With The First Pick
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NFL Team Needs: Detroit Lions Team Needs

By Jon Dove

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions are hoping that this offseason’s coaching change and filling a few team needs will get them back to the playoffs.

There’s a lot of talent on this Detroit Lions roster, but they also have some key team needs that need to be filled. The coaching changes made this offseason are sure to have an impact on the team’s approach.

Detroit is projected to have around $47 million in cap space and all their 2018 NFL Draft picks except for their 6th rounder. This is plenty of ammo to fill their needs and build a strong roster.

Below are the Detroit Lions top-3 team needs:

1. Pass Rusher

Detroit is in a tough situation regarding Ziggy Ansah‘s contract. He is their most talented defensive player, but his age and injury complicate things. The other issue for the Lions is that they need pass rushing help even if they bring Ansah back into the mix.

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It’s possible that they use the Franchise Tag (around $17.5 million) on Ansah which would protect them in the long term.

This year’s draft could offer the Lions an opportunity to add more help in the pass rushing department. It’s possible that edge defenders like LSU’s Arden Key, Ohio State’s Sam Hubbard and UTSA’s Marcus Davenport are available at pick No. 20.

2. Linebacker

Jarrad Davis had a strong rookie season and is a building block. However, the team’s other two starting linebackers (Tahir Whitehead and Paul Worrilow) are free agents. This is an area the team must address in the offseason.

Detroit might be able to land someone like Texas’ Malik Jefferson in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. However, it might make more sense to find a veteran free agent.

3. Guard/Center

The interior of the Lions offensive line needs some work. They need to come out of this offseason with a starter at guard and center. It’s possible they look to re-sign Travis Swanson, but they should at least explore the market for an upgrade.

Someone they could look at in the draft is Arkansas’ Frank Ragnow who will come off the board in the 2nd/3rd round range.

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