6 Detroit Lions Building Blocks Heading Into Future
The Detroit Lions' rebuild is being led by a wave of young players who will be expected to shoulder the burden of resurrecting a dormant NFL franchise.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes and the personnel department have overseen the transformation of an aging roster, building a team that is full of young, affordable talent.
In fact, the 2022 Lions are among the youngest teams in the entire National Football League.
Here are six cornerstone pieces leading the way for head coach Dan Campbell and the coaching staff.
Penei Sewell
The offensive line unit has the potential to be among the nastiest in the NFC North.
After a stellar first season at right tackle, Sewell, who is 21 years old, is ready to take advantage of all the lessons learned during his rookie campaign in Motown.
According to Sports Illustrated, "I like Sewell to make the leap because the Lions ran the ball between their right tackle and guard last year more than almost any team in football at a rate of 5.1 yards per carry, which was good enough for seventh in the league. Sewell allowed just one sack last year and finished the season incredibly well."
D’Andre Swift
If healthy, the shifty running back can finally take strides toward living up to being a second-round NFL draft selection.
With added size and speed, as well as another season under his belt, Swift is poised to become more of a featured weapon in Detroit's offense.
The key will be remaining healthy and continuing his development coming out of the backfield.
At any given moment, Swift can take a pass and break it for added yards after the catch.
He should become more of a safety valve for veteran quarterback Jared Goff.
© Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Quickly, the talented wideout has become one of the most must-see athletes in Detroit.
St. Brown does not lack any confidence, and his second season in Motown should demonstrate to the NFL world why this fourth-round selection was the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Aidan Hutchinson
No player embodies what the revamped culture should look like more than the ex-Wolverines defensive lineman.
In a pre-draft video released by the team, the rookie expressed to the Lions his desire to use his aggressiveness to win battles.
"I will knock the f''k out of people," Hutchinson said during his visit with the Lions at the scouting combine. "I love doing that. I love setting edges. Just getting paid to knock the s''t out of someone. That is what I love."
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jameson Williams
The Lions are hoping to transform their anemic offense.
In order for Goff to have any sort of success his second season in Motown, the frequency of explosive plays must significantly increase.
Last season, the veteran quarterback was saddled with a group of receivers, for the majority of the season, that could not take the top off of a defense.
The addition of Williams changes things for new Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
When healthy, defenses must account for Williams' blazing speed, which should be exploited by Detroit's coaching staff with a high rate of frequency.
For years to come, Detroit's offense should benefit tremendously from Williams' addition.
Wideouts like St. Brown, DJ Chark and Josh Reynolds should see immediate benefits from having the ex-Crimson Tide wideout on the roster.
Alim McNeill
Campbell noted to reporters that the young interior defensive lineman is among the strongest members of the roster.
With added dedication to his craft, McNeill will be tasked with leading the defensive line in enhancing its ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
"When you’re built the way he is and has kind of the tools that he has, he could be somewhat problematic for an offensive line," Campbell told reporters this offseason. "He is progressing well, and he’s another one of those guys. We look at him, and he’s one of those guys that’s the core of our team.”
