Detroit Lions Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Defensive Line
The Lions have to look to make additions at the defensive end position. Jared DeVries and Dewayne White are not going to be the answer if the team wants to improve upon their seven wins from last season. While both White and DeVries finished the season with 6.5 sacks apiece, there needs to be a more dominant pass-rusher, who take the line to the next level when it comes to applying pressure on an opponents’ quarterback. Detroit may look for an end who can come in and make draw attention away from other defensive players.

Linebacker
With Boss Bailey having moved on, the team needs to find some type of replacement and add depth to a linebacker unit that finds itself relatively weak at the moment. Ernie Sims holds down one of the outside spots, while Paris Lenon could once again find himself starting in the middle, although a player with a knack for tracking down the ball would be the best move here. On the other side of the unit is Alex Lewis, a player with limited experience, who could be upgraded if the team finds the right player during the draft. Detroit may add help here and allow a rookie to fight for a starting role in the same way that Sims came in and received a lot of playing time right away.

Running Back
As for the running back spot, the Lions released Kevin Jones and re-signed Tatum Bell, to ensure there was some experience remaining at the position. If Brian Calhoun is not effective enough, then Bell would once again be the main back, unless the team finds another back in the draft. It might be that the Lions use their top-pick to address this need, or they could wait and see what falls to them in a later round. In any case, it would be disappointing if the Lions head into next season without another addition here.

Offensive Line
Detroit proved to be the second worst rushing team in the NFL if you’re looking at yards per game. Part of the problem was the need for a quality guard, but an even greater need now exists at right tackle with Damien Woody having signed with the Jets. Matt Millen and company have to find a tackle that can come in and challenge for the starting role from day one.