The Detroit Lions finished the 2023 season with a tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. The attention now turns to free agency and the NFL Draft. The Lions added a few defensive players during free agency but still have more positions to address in this year’s draft. Let’s take a look at the Detroit Lions draft needs.
Detroit Lions Positions to Address in NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is creeping closer and the Detroit Lions have plenty of positions to address to keep themselves at the top of the NFC. The Lions are looking for depth at the offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback, and more. Check out their top five positions that need to be addressed during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Offensive Line
The Lions will be looking for more depth and a future starter on the interior offensive line. They signed offensive guard Kevin Zeitler from the Baltimore Ravens after losing Jonah Jackson to free agency. Zeitler was a Pro Bowler but he’s heading into his 13th season. He might be a one or two-year solution on the interior offensive line. Expect Detroit to be looking for depth along with a quality starter in the draft.
The Lions were also able to keep guard Graham Glasgow after inking him to a three-year deal worth $20 million.
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Edge Rusher
The Lions are still looking for a pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson (11.5 sacks in 2023) to get after the quarterback. Hutchinson led the team in sacks and next on the list was just 5 sacks from defensive tackle Alim Mitchell. The team needs to get Hutchinson some help so he faces fewer double teams throughout the season.
The Lions did add defensive end Marcus Davenport in free agency but he played just four games last season due to injury with the Minnesota Vikings. James Houston had 8 sacks in 7 games for the Lions in 2022 but played just two games last season so it’s unclear how he will perform this fall.
Cornerback
The Lions traded for Carlton Davis and added Amik Robertson so far this offseason but they will need more options at cornerback heading into 2024. Cameron Sutton is a solid starter on the outside but he struggled in 2023. Brian Branch can play multiple positions in the secondary but the Lions will need another outside cornerback.
Wide Receiver
While the Lions have plenty of depth at wide receiver, they are still looking for a weapon at the number three position. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a stud and Jameson Williams is expected to be a full-time starter in 2024. After that, it’s players like Donovan Peoples-Jones and Kalif Raymond who will be looking to step up in 2024. Josh Reynolds was solid for Detroit in 2023 but it looks like he will not be returning.
All of this opens the door for the Lions to add a reliable pass catcher to compliment St. Brown and Williams on the outside.
Safety
The Lions have a potential superstar in Brian Branch but the back end of the secondary needs more depth heading into 2024. CJ Gardner-Johnson is gone in free agency and he played just 3 games in 2023 due to injury. The team released Tracy Walker so the safety position doesn’t have much after Kerby Joseph and Branch. Also, the Lions will likely move Branch around the secondary so the team needs to find a solid option at safety.
Detroit Lions Free Agency Additions
The Detroit Lions have added some depth to their defense during free agency. They went out and signed a couple of players in the secondary as well as added some depth on the defensive line. Check out their signings during free agency.
Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Lions have the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Take a look at the team’s selections in this year’s draft.
Read More
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written by
Sam Russell
Sam hails from Grandville, Michigan. He has a rich sports background, including playing baseball at Central Michigan before covering high school sports and working with the Orlando Magic. He earned his broadcasting/journalism degree from Central Michigan University and was a member of the 2010 MAC Championship baseball team.Sam developed his expertise while working with Betsperts, Bleacher Nation, and 4for4 in various areas such as writing, social media, betting research, and business development. He's a big fan of the NBA, NFL, and MLB, highly interested in data and statistics.
