With the 2024 NFL draft coming up quickly, it’s a good time to reassess the biggest team needs for the Detroit Lions. Even with no immediate needs for any starters, there are still considerable holes in the roster for GM Brad Holmes and his crew to address in the draft and perhaps free agency thereafter.
Free agency and a big trade have changed the rankings of Detroit’s team needs. More changes were averted when the Lions opted to keep Brock Wright and bring back Nate Sudfeld recently, moves that bolstered the depth chart at tight end and quarterback, respectively.
Safety
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 30: Ifeatu Melifonwu #6 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with Derrick Barnes #55 and Kerby Joseph #31 after intercepting a pass thrown by Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Lions have starters returning in Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Both are young and have shown promise but also have not proven themselves beyond a reasonable doubt. The only depth is 2023 UDFA Brandon Joseph, who spent his rookie season on the practice squad.
Brian Branch is a wildcard. Right now he is Detroit’s starting slot cornerback, but he does have some experience at both safety spots from his college days at Alabama.
At minimum, the Lions must add at least one game-ready player to the depth chart. A draft pick and a veteran with some experience each being added is preferred.
Offensive tackle
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) celebrates Lions’ 21-20 win over Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
The starting tandem of Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell is one of the best in the entire league. After that, the depth chart consists of Dan Skipper, 2023 UDFA Connor Galvin and perhaps 2023 fifth-rounder Colby Sorsdal, who the Lions are efforting to convert to guard. The top reserve tackle for the last few seasons, Matt Nelson, left in free agency.
Skipper is great as a sixth offensive lineman, but the team has been reluctant to use him as a reserve behind Decker or Sewell. Finding a long-term solution for the top reserve tackle and one that could potentially take over for Decker when his contract is up after next season is imperative.
Cornerback
Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor celebrates a play against the Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.
The position group has changed, but there is room for more change. Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vildor represent the depth on the outside, with Brian Branch in the slot. Khalil Dorsey and Steven Gilmore are holdovers who did not play much in 2023, too.
WIth Branch being the only real slot corner, the draft attention could very well focus there as a priority − especially if the plan is to keep Branch in the mix at safety, too. However, there are questions about Moseley’s health and how well newcomers Davis and Robertson fit in on the outside in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Wide receiver
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All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown heads up the top of the depth chart, followed by speedy Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond on the outside. Donovan Peoples-Jones is also back as the potential No. 4 wideout. 2023 rookie Antoine Green, veteran Tre’Quan Smith and perennial training camp hero Tom Kennedy are all in the mix as well.
The urgency for a wide receiver largely depends on your view of Williams. The team expects “Jamo” to be the No. 2 wideout and take another jump forward in 2024, and I do as well. If you don’t share in our ebullience on Jamo, wide receiver probably ranks higher on the list.
The team could still use a big target with some downfield ability to replace Josh Reynolds, who has been the Lions’ No. 2 wideout in catches and targets over the last 2-plus seasons. With a deep draft class at the position, that’s likely one of Detroit’s priorities.
Defensive tackle
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 30: Alim McNeill #54 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with John Cominsky #79 after sacking Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth quarter at Ford Field on October 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Another position where the starting lineup appears in very good shape for 2024, but questions thereafter abound. Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader are a very good 1-2 combo as the starters.
The depth right now is Levi Onwuzurike and Brodric Martin, with some flex work from John Cominsky and Josh Paschal from the EDGE spot as well. The Lions can definitely use another run-stuffing big body on the interior. That’s not a position that teams typically draft early, but it’s certainly a spot Holmes could seek to bolster in the draft.
EDGE
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Aidan Hutchinson is very good as the lead pass rusher, and there are lots of existing options of various styles around him: newcomer Marcus Davenport plus returnees John Cominsky, Josh Paschal and James Houston. CFL standout Mathieu Betts will get a chance to prove himself as well.
Detroit could go into the season with that group and feel pretty good, but there is also room to add more of a speed-rush element other than the enigmatic Houston, who played his way down the depth chart last summer before getting hurt last season. It’s not like Cominsky or Paschal cannot be beaten out for snaps, too.
Kicker
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 24: Michael Badgley #17 of the Detroit Lions reacts after making a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Ford Field on November 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Michael Badgley set the team record for the longest postseason field goal in franchise history and didn’t miss a field goal attempt in his seven games (including the playoffs) in Detroit last year. He did miss two extra points, and his range tops out around 54 yards. The “Money Badger” will face competition this offseason, and right now that competitor is not on the roster.