Category: Mailbag

#OnePride Q/A: Exploring RB additions the Lions could consider

Check out and see how fans felt about the Detroit Lions RB corps. Can Devonta Freeman or Antonio Gibson help the Detroit Lions running back corps?

Throughout the week, we at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base several questions, hoping to hear their voice on various topics concerning the Detroit Lions.

Through the use of Twitter polls, we were able to gauge the fan’s thoughts on a variety of topics, including what they believe the Lions are poised to do in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.

Confidence with Lions’ RB corps?

Zack’s take: Fans were split on how confident they felt with the current Lions’ running back corps, ranging from reasonably confident to not so sure. Kerryon Johnson is the Lions’ primary weapon, but he hasn’t played a full season since he was drafted. Bo Scarbrough saw a career rejuvenation with the Lions but was it a fluke or things to come? As a sixth-round rookie, Ty Johnson saw an increase in touches when the injury bug hit Detroit but is his roster spot guaranteed?

Based on the current group of running backs on the roster, I fall under the 50-60-percent confidence range. On the surface, it has the potential to be a solid rotation of backs, but the depth and injury questions surrounding this group are hard to ignore.

Free-agent to the rescue?

Zack’s take: Devonta Freeman was unable to live up to his contract with the Atlanta Falcons and he was released after averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry last season. With his impressive receiving skills, Freeman has the potential to still be an effective back, with his biggest obstacle being the cost to sign him. With how quiet his free agency market has been, I suspect the cost to acquire him wouldn’t be too high. If the Lions’ strikeout in the draft, Freeman would offer them solid depth and a veteran presence for the young runners.

I included Prosise in this poll because he played under Bevell in Seattle and would fit in the Lions’ offensive scheme. He has terrific receiving skills but has been injury-prone, only playing in 25 games since 2016. If he can prove healthy, Prosise could be an option in a similar way J.D. McKissic was last year.

Suitable round for a running back?

Zack’s take: I agree with the fans here, feeling the most comfortable taking a running back in the third or fourth rounds. There have been plenty of mock drafts projecting the Lions to draft a running back in the second round, but I can’t see them using another second-round selection on a running back.

Don’t get me wrong, it would be fun to see either J.K Dobbins or Jonathon Taylor in Honolulu blue, but the Lions have more pressing needs early in the draft. The mid rounds feel like the perfect range for the Lions to get a complement back like A.J. Dillion or Darrynton Evans, both who have been talked about extensively as potential targets.

Speaking of potential targets.

Potential draft prospects to help?

Zack’s take: Gibson ran away with this one and it’s easy to see why. He is a versatile playmaker with his beautiful blend of speed, size, and vision that make him an effective running back even though he was primarily used as a slot receiver at Memphis. Gibson was one criterion away — burst score — from being a full QIB qualifier. However, he was close enough that he should still be in the conversation as a potential running back option on the Lions’ draft board.

Utah’s Zack Moss was not in the poll but had quite a few comments within the post. He is a player to keep your eye on, considering the Lions have had multiple meetings with Moss and could be an option for them in the third or fourth round.

Keep your eyes open for future questions. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any questions you’d like to see answered, send a message, or leave a comment with your question. Thank you to all Lions fans and the #OnePride nation.

#OnePride Fan Q/A: J.K. Dobbins to Detroit? Defensive line in the 2nd round?

#OnePride fans were presented a Q/A session with topics surrounding the Detroit Lions, J.K. Dobbins, drafting defensive line, and trades.

We at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base several questions throughout the week, hoping to hear their voice on various topics concerning the Detroit Lions.

Through the use of Twitter polls, we were able to gauge the fans’ thoughts on a variety of topics, including what fans believe the Lions are poised to do in the upcoming NFL Draft.

J.K Dobbins to Detroit?

Zack’s take: The latest #OnePride fan mock draft showed fans are craving a running back with the selection of Jonathon Taylor in the 2nd round, and it shows in this question as well.

