Detroit Lions: Is Dante Fowler Jr. a realistic trade target?
By Zack Moran
Dante Fowler Jr. could fit the Detroit Lions’ defense, but the cost might be too high and his health could be an huge issue
Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report put out a recent article of realistic offseason trades to fill NFL contenders’ biggest holes. One of those trades involves the Detroit Lions trading with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The trade in question is defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. for a second round pick from the Lions.
Here is Brad Gagnon’s reasoning behind the trade:
"There’s still plenty of hope for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler, who quietly recorded eight sacks in a backup role in 2017. However, Fowler is likely entering his final season in Jacksonville since the team declined to exercise the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.Besides, there isn’t much room for him on the Jaguars with Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell on board.That makes Fowler a logical trade piece this summer, especially if a contender in need of pass-rushing help figures it could get more out of him in a contract year. While the New York Giants immediately come to mind as they move on from Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman likely wouldn’t be interested in adding a guy with a history of off-field issues.Instead, keep an eye on the Detroit Lions. They need somebody to bring it opposite veteran Ezekiel Ansah, who could also be running out of time in Detroit as he prepares to play under the franchise tag in 2018."
The case against Fowler
The biggest problem with Fowler right now is his health. Fowler tore his ACL his rookie year during mini-camp and looks like he is battling another injury this year. Hayes Carlyon from 1010xl.com observed Fowler during mini-camp and had an interesting take on him:
"That’s why a red flag went up in my mind when I saw him during the mandatory minicamp on June 13. Fowler missed the offseason program recovering from an upper-body injury. The Jaguars haven’t disclosed the injury (they don’t have to yet), but its obvious Fowler has lost sizable muscle mass in his upper body."
If he is still recovering from an injury and regaining his strength before the Jaguars start training camp; he might miss some valuable time to get ready for the season and improve as a pass rusher.
The case for Fowler
Fowler has been productive for the Jaguars and still has a ton of upside as a former third overall pick. He hasn’t quite put everything together with his strong athletic traits, but the potential is there. If he able to harness his athletic abilites and apply it, he could be stud pass rusher. Being the Jaguars declined his fifth year option, this is a make or break season for Fowler.
Lions’ Side
Fowler could potentially fit in the Lions’ new defensive scheme as a Jack linebacker like Devon Kennard. Billy Long from Black and Teal explains the benefits of moving Fowler to linebacker. He could also fill the hole left by Ziggy Ansah if he is lost after this season.
Giving up a second round pick though is steep for someone with too many question marks. The Lions would be banking on his potential and health. For that high of a price, you would like to know what you are getting; not what you could be getting. We all know about the pass rushing issues the Lions had last season; but before spending valuable draft capital, it would be nice to see what the personnel in place can accomplish first.
Next: Free agent the Detroit Lions should sign
Is Fowler worth the gamble of a second round pick? I don’t think so. Especially with the limited draft capital the Lions have next season. I think he would be worth the risk if it was for a late-round pick. Maybe Coach Patricia can untap some of Fowler’s potential.