The Detroit Lions are on an upward trajectory under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, showing marked improvements in recent seasons. After finishing 9-8 in 2022 and being competitive in a loaded NFC North, the Lions have made strides both offensively and defensively. However, as they look to take the next step and truly challenge for a playoff spot or perhaps even the NFC North title, there are several key areas where they need to improve. This offseason will be pivotal for the Lions, as they look to add talent and depth to their roster in order to continue their ascent. With that in mind, let’s break down the four biggest positions of need for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2023 offseason.
1. Cornerback
Why It’s a Need:
The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in improving their defense over the past few seasons, but one position that remains a glaring weak spot is cornerback. In 2022, the Lions’ secondary struggled with consistency and depth, especially on the outside. While players like Amani Oruwariye have shown flashes of potential, the unit overall has been vulnerable against high-powered passing attacks. The Lions allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL (248.4 per game) and were among the worst in pass defense DVOA (Defensive Value Over Average). This is an area that must be addressed if the Lions are to contend with teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, who have talented quarterbacks and wide receiver corps.
The current cornerback group has some potential but lacks a true number one shutdown corner. Jeffrey Okudah, the former third overall pick, has shown signs of development but remains inconsistent and often struggles with coverage in man-to-man situations. While the Lions did address the cornerback position in the 2022 draft by selecting Kerby Joseph, a safety, they still need to find a lockdown corner who can effectively match up with elite wide receivers in the league.
How to Address:
To address this need, the Lions should prioritize acquiring a top-tier cornerback, either through free agency or the draft. There are some talented cornerbacks expected to be available this offseason. If the Lions opt for free agency, names like James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles) and Marcus Peters (Baltimore Ravens) could provide instant upgrades. Alternatively, they could target a top cornerback in the 2023 draft, where players like Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) or Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) are projected to be available in the early rounds.
A starting-caliber cornerback would help shore up the Lions’ pass defense and give their young defensive backs the time and space they need to develop.
2. Defensive Tackle
Why It’s a Need:
The Lions have struggled to control the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball, particularly against the run. In 2022, Detroit ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed per game (145.2), which is a critical issue for a team looking to become a legitimate playoff contender. While the Lions have some talented edge rushers, including Aidan Hutchinson (their 2022 first-round pick), their interior defensive line lacks the strength to clog running lanes and pressure opposing quarterbacks up the middle.
Part of the issue is the play of defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who has been on the decline and failed to provide the kind of interior disruption the team needs. While they have solid rotational players like Alim McNeill and Isaiah Buggs, neither has proven to be a difference-maker at defensive tackle. The Lions need to add a true interior presence who can both defend the run and collapse the pocket on passing downs.
How to Address:
Detroit needs to invest in a high-quality defensive tackle, either via free agency or the draft. In free agency, players like Daron Payne (Washington Commanders), Javon Hargrave (San Francisco 49ers), and Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles) could provide the kind of run-stopping ability and pass rush that the Lions desperately need. Additionally, if the Lions opt for the draft, there are some excellent defensive tackles to target, such as Jalen Carter (Georgia), Bryan Bresee (Clemson), or Mazi Smith (Michigan). Ideally, the Lions need a player who can create chaos up the middle, freeing up Hutchinson and other edge rushers to get after the quarterback.
Improving the interior defensive line would not only help with run defense but would also allow the Lions’ defense to better control games by limiting the opposing team’s ability to sustain drives and convert on third downs.
3. Linebacker
Why It’s a Need:
The linebacker position has been an area of concern for the Lions for several years, and while the team did invest in the position by drafting players like Malcolm Rodriguez and signing free agents like Alex Anzalone, the group is still one of the weaker links in the defense. Rodriguez, a sixth-round pick in 2022, has shown promise, but he is still developing and may not be ready to assume a full-time starter’s role just yet. Anzalone has been solid, but his skill set is more suited to a depth or rotational role rather than as a long-term starter.
The Lions need a linebacker who can cover in space, play the run effectively, and be a leader in the middle of the defense. Their lack of a true three-down linebacker limits the defense’s versatility and ability to match up against modern NFL offenses, especially those that feature a dynamic tight end or running back in the passing game.
How to Address:
The Lions should look to improve at linebacker through both free agency and the draft. There are some solid free-agent linebackers who could step in and immediately contribute, such as Tremaine Edmunds (Buffalo Bills), Bobby Wagner (Los Angeles Rams), and David Long (Miami Dolphins). If the Lions prefer to go the draft route, there are a number of talented linebackers expected to be available, including Drew Sanders (Arkansas), Trenton Simpson (Clemson), and Jack Campbell (Iowa).
Adding an impact linebacker would provide the Lions with a more dynamic defense capable of containing versatile playmakers, improving their ability to stop the run, and providing better coverage against tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
4. Wide Receiver
Why It’s a Need:
The Lions have one of the NFL’s most exciting young offenses, led by quarterback Jared Goff, running back D’Andre Swift, and dynamic wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, while St. Brown is a proven and reliable weapon, the Lions still lack a second dynamic wide receiver to complement him. Players like Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond are solid contributors, but neither offers the same level of consistent playmaking ability that a true number two receiver would provide.
This lack of depth at the wide receiver position limits the Lions’ ability to create mismatches in the passing game. Defenses can focus on St. Brown, knowing that the Lions don’t have another wideout capable of consistently beating one-on-one coverage. This issue became apparent during the 2022 season, as the Lions’ offense often relied heavily on St. Brown to move the ball through the air.
How to Address:
The Lions need to add a high-level wide receiver to the roster, ideally one who can create separation and make plays downfield. In free agency, players like JuJu Smith-Schuster (Kansas City Chiefs), Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints), and DJ Chark (Jacksonville Jaguars) could provide an immediate upgrade. However, the Lions should also consider using their early-round draft picks to add a top-tier receiver. Players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State), Quentin Johnston (TCU), or Jordan Addison (USC) could be excellent options if they are available in the first or second round.
Adding a dynamic wide receiver opposite St. Brown would provide Jared Goff with more weapons in the passing game and help take the offense to the next level.
