Mailbag: Tough Roster Decisions Lions Must Make

Read more on the tough roster decisions Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions will face this upcoming offseason.

As the Detroit Lions’ season winds down, draft position and future needs have become more clear. Thus, it’s almost officially draft season for Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. 

Naturally, most of the questions in this week’s mailbag revolve around how the team can get better this offseason. Let’s begin.

*Questions edited for clarity

1.) How do you feel about Jared Goff starting a full season next year? Also, is it too early to start eyeing QBs in next year’s draft? -- @halljor02

Answer: Due to his contract, Goff is pretty much a roster lock next season. Plus, I don’t believe the Lions' staff has any intentions of trying to move on from Goff after just one season, plus with limited talent around him. As far as next season goes, it’s only the second year of a rebuild. Goff as a starter isn’t the worst thing in the world, especially if he can play more like he has performed in his last few outings. I still believe Goff is a replaceable-level quarterback that will eventually require an upgrade at the position. However, given the weaker quarterback draft class, it’s unlikely the Lions will find a quarterback that would be an instant starter over the incumbent.

It’s always fair to evaluate quarterbacks in the draft, but the Lions also shouldn’t reach for a signal-caller. Unfortunately, quarterbacks are oftentimes over-drafted because of the importance of the position. Holmes and Campbell are not at a point to reach for positions of need, considering all the holes still on the roster. Obviously, if a good quarterback prospect slips to the Lions, go ahead and take a chance. Just remember, though, the likelihood of finding a legitimate starter and hitting on a mid-round QB is slim to none. Yes, there are exceptions. But, more often than not, they don’t become anything more than a backup-quality player. You can oftentimes find solid starters on day two and even day three at other spots -- which the Lions desperately need.

2.) With Anthony Lynn and Dan Campbell, what happened to cause the falling out? Was it causing distractions? And, do you see a whole new offensive coaching staff next year? Any other coaching moves you see/predict? -- @DrHarleymd

A: It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what happened between the two to cause the “falling out.” Without any insider information, I don’t want to speculate all too much. I will say this, I think both parties have handled themselves in a very professional manner, given the awkward situation.

All in all, the demotion from play-calling really doesn’t look great for the odds of Lynn returning next year. That doesn’t mean the other offensive coaches won’t be retained, though. Actually, it sure seems like the rest of the offensive coaches have been doing a pretty admirable job. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley, quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley and receivers coach Antwaan Randle El should all be brought back.

Not to mention, tight ends coach Ben Johnson has been given a larger role in the passing game, an area which has notably improved over the last month. I was pretty critical of Dan Campbell as a play-caller when he first took over those duties.

Recently, the offense has looked much more balanced, though, and has had more explosive plays. It sure seems like plenty of credit has gone to Johnson. If I had to predict a new offensive coordinator for next season, Johnson seems like a logical in-house candidate.

As far as other coaches go, I don’t think there will be much change, unless another team poaches some of the Lions' up-and-coming staff.

© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

© Junfu Han via Imagn Content Services, LLC

3.) Is Josh Reynolds the WR1 next year? -- @HrmorelsHarold

A: Reynolds has been a nice in-season addition this year. No matter the case, I don’t believe he is a true No. 1 receiver, and I say this as someone who liked Reynolds coming into the NFL and was an advocate for the Lions signing him in free agency this year, as well. 

To me, Reynolds can be a decent second outside receiver. He has shown he can produce when given the opportunity. He isn’t necessarily someone opponents have to game plan for, though. A true top wideout demands special attention, and that’s not Reynolds.

Also important to note, Reynolds is a free agent after this year. It sure seems like Reynolds would like to return if possible, and I think the Lions would be wise to attempt to bring him back at the right price.

The Lions will likely at least add another outside wideout in the draft or free agency to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown operating mostly out of the slot. I would be more than fine with St. Brown on the inside, along with Reynolds and an offseason acquisition as the starting receivers going into next season. Add in tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back D’Andre Swift, and the Lions could have a very formidable pass-catching unit in 2022.

Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports

4.) There’s lots of talk about improving the roster talent -- especially on defense. There are lots of young, hard-working players the coaches like on defense, as well. What “tough cuts” do you foresee in this Lions’ defense, in an effort to bring more talent in? -- @KyleGaydos

A: The Lions have had plenty of younger guys step up lately. That is a good thing. Still, as you mentioned, Holmes needs to continue to bring in talent to improve the team. Considering the amount of draft picks and cap space the Lions will have, there are bound to be some likable players pushed off the roster.

They might not be cuts, but the Lions have quite a few veteran free agents who Holmes will have to decide to bring back or not. These players include Charles Harris, who could be relegated to more of a reserve role next season, Alex Anzalone, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Josh Reynolds, Tracy Walker and Nick Williams.

If I had to predict some tough decisions next season, I would look at defensive tackle John Penisini and running back Jermar Jefferson, as well as pass-rushers Austin Bryant and Julian Okwara, as potential roster-bubble players in 2022.

A lot can change depending on free agency and how the draft unfolds, though.

5.) Who’s your receiver you want to get? Do you think it’s better to take one with the Rams’ pick or to go get a safety with that pick and use the first pick in the second on a receiver? -- @Mbaumgarten_

A: I will be preaching this all the way up to draft day: the Lions should draft the best player available, regardless of almost any position. They just need talent anywhere they can get it at this point. So, to answer your question, I’m good with either route, depending on who is available.

However, wide receiver is one of those positions that can be found in most rounds, à la St. Brown. At this point, it does seem like the Lions' second first-round pick could be a sweet spot to land a future top wideout, and the same is true with the safety position. Both spots could use some more talent.

If either of the Ohio State receivers (Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson), Treylon Burks, Drake London or Jameson Williams are available for the Lions at the end of the first round, it seems like they would be good value, at least as of now. It’s really tough to predict who will be the best player available, with so much time between now and the draft.