Detroit Lions: Top Five 2016 Offseason Needs
By Zac Snyder
1. Offensive Tackle
No position was as big of a problem a year ago as the right tackle spot. LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas and Michael Ola combined to give up eight sacks, ten quarterback hits and 48 quarterback hurries according to Pro Football Focus stats. Ola proved superior to Waddle and Lucas but the carousel of undrafted players and street free agents has to end.
But I didn’t limit this section to just right tackle. Riley Reiff had some issues in pass protection and could be looked upon to stabilize the right side if the Lions can find an upgrade over Reiff. Leaving Reiff in place and upgrading at right tackle is an easier proposition, but with less impact.
Reiff is the continuation of Jeff Backus. Many Lions fans will read that statement with great disdain but shouldn’t. Backus was never a Pro Bowler but dependable and was made a greater scapegoat than he deserved. Similarly, Reiff is good, but not great. His ceiling falls well short of elite, so if the Lions are looking to make a big move in fixing their tackle problem, it could come on the left side by displacing Reiff.
Next: 10 Lions Who Could be Gone in 2016
That’s how I view the Lions’ top five needs as the offseason officially gets underway after Super Bowl 50. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comment section below.