Category: Lions

Detroit Lions 2019 Team Needs

Lions
Comments

Embed from Getty Images

The Detroit Lions are stuck in no-mans land. They’re the NFL’s equivalent a team earning the No. 8 seed in the NBA year after year—never good enough to compete for a championship but also not bad enough to enter a full rebuild.

Attempting to restructure the Lions without tearing it down is a difficult task, and it probably can’t be done as long as Matthew Stafford is around. That’s not a knock on Stafford’s ability, but simply the reality based on his contract. Stafford carries a $29.5M cap hit into 2019, the second highest in the league, according to Spotrac. That number rises to $31.5M in 2020 and then sits at $30M in 2021.

Those numbers make it harder for the Lions to fill out the rest of the roster. And while Stafford is clearly among the better quarterbacks in the league, he also isn’t the type who can carry a depleted roster to the playoffs by himself.

As the Lions enter another year of attempting to tinker with the roster despite limited resources, here’s a breakdown of the areas they should addressnz.

 

Pass-Rusher

Collectively, the Lions pass-rush got the job done in 2018, but they lack an individual pass-rusher who can consistently make a difference.

According to Sports Info Solutions, the Lions ranked 16th in pressure rate in 2018. However, among players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, only one Lions player ranked in the top 75 in pressure rate (Devon Kennard, 67th).

Adding an edge-rusher is an absolute must, and likely will be their top priority with the No. 8 overall selection. An interior pass-rusher is less of a need, but could still be an option if the value presents itself.

 

Cornerback

Darius Slay remains the key to the Lions secondary and he’s under contract through 2020. The rest of the cornerback depth chart, however, remains an issue.

Nevin Lawson has done a passable job opposite Slay, but finding an upgrade should still be on the Lions to-do list this offseason, especially since he has just one year remaining on his contract.

Detroit had hoped former second-round pick Teez Tabor would have locked down that job by now, but he’s inching ever closer to the bust label. According to Sports Info Solutions, Tabor allowed a team-worst 15.8 yards per catchable target in 2018. The NFL average among cornerbacks was 10.9.

Tabor is under contract through 2020, but the Lions shouldn’t count on his development at this point. It’s time to reinvest in the position.

 

Wide Receiver

Kenny Golloday has emerged as a No. 1 weapon in Detroit. And Marvin Jones is an adequate No. 2. The depth behind them, however, is atrocious.

42.7 percent of Golloday’s targets came in the slot this year, according to Sports Info Solutions. And when Golloday shifts inside, that means T.J. Jones or Theo Riddick or Andy Jones or some other over-matched receiver is forced outside. Adding a more competent threat to that group should be a goal this offseason.

Ideally, Detroit can add another deep threat. Golloday led the team with 11 receptions on 22 targets at 20 or more yards downfield. But Golloday is more of a jump-ball deep threat. He picked up just 72 yards after the catch on those deep balls.

A receiver who can stretch the field with his speed would help open things up for the rest of the passing game.

 

Offensive Line

The Lions entire offensive line is under contract, but it would be wise for them to plan ahead for 2020. T.J. Lang and Graham Glasgow both hit free agency after the 2019 season. Taylor Decker will also likely see a significant pay increase, assuming the Lions pick up his fifth-year option for 2020.

Picking up Decker’s option and re-signing both Lang and Glasgow probably wouldn’t be financially responsible, so bringing in another young prospect or two to groom behind them wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Of course, if Lang gets cut this offseason (the Lions can save just over $8M by doing so) this becomes more of an immediate need.

Kellen Moore improves, sort of

Lions, Rookie Notes
6 Comments

The Detroit Lions already have a backup quarterback (Shaun Hill) so the interest in Kellen Moore is purely based on his impressive college career. But, nonetheless, people are interested, so here’s the update.

After a dismal showing against the Cleveland Browns, Moore completed 10 of 15 passes against the Ravens on Friday night. At first glance the stats seem to be encouraging, but Moore ran a very conservative version of the Lions offense, rarely throwing the ball more than few yards downfield. He netted just 96 yards through the air, good for a 6.4 yards per attempt rate.

Through his two preseason games, Moore is averaging just 4.69 yards per attempt, a rate which would have ranked dead last in the NFL in 2011 (even Blaine Gabbert averaged 5.36).

Draft Grades: Detroit Lions

Draft Grades - 2012, Lions
Comments

The Detroit Lions made significant strides in 2011, but have failed to make the necessary steps to build upon their playoff run. This draft class was an opportunity fill some holes, especially on defense, but GM Martin Mayhew failed to land any impact players on the defensive side of the ball.

Riley Reiff could have been a justifiable 1st-round pick if he filled an immediate need, but Lions don’t  have an immediate hole to fill on the offensive line. Jeff Backus may not have much time left in Detroit, however, so they could view Reiff as the future at left tackle. Unfortunately, Reiff does not project as an impact player on the left side, and would be better suited as a right tackle, where Gosder Cherilus appears to be entrenched.

Ryan Broyles is an intriguing prospect, but the 2nd round was far too early for an undersized receiver coming off a significant injury. This was the type of selection Lions fans thought they were free of when Matt Millen left the organization.

Dwight Bentley was also a reach in the 3rd round. He has some developmental value, but the Lions really needed to add an impact cornerback. Jayron Hosley and Brandon Boykin were both still on the board and are far more NFL ready than Bentley.

Ronnell Lewis has a chance to be a steal in the 4th round, but Lions will need to find the right place for him. In the 4-3 defense he could play end or strong-side linebacker.

Tahir Whitehead is a nice developmental prospect and was a solid value pick in the 5th round. He’ll likely compete for the backup role at strong-side linebacker.

Chris Greenwood was one of the Lions better selections. He’s raw and the level of competition is a definite concern, but his upside is undeniable. He may not provide much immediate help, but was well worth a flier in the 5th round.

Jonte Greene will compete with Bentley and Greenwood for playing time, but the Lions secondary is getting crowded. It’s unlikely that all three will be able to make the final roster cuts.

Travis Lewis is a great 7th-round pick. His upside is limited due to marginal athleticism, but he was a productive linebacker at Oklahoma and should be able to contribute as a backup and on special teams. He’ll likely compete with Doug Houge for the backup weak-side linebacker job.

The Lions failed to land any immediate help from this draft class, and the long-term value appears to be minimal as well. Reiff will likely earn a starting role eventually, but he is the only player from this class who realistically should be viewed as a long-term starter. This was a blown opportunity for the Lions.