The Detroit Lions Offseason
The Good: Trading Matt Stafford for a Haul
I wasn't a fan of the move to trade away Matthew Stafford as for the last decade Stafford has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL but when I saw that they got him for two first round picks, a third round pick, and Jared Goff. The two first round picks will likely be later in the draft considering that Stafford is going to an immensely talented Rams team who might be just a Matt Stafford away from competing in the Super Bowl. But getting Jared Goff in the deal could be a huge blessing, especially if he balls out for the Lions. Goff may have worn-out his welcome in Los Angeles but if he finds some success in the Detroit, it will be a huge steal for the Lions and a great way to kick off the Dan Campbell head coaching tenure.
The Bad: Not going after secondary help in free agency
The Detroit Lions have had issues in their secondary for years and after trading away Darius Slay to the Eagles in 2020 and drafting Jeffrey Okudah in 2020, many would have thought they would go after a veteran presence for the back end of the defense. The Lions missed out on John Johnson as well as Shaquill Griffin in free agency and both would have made Okudah's development much easier. Even a veteran player like Patrick Peterson would have been a great addition as mentor to Jeffrey Okudah but the Lions have opted not to invest in the secondary and it could end up costing them tremendously in 2021.
The Ugly: Letting all their receivers go
The move to trade Matt Stafford was dramatic but expected, however the decision to let all of the receivers walk in free agency was a very risky move. I understand not paying top dollar for Kenny Golladay, but letting Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency leaves a huge hole on the roster that draft picks are not going to fill. It leaves the Lions with few options in the draft outside of drafting a receiving target for 2021 and while they are selecting at #7 in the draft, trading down to grab more receivers may be an only option.
Offseason Grades (Pre Draft): B+
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: A+
Selection: Penei Sewell
It's very rare that a 7th overall pick is a great steal in a draft but Penei Sewell falling that is worthy of the praise. He's a generational talent at offensive tackle regarded by many as the best non-quarterback in the draft. He and Taylor Decker will form a ridiculous edge protection presence for Jared Goff with Sewell likely developing into a perennial pro bowler on either side of the line.
Day 2 Grade: B+
Selections: Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeill, Ifeatu Melifonwu
The Detroit Lions made it a priority in Day 2 to improve there defensive line with the selection of Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill. Onwuzurike is an exceptional athlete that brings great length and tenacity to the interior of the defense and will develop into a quality pass rusher. McNeill is a big and stout run stuffer with great athleticism and potential to develop into pocket collapsing 1-tech. Both compliment each other to a "T" and will be starting games earlier than most prospects.
Day 3 Grade: A+
Selections: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Barnes, Jermar Jefferson
The Lions streak of good luck continued in Day 3 with the selection of Amon-Ra St. Brown, a fringe first round pick and an electric playmaker. Amon-Ra was easily one of the best offensive weapons in the PAC-12 and will immediately contribute on offense for the Lions if Jared Goff has a bounce back year. Derrick Barnes is a great athlete and has the potential to develop into a starter within his first couple years in the league in the Lions defense. Jermar Jefferson was a great running back in the PAC-12 and should fit nicely into the Lions backfield.
Selection: Penei Sewell
It's very rare that a 7th overall pick is a great steal in a draft but Penei Sewell falling that is worthy of the praise. He's a generational talent at offensive tackle regarded by many as the best non-quarterback in the draft. He and Taylor Decker will form a ridiculous edge protection presence for Jared Goff with Sewell likely developing into a perennial pro bowler on either side of the line.
Day 2 Grade: B+
Selections: Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeill, Ifeatu Melifonwu
The Detroit Lions made it a priority in Day 2 to improve there defensive line with the selection of Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill. Onwuzurike is an exceptional athlete that brings great length and tenacity to the interior of the defense and will develop into a quality pass rusher. McNeill is a big and stout run stuffer with great athleticism and potential to develop into pocket collapsing 1-tech. Both compliment each other to a "T" and will be starting games earlier than most prospects.
Day 3 Grade: A+
Selections: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Barnes, Jermar Jefferson
The Lions streak of good luck continued in Day 3 with the selection of Amon-Ra St. Brown, a fringe first round pick and an electric playmaker. Amon-Ra was easily one of the best offensive weapons in the PAC-12 and will immediately contribute on offense for the Lions if Jared Goff has a bounce back year. Derrick Barnes is a great athlete and has the potential to develop into a starter within his first couple years in the league in the Lions defense. Jermar Jefferson was a great running back in the PAC-12 and should fit nicely into the Lions backfield.
