NFL News

[chemiclord]

The 20 million dollar question is do the LIONS think they need an edge rusher on the other side? The Lions words and actions over the last couple years suggest they don't.

[froot loops]

Literally they do need a SAM, Barnes has a knee injury and is a free agent.

[Mainevent]

They thought they needed a DE opposite Hutch when they signed Davenport. They haven’t chased big name FA or small bendy pass rushers that can’t play the run the way they want. I don’t expect them to sacrifice the type of physical player they want at that position just for a few more sacks, but certainly think they will look to add a guy or two that can give them a more notable pass rush, whether that’s a DE, DT or LB. Keeping Smith around would help, but they also need to look for that long term solution. And this draft just happens to be filled with the type of big, physical DEs that they like.

[chemiclord]

Yeah, I have no doubt the Lions will get another DE, either through the draft or FA, but it's going to be a bigger bodied DE that can contain the edge and seal off running lanes; any pass rush ability will simply be an added bonus.

I dunno, maybe Sheppard has a markedly different philosophy than Glenn did.

[Mainevent]

If they just want a high level edge setter and not worry about the pass rush, they could just plug in Paschal. They didn’t seem satisfied with that plan last year.

I am curious to see if Sheppard makes and notable tweaks to the philosophy.

[DanO]

I fully expect there to be a new DE starting opposite Hutch next year, They aren't going to rely on Davenport to be that guy. If that's Garrett great. If not I trust Holmes/Campbell to solidify the de position just like they did with the CB position last year.

[chemiclord]

Well, I suspect the Lions will roll with Smith opposite Hutch next year, and probably draft someone to groom for the future.

[Coop]

The other question to consider..are we really one player away from a Super Bowl? I think the answer is no. Keep drafting smartly and target FA signings that don't kill the cap and make sense.

[edindetroit]

Well, I suspect the Lions will roll with Smith opposite Hutch next year, and probably draft someone to groom for the future.

Yeah I don't know why they would bet the farm when they have Smith to compliment Hutch. Smith isn't great but he isn't bad either, combine the two and I think we are good there as long as Hutch doesn't break something again.

[Tom]

They should pursue Garrett but from the sounds of it, the Lions are not near the top of his list of preferred destinations.

[DanO]

Well, I suspect the Lions will roll with Smith opposite Hutch next year, and probably draft someone to groom for the future.

I kinda think that's what will happen as well. I think it's wrong. The iron isn't going to be hot forever. Garrett adds a huge piece to that opportunity and makes our DL and even the whole defense one of the best in the league. Now there's talk about the Vikings signing Stafford and Cooper who seem to be joined at the hip. That would SUCK! Other teams are getting better. They aren't standing still. GB or Minny could sign him and that would really SUCK. The window is open. Jump through it.

[Mainevent]

So other teams are getting better even though the offseason hasn’t started yet?

[mason reese]

Forget it, he’s rolling

[CGVT]

[chemiclord]

The Lions could pursue Garrett, and could hypothetically even win that bidding war.

But what are you willing to give up for that? While the cap is going to go up, no one knows how much. Are you willing to risk having to let Kerby test free agency? Branch? LaPorta? Hutchinson? I know it's real popular to give up on JaMo already, but just letting him walk probably won't offset the contract Garret has or potentially will have. If the Lions were to bring in Garrett, you have to figure at least two of the guys the Lions drafted and are already core players are going to have to be let go.

If that's okay with you... then fine? But that doesn't seem to be something the Lions are willing to do, and there is a lot of precedent to suggest it's not the smart short or long term play either. The teams that are consistently in contention generally don't make such big, splashy, future-mortgaging deals. What they do do is draft well and find impact players on bargain deals.