Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Lions Free Agency Prediction: Defensive Backs

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety Rafael Bush (31) makes an interception during the fourth quarter to end the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety Rafael Bush (31) makes an interception during the fourth quarter to end the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley (8) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson wide receiver
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley (8) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson wide receiver /

Free Agency Prediction

All three current Lions free agents will not return to Detroit. I expect Bush to land with another team with a chance to challenge for a starting role, something he won’t be offered in Detroit. Butler and Jackson could return at vet minimum deals, but they would be camp competition with no guarantee of a roster spot.

I don’t expect the Lions to make a big splash in the defensive back free agency pool, mostly because I think it will price itself out of Bob Quinn’s range. I do expect them to add more of a back-end player who will compete for one of the final spots in the secondary. Either Leon Hall or DJ Hayden make sense to me.

Draft Prediction

The Lions will draft a cornerback who will challenge to start in 2017 and a future starting safety. A player like Gareon Conley would be ideal at 53 and I would also be on board with them trading up to acquire him if necessary. He would likely be a starter by the half way point of the season if not sooner.

Lorenzo Jerome is ball hawk and has the potential to grow into a starting free safety role in the future. If he is able to do this within his rookie contract (four seasons), it would be solid timing for the Lions to make decisions on Glover Quin. Added bonus, Jerome is a legit NFL kick returner right now and would make an immediate impact on special teams. Like Killebrew, he has early day three value.

Next: Free Agent Prediction: Riley Reiff

As the draft season progresses, more players will present themselves as options and scheme fits for the Lions scheme, so make sure you are checking back at DetroitJockCity.com for future articles. You can also follow me on Twitter (@erikschlitt) for more continuing analysis.

Home/Detroit Lions