Since the Detroit Lions didn't make the blockbuster moves some of the fans were hoping for, the additions they made largely went under the radar. Yes, the Lions largely retained their core players, except where they chose to get younger, like the offensive line. At the same time, they still added potential difference-makers who have gone unnoticed so far.
One of those names is Roger McCreary. The former Titans starter signed with the Lions without much fanfare early in free agency. Now, after two weeks of organized team activities (OTAs), he has emerged as a potential breakout candidate.
Roger McCreary is a potential breakout candidate for the Lions
The hype around McCreary has been growing louder over the last week. While it is not uncommon at this stage of the offseason to heap praises on newcomers, McCreary's buzz is still noteworthy. Head coach Dan Campbell dismissed the OTA hype in his remarks last week, saying that it's too early to hype any one player or one position group.
That is why it's important that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard went out of his way to compliment McCreary this week.
Jeremy Reisman of The Pride of Detroit noted that Sheppard said McCreary has popped for him early and has "done a great job". Sheppard added that they are now thinking about how much they want to use a nickel, where McCreary played the bulk of his snaps throughout his career.
Amik Robertson was the primary nickel corner for the Lions over the last two years. He was used on the outside as well when the Lions were dealing with extensive injuries in the defensive backfield. After he signed with the Commanders this spring, there is now a hole in the slot that the Lions are hoping McCreary will fill.
Rookie Keith Abney will also get a look at nickel, as well as fellow offseason addition Christian Izien. After the first two weeks of OTAs, however, it looks like it is McCreary's job to lose.
This comes on the heels of ESPN's Ben Solak calling Detroit signing McCreary, "the most important offseason move that didn't get discussed at the time." He likened the acquisition to the Eagles signing Zack Baun or the Seahawks signing DeMarcus Lawrence, which both led to Super Bowl wins.
If McCreary makes half the impact those two made on their new teams, the Lions will be thrilled with their signing.
Detroit suffered a ton of injuries on the secondary last season. They had to rely on a patchwork of depth pieces and backups. Sheppard deserves some credit for keeping the defense afloat during that time, even though it wasn't enough to carry the Lions to the postseason. The impact of these injuries is still felt as Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph are still not practicing during OTAs.
The Lions hope that they are significantly healthier this season. If they are, they have a chance to have a solid secondary, especially after the addition of McCreary. If he can go back to his pre-injury form, McCreary should be a clear upgrade over Robertson, something Lions fans would love to see.
Add us as a preferred source on Google