What A Terrible Sad News: Detroit Lions QB Set On Free….

The Detroit Lions tasted playoff success in 2023, making a run to the NFC Championship game. Now, the organization is hoping to take the final step and hoist the Lombardi Trophy in the near future. Where the Lions stand to improve begins on the defensive side of the ball. Particularly, the secondary could use a true shutdown player that can handle the tough assignments thrown at them throughout the NFC North schedule. With players such as Justin Jefferson and DJ Moore in the division, the Lions must load up options to continue their reign over the NFC North. Detroit’s two starters at the end of the season, Cam Sutton and Kindle Vildor, are good players but struggled in their roles.

As a result, the team should seek out options in free agency and the Draft. One of the top options available in this year’s prospect crop is Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who was a key part of a solid Tigers defense in 2023. Rakestraw was good in coverage for Missouri last season, but he also plays very physical in a manner that fits perfectly with Detroit’s defensive scheme. Pro Football Focus assigned him an 89.7 run defense grade, which is exceptional for a defensive back. He was targeted with just three missed tackles, per PFF, and had 35 tackles in nine games for the Tigers. Despite his lack of gaudy numbers, many see Rakestraw as a player who’s toughness and physicality will make him a strong player at the NFL level. Related: Justin Fields Calls Alex Anzalone Dirty Player Among those impressed is ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, who raved about the Missouri product and drew a direct tie to him with the Lions in a recent media call. “If you’re looking for a prototypical Detroit Lion-type player, that physicality at the line of scrimmage — he is a great tackler in space, as well, especially for not being the biggest guy,” Miller said. “He’s probably gonna come in at 6-foot, 190 pounds, maybe 195 if we’re lucky.” Rakestraw played through a core muscle injury in 2023, eventually having surgery in December. He proved his toughness, and his production didn’t take a hit even with the set-back.

“He’s not a strikingly physical player when you’re just looking at height, weight, strength, but he absolutely plays as one of the most physical corners in this draft or any draft,” Miller explained. “He’s right there with some of the best corners I’ve evaluated when playing at the line of scrimmage and using that physicality.” There are a number of talented corners who are viewed as first-round prospects, with potentially six players at the position slated to go on the first night. However, Rakestraw’s physicality is a unique element and could make him the perfect fit for the Lions and coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme.

The Detroit Lions’ offense ranks among the best units in the league under the command of coordinator Ben Johnson. Led by a steady veteran passer in Jared Goff, the offense has produced at an elite level. The quarterback has been surrounded by a talented cast of playmakers and offensive linemen. Detroit has decisions to make at several positions, including at wide receiver. Josh Reynolds, who was a huge part of the passing attack in 2023, is a free agent as is Donovan Peoples-Jones. As a result, the Lions could be looking to add a pass-catcher through free agency. Here are three wide receivers Detroit should target when free agency begins in March. Mike Evans If Detroit is looking to make a serious splash, Evans is the guy. With 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, the Texas A&M product has been exceptional throughout his career. He fits the Lions offense as an outside vertical threat, which would perfectly compliment All-Pro slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Evans’ production speaks for itself, as he’s able to use his size to overwhelm opposing corners down the field. Evans’ talks with the Buccaneers regarding a new contract have not produced the desired results. As a result, he could certainly hit the free agency market. However, the current projected contract for him lands around $23 million annually, which would be a steep price for the Lions to pay.

A potentially more attainable option for the Lions could be Gabe Davis, who has developed into a nice weapon for the Bills’ offense. While not having the production of Evans, Davis is an intriguing player who is also huge threat going downfield. He’s averaged 16.7 yards per reception in his career and has scored at least six touchdowns in all four of his NFL seasons. Some of his best performances have been in the postseason, too, including a four-touchdown game against Kansas City in the 2021 postseason. Davis does have some consistency issues. While he had three 100-yard games and five total games over 80 yards receiving in 2023, he also had five games where he didn’t have a catch. His struggles to separate have played a part in that, so this is an area where he’ll need to develop. Still, he’s an interesting deep threat option who will be just 25 when the season starts. If the Lions are unwilling to target the more expensive, high-priced players, Davis would be a solid fit at a more affordable price. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Westbrook-Ikhine doesn’t have flashy stats or production, but he fits a mold for the Lions that is needed. He is a big-bodied wide receiver who is not scared to block and can serve as a safety net for Goff. The Indiana product has experience on special teams as well, which has been a difference-making quality for the Lions’ depth receivers since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. Westbrook-Ikhine has 94 catches over four seasons and is expected to command a contract of around $2.5 million for one year. This would be a solid bargain for the Lions who could utilize him in a depth role and on special teams.