Lions Free Agency: Still Time to Add a Pass Rusher
We’re deep in the dead zone now with over 80 days until preseason kicks off, but that doesn’t mean Brad Holmes is done working. If I’m sitting in Allen Park right now, I’m eyeing Jadeveon Clowney or waiting to see what shakes loose after June 1st cuts.
You can never have too many good edge rushers. Yeah, I like what the Lions have planned with Derrick Moore and D.J. Wonnum, but adding one more proven pass rusher wouldn’t hurt. Clowney has shown he can still get after the quarterback, and frankly, this defense needs all the help it can get putting pressure on opposing offenses.
The Trenches: Holmes Did His Homework
I’m satisfied with what the Lions did in the trenches this offseason. Holmes took this seriously, walking away with a starting center and right tackle while surrounding them with solid depth at guard and swing tackle positions.
On defense, they found the right balance. Wonnum can set the edge in the run game while Moore specializes in rushing the passer. They also picked up some intriguing options like Payton Turner, who has real potential if he can stay healthy.
The only concern? Interior defensive line depth. They have bodies there, but I wonder if they could use one more run-stuffing nose tackle type. That’s probably what Holmes is keeping an eye on when those post-June 1st cuts start hitting the market.
Left Guard Competition: Mahogany Leads the Pack
The left guard battle is going to be worth watching. Christian Mahogany sits at the top of my list right now, followed by Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Ben Bartch, and Michael Niese. But these position battles can shift quickly once pads come on in training camp.
Pacheco’s Role: Somewhere Around Montgomery’s Workload
ESPN’s Mike Clay projected 158 carries for Isiah Pacheco, which is what David Montgomery had last year in a season where we can all agree, he played a lot less. That feels about right for Pacheco’s workload.
The wild card here is Sione Vaki. The Lions aren’t just giving up on that developmental plan, so how much work he gets could impact Pacheco’s touches. But Pacheco should see meaningful action as the clear number two behind Jahmyr Gibbs.
Think Pacheco gets enough work to justify replacing Montgomery, or are we overthinking a depth signing? Drop your take below.
