With depth in the draft at both running back and wide receiver the Lions can concentrate on a pass-rusher at 21. But keep an eye on a local kid from Ann Arbor as Austin would drool over the possibilities of adding a Peppers to his defense if he were to slip to the Lions.
With a franchise quarterback like Matthew Stafford coming off a career season, the Detroit Lions are not that far away from contending for their first NFL Championship in 60 years. To complete the job second-year G.M. Bob Quinn needs to find the right mix of talent on defense lacking the difference-makers necessary to take that next step.
Key additions
- CB D.J. Hayden
- DE Cornelius Washington
- DT Jordan Hill
- DT Akeem Spence
- LB Paul Worrilow
- MLB/ST Nick Bellore
- OG T.J. Lang
- OT Ricky Wagner
- TE Darren Fells
Key subtractions
- OG Larry Warford
- OT Riley Reiff
- DE Devin Taylor
- DT Tyrunn Walker
- OLB Josh Bynes
- OLB DeAndre Levy
- SS Rafael Bush
- WR Anquan Boldin
Priority needs (Offense)
RB…After missing 14 games with a foot injury last season, are the Lions confident that Ameer Abdullah can stay healthy and carry the load at a high rate? They also have to be concerned about Theo Riddick missing the last four games with a wrist injury. These are bad signs for a team that relies a lot on two smaller sized running backs. Zach Zenner does provide some pop, but he’s not a difference-maker. This would be a great spot for James Conner in the middle rounds.
WR…The Lions have a pair of solid players in Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. But they sorely lack a true No. 1 option with imposing size which was proven last season when 36-year old Anquan Boldin doubled the TD receiving totals of Tate (4) and Jones (4) with eight. Mike Williams would be a perfect pick at 21 if he’s still available. If they don’t grab one early Kenny Golladay has the size and red-zone ability the Lions should be looking for in a mid-round pick.
Priority needs (Defense)
DB…With Glover Quin set to become a free agent after the season the Lions are going to need some cheaper options back here just in case. They also need to free up some available cash to lock up their franchise quarterback and star defensive end and with little to no available cash it will be hard to keep an older player like Quin much longer. I would keep an eye on the Lions grabbing a versatile player like Jabrill Peppers or Obi Melifonwu as a good back-up plan. Both players would fit nicely into coordinator Teryl Austin’s scheme. Desmond King also fits with this defense in the second or third-round.
DE…Adding Cornelius Washington was a smart pick-up to replace Devin Taylor and help star Ziggy Ansah on the outside. Even though Kerry Hyder had a breakout season with eight sacks the Lions need more pass-rushers.
LB…The top two linebackers on the current depth chart are marginal talents who will be free agents after the upcoming season and there are no other starting caliber players on the roster. Haasan Reddick would be a good pick at 21 and a thumper like Jarrad Davis at 53 would help give the Lions more attitude in the middle.
Final analysis
With depth in the draft at both running back and wide receiver the Lions can concentrate on a pass-rusher at 21. But if either WR Corey Davis or Mike Williams were to slip, Quinn should seriously consider taking either player. Also keep an eye on a local kid from Ann Arbor as Austin would drool over the possibilities of adding a Peppers to his defense.
Top first-round options
- DE Taco Charlton
- DE J.J. Watt
- DE Jordan Willis
- DL DeMarcus Walker
- LB Haasan Reddick
- S Obi Melifonwu
- S Jabrill Peppers
- WR Mike Williams
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