© Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK
Bold Draft Trade Would Make Lions' Offense Unstoppable
One move would take Lions' offense to elite level.
The Detroit Lions' offense has operated at an extremely high level under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Detroit's talented coordinator has designed a scheme that has played perfectly to the talent on his roster. The group has been so good, in fact, that he has been a big name on the head coaching carousel each of the last two seasons.
However, Johnson spurned offers again in 2023 to remain with the Lions and continue his partnership with Jared Goff. As a result, the unit appears to be in good shape with a number of returning talents.
One area, though, that the unit appears to be lacking is with a big-bodied wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown mans the slot at an elite level, while Jameson Williams supplies the speed and Sam LaPorta holds down the tight end position.
With Josh Reynolds off to the Denver Broncos on a two-year deal, the Lions will be in search of another compliment for the passing attack. A unique solution could be available if general manager Brad Holmes feels the need to move up in the Draft.
That solution is tight end Brock Bowers, who offers a do-it-all skill set. The Lions currently hold the 29th pick, and the chances of Bowers being available at that choice are quite slim.
If the Lions move up, though, adding Bowers would be the perfect solution for the Lions' offense.
For starters, it would give the organization the best tight end tandem in the league. With Brock Wright having inked a three-year offer sheet with San Francisco, Detroit is in danger of losing its backup tight end. Bowers would not only provide depth at the position but also the ability to contribute in other ways.
By adding Bowers, it would allow the Lions to utilize 12 personnel groupings without the opponent being able to scheme against the run. Detroit has built its identity around a run-oriented attack with two strong running backs, but Bowers' abilities as a pass-catcher would force the defense to stay aware of the pass.
The Georgia product is a strong route runner with elite catching abilities. His athleticism is also among the best in the Draft class.
Additionally, Bowers would be a matchup nightmare next to LaPorta. Should defenses stack the box to stymie the run, either Bowers or LaPorta would command a favorable matchup against a linebacker or undersized defensive back.
LaPorta made his skills clear with a record-setting rookie campaign, and Bowers entering the fold would only improve the Iowa product's ability to contribute in the passing game.
There's plenty of versatility to Bowers' game. At Georgia, he lined up all over the offense. Be it in the slot, out wide or inline as a blocker, the talented tight end did it all. This would account for the lack of a true 'X' receiver.
Both players are good blockers as well. Bowers logged a 62.4 run-blocking grade in his final season at Georgia, while LaPorta proved to be ahead of the curve in his first NFL campaign. As a result, the Lions would be able to consistently produce on the ground with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
The trade itself could come at a hefty cost. Bowers has generated buzz all over the first round, going as high as No. 5 overall in some mock drafts. Should he slip outside the top-10, though, it could offer Holmes a chance to make another strong trade to move up.
It wouldn't be out of character for Holmes to move up, either. He did it in 2022 to land Williams, moving from No. 32 to No. 12.
The versatility that this pairing would give the Lions would open up their passing game even more. With so many talented threats across the board, Johnson's group would be among the most feared in the league.
