Detroit Lions: What improved position could cause the biggest turnaround?

The Lions offense couldn’t carry them last season

Offensively, there are areas that could be improved, by more starting talent or just more depth. The offensive line falls into both categories.

Center Frank Ragnow and the left side of the line with guard Jonah Jackson and tackle Taylor Decker is a strength. As a matter of fact, if we were grading just the left side of NFL offensive lines, the Lions would be near the top of the league.

But you still need a full five-man line to play the game.

If the Lions could find a solid right guard and tackle, then that would increase the chances of the offense having success.

While everyone focuses on the high flying offensive skill positions, the game starts in the trenches. Both on offense and defense.

This was demonstrated very clearly in the Super Bowl as Tampa Bay’s offensive line gave Tom Brady opportunities to make plays against the Kansas City defense while the Chiefs banged-up offensive line was no match for the Bucc’s defensive front.

So a strong offensive line would give the Lions more possibilities to be successful on offense. Considering that D’Andre Swift is a talented back who could certainly create noise on the ground with some help from the line, this isn’t a bad direction.

And while the backfield could use more depth, given good health, Swift and Kerryon Johnson aren’t a bad combination.

However, the weakest position, just by the lack of sheer numbers alone, much less talent is the receiver position.

Right now all Jared Goff has to throw the ball to is basically tight end T.J. Hockenson, Swift out of the backfield, and second-year receiver Quintez Cephus.

There is no question this position has to be upgraded. We should definitely see at least one receiver drafted and probably a couple that Brad Holmes will get their hands on in free-agency.

Kenny Golladay could be back under the franchise tag, but it wouldn’t be at all surprising given the fact that the salary cap has dropped and clearing room will be a big concern for the Lions, that Golladay may be too rich for their blood.

However, if the receivers can be strengthened, could that position turn around the Lions? My guess is that while it is essential to do so, considering that the offense wasn’t really a weakness last season with Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, and Danny Amendola in the mix, but they still finished 5-11, if one position group was relied upon to make the Honolulu Blue and Silver more competitive, I would think it would have to be on defense.