Lions: 3 free agents that could change 2021 NFL Draft plans

Positions of need for Lions

Unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, most of the roster needs an upgrade. On the offensive side of the ball, there are some foundational pieces that Campbell can work with. Coming over in the trade of Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff still has the potential to become a good starting quarterback. Look for newly hired offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn to design some bootlegs for Goff, who has had some success outside of the pocket.

Last year’s second round pick D’Andre Swift battled injuries during his rookie campaign, but looks poised to bounce back his second year. T.J. Hockenson took his game to another level, almost doubling his statistics from his rookie season. Hockenson is due to breakout in a big way next year, and will develop as Goff’s go to target. Taylor Decker had a great year manning the left side of the offensive line, while Frank Ragnow is locked in as the starting center for the foreseeable future.

The main positions on offense that need upgraded are wide receiver, right tackle and both guard positions. With Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr, Danny Amendola and Jamal Agnew all set to become free agents, wide receiver is the highest priority on offense. Last years free agent signing Halapoulivaati Vaitai struggled this season, and isn’t tied directly to the new staff. Jonah Jackson struggled inside at guard last season, while Oday Abushi is also a free agent. Adding another quarterback could also happen, but with two picks in the first round next season, Detroit might wait to see what they have in Goff before making a big move like that.

On the defensive side, there is not as much for Campbell and gang to work with. Trey Flowers and Jeffrey Okudah are the prized possessions on the defense. Flowers, while only being able to play six games due to injury, managed to have two sacks, three quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. With Flowers coming back 100% healthy next season, he will provide a huge boost to a defense that only had 24 sacks in 2020.

While Okudah struggled his rookie season, his upside and work ethic should calm some fans down for his future. Okudah, the third overall pick in last years draft, showed that he needed to adjust to the NFL. With players like Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Allen Robinson in your division, you are bound to have a tough rookie season. Expect a bounce back year from the former Buckeye.

Arguably the worst group in the league, the linebacking room needs a total makeover. Jamie Collins, who was a big signing for Patricia and Quinn last off-season, hasn’t lived up to his contract. The best bet for the Lions would be to release Collins after the 2022 season, which would open up about $10 million in cap space. Jarrad Davis is a free agent and is expecting to land elsewhere, while former second round pick Jahlani Tavai mightily struggled in his second season.

Christian Jones, who also turned in a poor performance in 2020, has an out in his contract after the 2021 season. Getting a second cornerback opposite of Okudah will be key, as Desmond Trufant proved that he is not the answer there, while Justin Coleman should remain as the teams slot cornerback. Adding another edge player will be a priority this off-season. The team leading sack artist, Romeo Okwara, is scheduled to be a free agent after taking the quarterback down 10 times last season. Everson Griffin is also a free agent, and there is not much behind them.

Let’s take a look at three names that Detroit should look into to help fill these voids.