What Does the Offensive Line Look Like to Start the Season?
Here’s what we’re looking at, and honestly, it’s the lineup most of us saw coming from a mile away. Penei Sewell slides over to left tackle where he belongs. Christian Mahogany gets his left guard spot back assuming he stays healthy. Cade Mays anchors the center position. Tate Ratledge holds down right guard. And Blake Miller, the first round pick, wins the right tackle job in camp.
The one wildcard? Left guard. That spot is going to be a genuine battle between Mahogany, Juice Scruggs, Miles Frazier, and Ben Bartch. May the best man win.
Are the Lions Switching to Zone Coverage?
Nobody knows yet, and that’s the honest answer. The Lions haven’t announced any grand scheme overhaul, so we’re all going to have to wait until training camp to see what Kelvin Sheppard has cooking.
But here’s what we do know. Dan Campbell said at the league meetings that he and Sheppard want to make this defense more versatile and adaptable. You can see that philosophy in the free agents they signed and the players they drafted. Keith Abney is a zone guy, sure, but this feels more about building options than committing to one system.
The Lions want to be able to shift things around at the drop of a hat. Smart teams do that. We’ll find out what it looks like in July.
Why Do the Lions Keep Bringing in Receivers?
Good question, especially when the receiver room already feels crowded. But look at the type of guys they’re bringing in for visits. They’re speedsters. Field stretchers. That tells you something.
Brad Holmes is building competition for a specific role, and he’s keeping all his options open. The receiver room might not be as deep as it looks on paper once you get past Greg Dortch. Smart front offices never stop looking for upgrades.
Who is the Edge Opposite Aidan Hutchinson?
Long term, it’s Derrick Moore and it’s not close. The rookie is the future of that spot. But he’s still a rookie, so expect a heavy rotation to start the season between Moore and D.J. Wonnum.
The smart money says Wonnum gets early down work to help with run defense, while Moore comes in on passing downs to rush the passer. At some point, Moore should be ready for full-time duty, but give the kid some time to adjust to the NFL.
What’s Going on With the Interior of the Defensive Line?
The concerns about this group might be overblown. Alim McNeill was coming off a torn ACL, which explains any struggles. After a full offseason of work, he should be back at full strength. Tyliek Williams had a solid rookie season, even if he didn’t start down the stretch because they didn’t need him to.
Losing Lopez was a surprise, but the depth isn’t terrible. Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, Skyler Gill-Howard, Tyre West, and Aidan Keanaaina give them options. It’s not a bad group of guys to work with.
Think Holmes missed the mark on the defensive line depth, or are we just being typical Lions fans and panicking over nothing? Let me know in the comments.
