It’s no secret that the Detroit Lions have one of the best rosters in the NFL.
After all, the team just made it to the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and will be returning much of the same roster.
The biggest difference from 2023 is on defense, as the Lions have overhauled their secondary, adding numerous cornerbacks. This is crucial because the Lions’ pass defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season.
ESPN’s Mike Clay recently gave his rankings for every position group in the NFL and the Lions landed in the top 10 in five of them: running back (No. 2), tight end (No. 5), offensive line (No. 1), interior defensive line (No. 3) and cornerback (No. 6). Clay also ranked Detroit’s entire roster at No. 9.
Cornerback is the biggest surprise among the top ten groups. Granted, the acquisitions of Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. should significantly improve the situation.
However, Arnold and Rakestraw are both wild cards because this is their first season in the NFL. To be honest, we have high expectations for this group, but No. 6 seems a touch generous before we see what the new-look room can do.
While nobody is going to complain about the Lions’ top-10 rankings, they probably should have gotten more. First, let’s see how Clay ranked the rest of Detroit’s position groups.
QB: 14
WR: 21
EDGE: 18
LB: 16
S: 30
The most severely undervalued position group is safety. The Lions plan to use excellent 2023 slot cornerback Brian Branch more this season, but even without him, the Lions had a strong pair in Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph last season that was far from the worst in the NFL. At the very least, this group should be among the league’s top half.
Quarterback and linebacker are likewise severely underestimated in this category, with a strong case for both to be in the top 10. Jared Goff has shown to be a top-10 signal-caller in the NFL, which should be enough to propel the Lions higher.
Sure, there is uncertainty behind Goff in Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld, but several teams rated higher than the Lions can say the same.
At linebacker, the Lions have an amazing trio in Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes, as well as two solid backups in Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who is also a special teams star.
The lower ranks for wide receivers and edge rushers are more appropriate.
At EDGE, Aidan Hutchinson is a standout, but Marcus Davenport is a mystery. Amon-Ra St. Brown is followed by a number of question marks at wide receiver, including Jameson Williams, who had a terrific offseason but is still unproven.
Whether you agree or disagree with Clay’s rankings, they certainly demonstrate how good this Lions squad can be in 2024.
