DFN Lions Mailbag, Part II: A LaPorta bounce back, defining success in '25, and non-obvious players meriting extensions

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And we’re back with another batch of mail.

Q: What was the 2025/26 ceiling and floor for NFC North teams heading into the draft and now coming out? — Ron Haskell

Q: Do you think there has been a shift by the other teams in the NFC North to adjust their rosters to match up better against the Lions' physical and aggressive play style? — Brian Bamberg

Justin: According to some quick research on over/under win totals before and after the draft, none of the projections for the NFC North teams changed. We know, based on what we've seen with the Lions, that rookies can have a significant impact, but it's not something you should anticipate.

For example, we don't know if Matthew Golden is going to immediately (or ever) emerge as a long-coveted No. 1 receiver for the Packers or if he'll blend in with their current stable of pass-catchers who would be better described as No. 2 options.

The Bears, meanwhile, continued building around last year's No. 1 pick, QB Caleb Williams. After bolstering his blocking in free agency, they gave him premium weapons with their selections of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. Ben Johnson should be able to put together a much more potent scoring offense than last year's 28th-ranked unit.

In terms of the most-improved roster through the entirety of the offseason, on paper, it's Chicago.

Finally, in Minnesota, I appreciate the team's continued focus on their offensive line after a couple of key free-agent signings, drafting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round. Like Chicago, that's as important a component as any when investing in a young QB.

Pending the pace of J.J. McCarthy’s development, I think any of these four teams could win the division at least once in the next two seasons. For now, Detroit remains the favorite in 2025.

And to answer the second question, all three opponents poured resources into their trenches, particularly in free agency, in an effort to keep pace in the physicality department.

Q: Do you expect Sam LaPorta to have a bounce-back Year 3? And in that same vein, will Colston Loveland approach Sam's rookie-year production with the Bears? — John Lawton

Justin: I don't really believe LaPorta had a down year, even if his production dipped. What we saw was a shift in the roster's overall dynamics, with Jared Goff attempting 11% fewer passes, plus the emergence of Jameson Williams as a key cog in the passing game. Seeking more targets for LaPorta equates to asking for fewer for Gibbs and Williams.

LaPorta caught a higher percentage of his targets in his second season and averaged significantly more yards per catch (17% increase). He also had a better target-to-touchdown ratio. That's despite battling a lower-body injury coming into the season that contributed to a slower-than-desired start.

Understand that over the final five games, LaPorta produced at a pace that would have resulted in nearly 100 catches and more than 1,100 yards across a full 17-game schedule.

As for Loveland, it’s speculative, but with good health, I could see the former Michigan standout quickly becoming Caleb Williams’ favorite target. Does that result in 900 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie? That’s a little bold for me to suggest, but we also shouldn’t be stunned if he comes close.

Q: Are there any positions where you're expecting a turnover in leadership? Has there been a Kalf Raymond to Amon-Ra St. Brown succession in recent years, or is it more collaborative? — Sam

Justin: With the way this roster is constructed, leadership isn't heavily concentrated within position groups. St. Brown, Raymond and Tim Patrick all bring standard-setting leadership traits in the receiving room. Even young players like Penei Sewell — a captain, by the way — and Jack Campbell are tone-setting leaders where there are established veteran voices at those positions.

In terms of leaders lost this offseason, Carlton Davis and Kevin Zeitler weren't the most vocal veterans, but they led by example. There's plenty to cover a departure in the o-line room, while DJ Reed can fill the void created by Davis' exit.

In 2026, if Alex Anzalone isn't re-signed, Campbell and Barnes are capable of replacing a lot of what would be lost. Meanwhile, Alim McNeill might need to find a bigger voice behind the scenes, with DJ Reader not likely to be re-signed.

Q: Since you've started covering the Detroit Lions, it's obvious this regime is the best during that time. When did you feel that they knew exactly what they were doing, and it would make writing your articles better in some respects and tougher in others, such as new expectations? — Kenneth Lane

Justin: It wasn't possible to get much of a read on anything in 2021 as the new leadership took a wrecking ball to what they inherited, both the personnel and the culture within the building.

I've generally subscribed to the idea that, outside of extreme situations, a rebuild merits three years before considering significant changes. So, I wasn't all that concerned when they started 1-6 the following season. However, it was during the turnaround down the stretch of that campaign that you easily recognized Dan Campbell's messaging and approach were sinking in, and this thing had a shot.

With Holmes, his evaluation skills revealed themselves rather early. Sewell was a no-brainer, but McNeill, St. Brown, Kerby Joseph and Malcolm Rodriguez were impressive hits in those first two drafts.

The free agency stuff was more of a mixed bag early. Still, halfway through Year 2, both Campbell and Holmes were building real equity in their abilities.

As for the job, it's not any different. It's the NFL, so there were always plenty of eyeballs on what I was writing. Fans just became more focused on the present results than what was coming in the future (hirings/firings, free agent signings and the draft).

Q: Injuries aside, and given our difficult road schedule this year, what would be a good record this coming season? — Jacob Schans

Justin: Vegas has set the over/under at 10.5. That means 11-12 wins would be a successful regular season. A third consecutive NFC North title would really help, as well. Regardless, we can all agree that the true barometer of success will be determined by the playoffs.

Missing the postseason? Failure.

