Did the Detroit Lions get the building blocks they need?

Building blocks for the future?

The 2021 NFL draft is in the books. in all the Lions added seven players to their roster through the draft. Most of them were at positions of need. The next step is to see what Dan Campbell and his staff can do with them.

The Lions’ offensive line was already a strength. Despite some questions about the right side. There is one less question now. Penei Sewell was considered the most likely player in this draft class to become a Hall of Famer. He will step in and solidify the front wall that will be asked to open holes for the ground game and protect Jared Goff.

Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill will both have an opportunity to contribute early to a defensive line in need of help.

Ifeatu Melifonwu is a quality big-bodied corner that will help bring a physical presence to the Lions secondary and Amon-Ra St. Brown gives Detroit another weapon for the passing game.

Derrick Barnes is a versatile linebacker that can cover ground to make a play or bring heat off the edge to opposing passers. Meanwhile, Jermar Jefferson is a back who seems to lack some tangibles but continually made big plays.

Was every need filled? No, but when you have as many needs as the Lions do that is to be expected. The real question is; are the Lions a better team than they were last Wednesday?

I think the answer has to be ‘yes’.

While some were busy beating the drum for play-makers instead of building blocks, the Detroit Lions are more capable of at least holding their own if not even occasionally imposing their will in the trenches.

Teams that win up front often win games. The Lions in the past were always trying to get weapons for Matthew Stafford and he routinely piled up big numbers, but the wins didn’t pile up.

While I am not blaming Matthew Stafford for the Lions woes, we should be very conscious how going for the flashy player doesn’t guarantee wins in a physical game where oftentimes might makes right.

We won’t know for sure how well the Lions did in the 2021 draft for a couple of years, but considering where the team is at in their rebuild, Brad Holmes added some key pieces that this franchise can build upon.

The draft weekend moved along quicker than my recovery, but I think I’m not too far behind. All that’s left is to get a little rest, get rid of this volleyball, and wait to see these new Lions at Allen Park. Hopefully, this is the start of something beautiful that the long-suffering fans of the Motor City deserve.