Our very own Randal Kennedy, aka @FF_Terminator, brings us his Detroit Lions offseason breakdown with the classic brevity we love from him. Enjoy!
Matthew Stafford is back and that’s a great thing for Detroit. Stafford set career highs in TD rate (6.5%), YPA (8.6) and QBR (73.1) in his first half year with new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. He’ll again feature the likes of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones in three-wide sets and try to implore defenses to focus their attention elsewhere in order to open up lanes for his running game.
Running Back
The Lions added Georgia standout D’Andre Swift in the second round of the NFL draft and followed that with two new guards in rounds three and four. The thinking in the motor city is that the running game will be much improved, but GM Bob Quinn has been throwing money and draft capital at his offensive line for years without much success.
Incumbent Kerryon Johnson has shown plenty of ability of his own, but he’s also shown a proclivity for getting hurt. The Auburn product has played just 18 games since being selected in the 2018 draft. Enter the aforementioned Swift, who didn’t miss a game his last three seasons between the hedges. Both these guys should provide plenty of fantasy value. Johnson is a particular value, as he’s being selected four rounds after his rookie counterpart.
Receivers
When the Lions do throw, they’ll look to gain big chunks of yardage with Kenny Golladay (18.3 YPC) and Marvin Jones, who scored nine times before his season ended prematurely. But don’t forget about T.J. Hockenson. While a member of the Seahawks coaching staff, Bevell ran a balanced offense that included the tight ends. One in every five passing plays involved one. During his time in Seattle, the tight end group accounted for twenty percent of targets and yardage while averaging 64 receptions and 6.5 touchdowns a season. The Lions spent the #10 overall pick on Hockenson in the 2019 draft, and I believe they intend to get him involved. He also provides a tremendous value at his current ADP.
The Lions also made strides to shore up their defense, selecting CB Jeff Okudah from Ohio State. The former All-American will likely start for Detroit right away, replacing Darius Slay. They also brought in veterans Duron Harmon and Jamie Collins. Both are former Patriots and both know Head Coach Matt Patrica’s system. The club also added former first round pick Desmond Trufant. Trufant had four interceptions in just nine games a season ago.
Final Thoughts
The Lions were 3-4-1 in Stafford’s eight starts and probably should have beaten the Chiefs. If they can keep their QB healthy and if the defense takes a step forward, this team could make some noise in the NFC north.
Stay tuned for the rest of our NFC North Breakdowns this week. For more of Randal’s articles, check out his offseason breakdowns of the 49ers, and Chargers, and Chiefs, only at theundroppables.com
