The Detroit Lions are considered Super Bowl contenders this upcoming season in large part due to their prolific offense.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson again decided to forego an opportunity to leave Motown to become an NFL head coach, despite having numerous interviews.
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With Jared Goff leading the offense, Johnson has multiple weapons at his disposal. The expectation is Jameson Williams will emerge as the No. 2 receiver, while Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown should have ample opportunities to produce at a high level.
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General manager Brad Holmes is seeking impact players with each of the Lions seven draft picks this year.
Holmes expressed at the annual league meetings, “You guys have heard me talk openly about it that when it comes to the draft you can really make some mistakes when you’re trying to reach for a need and you’re really missing out on impact players.”
Let’s explore the top three positions the Lions need to avoid in the first round.
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Quarterback
Detroit is among the rare teams that have an established quarterback that can easily win multiple postseason games.
The veteran signal-caller is firmly in control of Johnson’s offense. It is expected that Hendon Hooker will compete with Nate Sudfeld during training camp for the opportunity to serve as the 29-year-old’s backup in 2024.
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As many as three or four quarterbacks could be selected in the top five, with multiple teams mulling over the possibility of trading into the top 10 to select one of the talented prospects coming out.
At No. 29, the Lions should have at least one player they covet remaining on their first round board. If it turns out a team moves just ahead of Detroit and selects a prime target, Holmes would be more than willing to trade down.
With a team on the verge of appearing in the Super Bowl, selecting another young quarterback early seems unlikely, as Goff is also expected to receive a hefty contract extension.
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Running back
Detroit has four talented running backs on the roster working with Scottie Montgomery.
Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds and Zonovan Knight seem to have a firm grasp of their position on the depth chart.
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While many fascinating prospects are worthy of a first-round pick this year, the Lions shouldn’t be in the conversation for a running back.
In fact, the Lions have enough talent to not regret passing on any running back with one of their picks this year.
Tight end
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When the San Francisco 49ers signed Brock Wright to a contract offer sheet, many supporters believed Holmes and the front office would not be willing to match it.
Having Wright depart could have opened the door for Detroit to target a tight end early, but the team showed the investment was worth it to retain a solid run-blocker familiar with the offensive scheme.
James Mitchell has not necessarily had the impact the team expected during the early part of his career. Injuries have also kept the talented tight end from being more involved in weekly game plans.
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With LaPorta expected to earn the bulk of tight end targets, Mitchell, Wright and Shane Zylstra will be in competition for practice reps and playing time.
Targeting a tight end position would be a luxury decision for Detroit this year. Brock Bowers is really the only prospect worthy of being in the conversation of drafting on Day 1.
Detroit’s defense, which has upgraded in free agency, must be the focal point for Holmes and Co. during the early rounds of the draft to add depth to the defensive line, cornerback and safeties room.
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