The Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes needed to upgrade the team's defense in 2024 after what was a lackluster year a unit that ranked in the bottom-10 in points allowed.
The Lions had one of the best run defenses in the NFL last season but their pass defense ranked 27th and they were bottom-10 in sacks. Both of those issues must be improved if the Lions are going to put themselves in the best position possible to accomplish their goal of winning a Super Bowl this coming season.
With all of that in mind, we're taking a look at the current concern level the Lions have at each position group on defense, ranging from none to high. We also did this with the offensive side of the ball, which you can check out right here.
Lions' concern levels on defense
Interior defensive line: Medium
Alim McNeill is ascending after a career-best campaign but has to prove it was no fluke. Detroit added D.J. Reader, who can be a major difference-maker as a run defender and pass-rusher, but he has injury concerns.
The two favorites for key depth roles, Levi Onwuzurike and Brodric Martin, both have something to prove. Martin looks to be in better shape this year but played in just three games in 2023, and Onwuzurike has had injury issues. Detroit drafted Mekhi Wingo in 2024, but there's no telling what the rookie will contribute.
Edge rushers: High
Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best young pass-rushers in the NFL and will only get better in his third year. The Lions added veteran Marcus Davenport to beef up the pass-rush but he has injury concerns.
Detroit has some solid depth pieces in guys like John Cominsky and Josh Paschal, but both can hardly carry the load if injury issues pop up. Another addition to this group would make us feel a lot better considering how important it is to get after the quarterback in this day and age.
Linebackers: None
Alex Anzalone heads this group that also includes two up-and-coming linebackers in Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. Campbell had an impressive rookie year and figures to take another step forward in 2024, and Barnes is coming off a career-best campaign that he has to prove is the norm moving forward. Malcolm Rodriguez is a fantastic option off the bench.
Cornerbacks: Medium
Because he plays in the slot, we'll include Brian Branch here, even though he's listed as a safety. Branch was excellent in his rookie campaign but had offseason surgery that could lead to his recovery taking up until the start of the season, something that's at least a bit concerning.
The Lions added Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw in the draft, and while I'm high on both, there's no telling what each will contribute in Year 1. Having Amik Robertson gives Detroit insurance, whether that be on the outside or in the slot.
Emmanuel Moseley is another player to watch but he's also coming off a second torn ACL in as many years. Carlton Davis is the alpha of the group and the only sure thing at the position.
There are no doubt question marks in this group but the Lions also have a slew of options and versatility in it.
Safety: Medium
Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu both played well last season, but Joseph had offseason surgery that will keep him out until training camp and Melifonwu has limited starting experience and an injury history.
Branch is a fantastic insurance policy, but as we discussed, he's got to get healthy first. It certainly wouldn't hurt for Detroit to add more depth here.
