Detroit Lions: Sizing Up Their Biggest Need

If five different Detroit Lions fans were asked what Detroit's biggest need was, almost certainly, five different answers would be given.

One fan would definitely mention the offensive line—long an impediment to Detroit's rebuilding plan.

Another fan would mention the defensive line. In fact, this week the lack of a four man pass rush is the problem de jour for the Lions' fan base.

A third fan wants defensive backfield help for the Detroit Lions' worst unit.

The fourth fan would ask for weapons for Detroit's young quarterback—a running back to replace Kevin Smith or a receiver to put across from Calvin Johnson.

The fifth fan? Probably a plea to fire Millen—obviously didn't get the memo.

While this is the time of year (especially at 2-9) that Detroit Lions fans love to talk about this sort of thing, take a moment to realize that the Detroit Lions have a gigantic need that supersedes any positional grouping of label.

That enormous need?

To get bigger.

Step one of that plan was the transition last offseason to a power lifting workout plan.

Head Coach Jim Schwartz wanted his team to get bigger and stronger, even if it sacrificed some of the speed and agility that Rod Marinelli preached under the old scheme.

Whereas Marinelli wanted smaller, quicker lineman and linebackers for his Tampa Two scheme, Jim Schwartz has made it clear that he wants big hosses up front and downhill thumpers behind them.

Step two was the addition of some of those bigger players. Grady Jackson was a gamble at 36 but his 345lbs frame was needed to plug up the middle. Larry Foote is an inch shorter but five pounds heavier than last year's starter, Paris Lenon. Julian Peterson is 20lbs heavier than Ryan Nece.

Defensive tackle, Sammie Lee Hill was a hulking gamble out of Stillman College. But the 329lb force has already shown plenty of promise. Brandon Pettigrew and Dan Gronkowski also added whopping size and strength to the tight end position.

Continuing on this path is a humongous need for the Detroit Lions. More steps need to be taken to increase the size and strength of this Lions team.

What are the Lions' next moves? Looking forward to the next off season, these steps would be tremendously helpful.

Defensive Line

Looking forward to the NFL draft, if Detroit is looking for size, look no further than Terrence Cody (DT-Alabama). Although Detroit's likely top five pick would be high for the behemoth, Detroit could easily trade down or up for the big man. At over 365lbs, Cody also has athleticism—as seen by his propensity for blocking kicks.

Talent could be more important than size if Gerald McCoy (DT-Oklahoma) or Ndamukong Suh (DT-Nebraska) fall to Mayhew and company. The two sit right around 300lbs but both (especially McCoy) look like they could get bigger.

If those three aren't the pick, other names include Dan Williams (DT-Tennessee) at 327lbs, or Marvin Austin (DT-North Carolina) at a very athletic 305lbs.

With so many needs, the Lions might pass on defensive linemen in the draft altogether.

In free agency, Vince Wilfork (DT-New England) is the cream of the crop and one of the league's best young nose tackles, although the New England Patriots are almost surely going to keep the 330-pound force. 

Other free agents include Gabe Watson (DT-Arizona) at 330lbs, Domata Peko (DT-Cincinnati) at 320lbs and an older Casey Hampton at 325lbs.

The defensive end position can always get bigger as well.

DraftTek.com has often had Everson Griffen (DE-USC) as a target for the Lions—a pick I agree with. The 280-pound junior would be the Detroit Lions' biggest defensive end the day he was signed.

Other bigger defensive ends include the 290-pound Carlos Dunlap (DE-Florida) and Corey Wootton (DE-Northwestern) at 280lbs.

Will Smith (DE-New Orleans) and Jarvis Green (DE-New England) are both over 280lbs and could help the Detroit Lions' pass rush.

Linebackers

Replacing Ernie Sims with DeAndre Levy may result in better production and less missed tackles, but not a great increase in size. Levy is 235lbs, about 10 more than Ernie Sims. Levy has a chance to get bigger, so that position is well stocked.

Even so, if the Lions are going to commit to the rebuilding plan, eventually steps need to be taken to back up and provide depth to the aging Larry Foote and Julian Peterson.

In the draft, a first round linebacker would be a luxury. Later on, the Detroit Lions could take a look at the 260-pound Micah Johnson (ILB-Kentucky) or O'Brien Schofield  (OLB-Wisconsin) who is almost 250lbs.

Speaking of 250-pounders, DeMeco Ryans (OLB-Houston) is the class of the free agency crop and would be an immediate upgrade to either OLB positions. Pierre Woods is 255lbs and could enjoy coming closer to his Cleveland home. Shawne Merriman (OLB-San Diego) is 265lbs, but probably wouldn't be able to play in a 4-3 OLB spot.

For backups, Scott Fujita (OLB-New Orleans) is a aging prospect who could be great in a rotation if he is replaced in 'Nawlins.

Offensive Line

Dominic Raiola and Jeff Backus have never been described as "large."

Largely disappointing? Maybe.

To help the running game, the Detroit Lions need to get bigger. If the running game improves, teams will stop teeing off on Matt Stafford.

Backus, at 305 isn't nearly as large as likely second rounder Jason Fox (OT-Miami), who is 315lbs. Juniors Anthony Davis (OT-Rutgers) and Cabe Carimi (OT-Wisconsin) are even bigger at 325lbs.

Stephen Peterman is probably a lock at one of the guard positions next year. At the other guard spot, the Lions could look at Mike Iupati (OG-Idaho) who is 330lbs or the 350-pound John Jerry (OG-Ole Miss).

In free agency, David Baas (OG-San Francisco) is 330lbs and Chris Snee (OG-New York Giants) is a very talented 320lbs. Jared Gaither (OT-Baltimore) is one of the biggest men in the league at 6'9", 340lbs.

2009 is year one of a long rebuilding plan for the Detroit Lions. The ditch Matt Millen dug for this franchise is long, wide and deep. Digging out of it is going to take a jumbo-sized effort.

Some bigger bodies will make the immense work a little lighter.

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.