3 Burning Questions for Lions Post-Free Agency
The Lions have had the definition of a busy start to free agency.
They've acquired a multitude of players, including multiple defensive backs in an attempt to upgrade the secondary (i.e. Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson).
Detroit has also reunited with a couple familiar faces -- offensive lineman Graham Glasgow and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr.
With all that said, let's take a look at three burning questions facing the organization, with less than a month to go until the 2023 NFL Draft (April 27-29).
1.) Brad Holmes said the Lions could target one-two more free agents. Who should that be?
Holmes keeps adding former Lions players (i.e. Graham Glasgow and Marvin Jones Jr.). So, how about bringing back defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson?
Robinson was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 2016 draft, and ended up suiting up for Detroit for four seasons.
Robinson, who most recently played with the L.A. Rams, would be a nice fit along the interior of the Lions' defensive line.
He's a big, imposing lineman, standing in at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds. And, he'd have an immediate positive effect on Detroit's run defense.
In fact, he finished the 2022 campaign with a solid run-stop win rate of 39.5 percent and a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 68.7. You also wouldn't have to break the bank to acquire him (he's recovering from a torn meniscus).
So, I think Robinson would be a nice, cost-effective acquisition for Holmes.
2.) What position will the Lions target with the No. 6 overall pick?
Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter would fill a huge void along the interior of the Lions' defensive line, and I think he'll end up being the most talented player available when the No. 6 pick rolls around. However, I'm also of the belief that Detroit will pass on him because of his off-the-field issues.
Subsequently, as shocking as it may sound after the Lions' spending spree in free agency at the defensive back position, I think Detroit will end up targeting a cornerback and select Oregon's Christian Gonzalez.
Holmes made it clear earlier this week at the league meetings in Phoenix, Ariz., that he'll be approaching this April's draft with the strategy of selecting the best player available.
Enter Gonzalez, who emerged as a shutdown corner a season ago with the Ducks.
With the Lions' offseason signings of Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, defensive back might be a position of strength for the team all of a sudden. And Gonzalez, who recorded four interceptions with Oregon last season, would further add to that strength.
So, with less than a month to go until Day 1 of the 2023 draft (April 27), I'm saying that Detroit will select a cornerback with the sixth pick.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
3.) Will Jeff Okudah be a starter in 2023?
At this present juncture, I'm going to say yes. To open up the 2023 season, I believe he'll start opposite Cam Sutton. However, the leash of Okudah, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick, will be extremely short.
If Okudah ends up struggling and Emmanuel Moseley is healthy, expect the former San Francisco 49ers cornerback to supplant the Ohio State product for the starting job.
The answer to this question also depends on if the Lions draft a cornerback in the first round, such as Gonzalez at No. 6 overall. If such occurs, I wouldn't be surprised if Gonzalez is higher on the depth chart than Okudah to start the season.
All in all, Okudah's time in Motown could be coming to an end. And, if he struggles to stay healthy this upcoming season and fails to be productive when he does suit up, I think the 2023 campaign will be the final one for Okudah in Detroit.
