Offseason Analysis Series: Detroit Lions

Meaningful Additions: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, WR Jameson Williams, WR DJ Chark, DB Kerby Joseph

Meaningful Losses: EDGE Trey Flowers, DB Dean Marlowe, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, DT John Penisini

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What Happened Last Year?

(3-13-1) Last in NFC North

Offense

In January of 2021, Jared Goff was shipped from the LA Rams to Detroit for Matt Stafford and a number of draft picks. This move made it clear that Detroit was in total rebuild mode. Goff had a mediocre year in the air (19TD-8INT) but did find a new favorite target in rookie standout Amon Ra St. Brown. With 2020 pro bowl Tight End TJ Hockenson battling injuries and struggling with consistency all year, St. Brown provided a much-needed spark out of the slot on his way to a 90-reception season. The lack of a vertical passing attack is what really hurt the Lions. In 2021, Goff finished second to last among all qualifying QB's (minimum 135 attempts) with an average completed air yardage of 4.3 yards per completed pass. The only quarterback who had less was Giants Quarterback Mike Glennon.

Motor City's ground game finished 18th in rushing yardage with D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams splitting carries. I am a major believer in D'Andre Swift's ability and want to see him get the ball more often; he is shifty and explosive through the hole. If he can stay healthy and take over that backfield, I am expecting a breakout year.

The Lion's strength was their offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Detroit had the 13th highest graded unit. This was without Center Frank Ragnow who missed most of 2021 with a thumb injury. First round pick Penei Sewell came into his own at the end of the season and Guard Jonah Jackson earned a spot in the pro bowl as a replacement.

Defense

2021 was defensive-minded head coach Dan Campbell's first season in Detroit. Under him, the Lions gave up the second most points and second most points per drive to opposing offenses. Their secondary struggled mightily as they were tied for the most yards per attempt given up and allowed the third highest passer rating. 2020 third overall pick Jeff Okudah missed the entire season after tearing his Achilles tendon in a week one loss to the 49ers and Amani Oruwariye stepped up nicely in Okudah's absence notching 6 interceptions and 11 pass defenses.

The team's best edge rusher, Romeo Okwara, missed 13 games and the Detroit front seven felt the repercussions. 2017 first round pick Charles Harris showed flashes and accounted for 7.5 sacks, but the team only managed 30 (third fewest leaguewide) all season. Their rush defense performed just as poorly as their pass rush and allowed the fifth most total yards on the ground.

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What's Changed?

Receiving Threats

The Lions invested heavily in size and speed at the WR position this offseason. This year's 12th overall pick Jameson Williams has the potential to be a game breaking wide receiver. Williams can absolutely fly and has all the necessary skills to succeed at the NFL level. The big question around Williams is when he will return from an ACL injury, he sustained in January's National Championship Game. Their big free agent signing, DJ Chark, figures to play a major role in Detroit's offense this season. Standing at 6'4" and having a nose for the endzone, Chark's RedZone prowess will be utilized to aid Detroit's air attack.

Playmaker on the Edge

When the Lions picked Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson with the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, they got an absolute stud. Hutchinson brings unique energy to the defensive side of the ball and plays with a force and strength that reminds me of a younger JJ Watt. With that being said, I see Hutchinson leading the team in sacks this upcoming year and lifting Detroit's defense in a major way.

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