NFL Free Agency 2011: 10 Players Detroit Lions Should Target

The 2011 NFL Draft is complete, and the Detroit Lions have taken another presumptive step in the right direction by adding talented value picks.

However, they did not address a few problem areas that need to be upgraded in order for this team to take the step forward that most fans are hoping to achieve.

Last year, Detroit was aggressive in pursuing Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson, two moves that proved to be very effective. Vanden Bosch in particular truly set the tone on the defensive line, in effect bringing an attitude that helped transform the defense into a powerful bunch.

In order for this team to take the next step that hopefully will include a post season berth, general manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz will need to strike gold once again and grab a few players that will be able to help this team excel.

Here are the 10 players that should be targets once free agency finally begins.

10. Matt Light, OL

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Matt Light #72 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Detroit's offensive line was suprisingly solid last year. Although most draft analysts saw the offensive line as a priority in the draft, Nick Fairley and company were just too good to pass up.

In all honesty, this was not an exceptional draft as far as offensive linemen were concerned. Sure, there were some solid picks in the middle rounds, but once Dallas took the only top 10 caliber offensive tackle off the board, the Lions were wise not to reach at 13.

A better bet for Detroit is to grab a proven winner with a strong attitude from the ranks of the free agent pool.

Matt Light could be for the offensive line what Vanden Bosch was for the defensive line. Light was a stud for a decade on the best team in the league. He brings veteran leadership, championship mettle and a steely resolve.

Sure, Jeff Backus is coming off one of his best years and it is too soon to give up on Gosder Cherilus, but Light would be a wise investment for Detroit. At the very least, he provides an excellent insurance policy if Cherilus were to take a step back.

9. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 03: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball under pressure from Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants on January 3, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giant

I know, I know, the Lions have an incredibly deep and strong defensive line.

However, Vanden Bosch is anything but a sure thing to come back after his neck injury last year, which would immediately derail the outside pass rush.

Enter Mathias Kiwanuka.

Kiwanuka is a stud speed pass rusher that has been undervalued and underappreciated in New York while playing in the shadow of greatness.

He should be in line for a big pay day, and Detroit could use another pass rusher on the outside.

8. Deuce Lutui, G

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: The Arizona Cardinals offensive line, centerd by Lyle Sendlein #63 line up during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeate

Stephen Peterman played surprisingly well last year, but Detroit would no doubt love to upgrade their right side of the offensive line.

Deuce Lutui, though not particularly strong as a pass blocker, is an absolute mauler in the run game.

Bring in Lutui for a reasonable sum, and you can have a deep, strong offensive rotation at the guard position and maybe open up some holes for the backs.

7. Stephen Tulloch, MLB

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Stephen Tulloch #55 of the Tennessee Titans breaks up a pass intended for Owen Daniels #81 of the Houston Texans at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans, 31-17. (Photo by Gran

Perhaps the biggest position of need for the Lions is at linebacker.

Sure, they do have a very talented young guy in Deandre Levy that has proven ability at a wide range of spots.

And sure, Stephen Tulloch is a middle linebacker and Levy played there last year. But the Lions have made their new philosophy to grab the best players available and then fit their existing personnel and scheme around them.

The wise choice is to grab the most talented player that would fit your scheme, and then move around the versatile Levy accordingly.

Tulloch, like Vanden Bosch last year, is familiar with Schwartz and his scheme and would provide some excellent skill at the mike linebacker.

The bottom line is that this defensive backfield needs to improve drastically.

6. Rocky McIntosh, OLB

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Rocky McIntosh #52 of the Washington Redskins defends against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Rocky McIntosh may be the most available of all the free agents on this list.

He struggled to fit in to the Redskins 3-4 defense last year and should be heading elsewhere.

Given his recent struggles, Detroit could get him for a bargain. Besides, is there a place that a linebacker would rather go right now than Detroit with their massive defensive line?

Look for McIntosh to man the weakside for the Lions next year.

5. Kirk Morrison, OLB

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Jack Del Rio and Kirk Morrison #55 of the Jacksonville Jaguars look on from the sideline against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Jacksonville may be looking to shake up their defense after last year's disappointment, and Morrison could be one of the casualties.

Morrison reminds me of the throwback linebackers that don't go for the highlight reel hit, but rather focus on good fundamental tackling.

That's exactly what Detroit needs. They need sure tacklers in the backfield. Let the big boys up front get the highlights.

4. Danieal Manning, S

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Wide receiver Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers catches a pass in front of Danieal Manning #38 of the Chicago Bears in the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illin

Though injury-prone over the course of the last couple seasons, Louis Delmas is a beast in run support and plays with reckless abandon.

However, the Lions had a problem with their deep coverage, something Delmas needs behind him when he lines up in the box.

Manning is an excellent upgrade in coverage that will allow Delmas to spend more time focusing on the run and less time bailing out his cornerbacks.

3. Barrett Ruud, MLB

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Barrett Ruud #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Barrett Ruud is the classic run stuffing middle linebacker that Detroit has been missing for years.

Going back to Chris Spielman, Stephen Boyd and then to a lesser extent Earl Holmes, Detroit's identity lies in having a run stuffer in the middle.

Ruud is an absolute beast that plays with a high motor and relishes contact. Given the girth of the defensive line, Ruud will be able to concentrate on plugging holes, not shedding blockers.

2. Brent Grimes, CB

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers scores a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 201

Grimes is not your typical shut down cornerback, but he is quick, has great leaping ability and can jam at the line of scrimmage.

Atlanta will try desperately to keep this Pro Bowler, but Detroit should be able to make it interesting if they strike out on their top option...

1. Nnamdi Asomugha

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge

Nnamdi Asomugha is the epitome of shut down corner. When a team has him, they can completely forget about that side of the field and concentrate on the rest.

In addition, he is a sure tackler and from all accounts a leader in the locker room.

This needs to be the top option for Detroit this off season. When free agency finally opens up, they need to be on his doorstep with a suitcase full of cash.

Imagine the possibilities. With Asomugha taking away one whole half of the field, Detroit will have more time to pursue the quarterback, the safeties can shade the other corner and the entire pass defense will move up to the elite level.

Nabbing Nnamdi would immediately forgive all manner of sins for Detroit.