Detroit Lions May Focus on Defensive Linemen, Right Guard, Cornerback in Free Agency
The Detroit Lions have undergone a transformation over the past few years. The team, once mired in mediocrity, is showing signs of life under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. After a strong showing in the 2022-2023 NFL season, the Lions seem to be poised for greater success in the near future. However, as with any NFL team, there are still areas that need improvement.
As the 2024 NFL free agency period approaches, the Lions have several positions they will need to focus on in order to continue their upward trajectory. Among the most critical areas for the Lions this offseason are defensive linemen, right guard, and cornerback. Each of these positions plays a pivotal role in the success of an NFL team, and the Lions will need to find ways to improve in all three areas to ensure they remain competitive in a tough NFC North division.
In this article, we will delve into why the Lions may prioritize these positions in free agency, assess their current roster, and explore some potential free-agent targets to help bolster the team’s chances of contention in the coming season.
1. Defensive Linemen: Strengthening the Front Seven
One of the Detroit Lions’ most glaring needs heading into the 2024 offseason is improving the defensive line. The team has shown some promise in the trenches, but they are still a few pieces away from becoming a truly dominant force in the front seven. Over the past few seasons, the Lions have struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run effectively. While some promising players like Aidan Hutchinson (the 2022 second overall pick) have shown flashes of greatness, the Lions need additional talent and depth along the defensive line to take their defense to the next level.
The Lions’ Current Defensive Line Situation
The Detroit Lions’ defensive line, in general, has been solid but unspectacular. Aidan Hutchinson is undoubtedly the star of the unit. As a rookie in 2022, Hutchinson showed he has the talent to be one of the top pass rushers in the league. He racked up 9.5 sacks, was named to the Pro Bowl, and quickly became a cornerstone piece for the future. However, while Hutchinson was a bright spot, the Lions were still inconsistent in getting after the quarterback, especially on passing downs.
The Lions also have a strong interior player in Alim McNeill, who has shown the ability to stop the run and generate occasional pressure up the middle. However, the Lions have lacked a consistent and dominant presence on the edge opposite Hutchinson, as well as a reliable defensive tackle to pair with McNeill. The Lions are often left relying on underperforming or unproven players to fill gaps in the defensive line, which has hurt the overall effectiveness of the unit.
The Need for Free-Agent Additions
The Lions’ defense is still a work in progress, and the key to making a leap in 2024 is adding talent to the defensive line. They need a complementary pass rusher on the opposite side of Hutchinson and potentially a veteran defensive tackle who can provide an interior push. Free agency offers a great opportunity to land impact players in these areas without giving up significant draft capital.
For the Lions, strengthening the defensive line is critical because it impacts both their ability to stop the run and generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. With the NFC North continuing to feature quarterbacks like Justin Fields (Chicago Bears) and Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), it’s important for Detroit to improve their pass rush to compete with their divisional rivals. The NFC as a whole features top-tier quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) and Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), who are difficult to pressure if the defensive line doesn’t consistently win its matchups.
Potential Free-Agent Targets
- Javon Hargrave (Defensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers)
Hargrave has developed into one of the top defensive tackles in the league, capable of providing interior pressure and stopping the run. He was instrumental in San Francisco’s defense and could offer Detroit an elite presence in the middle. A proven veteran like Hargrave would complement McNeill on the interior and take pressure off Hutchinson on the edge. - Marcus Davenport (Edge Rusher, New Orleans Saints)
Davenport has shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability but has struggled with consistency and injuries during his time with the Saints. If healthy, Davenport could provide the Lions with the additional edge rusher they need to complement Hutchinson and create a formidable pass rush. - Jadeveon Clowney (Edge Rusher, Cleveland Browns)
Clowney is a veteran edge rusher with the size and athleticism to be a force on the defensive line. While his sack numbers aren’t overwhelming, Clowney is known for his ability to disrupt plays and create chaos in the backfield. A player like Clowney could bring both experience and ability to the Lions’ defensive line.
2. Right Guard: Solidifying the Offensive Line
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line is one of the strengths of the team. With players like Frank Ragnow (center) and Penei Sewell (tackle) providing elite-level play, the unit has been solidified as one of the better lines in the NFL. However, one area that remains a weakness is the right guard position.
