With Big Mac going down and won’t be ready DT is at the top of my list as is CB if we dont resign CD. It goes down just a bit of we do
DT
CB - if we don’t resign CD
DE
OL
Guys I’ve like in the 1st Rd that I think might be there
DT Kenneth Grant
DT Terlick Williams
DT Derrick Harmon
CB Shavon Revel Jr
DE JTT
DE Kyle Kennard
G Tyler Booker
OT Josh Conley
OT-G Wyatt Milum
Guys in the 2nd
DE Jared Ivey
DL Jordan Butch
DT Dontay Corleone
DT Ty Robinson
DE Braydon swinson
DE Jack sawyer
CB Trey Amos
CB Azareye’h Thomas
CB Daylen Everette
OT Marcus Mbow
OG -C Tate Ratledge
OL - Charles Grant
And a sleeper DT Darius Alexander might be a little early. Hoping we pick up a 3rd.
I think LB is a sneaky need. AA will be on the wrong side of 31 for 2025. Not saying its a priority, but I don’t think they’ll hesitate if they can find a replacement to develop behind him.
I think A G/C combo player or DT would make the most sense in round 1… I’d also like to see some better depth at Safety and CB in rounds 2-3. DE is a needs as well, thinking they’ll look for a bigger end that can kick inside on 3rd downs if they go that direction… Those kind of players usually slide a little bc they’re not sack artists… Someone like Darius Robinson in the 2024 draft, I believe the Lions were interested in him.
The DLine is the most questionable unit on the whole team IMO. Now some of that is because two essentially All Pro players are out for the season (I don’t get why McNeill didn’t get a single vote but whatever), but the other half of the line could use an upgrade as we’ve gap filled with Reader and Davenport.
I assume we will re-sign Iffy and Levi. The Lions need value in other places. If we bring Zeitler back cool. I don’t think Carlton Davis will be back. I would rather solidify the DL with Levi and the secondary with Iffy than only Davis.
DE D. Smith is likely back for 2025 but depth there is still questionable even if we bring back Muhammad.
OG/C is a need, likely in 2027. Mahogany is a future starter. Graham is signed through 2026. A talented OL player would be a smart add in 2025.
Edge is a need. Smith isn’t a Lion past 2025 and depth is a concern even if we bring back Muhammad (I expect that move).
WR is a need. Esp. depth for Leaf. I expect Tim Patrick back but we have room for a 5th WR for sure. We are dressing Allen Robinson now and we can do better than that in 2025 and beyond.
LBer is weird as Jack Campbell is playing good ball for us and Anzalone is back in 2025 as is Rodrigo. I expect Barnes back as an affordable depth player/fringe starter with upside. That is four guys right there. No Barnes back and LBer is a need. Jalen Reeves Maybin is signed through 2025 too.
I think safety is a need as is CB. At CB we have Arnold, Amik Robertson, Rakestraw and ? if Davis walks. We have to do better than Vildor.
My list in order is:
Edge
Safety, if we re-sign Iffy. If we want to run three safeties we need better depth at safety.
WR, esp. one who can also return punts
Overall, what a great position to be in! Most importantly, just add talent.
Without Patrick and CD3, WR and CB instantly move into “big need” category.
Already in that category is DE/Edge. #1 need even if Davenport is brought back.
I see 4 OTs on the roster, Skipper included.
I see 4 OGs in the roster, too.
Then, there’s a 5th OL we don’t know where he ends up fitting. Then we have a bunch of UDFAs that are fringe 53 players. Other than backup Center, nothing about the OL rises to big need.
The number one need on this team, without a doubt, is pass rusher. They need another piece on the DL that can get pressure on the QB. Outside of that the need largely depends on what they do with the FA they have. If the re-sign Zeitler like I expect, then maybe a depth piece on the OL but OL depth is a need on all 32 teams. If Davis walks that opens up a massive hole at CB.
It’s a really impressive roster BH and team have built. Almost hard to find holes unless they create some by letting guys walk.