Detroit Lions: With Playoff Run in Sight, Who Will Lions Target in Free Agency?

It still sounds strange hearing someone say it out loud, but the Detroit Lions—yes, the Detroit Lions—are just a step or two away from becoming legitimate contenders in the NFC North.

With Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota all set to return to the playoffs in 2011, it will be a tough road for Detroit. But with the return of Matthew Stafford, and the drafting of Nick Fairley, the Lions are sure making the right moves in turning this franchise around.

Detroit just needs to do one more thing to prepare for 2011: make a few moves in free agency. Obviously that's easier said then done, and we will still be waiting out this lockout for at least a month or two longer. But when the times comes, it's important that Detroit makes the most of the free-agent market.

On the offensive side of the ball, there aren't many holes for Detroit to repair via free agency. All of the pieces seem to be in place for a playoff run: franchise quarterback (Stafford), young, elusive running back (Jahvid Best), All-Pro wideout (Calvin Johnson and a more-than-capable tight end (Brandon Pettigrew).

Although, the offensive line could use a little help on the left side with an aging tackle in 33-year-old Jeff Backus. Right tackle Corey Hilliard, who started just four games in 2010, is another question mark on Detroit's O-line. But past the two tackles, Detroit's line seems pretty solid, allowing just 27 total sacks all of last season (26th most in league).

Pettigrew returned from injury in 2010 to play all 16 games, setting career-highs in receptions (71), yards (722) and touchdowns (4) in his sophomore season.

One thing the Lions need to succeed at in 2011 in order to be a success and make a legitimate run is learn how to win the close games. Six of Detroit's 10 losses during this past regular season were by a touchdown or less, including a thrilling overtime defeat against the New York Jets, the AFC's runner-up. They were only blown out twice all season—35-19 vs. Cowboys and 45-24 against the Patriots the following week.

Convincing victories over the Rams (44-6), Redskins (37-25), Super Bowl champion Packers (7-3), Buccaneers (23-20 OT), Dolphins (34-27) and Vikings (20-13) proves they have what it takes to beat a couple of playoff-caliber teams in this league.

Detroit showed hope towards the end of the season, winning the final four games and doing it all without a consistent, everyday quarterback. With Stafford out for the season due to shoulder surgery, Detroit ended the season using a total of three quarterbacks: Stafford, and veterans Drew Stanton and Shaun Hill.

Starting 10 games under center, Hill put up decent numbers (61.8 comp. percentage, 2,686 yards, 16 TD, 12 INT, 81.3 Rating, 17 sacks) despite his 3-7 record as the starter. If Stafford can play to his ability for a full 16 games, who knows what the Lions will be able to accomplish on offense.

Detroit's Defense: How the Lions fare in 2011 will all depend on the success of the defense.

I have already talked all I can about the offense, and with incoming rookies WR Titus Young and RB Mikel Leshoure (both selected in the second round of the draft), depth shouldn't be a problem. Both the pass and run offense fared pretty decently in 2010 in terms of yardage and scoring. But as for the defense? Not so much.

Detroit's secondary battled injuries all season long, and the pass defense suffered as a result. The front seven provided the sixth-most sacks in the league (44), but they managed just 14 interceptions and allowed 20-plus points in 11 of the 16 games.

Nathan Vasher provided the experience, but started just five games, recording 15 solo tackles and an interception. Louis Delmas, the 24-year-old in his second season, was the leader of the safeties, guiding rookie starting strong safety Amari Spievey through the season.

Inexperience seemed to be the Achilles' heel of the Detroit defense, which ranked 19th overall.

Detroit gave up big plays and seemed out of the game at times during the season, showing inconsistency on the field.

Past veteran defensive tackle Corey Williams and cornerback Nathan Vasher, no other regular starter had any more than five years of NFL experience. This would be a problem throughout the season, but at the same time, youth did have its advantages.

With fresh legs, NFL's AP Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh stepped in and was an immediate threat to opposing quarterbacks. On his way to the Pro Bowl, Suh tore apart offensive lines for 66 tackles, 10 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery returned 17 yards for a score.

Rather than upgrading its current secondary by selecting a cornerback in this year's draft (would've been Prince Amukamara, who ended up going No. 19 to the Giants), Detroit took a different angle and selected the best available: DT Nick Fairley out of Auburn at the No. 13 pick.

Tough to truly argue against this pick, considering Detroit has formed arguably one of the scariest defensive lines in the league. Suh will likely draw double teams from the opposition, freeing up the freakish 6'4'', 291-pound Fairley to get a free shot at the quarterback. An increase in sacks will, in turn, help out the secondary immensely.

Now, what to go after in free agency...

Personally, if I was Detroit, I would add a solid linebacker who has great coverage ability. Perhaps a guy like Paul Posluszny out of Buffalo.

Yes, he has missed six games over the last two seasons with the Bills, but his speed from the inside and his tackling ability make this a low-risk, high-reward situation. They could sign him to a shorter term contract and if it doesn't work out, they don't lose too much. I think the situation Detroit is in will make it very inviting for a guy like Posluszny.

The only other position that needs dire upgrading would be cornerback. Since they passed on the draft, adding a solid corner via free agency would be advisable for Detroit.

Now, I have heard a couple of rumors about them possibly going after Nnamdi Asomugha? I think the possibility of that actually happening is slim to none. But what is within their range at CB are guys like Ike Taylor or Richard Marshall out of Carolina. With three DBs hitting the market out of Detroit (Chris Houston, C.C. Brown and Brandon McDonald), I think they will be looking to add a guy or two if they don't bring any of their guys, that is.

Signing Paul Posluszny and Ike Taylor (if Taylor doesn't remain in Pittsburgh) seems relatively reasonable for the Lions and would do wonders for a playoff run in 2011 and 2012.

Thomas Davis is another possibility for Detroit at linebacker.