The Lions’ Current Right Guard Situation
The Lions have rotated multiple players at right guard over the past few seasons, but none have proven to be an elite or consistent solution. At times, players like Logan Stenberg and Tommy Kraemer have manned the position, but neither has been able to lock down the job with consistency. As a result, the right guard spot remains a major question mark, and the Lions will need to address it in the offseason.
While the rest of the offensive line has held up well, the lack of stability at right guard has created problems in both the run and pass games. Jared Goff, the Lions’ starting quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance but is still susceptible to pressure, and the inability to control the right side of the line has allowed opposing defenses to exploit that weakness. Additionally, Detroit’s running backs, including standout Jamaal Williams, have not always had consistent lanes to run through, and the lack of push from the right guard position has been a factor in that.
The Need for Free-Agent Additions
The right guard position represents a glaring need for the Lions. With a solid group in place at the other positions along the offensive line, upgrading the right guard spot would create a more complete and effective unit. Whether through a high-priced free agent or a mid-level signing, bringing in a new player to solidify the right guard position is critical for the Lions’ success moving forward.
Potential Free-Agent Targets
- Isaac Seumalo (Guard, Philadelphia Eagles)
Seumalo is one of the best available guards in free agency and could be the perfect fit for Detroit. Having played a significant role in one of the league’s best offensive lines with the Eagles, Seumalo is an experienced and reliable option who could immediately improve the right guard spot. - Mike Iupati (Guard, Free Agent)
Iupati is a veteran guard with a lot of experience, including stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. While he’s not the player he once was, he could still provide solid depth and leadership to an offensive line in need of stabilization at right guard. - Ben Powers (Guard, Baltimore Ravens)
Powers is a solid guard who has played a key role in Baltimore’s running game. Detroit could use his physicality and strength to shore up the right side of their offensive line and give Goff more time in the pocket and open more running lanes for their backs.
3. Cornerback: Improving the Secondary
One of the Detroit Lions’ most pressing needs heading into the 2024 offseason is the cornerback position. While the team has some promising young talent, including Jeff Okudah, the secondary still needs significant improvement, particularly at the cornerback position. With the NFC North featuring high-powered offenses and several talented quarterbacks and receivers, the Lions must address their secondary in order to be competitive in the division.
The Lions’ Current Cornerback Situation
The Lions’ cornerback unit has been a mixed bag in recent years. Jeff Okudah, the 2020 third-overall pick, has shown promise but has struggled with consistency and injuries. After a somewhat underwhelming start to his career, Okudah had a solid 2023 season but still hasn’t reached the level of play expected from a top-three pick. Alongside Okudah, the Lions have a few solid contributors, but the overall depth and talent at cornerback are concerning.
While the Lions have had some success at the safety position, including the impressive play of Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph, the cornerbacks have been susceptible to big plays, especially against elite quarterbacks and top-tier wide receivers. The addition of a veteran cornerback or a highly talented free-agent acquisition could be the key to improving the pass defense and creating a more balanced secondary.
The Need for Free-Agent Additions
The Lions need to bring in at least one cornerback through free agency to solidify their defensive backfield. With other teams in the NFC North and across the league boasting high-level receiving corps, adding a shutdown cornerback could go a long way toward improving the Lions’ defense. Additionally, bringing in a veteran presence could help mentor Okudah and the other young players in the secondary.
Potential Free-Agent Targets
- James Bradberry (Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles)
Bradberry is one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency and could provide an immediate upgrade to the Lions’ secondary. Known for his ball skills and ability to shut down top receivers, Bradberry would be an ideal fit for Detroit’s defense. - Jamel Dean (Cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Dean is another top-tier cornerback available in free agency. With a combination of size, speed, and ball-hawking ability, Dean would give the Lions a much-needed playmaker on the outside. - Byron Murphy Jr. (Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings)
Murphy, a younger cornerback, has shown potential to be a high-level starter. His experience in the NFC North could provide immediate benefits, as he would be familiar with the division’s offensive schemes and talent.
A Path to Continued Improvement
The Detroit Lions have a lot of work ahead of them in free agency, but with a focused approach on defensive linemen, right guard, and cornerback, they have the opportunity to significantly improve their roster. By shoring up these key areas, the Lions could position themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC North and the broader NFC playoff picture.
With a solid young core in place, bolstering the defensive line with additional pass-rushing help, securing stability at right guard, and improving the cornerback position could help the Lions take the next step in their rebuilding process. With the right moves in free agency, the Lions could quickly go from an up-and-coming team to a serious playoff contender in 2024 and beyond.
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