The Lions will surely be looking at running back this draft and I believe pick 85 is the sweet spot for this roster. Will J.K. Dobbins, one of the top running backs in the draft, make it to the 3rd round? Probably not, but if he does, he should be on the Lions radar.

Trade back into the 1st round?

Zack’s take: I agree with Lions fans on this one. There are talks that Epenesa could fall to the 2nd round, but he is such a perfect fit for this scheme, the Lions might not what to take that chance. Surrendering picks No. 35 and No. 85 should do the trick to move in the back half of the 1st round, which I don’t think is a huge price to pay for a player who could immediately contribute.

Position of need in the 2nd round?

Zack’s take: All of these positions are need for the Lions and will be addressed somewhere in the draft, but after the losses on the defensive line, the Lions could look early in the draft to fill that significant need. There should be a wide variety of defensive lineman available at pick 35.

[lawrence-related id=41189]

Which defensive lineman in the 2nd round?

Zack’s take: Blacklock has been mocked to the Lions on a few occasions, and as long as he lasts to the pick 35, I could easily see him being the selection if the Lions go that route.

Even though his run defense may need some refinement, his pass-rushing alone makes him worth it. With superb athleticism for a man his size, he can play at the 1- and 3-techniques, bullying his way through the middle of the offensive line. Marlon Davidson and Justin Madubuike would make excellent Plan B options offering similar athleticism and size — all checking in at 6-3 and roughly 300 pounds.

Keep your eyes open for future questions. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any questions you’d like to see answered, send a message, or leave a comment with your question. Thank you to all Lions fans and the #OnePride nation.

Mailbag: Are Matt Patricia, Bob Quinn on thin ice?

Mailbag: Are Matt Patricia, Bob Quinn on thin ice, and other questions about all things Detroit Lions

With the Detroit Lions sitting at the bottom of their division at 3-6-1 and less than a one percent chance of making the playoffs, fans are ready to declare this season over.

Let’s see what fans want to know about the Lions’ future in this week’s mailbag:

Would drafting Ed Oliver have made much of a difference in the Lions’ record this year? — @5xs_the_destiny

Detroit’s on-field issues go beyond the defensive line’s poor performance thus far. Yes, Oliver is quite the player for Buffalo, but it’s hard to see him be as successful on this team.

So to answer your question, no. Unless Oliver can play defensive line, inside linebacker, running back, and backup quarterback all at the same time, he wouldn’t make much of a difference for the Lions this season.

I think Patricia and Quinn have a minimum of another year. If they were to be let go, do they think about promoting Bevell? –@NJdetlionsfan

I too believe that both coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn are on thin ice within the Detroit Lions organization.

If that’s the case, the team will have quite a predicament on their hands. I’d imagine that if Patricia leaves, so do most of his staff.

Bevell would likely be a front runner for the job. He’s meshed nicely with the team and the organization, and I think he has the football smarts to be a head coach in the league. This may open the door to a guy like Kris Richard, his defensive coordinator in Seattle, to hold that position in Detroit next year.

Why are Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia still employed? –@JerryD12238647

Because mid-season firings would only make this season worse. Who would replace them right now? Whoever the Lions could scrounge up this far into the year would be infinitely worse than the current situation.

Give them one more season. If they can’t find success in 2020, they’ll surely be out of a job.

Over or under Lions winning 2.5 games rest of season. What draft pick does that get? — @NickFaberNFL

I’m taking the under. With an injury-plagued team and a struggling defense, I can’t see Detroit scraping up more than two wins to close out the season.

As far as draft status goes, it’s pretty likely that they’ll be selecting in the top-ten again. They’re sitting at tenth right now and I don’t think that will change too much after the next six games.

How much will it cost/save Detroit to cut ties with Wagner, Jesse James, and Jarrad Davis? — @larrymoreorless

If my math is correct, cutting those three would leave the Lions with $17,556,270 in dead money, and that’s not counting any cap hits that they have currently.

