ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- It’s not often optimism is attached to an NFL team after a 3-13-1 season.
However, that is the case among the Detroit Lions' fan base entering this offseason. Why? For starters, it was the first year of a new regime spearheaded by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. And after an 0-8 start to the season, the Lions eventually ended it with a 3-3 stretch while being engaged in numerous close games. After the season, Holmes vowed to “find guys that fit” what the organization is trying to build, based off toughness and grit.
“Regardless of however much resources that we have, we’re still going to find guys that are aligned, that truly fit what we’re about,” Holmes said. “You bring up the guys that had chips on their shoulders and things to prove, well a lot of times experiences shape people often. Like I said, we’re a gritty group, so I’m not saying that we’re looking for one-year deal guys, but we’re still looking at guys that fit who we are. We’ll just probably be able to get a little bit more.”
Projected salary-cap space: $20.21 million
Top free agents: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, S Tracy Walker III, WR Kalif Raymond, LB Alex Anzalone, QB Tim Boyle, OLB Charles Harris, S Dean Marlowe
Potential cut candidates: Two guys to watch are RB Jermar Jefferson and OLB Austin Bryant. Both players have shown flashes but the fact remains the pass rush and backfield depth behind D'Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams are areas that need improvement.
The big question: Should the Lions select a quarterback with a late-first-round pick in the draft? It depends on who's available at that point. It's pretty much a lock that Jared Goff will be running the show again next season, but what does that mean for the team moving forward? Many draft experts have said this year’s class lacks any elite quarterbacks, so with the Lions drafting No. 2 and No. 32, it wouldn’t make sense for them to use their top pick on a young quarterback, so then it all depends on who is there at No. 32. The coaching staff was given important access to some of the best quarterbacks in college football while coaching this year’s Senior Bowl. They were able to see North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Liberty’s Malik Willis, Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe and Pitt's Kenny Pickett, but there are no guarantees any of those players will be on the board at 32. If they are, I would say yes. If not, I would move in another direction and try to draft a quarterback next year.
Best-case scenario for the offseason: The Lions add some immediate playmakers through the draft and free agency. At this point, they need guys who can impact the game on both sides of the ball, so they can’t go wrong with a wide receiver, linebacker or safety. Also, if Campbell could convince a notable free agent to take a chance on the rebuild in Detroit, that could be huge.
Worst-case scenario for the offseason: The Lions lay an egg in the draft and free agency that sets the momentum of the franchise back immediately. This is a critical phase in the rebuild and Holmes is well aware. The longtime scout has to lean on his expertise in evaluating talent and bring in playmakers to help the Lions win more than three games next season. That won’t be acceptable again.
Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: Still in the early stages of rebuilding the roster, the Lions are in position to continue to stack the best talent on the board. With Goff likely to play out the final year of his deal, quarterback could be an area that the team selects with one of its two first-round picks. Wide receiver is also another area that Holmes could look to improve. Adding weapons to go alongside T.J. Hockenson and Amon-Ra St. Brown is vital.
Top needs: QB, EDGE, WR
Top picks: Nos. 2 and 32