If the NFL is a swimming pool, the Lions are officially leaving their water wings behind. With the signing of two new cornerbacks, a Super Bowl tested safety, and a shiny new running back, Detroit is looking to shake the “rebuilding” label. However, these signings both clear some things up and muddy the waters even further. Here, I’ve compiled a list of some questions that need answers, spurred by this chaotic free agency period.
1. How did the Lions do, overall?
They nailed it. Brad Holmes, per usual, has proved himself very good at his job. The Lions addressed a position of need super heavily, didn’t offer massive or ludicrous contracts, and left clear spots to place building blocks they find in the draft, setting them up for long-term success. The more I think about it, the more I think I don’t think I could be happier with how this played out.
2. Who is going to start in the secondary in Week One?
This is a tricky question. Detroit’s coaching staff has been very vocal about getting playing time for the youngsters to see what they have on their hands. On the other hand, they’ve brought in several competent veterans – most on short-term deals, so they also need to see what they have with that handful of players. Finally, we can’t rule out taking a corner in April. It’s less likely now, but there are some really good prospects. My prediction, barring injury, is:
FS: Kerby Joseph
SS: Tracy Walker
CB: Cam Sutton
CB: Jeff Okudah
NB: CJ Gardner-Johnson
The two safeties are set with the departure of DeShon Elliot in free agency. I expect them to draft one, but whoever that’ll be will probably sit to start the season. Lions fans should be excited about this tandem. Gardner-Johnson fills a big hole at nickel, which is a position where it’s hard to find the cream of the crop. He also plays well at safety, which gives the Lions some versatility. Finally, some people may be surprised to see Okudah starting over Emmanuel Mosely. However, Moseley is coming back from a torn ACL, and the coaching staff has shown caution with players recovering from serious injuries. Okudah or Jerry Jacobs will get the start. If a CB is drafted, he’ll be in contention for this spot too.
3. What will the run game look like with the addition of David Montgomery?
For better or worse, Jamaal Williams is gone now. Montgomery is unquestionably an upgrade, but he was played as RB1 in Chicago. Is he going to operate in committee with Swift? It also wouldn’t seem crazy to me to see the Lions draft a running back. Bijan Robinson seems like he’s in play at 18, and there’s lots of good options up and down the board. Swift has struggled with injuries and dependability, and it might be time to make way for the next big thing.
4. What are the Lions going to do with their draft picks now?
Like I said above, RB and CB are not off the table. They’re unlikely, but not crazy. Much more likely will be defensive tackle and safety. Despite Isaiah Buggs coming back, the interior d-line still needs work. Holmes will also probably be looking for a developmental safety to be the next man up in that unit. Guard is going to need to be addressed as well. Graham Glasgow is either a good backup or a Vaitai replacement, but he’s getting up there in years. Jonah Jackson will soon command a big contract at LG, so a new, cheap RG should be invested in soon. I have a gut feeling LB will be addressed – what remains to be seen is how early. I doubt they’ll spend high draft capital on EDGE. There’s already quite a few good ones in Detroit. Anthony Richardson is the elephant in the room. The Lions have done a good job setting up simultaneously for the present and the future. Jared Goff isn’t going to be QB1 forever. When will Holmes decide to usher in the next era?
5. Will Lamar Jackson be a Lion?
Nope. The two draft picks, we can do. The large contract he’ll want? I don’t see Holmes handing that out – especially given his “build through drafting” philosophy. It’d be fun, but it probably isn’t smart.
6. Which resigning is the most important?
This is a tough one. I’m going to go with John Cominsky, simply because he seems to function like WD-40 on that defensive line – him being there helps everything else run smoothly. Honorable mention to Isaiah Buggs.
7. Are the Lions done shopping?
The Lions do have a little cap space left – around 12.5 million – but they need to save some for their rookies and bonuses to be paid out. I think if DJ Chark comes back, that’ll be their last move. If not, they’re probably done until the draft. Things are gonna get crazy in April.
