Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

2015 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

+Read full article
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions finished last season with a record of 11-5. While that was good enough to make the playoffs, it wasn't enough to overtake the Green Bay Packers atop the NFC North. With the Packers still the team to beat and the Minnesota Vikings likely to improve, the Lions need to upgrade the roster in order to remain in the playoff hunt. These five positions especially need to be addressed.

5. Running Back

Joique Bell Lions
Getty Images

5. Running Back

Joique Bell Lions
Getty Images

The Lions are and will continue to be a pass-first team as long as Matthew Stafford is at quarterback. However, the team can't completely abandon the running game. RB isn't a major need, but it's still a position in which the Lions can add a contributor through the draft. Joique Bell should get the bulk of the carries in 2015, and Theo Riddick is a capable third-down back. With a lack of depth at the position, a Day 3 pick should be used on a RB.

4. Outside Linebacker

Lions OLB
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

4. Outside Linebacker

Lions OLB
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

After spending a second-round pick on Kyle Van Noy last year, the Lions will expect more out of the BYU product this season. He spent some time on short-term injured reserve last season and wasn't able to stay on the field. He'll battle Josh Bynes and Julian Stanford for the starting spot opposite DeAndre Levy. With the starting spot up for grabs, look for the Lions to add a potential backup on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.

3. Cornerback

Rashean Mathis Lions
Getty Images

3. Cornerback

Rashean Mathis Lions
Getty Images

Cornerback has been at the top of the Lions' wishlist for years now. Darius Slay has earned one of the starting roles, but there are questions about the No. 2 and backup roles. Rashean Mathis is the favorite to at least enter the season as a starter, but he's not getting any younger. With terrible depth at the position, the Lions may even consider selecting one of the top corners in this draft at No. 23.

2. Defensive Tackle

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

2. Defensive Tackle

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the Detroit Lions only allowed 69.3 rushing yards per game. Not only was that the best in the NFL, but it was over 10 yards per game fewer than the No. 2 team. After losing Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley, the top three defensive tackles on the roster, the Lions must improve the interior of the defensive line. Haloti Ngata was a great addition, but the Lions should target a second starter very early in the draft.

1. Offensive Line

Lions O-Line
Getty Images

1. Offensive Line

Lions O-Line
Getty Images

The Lions could go in multiple directions with the offensive line. If the team selects a tackle in Round 1, expect that player to start so that Riley Reiff can move inside to guard. That would fill the hole left by the departing Rob Sims. Ereck Flowers is one name to keep an eye on, because he has the ability to start at left tackle right away. Last year's third-round pick Travis Swanson appears set to take over at center.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos’ 5 Biggest Needs

Shawn Spencer is a writer for RantSports.
Your Favorites