Committed: Lions successfully signed a veteran QB in replacement of Justin Fields…..

Committed: Lions successfully signed a veteran QB in replacement of…..

One of the Lions’ biggest off-season priorities is strengthening their defense. Injuries to the Lions’ starting defense made the team vulnerable. But the Lions acquiring Khalil Mack from the Chargers could be an answer.

Lions Could Make Surprise Move For Chargers Star

Lions Next-Man-Up Strategy

But as the injuries accumulated, the Lions’ defense began to show cracks. An inordinately high number of ongoing injuries to the Lions’ starting lineup exposed the defense’s vulnerability. The defense allowed big chunks of yardage, but held tough in the red zone and often the opposition failed to score. But the Lions’ “bend but don’t break” game plan crumbled in the face of the league’s toughest offenses when the defense couldn’t contain the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders.

To ascend to the next level, the Lions must shut down an offensive challenge before the team reaches the red zone, preferably at the line of scrimmage. But without Hutchinson in the lineup, they couldn’t do it.

Lions Hutchinson An Elite Talent

Hutchinson’s imposing 6’7” 268 lb. build is the bulwark of the Lions defense. Before his injury, Hutchinson was the top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year with 12 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in five games. But he can’t do it all himself. He needs a complimentary partner on the field.

The acquisition of elite talent, Za’Darius Smith, is potentially a perfect partner for Hutchinson. However, the Lions haven’t had the opportunity to pair the two together. But regardless, the one flaw in that equation is the team is again left vulnerable if one goes down with an injury. In addition to Smith, the Lions defense needs another top-tier talent.

Why the Draft Might Not Be the Answer For the Lions

While plenty of attractive EDGE Candidates are available in this year’s draft, rookies need time to adjust to the rigors of playing in the NFL. There is always a learning curve and sometimes even the best draft prospects take time to gain traction.

Adding a premiere veteran talent who can make an immediate impact is preferable. But veteran free agents cost money. The Lions have approximately $51 million in their salary cap this year. That money is quickly being depleted by contract extensions to key Lions personnel. Extending Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Alex Anzalone, and other foundational players remain top priorities.

Why Khalil Mack Could Be The Answer for the Lions

Nonetheless, if the Lions were to add a premiere talent like Mack, it could be a game changer. The fifth overall pick of the 2014 draft by the Oakland Raiders is an exceptional NFL defensive star. A superior athlete who can play both EDGE and outside linebacker at a Pro Bowl level, Mack would be an outstanding addition to Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.

Named the Defensive Rookie of the Year, Mack made an immediate impact with the Raiders. Mack’s second year in the NFL was equally impressive with 77 tackles, (57 solo) 15 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass defenses. He was the recipient of the Butkus Award in 2016. Mack was named the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year in his third year with 73 tackles (54 solo), 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three pass defenses. Mack also had a pick-six return for a touchdown that season.

In 2017, he recorded 78 tackles (61 solo), 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and three pass deflections. Mack ranked fifth in the league on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list and the highest-rated defensive lineman.