Grading the Chicago Bears opponents in the NFC North
Detroit Lions – B
Key Additions –
Tyrell Williams, WR; Josh Hill, TE; Jamaal Williams, RB; Brashad Perriman, WR; Quentin Dunbar, CB; Alex Anzalone, LB; Michael Brockers, DL; Corn Elder, CB; Randy Bullock, K
Key Losses –
Matthew Stafford, QB; Kenny Golladay, WR; Marvin Jones Jr., WR; Duran Harmon, S; Jarrod Davis, LB; Jamal Agnew, WR; Matt Prater, K; Reggie Ragland, LB; Desmond Trufant, CB; Justin Coleman, CB; Chase Daniel, QB; Jesse James, TE; Danny Shelton, DT
Key Draft Picks –
Penei Sewell, OT; Levi Onwuzurike, DT; Alim McNeill, DT; Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB; Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
We saw the Detroit Lions move on from their longtime franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford early in the offseason. They were able to fetch a valuable return for him, including two future first-round picks as well as Jarred Goff, who will be their bridge quarterback for the time being.
They also hired a new head coach in Dan Campbell, who has started to build a new culture that is based on “biting knee caps off.” Although their offseason has not been one which has added a lot of talent, they still have had an overall solid few months.
They finally have a direction, which has been much needed after hanging around the basement of the NFL after the last few years. They are most likely going to be bad, but they have brought in some great talent for the future.
Penei Sewell will be their franchise tackle, and they have two maulers on the defensive line with Onwuzurike and McNeill. Amon-Ra St. Brown is also a nice addition and will play a big role this season. Bringing back Romeo Okwara after a breakout year as well as a developing Jeff Okudah could make a solid young defense that will be on the rise.
While I did not like the signing of Jamaal Williams at the time, he will have a nice role with Kerryon Johnson recently released. . D’Andre Swift will be the feature back with Williams as a quality backup. Also, the receiver room went from one of the best in the league to having Tyrell Williams as its best option. It will not be an easy year for Jarred Goff and company, but at least they are getting ready for the future there in Detroit. Not a bad offseason overall for the Lions.