Ranking the Detroit Lions' short and long-term needs entering draft month
Phoenix, Ariz. — The Detroit Lions continue to take nibbles at the remaining free-agency market, filling out the depth chart ahead of this month’s draft.
With more than 20 spots still open on the offseason roster, let’s rank the team’s biggest needs, both from a short-term and long-term perspective.
With the short-term outlook, we’re looking at where the team needs the most immediate help after their free agency moves. The long-term outlook will factor in expiring deals and potential cap decisions the team faces next offseason.
Short-term needs
1. Edge
The Lions made a key addition this offseason, signing veteran DJ Wonnum. During the past five seasons with Minnesota and Carolina, he’s averaged 49 defensive snaps per game. As things currently stand, he’s a starter and your Marcus Davenport replacement. Wonnum is particularly strong against the run and should elevate the team’s effectiveness on early downs.
Additionally, Detroit is taking a low-risk dice roll on Payton Turner, a first-round pick in 2021. He’s battled injuries his entire career. Still, on a veteran minimum contract with no guarantees, it’s worth trying your luck on the 6-foot-6, 270-pounder’s untapped potential.
However, even if Turner hits, the Lions lack pass-rush juice opposite Aidan Hutchinson after letting Al-Quadin Muhammad and his 11.0 sacks walk in free agency. That leaves an obvious need for a third-down rusher. A situational option with a history of success can still be costly, so it seems unlikely the Lions aggressively pursue an accomplished vet like Von Miller or Jadeveon Clowney ahead of the draft.
If the Lions miss out on a college prospect to fill the void, it could be worth revisiting the leftovers on the free agency market in early May. And if Miller and Clowney remain too pricey, Derek Barnett could be a more affordable option if he remains available. He had an excellent pass-rush win rate in Houston last year and is relatively capable against the run if you need more out of him.
2. Cornerback
To be very clear, Terrion Arnold has not been arrested or charged in an alleged kidnapping and robbery plot that involves six of his acquaintances, but there’s nothing wrong with planning for the worst-case scenario.