How To Fix the Detroit Lions Defense This Offseason

Once again the Lions have placed last or near last in every defensive category. Nothing unusual about that. Lets face it, we're used to it. What we're not used to is drafting 5 possible starters in a single draft class. Sure most of our FAs didn't pull their weight, and the one that did is probably not coming back (thanks to our friend DeAndre Levy).  So why can't we do a repeat this season, focusing more on defense? Here are a few of my thoughts on the way things should pan out this offseason:

FAs:

Not much on the market this offseason, but we should look into Torry Holt and Donte Stallworth a bit (or a bit more). We need a #2 to draw attention from Calvin Johnson and someone to help our young QB read defenses. Holt can do both of those things, Stallworth could cover one. Also look into picking up a HB. Reggie Bush should be an option for trade, or the Saints might even cut him. If he runs like he did in the playoffs, it would be an upgrade. Why concentrate on offense to help the defense? Simple, the better the offense the less the defense is on the field. Picking up a few other FAs would be nice, but there isn't much to really pick through that we have a legitimate chance at landing.

The Draft:

This is the big one. But what do we need? Most people assume we'll draft Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy first. And I agree. Some people claim Joe Haden, Eric Berry or a good DE should be first. But I will simply tell you why that is wrong. DT is the heart of the defense. Everything revolved around them. Our DEs get good pressure despite their numbers. QBs are just able to step up in the pocket, that shouldn't be there with a good DT. So no good DT hurts our DEs. If the DEs can't create their pressure, the CBs have to be in coverage longer. No CB can maintain coverage forever. So no good DT hurts our CBs. When running up the middle our current DTs aren't able to hold up, so the Oline can get to our LBers. So no DT hurts our LBers. It's a domino effect. Also trading down would be a nice option, especially if we could guarentee one of these guys is still available, but on "can't miss prospects" you can't take your chances.

Second up on our draft should be CBs or a G. We have a bunch of guys who can play #2 CB or nickel, but no legitimate #1. With our Oline, a good G can solidify it. Despite what many people think, Jeff Backus was fairly decent this year. It's hard to look good when people are blowing by you on the inside. Either or could be the pick, but I'd like to see us get an offense going, so G would be my choice. But if no good G is available, CB is a great consolation prize.

Third round we should concentrate on what we missed out in round 2. Maybe a safety here. I think Ko Simpson is a decent player, and if we had people around him it would uplift his play. But decent isn't good enough to fix a defence.

Fourth round and on we should focus on the best player available. This sounds much easier than it is. We did good last season with this, almost all of our picks were great picks. Only pick that really didn't give me goosebumps was Derrick Williams, and the jury is still out on if he can contribute.

Final Thoughts:

Basically, it all comes down to the draft. The fact that the NFL and the Players Association couldn't come to an agreement really screws things up for us in the FA department. We can't really make big splashes in free agency because no one is available or they don't want to play here. But with the draft, we can fix up our biggest concerns and turn into a legitimate team.