One-and-done? Failure.

Divisional Round exit? It wouldn't be an outright failure, but it would be unquestionably disappointing.

NFC Championship appearance or better? Success with varying degrees.

Q: What was Mekhi Wingo's injury? What is his prognosis for return? — Tlc

Justin: It was a meniscus tear. I don't have enough details to provide you with the type of tear. He told me after the season that the timeframe for recovery was 5-6 months. The team could demonstrate some caution with his re-acclimation, but as long as there aren't any setbacks, I anticipate Wingo will be something close to full-go for training camp.

Q: How important do you think it is to have trick plays in our offense? Could we be as successful if Morton runs a more traditional offense? —Aaron Talley

Justin: I assume you’re talking about the extreme stuff that makes the end-of-season highlight reels and not low-level misdirection, such as play-action. In that case, they are minimally important.

It’s far superior to execute the foundational elements of your offensive scheme at a high rate of success than to have a double-reverse flea flicker thrown to an eligible offensive tackle in the second quarter of a Week 7 game against Jacksonville.

Having an arsenal of trick plays does add to the stress you put on a defense, both in preparation and on game day. And, realistically, they can be good for morale because they’re fun and give players an opportunity to contribute in unique ways.

Regardless, I don’t think trick plays are what made the Lions’ offense successful in recent years; it’s simply made the team more fun and entertaining to watch.

Q: If you could give a mid-season extension to players on the current roster other than Hutchinson, who would they be, and what would those extensions look like? — Minki

Justin: There aren't any pressing extension candidates, but I'd keep ongoing dialogues with Anzalone, Rodriguez, Amik Robertson and Levi Onwuzurike based on how the season develops.

Of that group, and based on the roster's current construction, I'd be most inclined to pay the linebackers. Even though Anzalone is closer to the end of his career, his value on and off the field is difficult to understate. If there was a way to keep him in Detroit on a two-year contract (add in void years if you must) for $8-10 million per, I wouldn't hesitate.

As for Rodriguez, he's offers stellar depth and steady special teams contributions. He might find a suitor willing to give him low-level starter money if he waits until free agency, but something like two years, $8 million would be worthwhile for the Lions to consider.

Q: What are the positions to have a surplus of NFL-caliber players likely to get traded for 2026 draft capital before cut downs at the end of training camp? — Rockne

Justin: It's probably overly optimistic to think opposing general managers will be offering up draft picks for Detroit's bubble players. Every so often, a team can parlay a good preseason performance into a conditional late-round draft pick, particularly when those teams are desperate to fill an injury void.

It's possible the Lions could pull one of those conditional picks for an offensive or defensive lineman or a linebacker if things fell just right. But I wouldn't count on that happening.

Q: This year's bedroom project is not your first DIY adventure. How serious a hobby is it for you? What's the backstory there? — BDR

Justin: Like many of us, I got bored during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when we were navigating lockdowns. To fill some of the time, I bought some tools and started tackling some project ideas around my house.

I would probably be more handy if my dad hadn't passed away when I was five years old. He worked construction, did vehicle maintenance and repairs in our garage, was a green thumb, and was an avid outdoorsman. I want to think some of his interests are coded in my DNA, even if I lacked his nurture to cultivate that nature.

My previous experience with power tools was largely limited to shop class in seventh and eighth grade. However, I'm a capable learner, not above some trial and error. My early projects were a tiled backsplash in the kitchen and handmade sliding barn doors for our front room. From there, I built a ladder herb garden, designed a liquor storage unit and a 17-foot built-in wall for that front room, and recently pieced together the three-dimensional accent wall you mentioned.

More than anything, I don't do well sitting around. My profession requires more than enough sitting. So I do a lot of bicycling, golf when I can fit it in, disc golf when I can't, and take on those DIY home projects when I have inspiration, time, and a little budget surplus to take the swing.

When I get bored, I build stuff.

Q: The Lions’ current coaching staff is made up of several former players. Could you give us some names of players on the current roster who have the intelligence, leadership qualities, and work ethic to someday be a future coach in the NFL? — Ric Blackwell

Justin: Typically, the players who go into coaching aren’t the stars. One, because they made enough money that they don’t have to work the insanely long hours required to be even a low-level position coach, and two, it can be difficult to teach lesser talents how to maximize their gifts when you didn’t have that experience.

I have no doubt Anzalone could be a coach, but based on conversations with him, I don’t think he pursues that post-career path. Maybe at the high school level, especially if he can work with his son. The same could be said for DJ Reader.

A few players who could coach college or pros if they wanted to pursue that path: Kalif Raymond, Brock Wright, Grant Stuard and Craig Reynolds. That’s a group of players who have had to scrap to make it in this league, understand the value of finding any way they can to contribute, work diligently at the details of their craft, and have good chemistry with their teammates.

Q: Given the Lions’ current depth at safety, are there plans to sign a veteran free agent before training camp to bolster the position? — Ryan Sheedy

Justin: I think it’s too early to say they have plans to do so. If they wanted a veteran safety, there are plenty on the market, and they’d already be in the building.

I think there’s the potential to add one ahead of camp. However, the Lions are likely to assess how well their young players — Loren Strickland, Morice Norris and seventh-round pick Dan Jackson — are coming along through the early portions of the offseason program before making an unnecessary addition.