The Detroit Lions have had a tough time in recent years, failing to make the playoffs since 2016. With a new coach and some promising draft picks, there is hope that the team can turn things around in 2019. In this article, we will take a look at the team's needs and what they can do to address them.
Offensive Line
The Lions' offensive line has been a major weakness in recent years. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked 40 times in 2018, the second-highest total of his career. The team did sign veteran guard Oday Aboushi in free agency, but more needs to be done to shore up the line. The Lions could look to address this need in the draft, with players like Jonah Williams and Cody Ford as potential targets.
Alternatively, the team could explore the trade market or sign a free agent. There are a number of veteran linemen available, including former Packers guard T.J. Lang, who played for the Lions in 2017. Whatever the solution, the Lions need to protect their franchise quarterback if they hope to have success in 2019.
Wide Receiver
The Lions have some talented receivers in Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., but they lack depth at the position. Golden Tate, who was traded to the Eagles mid-season, has yet to be replaced. The Lions could look to add a receiver in the draft, with players like N'Keal Harry and A.J. Brown as potential targets.
The team could also explore the free agent market, with players like Randall Cobb and Adam Humphries as potential options. Another possibility is a trade, with players like Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. potentially available. Whatever the solution, the Lions need to give Stafford more weapons if they hope to improve their passing game.
Defensive Line
The Lions' defensive line was a major weakness in 2018, with the team ranking 30th in sacks. The team did sign Trey Flowers in free agency, but more needs to be done to improve the pass rush. The team could look to address this need in the draft, with players like Montez Sweat and Clelin Ferrell as potential targets.
The Lions could also explore the free agent market, with players like Ezekiel Ansah and Clay Matthews as potential options. Another possibility is a trade, with players like Jadeveon Clowney and Frank Clark potentially available. Whatever the solution, the Lions need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks if they hope to improve their defense.
Linebacker
The Lions' linebacking corps was a weakness in 2018, with the team failing to adequately replace Tahir Whitehead, who signed with the Raiders in free agency. The team did sign veteran linebacker Devon Kennard in 2018, but more needs to be done to improve the position. The Lions could look to address this need in the draft, with players like Devin White and Devin Bush as potential targets.
The team could also explore the free agent market, with players like K.J. Wright and C.J. Mosley as potential options. Whatever the solution, the Lions need to improve their linebackers if they hope to improve their defense.
Secondary
The Lions' secondary was a weakness in 2018, with the team ranking 30th in passing yards allowed. The team did sign cornerback Justin Coleman in free agency, but more needs to be done to improve the position. The Lions could look to address this need in the draft, with players like Greedy Williams and Byron Murphy as potential targets.
The team could also explore the free agent market, with players like Ronald Darby and Morris Claiborne as potential options. Another possibility is a trade, with players like Patrick Peterson and Jalen Ramsey potentially available. Whatever the solution, the Lions need to improve their secondary if they hope to improve their defense.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions have a number of needs heading into the 2019 season. The team needs to improve its offensive line, add depth at wide receiver, improve its pass rush, improve its linebackers, and improve its secondary. The draft, free agency, and trades are all potential avenues for addressing these needs. If the Lions can successfully address these needs, they could be a surprise team in 2019.
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