Detroit Lions: 3 positions that could still use some upgrading
By Bob Heyrman
It may prove to be wise for the Detroit Lions to consider signing a veteran offensive lineman after re-tooling their line via free agency and the NFL Draft.
Bob Quinn made an apparent effort this offseason to protect his star quarterback after he’s continued to suffer from a lingering back injury. Quinn wisely released a rapidly declining Rick Wagner, who was promptly scooped up by their rival Green Bay Packers.
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Starting right guard, Graham Glasgow skipped town in free agency after expressing his willingness to stay yet, not receiving an offer to return.
Quinn went out and signed utility lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai who is a massive man that is expected to start at the right tackle position. Vaitai provides the Lions with plenty of versatility as he’s played every position within the offensive line aside from center at the NFL level.
After signing Vaitai, the Lions could have gone in many directions during the draft by either adding a starting tackle or going out and drafting a guard. The Lions opted to select a pair of offensive guards in the first half of the draft picking Jonah Jackson from Ohio State and Logan Stenberg out of Kentucky.
Both rookie guards will compete with Joe Dahl entering the season. Expect one of the rookies, if not both, to become starters by week one of the 2020 season. The Lions also made a guard rotation famous last season, and perhaps the team will frustrate me again in 2020 by re-visiting that philosophy with the three players mentioned.
With a limited offseason program due to COVID-19 this summer, the Detroit Lions should consider signing a veteran guard who they can plug and play. It will also allow the young rookies a year to develop, and if neither can unseat Dahl this season, we know he’s proved to be a capable player.
The Lions have an opportunity to bolster their line by adding former Lion Larry Warford, who now fits the teams’ offensive concept. I believe that aside from Clowney, Warford is the best available player.
dark. Next. 3 free agents to sign considering limited offseason
Other notable players available are Ron Leary and Josh Kline. Detroit could also opt for a tackle like Jason Peters, Demer Dotson, or Kelvin Beachum and move Vaitai to a guard position for a season.