The NFL draft is over. The first wave of free agency has long since passed. We’re at the point of the offseason where news has slowed…
The NFL draft is over. The first wave of free agency has long since passed. We’re at the point of the offseason where news has slowed to a crawl and the only thing that matters is that your favorite player makes it through the next month healthy.
With that in mind, we figured it was a good time to take stock of what moves the Detroit Lions have made to improve their roster, and discover the work they have ahead.
Free Press sports writers Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez weigh in on five burning Lions questions:
Dave: The Lions added the best defensive end and slot cornerback in free agency, and the No. 1 tight end in the draft, so they attacked their biggest needs this offseason in meaningful ways. I think Trey Flowers, Justin Coleman and T. J. Hockenson all will have an impact for the Lions on the field this fall, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough to lift them out of the basement in the NFC North.
Barring injury, the Chicago Bears will enter the season as the favorites to win the division, though their roster isn’t significantly better than last year, and they still have a big question mark at kicker. I think Aaron Rodgers is poised for a bounce-back year with all the negativity that surrounded the Green Bay Packers this offseason, and if I was making playoff predictions now I’d give the Packers a wildcard spot. The Minnesota Vikings are a better defensive team than the Lions, so I’d put them third in the division for now.
The one saving grace for the Lions: I don’t think any of the three teams in front of them is a powerhouse, so if they catch a few breaks and stay healthy, there’s some upside for the Lions to surprise.
[ Inside the life of T. J. Hockenson: Once he puts his mind to it, ‘lights out’]
Carlos: Yes, Flowers is the key addition and should make what ended up being an improved defense last year even better this season. The Lions also spent four of their first five draft picks on defensive players. It will be a surprise if the defense isn’t outstanding in 2019. The offense is another story. The Lions don’t seem much improved, based purely on personnel. The tight end position has been upgraded, but we’re not talking about adding Tony Gonzalez and Rob Gronkowski. Hockenson is an unproven rookie, and Jesse James is largely unproven in four seasons. The wildcard on offense will be how new coordinator Darrell Bevell makes the most of the players he has in his scheme.
Dave: If we take team president Rod Wood at his word from his appearance in Grand Rapids earlier this week, that Lions owner Martha Ford won’t tolerate mediocrity, then Patricia should have a power burner under his butt.
