Step 1: work on the line through the draft- the Lions D-line showed a lot of potential in the preseason and looked to be one of the premier lines in the league, yet it is hard to have a strong D-line when they are all hurt. The Lions have the 20th pick in the draft this upcoming april and there are many players that could fill in holes on the D-line, one player that I believe could be a big impact player is Maures Hurst (U of M) DL, Mo Hurst is a strong interior lineman that could wreak havoc for opposing QBs and with Haloti Ngata’s injuries and the fact that he isn’t getting any younger. Another unlikely option would be Marcus Davenport, Davenport has reflexes like a cat and long reach to get around the line, he could be an impressive player in the league for a while, a young powerful lineman can be a large impact on the Lions defence.

 

Step 2: integrate Matt Patricia’s scheme into are defence- under former head coach Jim Caldwell the Lions used Baltimore’s 3-4 scheme and it put us in the middle of the pack defensively ranking at around 22nd in the league in defence over the past two years. Bringing in the Patriots hybrid 3-4 will-side scheme will be some work but that is what the offseason is for, if Patricia is able to have a smooth integration then the Lion’s defence will benefit.

 

Step 3: improve the run game through free agency/trading- There is no doubt that the Lion’s run game could use some help, their run game has ranked near dead last in the last three years and they have not had a 100 yard rusher since 2013, there are many ways this can be fixed. One of these is through free agency, Detroit needs a workhorse three-down back and there are a couple intriguing backs in free agency that could be the next potential RB for the Lions, Jerick McKinnon of the Minnesota Vikings has said that he wants out of Minnesota due to the rising star that is Dalvin Cook, he seems to be hungry for a role as the lead back and Detroit may just be his new home. Legarrette Blount has show signs of regression in his 2017 campaign with the Eagles but when his one year deal is up with them, he may be a good place-holder for a year or two until we can build through the draft or a more enticing player enters the market. Blount will also be able to do what most of the Detroit running backs have not been able to...plug it in at the two yard line. Another way to improve are run game is through trading, many teams have two or more capable backs and Detroit can seize the opportunity. Tevin Coleman of the Falcons could be an excellent fit in Detroit, he is back B in the dynamic duo of Coleman and freeman. Coleman had been shown to be a true workhorse back with plenty of juice left in him, I like him for the 2018 Lions. Solving the Lions running game problem would be a tremendous help for a postseason run.

 

Step 4: Filling holes through free agency- There are many holes on the Lions that can be filled through free agency, holes like a cornerback to play opposite to pro-bowl corner Darius Slay after the announcement that the Lions organization would not be bringing back corner Nevin Lawson. The O-line of the Lions 2017 campaign was riddled with injuries and fell apart piece by piece, they are getting everyone back for the 2018 season but it couldn’t hurt to grab a new left tackle due to the lacking play of Greg Robinson. Other holes that could be filled are DE, LB, and MLB.

 

Step 5: Developing the rookies/young players- this is important for all teams but the Lions have some young players that have incredible talent but needed to be molded and teached. Players like Jamal Agnew and Teez Tabor have immaculate skills but with some good coaching and experience they can be great. Other players that have some potential are Kenny Golladay WR and Tion Green RB have shown signs of greatness, Golladay had an impressive rookie season with 28 catches for 477 yards and three scores, Green only truly played in the last couple of games but was an impressive player in the snaps he took accounting for 42 carries for 165 yards and two scores in the span of about three games. He has shown that he can play and could be an important piece of the Lions offense in 2018.

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Step 6: Tag Ansah- Ziggy Ansah has been a cornerstone of the lines defence since he was drafted and his contract is up. If the Lions want any chance at holding the lombardi they need this man to be wearing the silver and blue, Ziggy has averaged 13 sacks a year when healthy and is a true one man wrecking crew. Tagging Ansah will give the Lions a chance to draft an edge rushing in the second or third round and develop them and once Ansah is off the tag, the Lions can try to sign him or let him go and have a young developed edge rusher.