Training Camp Roundtable: Is Lions' Defense Now Better Than Offense?

Who has the edge heading into training camp?

1.) Which player at Lions training camp needs to prove themselves the most?

Vito Chirco: I'm going to go with EDGE defender Charles Harris, who is in the final year of a two-year deal.

Harris, who signed the contract after a career-best 7.5-sack campaign in 2021, was a major disappointment for the Lions last season. He suited up for just six games due to a lingering groin injury, and recorded only one sack.

Harris will need to bounce back in a major way, in order to gain playing time in a crowded EDGE room that also includes second-year pros Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston and Josh Paschal.

Christian Booher: If healthy, Levi Onwuzurike is under pressure to prove his prowess on Detroit's defensive line. Much is expected of the 2021 second-round pick, so he'll face increased expectations once he reaches full health. 

I'm also interested to see what James Mitchell can do at tight end. He's fully healthy after rehabbing an ACL injury during training camp last year, and could wind up being a breakout candidate, thanks to his athleticism and receiving skills. 

2.) Does the offense or defense have the early edge at training camp?

Booher: I think the defense will have the early edge during camp, as it seemed to be ahead of the offense during summer workouts. With that said, I expect more chemistry on the offensive side, which will narrow the gap between the two units. 

Chirco: Based on talent alone, I'm going to say that the offense – led by quarterback Jared Goff – has the early edge. Goff and his offensive weapons, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery, have a chance to have a very productive training camp.

As for the defense, it'll continue to steal some headlines during camp due to its "loud" play. I expect defenders such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Aidan Hutchinson to continue to do their fair share of trash-talking and to continue to play with a high level of intensity. In so many words, Gardner-Johnson, Hutchinson and their defensive counterparts won't be backing down from any fights with the offense anytime soon.

3.) Will the offense respond to the defense talking trash?

Booher: I expect the offense to not only respond, but give it back. It should be a fun time for the two sides to compete and exchange jabs in the heat of battle. 

It'll be interesting to see how New York and Jacksonville respond to the chatter, when they stage joint practices in Allen Park.

Chirco: I see this definitely being the case as training camp progresses. I truly believe that guys like St. Brown and Penei Sewell won't allow the offense to continue to get bullied by the defense. The offense did lose several "trash-talking" battles to the defense during the offseason. But, after a while, enough is enough. And, I think that'll be the case for the offense, with camp set to kick off a week from now.

4.) Name one free agent Lions should sign before training camp.

Booher: I think Detroit should look into adding depth at one of two areas — defensive line or wide receiver. I believe Matt Ionnadis would fit as a defensive tackle, and that Greenville native Justin Zimmer could be a solid option for camp on the interior. 

Out wide, the Lions could look to bring in a player like Sammy Watkins, who has plenty of experience, on a cheap contract. Both positions need to get deeper with talent to supplement the top players. 

Chirco: As I've said before, I believe the Lions are thin at wide receiver. While I'd love for the organization to sign DeAndre Hopkins, I know it's a pipe dream. So, I'd set my eyes on veteran wideout Jarvis Landry.

Landry only suited up for nine games in 2022 due to an ankle ailment. It's certainly a red flag for the 30-year-old. However, if I were Detroit general manager Brad Holmes and could get Landry on a one-year deal, I'd go out and sign him.

5.) How would you grade the Lions' 2023 roster currently?

Booher: I would give the Lions roster a "B" currently. General manager Brad Holmes did an excellent job adding exciting talent through free agency and the draft, but depth is still lacking at multiple positions. 

The talent makes the team an intriguing playoff contender, but I think there's still areas to improve on both sides of the ball. 

Chirco: Currently, I'll give the Lions' roster a "B." I think there are still some weaknesses on both sides of the ball, namely at wide receiver (while Jameson Williams serves his six-game suspension) and on defense.

However, overall wise, I believe Detroit is ready to compete for a playoff spot and win the NFC North. If Jared Goff continues his play from a year ago and the Lions' defense shows signs of improvement (which it should, especially in the secondary), I think Detroit will be on its way to a successful season.