What the Detroit Lions’ Plan of Attack Must Be for the 2022 NFL Offseason
The first year of the Dan Campbell era could not have gone much worse for the Detroit Lions. Sure, the team showed some competitive fire, as evidenced by their victory over the Green Bay Packers to close out the regular season, giving them a 3-13-1 record. But there’s no doubt the perennial NFC North bottom dwellers deserved to land a top-five pick in the 2022 NFL Draft based on their disappointing play on a near-weekly basis.
Of course, the tight end-turned-head coach took over a roster in desperate need of an overhaul. And while T.J. Hockenson, D’Andre Swift, and Penei Sewell look like long-term building blocks on offense, it’s clear the Lions could use significant upgrades at quarterback and receiver. Meanwhile, the defense needs major reinforcements at all three levels, especially along the front seven.
So, how can second-year general manager Brad Holmes help set Campbell up for success? Here’s what Detroit’s plan of attack must be for the 2022 NFL offseason.
Biggest offseason questions
Will Jared Goff still call Detroit home after the 2022 NFL offseason? While it would seem logical for the Lions to move on from the expensive, underproductive quarterback, the financial ramifications of doing so may force the franchise to keep him around for another year. The former Los Angeles Ram carries a $30 million dead cap hit, so don’t be surprised if he remains on the roster for 2022.
Another key question that must be answered this spring: Who will be responsible for getting open and catching passes from whoever starts at quarterback?
Detroit has arguably the worst group of receivers in the league, and only 2021 fourth-rounder Amon-Ra St. Brown seems like a lock to stick around for the long haul. Will the front office go big-name hunting and pursue someone like Chris Godwin? Or will Holmes and Campbell prefer to go the draft route?
Ultimately, a combination of both may be the best way to put Goff (or a new starter) in a position to make at least a few plays in the passing game.
Top free-agency decisions
Key free agents: Charles Harris (DE), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (OLB), Alex Anzalone (OLB), Josh Reynolds (WR)
It shouldn’t be a shock that one of the worst teams in the NFL only has a few impending free agents worth discussing. In fact, you could argue the Lions don’t have a single one they can’t afford to let walk.
However, it will be interesting to see how the front office approaches the Charles Harris situation. A first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2017, the fifth-year defensive end has enjoyed a breakout campaign during his first season with Detroit. With six sacks and 13 quarterback hits through 13 games, Harris has easily been the Lions’ best pass rusher. For a defense that lacks impact players, losing a key contributor like him could lead to more struggles in 2022.
Meanwhile, neither Jalen Reeves-Maybin nor Alex Anzalone qualify as “must-keep” free agents. Both linebackers played starting roles in 2021, but both fall into the “replaceable” category. While the former ranks 31st among 81 linebackers in Pro Football Focus‘ grading system, the latter ranks 79th.
2022 NFL Draft needs and potential targets
Top picks: First round (own), first round (Los Angeles Rams via Matthew Stafford trade), second round (own)
Draft needs: DL, QB, WR, CB, LB
Obviously, quarterback ranks high among Detroit’s draft needs. But given the uncertainty about the 2022 class of prospects, the Lions should consider waiting until 2023 to address the position. That doesn’t necessarily mean Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett is out of play. He would certainly represent an upgrade over Goff.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the huge hole the Lions have at edge rusher. Luckily for them, the draft has two elite prospects at the position who would instantly make Detroit more dangerous on defense.
If he’s available, Kayvon Thibodeaux looks like the favorite to land with the Lions. Long, athletic, and oozing with potential, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end racked up 19 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in three seasons at Oregon. He shouldn’t wait long to hear his name called.
Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, who finished second in the 2021 Heisman vote, could also call Detroit home in a few months. With 17.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss in essentially two seasons, the powerful, tenacious edge rusher proved he deserves top-five consideration.
The defense could also go after a young corner with upside, especially with the quarterbacks and wide receivers who reside in the NFC North. If the Lions go in that direction with their second first-round pick, Florida’s Kaiir Elam and Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner could be in play.
1 player on each side of the ball who must step up in 2022
Of course, the Lions thought they secured a shutdown defensive back with their top pick in 2020. Unfortunately for Jeff Okudah, his NFL career has not turned out as expected. And that’s exactly why the ex-Ohio State star earns the nod as the defensive player who must step up in 2022.
Tipping the scales at 6-foot-1, 202 pounds, Okudah boasts an ideal frame for a No. 1 corner. However, he hasn’t been able to use his physical skills to make a major impact since he went No. 3 overall. After allowing 41 completions for 594 yards and two touchdowns in nine games as a rookie, Okudah tore his Achilles in the Lions’ 2021 season opener.
Can the physically gifted cover man become a high-impact starter in 2022? Or will he ultimately become the latest early-round draft pick to fail to live up to expectations in Detroit?
On the other side of the ball, it’s too easy to pick Goff. Instead, we’ll go with 2019 first-rounder T.J. Hockenson. Selected eighth overall, the former Iowa standout broke out with 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. However, his yards-per-catch average dropped from 10.8 to 9.6 in 2021, and his season came to an end after 12 games due to a thumb injury.
Based on his draft slot, Hockenson has to become an elite player at his position. Sure, he would benefit from having a better quarterback. But you don’t take a tight end with a top-10 pick if you don’t expect him to develop into a game-wrecking force.
To this point, Hockenson has been solid. He needs to be special in 2022 for the Lions to have any chance to put points on the scoreboard on a consistent basis.
All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
