The Detroit Lions have endured major change this offseason, and as they move forward to rebuild their roster, they will be looking to add more stability and certainty.
With a significant shakeup in both coordinator seats, the Lions need to consider moves that will boost a coaching staff that has multiple new faces. When it comes to the draft, that could mean a safe selection that could pay off down the line and keep things under control in the meantime.
If the Lions keep their pick, what is the best case scenario for the franchise? Pro Football Focus writer Mason Cameron identified those outcomes for teams. In Detroit, that move could be as simple as nabbing North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel.
"In an effort to keep the train moving in the right direction, the Lions will look to maintain the status quo with new faces crafting the game plan on both sides of the ball. On offense, that means continuing to lean into one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. With Kevin Zeitler slated for free agency at age 35, getting younger at guard with a Senior Bowl standout like Zabel is a viable option."
Zabel had a solid Senior Bowl and has been a popular mock draft choice for the Lions. He can play guard or tackle, and that position versatility could be appealing to Detroit. Zabel's best attribute could be what he offers the new Lions' offensive coordinator.
John Morton also craves stability in first season leading Detroit Lions' offense
If the biggest goal for the Lions is maintaining the status quo, Morton, the new offensive coordinator, could end up being a fantastic hire. Already, his mindset seems to align with this specific approach when he was asked what he wants to accomplish on the job after succeeding Ben Johnson. The goal is finding incremental improvements.
"Let's build off of what they've been doing here. We got our staff together now, We've been looking at the playbook. We'll get into the cut-ups and kind of figure out what can do better and making sure we put the guys in the right position to have success to help us win. We're going to do whatever it takes to win the game."
One of the best ways to win offensively is with strong line play. The Lions have had one of the best lines in the league the last few years, but more questions will develop as veterans age. Zabel could fill in seamlessly and be part of a subtle revival along with Christian Mahogany. He could make Morton's life easy by keeping his running game strong and quarterback upright.
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