Justin, any chance the Lions look at bringing in Iffy Melifonwu at safety? He's available, has some knowledge of the system, and had some productive games while he was here.
Great stuff JR. Love getting your thoughts on these questions. I’m loving the youth movement on the offensive and defensive lines. I am so glad we are not asking any questions about who the starting QB should be. Looking forward to this year!
“ It’s finely-tuned, 250-300 pounders colliding at full speed over and over and over again ” yes this is the major cause of injuries, physics. The way you reduce injuries it by capping a player’s weight and reducing the force of impact. Smaller mass less kinetic energy.
The only real surprise to me in your answers was no mention of BB (or other safeties, unless we’re counting Izien) when asked about coverage linebackers. Once BB’s healthy, especially, a three safety look might be one of the best ways to attack certain formations in certain downs and distances. Our depth at safety seems much improved over last year, even if Kerby can’t contribute much. (If BB and Kerby were both able to return to form, look out!)
I'm not counting on Branch having the same explosion and agility to match tight ends one-on-one in his first year back from an Achilles tear. If it happens, great, but Alim McNeill's recovery from a lesser injury went as smooth as could be and we saw how he looked in 2025.
As far as pulling rabbits out of a hat, I was glad to see Meeks make the initial 53. I liked him last year as a rookie. Thanks for the updates.
Justin, any chance the Lions look at bringing in Iffy Melifonwu at safety? He's available, has some knowledge of the system, and had some productive games while he was here.
The coaching staff was fed up with his constant availability issues by the end of his time. I struggle to see it.
Iffy was…iffy.
Great stuff, Justin.
Great stuff JR. Love getting your thoughts on these questions. I’m loving the youth movement on the offensive and defensive lines. I am so glad we are not asking any questions about who the starting QB should be. Looking forward to this year!
Justin Rogers masterclass.
“ It’s finely-tuned, 250-300 pounders colliding at full speed over and over and over again ” yes this is the major cause of injuries, physics. The way you reduce injuries it by capping a player’s weight and reducing the force of impact. Smaller mass less kinetic energy.
So just go back in time to the 50’s?
Yes...that was the last time the Lions won a championship.
The only real surprise to me in your answers was no mention of BB (or other safeties, unless we’re counting Izien) when asked about coverage linebackers. Once BB’s healthy, especially, a three safety look might be one of the best ways to attack certain formations in certain downs and distances. Our depth at safety seems much improved over last year, even if Kerby can’t contribute much. (If BB and Kerby were both able to return to form, look out!)
I'm not counting on Branch having the same explosion and agility to match tight ends one-on-one in his first year back from an Achilles tear. If it happens, great, but Alim McNeill's recovery from a lesser injury went as smooth as could be and we saw how he looked in 2025.
That’s fair, but no mention of Maddox or Harper either?
Both primarily play deep in Detroit. If anything, it's Chuck Clark, but I have zero idea how they intend to use him once Branch is cleared.
Lots of versatility there regardless, especially if it’s an obvious passing down.
Dude, you long did you take to compile and write this? Excellent writing and thoughtful answers. You rock!
Between the two mailbags, it was something like 5-6 hours of writing and editing.
Keeping me up past my bedtime JR