When JPJ came available, our defense was in complete disarray. There was a very strong push on this board for Brad to spend draft capital to bring him in, even though many pointed out that he was a bad fit for our team.
Three weeks later, we have beaten the Cardinals and Packers, Branch has returned and our defense, while not an elite force, has improved. Do we still have the appetite to spend draft capital to bring in a one-year rental to solidify the DB room?
We always need a blockbuster trade at the deadline.
/s
Yes. I think what they need most is a CB with a good size/speed combo. Rake is decent sized but still getting experienced. Rock is good sized but not the fleetest of foot. Dorsey did excellent matching up against Watson to go speed for speed, but he and Reed are both 5’8-5’9 area.
I think a good vet 6 foot tall CB who knows a thing or two because he’s seen a thing or two, and has solid speed range, dramatically helps your CB room out. Rake and Rock become the first guys off the bench and I do like the rotation we are now using to keep guys fresh.
As Husker has pointed out, it does appear the Lions are finally going back to the 2023 defense. Predominantly man defense, bend but don’t break style. It’s not great but it is effective. Let the field compression make coverage easier. Zone still seems to be a big problem for our guys, but you have to keep sprinkling it in to get guys better at it and as a change of pace. Abney seems to be settling in at deep FS, and Branch is Branch. I still want to keep Chuck Clark out of things as much as I can, but he is a saavy vet who can make plays in that compressed field. Open space seems to be his major problem.
Ultimately, I would be hesitant to bring in anyone that might be too expensive. I know it is tempting to grab the biggest name, but the draft capital expense has to be taken into consideration. Additionally, team and CB room chemistry must be a consideration as well. The defense is starting to gel a bit and is headed in the right direction, so I would hate to see a CJGJ type personality come in and cause disruption.
The NFCS division is trash so the Falcons & Bucs won’t be sellers they are still in it.
I’ll take Khalil Mack though
We dont just have a few extra regular season wins on the mind. We want to go to the show. So yeah we still need a #1 corner. JPJ has looked good for the cowgirls.
Not a blockbuster, but a trade nonetheless. I still am very intrigued by the Michael Davis/Donte Jackon and Khalil Mack trade idea.
A 4th in 2028 likely gets it done.
Never needed a blockbuster trade, but a decent CB and or a coverage LB may sure help
Am I the only one who thinks a rangy coverage linebacker might be a bigger need than cornerback? The defense may have improved, but they’re still dreadful at covering TEs and RBs.
It depends on if you believe the Lions LB coverage issues are talent related, or scheme related. I believe it’s scheme related. I will always push to get more talent in, but on the 4th down play that was the EASY conversion with no one on Kraft, it looks like Campbell and Barnes did exactly what they were instructed to do. Campbell covered the weakside and Barnes dropped back to play a Tampa 2 MLB. There was literally no one to account for Kraft, which is why he was completely open.
Last year the Lions ran almost exclusively 4-3 with Analzone/Campbell/Barnes. However, because that defense got completely abused against any team running 3 WR’s, as it should, Sheppard made it a point to run a lot more nickel, as he should. However, it looks like there is still a massive gaping hole between what the nickel back is supposed to be doing. Still too often, TE’s are just completely unaccounted for.
I’m with you here. Barnes ain’t getting the job done covering anybody.
So the real reason Barnes got 100% of the snaps Sunday means we were showcasing him. Now that’s 4D chess. 
Some names
Amik or Douglas from Washington
Mack and Jackson from Chargers
Riq from Eagles
Buckner/Ward from the Colts
Burke from the Cardinals
Stephens/Davis from Jets
Just to name some players mostly CBs with a few D Line/LB sprinkled in
I thought we did.
Then I saw what happened with Brian Branch back and I almost feel that a healthy Branch IS the equivalent to a blockbuster trade.
Also a small trade to help our LB core that could be a solid rotation piece
Troy Dye LB for the Chargers
No blockbuster trade.
If we could get the right deal on a one year rental at CB, maybe a FA patch, for this season, then hopefully draft “our guy(s)” next year.
First 3 rounds - cb - OL - CB (in no particular order)
A blockbuster trade? No.
A trade for a competent corner to strengthen the room for a 4th or 5th round pick maybe a 3rd round pick? Absolutely worth considering. @CuriousHusker and @Thats2 have been talking about these scenarios a lot over the last few months.
Yes. For a blockbuster CB or DE. DE’s are playing well. CB’s and defense have not been terrible recently, but this is still a bad defense, and bringing in a blockbuster player changes the game. It puts you into SB contention. The Lions have talent, and maybe they could go all the way, but this is not a SB caliber team.
Wow, we’re really putting ourselves through lots of pain this year
I wonder how much faith they have in Joseph’s knee?
That dramatically impacts the whole scenario.
Joseph/Branch at safety makes everyone’s job easier, from DL to LB to CB.
A ton to consider. Feels like a gamble either way.
Last year, we gambled on GG and Deck…lost on both of those bets. Dramatically improved them last offseason.
DB is the new OL. LOL.