How did the Detroit Lions shape their roster to make consecutive postseasons?
The Lions were a surprise playoff team from a season ago. Still, they looked like the fluke team of the new season when the Seahawks beat them thoroughly in the playoffs. The roster is still not quite on par with the contenders of the league and they currently sit a tier away from the elite entering this season. Here is what they did to try to make that step this season. They signed:
Ricky Wagner, Tackle
Akeem Spence, Defensive line
Cornelius Washington, Defensive End
Paul Worrilow, Linebacker
D.J. Hayden, Cornerback
Keshawn Martin, Wide Receiver
T.J. Lang, Guard
Jordan Hill, Defensive Tackle
Nick Bellore, Linebacker
And their draftees:
Jarrad Davis, Linebacker
Teez Tabor, Cornerback
Kenny Golladay, Wide Receiver
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Linebacker
Michael Roberts, Tight End
Jamal Agnew, Cornerback
Jeremiah Ledbetter, Defensive End
Brad Kaaya, Quarterback
Pat O’Connor, Defensive End
The Lion’s clearly knew what they needed this offseason. On offense, they know they have to win with their line. They upgraded from Riley Reiff to Ricky Wagner and added T.J. Lang at guard which boosts their weakest offensive line slot. After that, they were on a straight attack to upgrade their defense. With a weak defensive front that relies on heavy rotations, adding Spence, Washington and Hill into the mix is a great idea. Adding O’Connor and Ledbetter late helps as well. There is going to be a lot of competition on that defensive front this offseason and that tends to bring out the best in some.
Next: Analyzing Green Bay offseason
At the linebacker spot, do not be surprised if Davis and Reeves-Maybin end up starters by the end of the season. Worrilow and Bellore are depth options, and there is a good chance all four acquisitions make the team next season at linebacker. That is how weak the position was. Tabor and Hayden will compete with Nevin Lawson and Quandre Diggs for the outside spot opposite of Darius Slay and one of the group will slide into the slot as well. How the competition shapes out the roster and the depth chart will certainly be something to watch for because almost every spot is up for grabs on the defensive side of the ball in Detroit right now.