Detroit Lions: Top Five 2016 Offseason Needs
By Zac Snyder
4. Defensive Tackle
Making the transition from Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley to Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker and an increased role for Caraun Reid didn’t go as smoothly as hoped and remains an area of concern this offseason.
A year after losing their top three defensive tackles, the Lions’ top two have contracts set to expire. Haloti Ngata played well in the second half of the season after getting off to a slow start as he battled injury while adjusting to a new team and role. Ngata indicated a desire to return to the Lions.
Walker is also a candidate to return and his tweets suggest he’d like to stick with the Lions as well. It remains to be seen if interest from either or both is reciprocated.
The 2016 NFL Draft is regarded a deep at the defensive tackle position so this isn’t a bad time to have defensive tackle on the list of offseason needs. They have young players with some experience in house with Caraun Reid and Gabe Wright, veterans on expiring deals they can considering re-signing and a loaded draft class to fall back on or supplement the roster depending on how free agency plays out.
Next: Number 3