Detroit Lions mailbag: Are they better or worse after free agency?
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions were active in free agency this offseason, but some lingering questions remain as the NFL Draft draws near.
With the whirlwind of free agency winding down and the NFL Draft drawing near, I decided to take some time to discuss questions from the Detroit Lions fan base.
This week, we will address concerns with the offensive line, and how the Lions fared in free agency.
A disagreement w myself and a football budd- is about where Glasgow is going to play vs drafting a C that plays G or a G that plays C - and weather the Lions can draft this help in 2nd or even the 3rd -what do you think ? #1strdisdef
— Woodentune (@Woodentune2) April 11, 2018
The Lions did not target any starting-caliber offensive linemen in free agency, nor did they attempt to retain Travis Swanson. The signing of Wesley Johnson was a depth move; I do not expect him to supplant either Glasgow at center or Joe Dahl at guard.
That leads me to believe that the team is confident and comfortable with the idea of Glasgow as full-time center next season. If that is the worst-case scenario, the Lions are in pretty good position. I also believe that Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia value his versatility, which gives them options heading into the draft.
While I agree that defense will take precedence in the first round, I would not be surprised if the Lions target an interior offensive lineman that early. The bottom half of the first round is usually loaded with value as top-end, non-skill position players remain. It is much more likely, however, that the team addresses this particular need in the second or third round.
The bottom line: Glasgow’s versatility gives the Lions flexibility. They will be comfortable drafting either a guard or center, whichever player improves the entire unit.
Do you think the #Lions have gotten better, worse, or just different through free agency?
— Big Daddy Drix 🏳️🌈 (@BigDaddyDrix) April 10, 2018
A very good question, Walker. Although many fans may feel that the Lions simply did not make enough of a splash in free agency, I am of the belief that they absolutely improved. Quinn demonstrated patience and fiscal responsibility this offseason, acquiring valuable role players at a premium price. The Lions addressed areas of need as well as adding depth to the roster.
I’ll touch on a few of my favorite signings, though I honestly have no complaints with any of the moves that Quinn made. All of them were high-ceiling, low-risk acquisitions.
The franchise tagging of Ezekiel Ansah was a decision that had to be made given the lack of pass rushers available, and it gives the Lions more time to work out a long-term extension. The addition of LeGarrette Blount will inject life and toughness to an anemic rushing attack.
Signing Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo gives the Lions a pair of veteran tight ends that can block effectively. Neither are Eric Ebron, which one can consider as both a good thing and a bad thing. The duo will not stretch the field like Ebron, but they are big targets who can be factors in the red zone. Willson and Toilolo can also block well, and given the Lions’ inability to protect Matthew Stafford last season, acquiring two veterans that can aid in pass protection is a solid upgrade.
Though the team lost veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the Philadelphia Eagles, replacing him with Sylvester Williams was a savvy move that could pay immediate dividends. A former first-round pick in 2013, Williams will immediately boost the Lions paltry run defense. Ngata was a fan favorite, but at 34 years old, may not have much left in the tank. Williams, 29, is younger and more athletic.
All in all, I consider the additions far superior to the losses. The Lions are well-positioned heading into the NFL Draft.