The Detroit Lions added another big force to their D line and a few impact players at the offensive skill positions in the 2011 NFL draft. Now they have to do some work on their LB corps and in the defensive secondary. Even after the 2011 draft I still see a roster that has a lot of needs, and a few glaring holes. Granted the Lions management has done a fairley good job rebuilding a roster decimated by an idiot (Matt Millen) but much work remains.
I am overly concerned about the LB corps. Granted MLB DeAndre Levy played most of the 2010 season injured and once he got healthy he was a force of the defense. However this team is very thing at the OLB spots. They released Julian Peterson leaving them with Zach Follett, Caleb Campbell, Bobby Carpenter, Landon Johnson, and Vinny Ciurciu on the roster. None of those players bring the impact this defense needs so at least one (more than likely two) OLB need to be brought in via the free agent market.
The Lions also have issues in their defensive secondary. Again Louis Delmas played much of 2010 with an injury and once he his healthy he will hold down the FS spot. Amari Spivey, a 2010 draft pick, should end up as the SS, but this team is still thin at CB. Chris Houston is a free agent; Alphonso Smith is ok but lacks big impact. I think this team will need to target a certain former Oakland Raider to really upgrade the secondary.
Other than that this team should resign DE Cliff Avril and then get prepared for a 2012 free agent period that could see significant Detroit Lions free agents.
Related Links:
- Detroit Lions news and notes
- Joshua Lobdell.com