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Detroit Lions
Key Additions: Edge Marcus Davenport, CB Carlton Davis, DL DJ Reader, CB Amik Robertson, G Kevin Zeitler
Key Losses: S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, G Jonah Jackson, DL Benito Jones, WR Josh Reynolds
Remaining Team Needs: CB, G, Edge
Remaining Cap Space: $28 Million
Detroit Lions fans have to be thrilled with the plan general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have put into place over the past few seasons.
Detroit fielded one of the league's best offenses in 2022 but featured one of its worst defenses. Last offseason, the Lions worked heavily to improve their run defense. They finished the year ranked third in yards per carry allowed while pushing to the NFC title game.
This offseason, the additions of Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport should help boost a pass defense that ranked 21st in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season. After replacing departed guard Jonah Jackson with Kevin Zeitler, the Lions head into the draft with a complete roster and no glaring weaknesses.
Adding another starting-caliber corner would benefit the defense, and the Lions could use long-term additions at guard and on the defensive edge. However, Detroit shouldn't be forced to reach for any one position, which is exactly the flexibility a team with championship aspirations wants on draft weekend.
On paper, the Lions are better than they were a year ago, and that's saying something. They improved while leaving enough cap space available to extend wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and quarterback Jared Goff later this offseason.
Detroit also managed to keep offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in the fold, even though both drew interest for head coaching vacancies. Getting back to the NFC Championship Game won't be easy, but with a strong draft, Detroit will be among the conference favorites.
Grade: A+
Key Additions: Edge Marcus Davenport, CB Carlton Davis, DL DJ Reader, CB Amik Robertson, G Kevin Zeitler
Key Losses: S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, G Jonah Jackson, DL Benito Jones, WR Josh Reynolds
Remaining Team Needs: CB, G, Edge
Remaining Cap Space: $28 Million
Detroit Lions fans have to be thrilled with the plan general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have put into place over the past few seasons.
Detroit fielded one of the league's best offenses in 2022 but featured one of its worst defenses. Last offseason, the Lions worked heavily to improve their run defense. They finished the year ranked third in yards per carry allowed while pushing to the NFC title game.
This offseason, the additions of Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport should help boost a pass defense that ranked 21st in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season. After replacing departed guard Jonah Jackson with Kevin Zeitler, the Lions head into the draft with a complete roster and no glaring weaknesses.
Adding another starting-caliber corner would benefit the defense, and the Lions could use long-term additions at guard and on the defensive edge. However, Detroit shouldn't be forced to reach for any one position, which is exactly the flexibility a team with championship aspirations wants on draft weekend.
On paper, the Lions are better than they were a year ago, and that's saying something. They improved while leaving enough cap space available to extend wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and quarterback Jared Goff later this offseason.
Detroit also managed to keep offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in the fold, even though both drew interest for head coaching vacancies. Getting back to the NFC Championship Game won't be easy, but with a strong draft, Detroit will be among the conference favorites.
Grade: A+
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