Detroit Lions Offseason Report - ktd1976's Dynasty

ktd1976's Dynasty Blog

Detroit Lions Offseason Report

Posted on December 10, 2020 at 09:20 PM.

Coming off of their first Super Bowl win in franchise history, The Detroit Lions surprisingly didn't have to replace many starters. HB Adrian Peterson ad WR Danny Amendola retired, HB Kerryon Johnson and CB Desmond Trufant were traded, and Safety Duron Harmon was lost to free agency. Only Harmon, Peterson and Trufant were starters.

FREE AGENCY AND RETIREMENTS

The Lions replaced Harmon with Justin Simmons, the prize of the Free agent market. Simmons played his first 5 years in the league with the Denver Broncos, twice topping 120 tackles. He is a good coverage safety who can help support the run.

WR Marvin Jones Jr flirted with free agency, but ultimately chose to come back to the Lions. Jones had a career high 100 catches for 1260 yards and 3 TDs in 2020 for Detroit.

The Lions also signed OLB Shaquil Barrett. Barrett comes over from the Tampa Bay Buccs, where he had 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season, down from 19 sacks in 2019. The Lions also brought in OLB Markus Golden from the NY Giants. Golden had 69 tackles and 10.5 sacks with the Giants.

Guard Ron Leary was signed away from the Houston Texans. Leary is expected to start at right guard for the Lions.

DRAFT

With their first round pick, the Lions took Florida State CB Leon Sandcastle. Sandcastle is a great cover corner, and is an elite kick returner. He is expected to start at CB, and be the kick returner.

With their first of two second round picks, the Lions selected Florida Linebacker Alvin Mack. Mack played MLB with the Gators, but could slot outside with the Lions. Wherever he plays, he is also expected to challenge for a starting job.

With their second second round pick of the draft, the Lions selected Arizona WR Rod Tidwell. Tidwell is a bit on the short side at 6'1" but he has great speed, and good hands. He is expected to replace Danny Amendola in the slot.

With their first third round pick, the Lions selected USC running back Darnell Jefferson. Jefferson has a rare combination of power and speed, who is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. The hope is he can provide a good 1-2 punch with De'Andre Swift.

With their second third round pick of the draft, the Lions took Florida DT Steve Lattimer. Lattimer is a high motor player who clogs up the run game, and is capable of pressuring the QB.

With their fourth round pick, the Lions selected WR Tyler Vaughns out of USC.

The Lions took a pair of Penn State players in the fifth round, in center Michal Monet, and Tight End Hingle McCringleberry.

In the sixth round, the Lions took fullback Ray Griffen out of Wisconsin, and Quarterback Jon Moxon out of Texas.

PRESEASON OUTLOOK

There really aren't too many position battles to be decided in preseason. Mainly if Alvin Mack will slot in in the outside, or inside. The other battles will be who will make the team in backup roles. Will there be a spot for late round picks Moxon, and McCringleberry?