Now that all of the offseason excitement has settled down, we take a closer look at the Detroit Lions roster and make a few predictions.
Barring any late free agent signings, the Detroit Lions have built their initial roster for the 2020 NFL season. After looking over some of the change that has occurred, here are three predictions for this upcoming year.
Prediction 1: Trey Flowers reaches 10+ Sacks
Many believe that defensive end Trey Flowers had a disappointing season in Detroit. However, if you look closer, it was somewhat impressive. After a slow start last year due to minor surgery, he picked up his game towards the latter of the schedule.
With six sacks in his last nine games of the regular season, Flowers started to look like the man the Lions paid. Hopefully, if he can spend this offseason working on his play, instead of recovery, we will see a massive leap in his overall performance. Especially when he’s entering the prime of his career.
Prediction 2: Quintez Cephus will earn a starting spot
This one is a bit tricky, it’s naive to assume a fifth-rounder can earn a starting job in his rookie season. Although, wide receiver Quintez Cephus‘ skill set allows him to play at all three receiver positions. Much like last year’s fifth-round pick, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, Cephus could be an injury away from a starting role.
Wideout Marvin Jones has dealt injuries in the last two years and slot receiver Danny Amendola is playing in his mid-30s. It’s possible to see them either regress or miss a few games. All Cephus will have to do is take advantage of the opportunity when it comes.
Prediction 3: Kerryon Johnson plays the majority of the season
Running back Kerryon Johnson is building a label that says “injury-prone”. Johnson has missed over 40 percent of his games in Detroit, which isn’t ideal. Now, general manager Bob Quinn has drafted not one, but two running backs in this past draft.
There’s no doubt Johnson comes into the year with a chip on his shoulder, he has good competition in rookie D’Andre Swift. Despite that, the two players might be able to help each other out. Since Johnson will no longer see the bulk of the carries, it should keep him healthier.
What do you think? Do you agree with our predictions? Comment down below with some of your own predictions.