Given that Detroit doesn’t have capable replacements for Wagner or Davis, I can’t see them moving on from those two. As for James, he has not lived up to expectations, but neither have any of the tight ends on the roster. I’d give him another season or two.

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions this week!

Be sure to send in your questions to me on Twitter next week and give me a follow while you’re at it! I can always be found @maxgerbs.

Mailbag: What lies ahead for the Detroit Lions?

This week’s Lions Wire mailbag is looking forward to 2020, talking draft, free agency, and potential coaching changes.

The Detroit Lions 2019 season appears to be over, or at least, Lions’ fans think so.

While I try to stay optimistic, I will admit that things aren’t looking pretty. The Lions are down a starting quarterback, lack any depth at running back, and the defense looks to be really struggling. They might not be able to salvage the season, but maybe there will some glimpses of hope for the future.

This week’s mailbag is looking forward to 2020, talking draft, free agency, and potential coaching changes.

What linebackers in the draft or potential free agents fit the Lions’ size and style for next season? — @RICH_K13

I’ll be honest, I’m not too studied up on this year’s draft prospects, so I’ll focus on upcoming free agents.

[Editor’s note: Keep an eye on Ohio State’s Malik Harrison]

If the Lions want to go out and spend some big money on a free agent linebacker, 2020 would be a good time to do it.

One name that stuck out was Shaq Thompson of the Carolina Panthers. The 26-year-old linebacker will hit free agency fresh off of his rookie contract, and though he has stated that he’d like to remain with the Panthers, the appeal a big payday could lure him to a place like Detroit.

As we’ve seen, defensive players want to play for head coach Matt Patricia. Maybe Thompson will feel the same way. He fits the bill for what the Lions want in a linebacker; he can rush the passer, he can drop into coverage, he can make plays on the ball. He would thrive in Patricia’s defense.

Rank the players in order of likelihood to make the 2020 roster: Darius Slay, Sam Martin, Jarrad Davis, Taylor Decker. — @ZugIreland

Tier 1: Slay, Martin, Davis, Decker.

Slay, Martin and Decker are more than likely locked into starting roles heading into next season. Davis has struggled, but it’s far too early to give up on him.

All four will be Lions next season.

How many wins would the Lions have to get to in order for Matt Patricia to get one more year? — @rayray1222

Look, this season hasn’t been pretty, but at this point, any losses the Lions get are more reflective of them losing their starting quarterback, not the coaching.

I think next year will be Patricia’s make-or-break season. I could see a mid-season firing if his 2020 campaign has a rough start.

Chances of us drafting a QB like Jalen Hurts in this upcoming draft? Is it time to start looking at Stafford’s successor? — @TheBlackPH30N1X

I don’t think Detroit will be moving on from Stafford any time soon. But, like general manager Bob Quinn said, drafting quarterbacks is ‘good football business’.

Especially after looking at the most recent game against Chicago, I do think the Lions should invest some of their day 2 draft capital on a backup quarterback.

Grooming a quarterback behind Stafford for the next few seasons would be a smart move by Quinn. We saw how bad things are when we don’t have our starter.

I’m currently looking at Utah State’s Jordan Love. I see a lot of Stafford’s game in him, so he’d be my perfect draft prospect for Detroit.

Who are the most eligible candidates for defensive coordinator if the Lions move on from Paul Pasquiloni? — @ZugIreland

One name that I like right now is Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard.

Known for helping put together Seattle’s Legion of Boom, I think Richard could do a lot to help Detroit’s defense. This team has big holes at both cornerback and safety heading into next season, and a guy like Richard would be a valuable asset come draft time.

He served as Seattle’s defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2017, so he’d be reuniting with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell as well.

Who do you think the Lions should draft with their number-one draft pick this coming April? — @B_Lake007

The Lions may be drafting top-ten, but definitely not number one.

I’d go linebacker or defensive end if I were Bob Quinn. As I said earlier, I’m not caught up on this year’s top prospects, so ask again in March.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their questions this week!

Be sure to get those questions in next week, and give me a follow while you’re at it, on Twitter @maxgerbs.