Lions: 3 players in need of a good 2020 campaign to avoid replacement

Jayron Kearse, Strong Safety

Kearse was a new signing this offseason for the Lions and would have had an immediate impact if he hadn’t been arrested in October being arrested and charged with five misdemeanors, including driving while intoxicated and being in possession of a gun with no permit. He has since been suspended for his actions.

Now, Kearse was highly recruited out of high school and eventually had a national championship appearance with Clemson in 2015. He hadn’t had many playing opportunities in Minnesota behind all-stars Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris, but he played nearly every game. In order to prove his worth, Kearse must be a catalyst and a playmaker on the Lions defense.

At just 26 years old, Kearse comes to Detroit after four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. During his span with the NFC North foe of the Lions, Kearse tallied just five starts and one interception for the Vikings. Hoping a move to Detriot would give him a fresh start and a larger role, however now he starts in the doghouse.

If these three Lions can have breakout or even solid seasons in 2020, the Lions will have to look for positional holes elsewhere come late April 2021 during the draft.