Justin Rogers: 2024 Lions draft preview: Team still searching for viable Hutchinson complement

The War Room Detroit Lions — The Den
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2024 Lions draft preview: Team still searching for viable Hutchinson complement
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:arrow_forward: Current roster: Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Marcus Davenport, Mathieu Betts, Mitchell Agude

:arrow_forward: Short-term need: Five out of 10

:arrow_forward: Long-term need: Eight out of 10

:arrow_forward: Top prospects: Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu, Chop Robinson

:arrow_forward: Day 2 options: Marshawn Kneeland, Darius Robinson, Chris Braswell, Bralen Trice, Jonah Elliss

:arrow_forward: Late-round considerations: Jalyx Hunt, Brennan Jackson, Eric Watts, Myles Cole

:arrow_forward: Analysis: It may surprise you to learn the Lions led the NFL in pressure rate, and finished second in quarterback knockdowns last season. That’s because the defense struggled to translate its ability to affect the pocket into sacks. The team’s 41 sacks ranked in the bottom 10 in the league for 2023.
Detroit’s reliance on the blitz did factor into its lofty pressure rate. With effective situational rushers such as Alex Anzalone, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brian Branch, the defense could undoubtedly be disruptive when coordinator Aaron Glenn opted to bring extra heat, particularly on third downs.

But traditional pass-rush success was more elusive

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That’s truly amazing. If you knew the Lions had an elite run defense and led the league in QB pressure rate you’d feel pretty good about assuming they also had a top defense. At least a top-third defense, allowing for the injuries, etc., on the back end.

That’s the formula: stop the run, pressure the QB, right? The Lions did both at at elite level.

But no.

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In theory Davenport on early downs and Houston on 3rd downs could work well…Davenport has had 9 sacks in a season before… Houston had 8 in 2022…

But can those 2 stay healthy is the question?

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