The Detroit Lions defense should be better next season if …
By Robert Jones
A good start on defense but more work to do
Having Slay and Trufant on the corners would have been a nice combination, but in truth, it doesn’t matter who is in the secondary if the front seven can’t pressure the opposing passer. It also doesn’t help if the defense can’t stop the run. If the secondary is making all the tackles, then there is a big problem up front.
With the interior of the Lions defensive line having been gutted, it would have been a shock if it hadn’t been addressed in free agency. With that in mind, the Lions signed two players that were coming off career seasons.
Danny Shelton is the wide body that Detroit needs to replace Damon Harrison at nose tackle. Shelton entered last season with 1.5 career sacks in his four years of NFL service. Last season alone he doubled that number with 3.0 sacks. Shelton is primarily a pretty good run-stuffer, but if he can continue to push the pocket, that would be a huge bonus.
The other addition Quinn made was Nick Williams. Last year, Williams pushed the pocket well and gathered 6.0 sacks of his own. Williams isn’t as big as Shelton, but he plays the run well and has learned how to get to the quarterback. Again, two additions that should make the interior of the defense better and push the pocket.
Linebacker Jamie Collins could be the key acquisition for the Lions defense depending on how he’s used. Collins can play the middle linebacker position and would bring better leadership and steady production to the middle. But it has to be assumed that since Detroit released Devon Kennard instead of Jarrad Davis, that Collins will be lined up outside.
This could also be a vote of confidence in Jahlani Tavai who might be given the opportunity to win the job in the middle. Davis does have good speed and when called upon was effective rushing the passer, which means maybe he might be in for a role change next season. Only time will tell.
The secondary has received help as well, with the additions of cornerback Desmond Trufant, safety Jayron Kearse, and the trade for safety Duron Harmon.
While there is a need for another cornerback, the unit has gotten deeper. Overall the defense has had what seems to be a positive infusion of talent so far that should help make it better, but will it really be better?