The Detroit Lions are coming off one of their greatest seasons in franchise history. For the first time since 1993, the Lions won their division as they concluded the regular season with a 12-5 record. They also had a fantastic playoff run, advancing to the NFC Championship and winning their first playoff game since 1991.
Detroit’s offense was a major factor in their success the previous season. Led by seasoned Quarterback Jared Goff, they were one of the best teams in the league. Their defense was one of the reasons the Detroit Lions were not better. Detroit has one of the weakest secondaries in the league and had a lot of trouble getting to the quarterback last season. With the support of many significant offseason signings, they hope to solve that this year.
Offseason Additions For The Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions knew going into the offseason that something needed to be done with the defense. They added Cornerback Amik Robertson, Edge Rusher Marcus Davenport, and Defensive Tackle DJ Reader as free agents. In addition, they received Cornerback Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a third-round pick.
Davenport and Reader will provide much-needed defensive line help for Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. Hutchinson was extremely vulnerable to double teams last season because he had little support on the opposing side of the line, which made it difficult for him to apply pressure to the quarterback. Due to his stature, Reader will likely draw double teams since he fills a vast space in the center of the line. Despite having suffered a torn right quad towards the end of last year, he is anticipated to return for Week 2’s matchup with Tampa Bay, and there’s a chance he may be ready for Week 1.
In place of Cam Sutton, Davis will start on the outside and should perform far better than Sutton did against the team’s top wide receivers. Although he has occasionally had trouble staying healthy, Davis has demonstrated a lot of promise in Tampa. To free up Brian Branch to play more in his natural safety role, Amik Robertson is expected to start in the slot this season for the Detroit Lions. Robertson will be able to play wherever he is needed given that he played a combination of outside and slot with Las Vegas last year.
NFL Draft Additions
In addition to those free agents, the Detroit Lions also selected Cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Enis Rakestraw Jr. in the draft. The Detroit Lions selected Arnold in the first round, and he is anticipated to start immediately opposite Davis. Arnold, an all-around corner with a lot of talent, spent two years playing for Alabama. Although he performed admirably in zone coverage, man coverage was where he excelled most. Despite only being a rookie, Arnold is anticipated to significantly outperform Jerry Jacobs and Kindle Vildor and produce plays from the first day.
Rakestraw, a second-round selection from Missouri, is expected to serve as Arnold and Davis’ main backup. Rakestraw has exceeded all training camp expectations by playing outside and in the slot. Last season, he was among the top cornerbacks in man coverage, although he did occasionally struggle in zone coverage. He has the potential to develop into a fantastic starter alongside Arnold and give the Detroit Lions a long-term, lethal cornerback tandem for years to come.
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