN.com, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai is set to sign a five-year deal for $50 million as soon as the signing period becomes official.

Need for a starter: 7

Need for depth: 6

My two cents: Vitai figures to replace Rick Wagner, but the departing Graham Glasgow leaves an additional hole on the line. At the moment, Tyrell Crosby is the logical replacement, having started a handful of games each of the past two years. Lions fans presumably will be expecting a search for a player with a higher ceiling.

Gentle suggestion(s): The Lions need another man, so go talk to former All-Pro tackle and current radio play-by-play announcer Lomas Brown. Based on his seven Pro Bowl selections and nuanced offensive line observations during broadcasts, Lomas could offer a lot of insight for a positional group that has habitually struggled since he left the Detroit’s line in the mid ’90s.

Defensive Line

Currently under contract: Trey Flowers, John Atkins, Da’Shawn Hand, Austin Bryant, Kevin Strong, Frank Herron

Note: The Lions have agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nick Williams per ESPN.com.

Need for a starter: 9 (Tackle), 4 (End/EDGE)

Need for depth: 8

My two cents: Once you get past Flowers, it’s hard to find many familiar faces on the defensive line. A’Shawn Robinson and/or Mike Daniels, both tackles, could theoretically come back as well.

Chase Young has risen to a near Paul Bunyan level of folk legend status among some Lions fans, but we just got the best pass rusher on the market at this time last spring and paid him $90 million for seven sacks. Hand had a lost year due to injury,  and Bryant (4th round last year) didn’t see much action but still his time to develop.

Gentle suggestion(s): To solve things in this middle, there’s nothing gentle about the suggestion (or the player): “SUUUUUUUUHHHHH!!!!”  I honestly kind of just want the Redskins to scoop up Chase Young and put the great debate to bed. Jeff Okudah, a potential trade down for an extra pick (JK All Day), and an edge rusher in the 3rd round gives more immediate value, covers more positions of need, and provides quite a bit more flop insurance if the mystery #3 pick doesn’t become a star.

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