Detroit Lions: Team needs heading into the 2021 offseason
Potential Needs
Quarterback
Quarterback is under potential needs because it is solely based on what Detroit’s new general manager wants to do. If the idea is to contend in 2021 by adding as much as they can on defense, they won’t need to draft a quarterback.
In fact, they couldn’t draft a quarterback in this scenario. They would have to spend all of their assets in other areas to come close to contending. It wouldn’t be possible when doing both.
On the other hand, if a full rebuild is happening. They’ll have to start looking for their quarterback of the future. Keep in mind, it wouldn’t have to be this specific offseason. They could always wait.
Especially if they decided to trade quarterback Matthew Stafford where the odds of getting a top-2 pick is more likely after a year. There will be a lot of options for Detroit if this route is taken.
However, if their front office is fond of a quarterback in this year’s draft, they should 100% pull the trigger. It’s all circumstantial. Don’t take a quarterback just to take one. That decision could make or break a franchise.
Right tackle
When right tackle Tyrell Crosby has been healthy, he’s played great football. Crosby deserves a chance to prove he’s the long term option at right tackle. Unfortunately, he might not be what the next regime is looking for.
I believe that the Lions already have four of their starters on the offensive line. Although, they could be able to upgrade at right tackle in a situation where they are taking the best player available in the draft.
Defensive End/Edge Rusher
There should be a consensus that defensive end Romeo Okwara is a top priority for Detroit. Do everything possible to bring him back. On the other side, they have defensive ends Trey Flowers and Romeo’s younger brother, Julian Okwara.
If Romeo Okwara leaves in free agency, then edge rusher becomes a need for Detroit. Other than that, the Lions have their guys on the edge. Failure to generate interior pressure and the scheme is why they are a poor pass-rushing unit.
Another possibility would be to sign or draft another edge rusher along with re-signing Romeo Okwara. That way, the Lions could play Flowers on the interior more, helping with their interior pressure problem. At the same time, keeping Julian Okwara as a rotational piece while he develops.
What about the possibility of trading Flowers for assets? That’s an unlikely scenario since his dead cap would be a problem. No matter how you spin it, Flowers will be a member of the Detroit Lions next season.