Chicago Bears NFC North Rivals: A look at the Detroit Lions
The draft needs for the Lions
Round | Overall | Acquired from |
|---|---|---|
1 | 29 | |
2 | 61 | |
3 | 73 | From Minnesota |
5 | 164 | |
5 | 201 | From Tampa Bay |
6 | 205 | |
7 | 249 |
1. Offensive Linemen
Their offensive line remains strong with the addition of Kevin Zeitler and resigned Graham Glasgow for three more years. But Zeitler is 34 and Glasgow turns 32 in July. Their tackles are set with left tackle Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. They could look to upgrade their interior depth, who becomes a full-time starter in 2025, or even this year if Zeitler or Glasgow start to suffer injuries.
2. Cornerback
They added two new cornerbacks in Amik Robertson and Carlton Davis III, who they acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay. They might want to upgrade their depth as their backups are former Bears Kindle Vildor, who resigned with the Lions recently, and Emmanuel Moseley coming off a torn ACL injury. Facing Justin Jefferson, DJ Moore, and another WR possibly selected with the 9th overall pick, and slew of Packers receivers twice a year, they could use more physical cornerbacks to cover those receivers, who have given them fits over the years and many more to come.
3. Edge Rusher
The Lions already have Aiden Hutchinson, an ex-Michigan star, who has lived up to his expectations since being drafted by his hometown team. They added Marcus Davenport, who spent his only season with the division rival Minnesota last year. He is familiar with both Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn when the New Orleans Saints drafted him in 2018 and both men were on the Saints staff.
However, Davenport has had a history of injuries, and their depth is average. Like the Bears seeking to add another pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat, they could draft someone to be a long-term fixture opposite of Hutchinson. You can never have enough pass rushers in this league these days.
4. Wide Receiver
The Lions already have a terrific receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta was outstanding last year, who is going to cause problems for years to come. But like the Bears, they could use a young, big-bodied receiver to help offset the pressure off St. Brown and help out quarterback Jared Goff. Do not be shocked if they add a wide receiver in the second round who could have helped the Bears since the Bears do not own a second-round pick this year.