After the Draft Part 2: Analysis of Lions Defensive Roster Positions

Yesterday we took a look at the Lions Offensive Positions with the Draft now complete to see what group was ripe for some additional changes prior to camp opening. Today we are going through the defense, which saw major changes at every single level this offseason. I tend to think the lions Defense came out of FA and the Draft somewhat improved on paper, there is still some lingering issues where an unexpected veteran made available could bring about a quick roster change prior to camp opening.

Defense

DE/Edge: Of all the defensive position groups that needed a makeover, DE and Edge rusher was it. Only Trey Flowers is a proven commodity, with 2019 draft pick Austin Bryant and Romeo Okwara both expected to contribute after recovering from injury and a down season last year. The addition of Romeo’s little brother Julian Okwara should provide some immediate impact, but neither Jonathon Wynn or Frank Herron can be counted on to be productive, much less make the final roster. Will the DE/Edge see any addition before camp, I think it is quite possible, especially if a veteran that fits the scheme come available.

DT: Defensive Tackle was the one spot that has received an extreme makeover from last season. Gone are Snacks and Robinson, replaced by Danny Shelton and Nick Williams with the hope a healthy Da’Shawn Hand will be part of the primary rotation. The addition of John Penisini will provide holdovers Kevin Strong and John Atkins, along with Olive Sagapolu competition for the last roster spots on the DL. With some FA signings and a draft pick, hard to see the Lions spend any more money here before camp unless someone too intriguing happens to come available.

LB: The Lions LB corp is looking exactly the same as it did prior to the draft, with no picks dedicated to the position and no LB UDFAs signed afterwards. That either means the Lions are really happy with a starting combination of Collins, Tavai, Davis and Jones, or they are looking to make a veteran signing to help push competition. Considering that Reggie Ragland and Elijah Lee were brought in before the draft to compete with Reeves-Maybin, Sam, Pittman and Cabinda, the Lions may feel they have added enough depth and competition to make the group better as a whole. I am pretty sure that unless a perfect fit spring free form another team, there won’t be any additional LBers brought on before camp.

CB: With all the changes to the Defense, this is the one spot I personally think has gotten significantly better this offseason and will not have any additions. A top four CB or Okudah, Trufant, Coleman and Oruwariye looks like a big upgrade from last years group. It also means there should be significant competition for the last 2-3 CB/ST spots among Mike Ford, Dee Virgin, Jamal Agnew, Tony McRae, Mike Jackson and Darryl Roberts. I said a few times during the Grey Manes annual draft chat that I didn’t think the Lions would touch the CB spot all weekend (as I am very high on 2nd year player Oruwariye.) Do I expect any additional changes between now and camp? Probably not, this group has lots of talent and should lead to some great camp competition with maybe a surprise or two (Agnew?) not making the final roster.

S: The Lions made their updates to Safety mainly with the acquisition of Duron Harmon in a trade before the draft. He will join Tracy Walker as a starter allowing holdover Will Harris to learn without the pressure of being an immediate starter. The depth is sound with holdovers Miles Killebrew and CJ Moore joined by veteran Jayron Kearse and the addition of three UDFAs in Price, Elliott and Dinson. With the core of the Safety position set and an excellent group of veteran Special team aces with the capability for spot duty, I find it unlikely that the Lions will add any other safety’s until they figure out what they have in the three kids they signed as UDFAs.