Roundtable: Who Was Lions' Most Improved Player in 2022?
1.) If the Lions only keep one, which of the following two players should the Lions prioritize to retain: John Cominsky or Isaiah Buggs?
Christian Booher: I think, of the two, the Lions should prioritize Cominsky. He offers a unique blend of pass rush and run-stopping ability. Both are good players, but I think Cominsky has more long-term upside.
The Lions can address the defensive tackle position in the draft, as the 2023 class of prospects offers plenty of talented options. Cominsky, on the other hand, provides valuable experience as a backup to Aidan Hutchinson, while also being able to help out against the run.
Vito Chirco: I'm going to go with Cominsky, as well. In 14 games with Detroit in 2022, he finished with career-best marks in nearly every single statistical category, including total tackles (30), tackles for loss (five), quarterback hits (12), sacks (four) and passes defensed (three). The 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive lineman also recorded the second-most QB pressures on the Lions this past season (17).
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Additionally, I'm of the mindset that you can never have enough pass-rushers. And, he could just be entering the prime of his career, as he'll be just 27 years old to start the 2023 season.
So, if I'm Detroit general manager Brad Holmes, I'm prioritizing keeping Cominsky over Buggs.
2.) Do you think RB Justin Jackson returns in 2023?
Booher: While I don't think it's likely that Jackson is back as a member of the Lions in 2022, there's definitely a path for him to return. He was a solid third option in the backfield, contributing in both the run and the pass games.
I personally believe the Lions will commit to Jamaal Williams and have D'Andre Swift as his backup. Rather than signing Jackson, Detroit could elect to take a running back late in the draft, as well. I think that's the most likely outcome, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions work out a small deal to keep the veteran as the third option.
Chirco: As much as I think Jackson is deserving of a second contract with the Lions, I don't think Brad Holmes & Co. are going to focus too much of their attention on re-signing the veteran running back this offseason.
Much like Booher, I think Detroit is instead going to use one of its eight total 2023 draft picks on a running back; thus, filling the No. 3 spot on the team's running backs depth chart.
I also wouldn't be surprised if the Lions decide to move on from the injury-prone D'Andre Swift this offseason, plus take a back in this year's draft that they believe can serve as a complementary piece to Jamaal Williams in 2023.
3.) Who was the Lions' most improved player in 2022?
Booher: Jamaal Williams is the easy answer here. He emerged as an every-down back, and became the organization's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2013. Additionally, he set the franchise's single-season rushing touchdown record.
While Williams was certainly a key player, I want to give Kalif Raymond his flowers, as well. Raymond was as reliable as any player on Detroit's offense, and was the only receiver to play in all 17 games.
Not only did he set career-high marks in receptions and receiving yards, but he finally broke free for a punt return touchdown. The speedy wideout showed a massive amount of growth in 2022.
Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
Chirco: I'm going to change up things from Booher here, and instead of going with either Kalif Raymond or Jamaal Williams, I'm going to go with Lions veteran signal-caller Jared Goff.
Goff was far from consistently productive a season ago. And, going into this past season, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding his ability to be an effective passer on a weekly basis.
At this juncture, though, it can be safely said that he proved those doubters wrong and then some, with Ben Johnson calling the plays for him and the offense in 2022. Goff had a Comeback Player of the Year-caliber campaign, throwing for 29 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also completed 65.1 percent of his throws, and threw for 4,438 yards, en route to posting a 61.2 QBR (fifth-best mark in the league). And, for his efforts, he earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl since 2018 (when he was still a member of the L.A. Rams).
He is certainly deserving of all the respect he's garnered for his production this past season, and has cemented himself as the Lions' starter under center for at least one more year.
4.) What are must-have foods at Super Bowl parties?
Booher: You can't go wrong with pizza. For a college kid, it's a universally-loved option that requires minimal cooking and can serve a big group.
I also dabble a little with cooking, and a Chicken Alfredo recipe I got from a friend is a sure hit. I look for quality over quantity when it comes to Super Bowl food, so the spread will be full but not necessarily diverse. I'm looking forward to the big game and everything that comes along with it, including the food spread.
Chirco: I'm a big fan of the typical Super Bowl spread of pizza and wings, especially those of the boneless variety. Sorry to everyone I've upset with that statement.
But, if I'm picking out my own spread, I'm going to go with an Italian sub, consisting of some thinly-sliced Genoa salami, ham, mortadella and provolone cheese. And, I wouldn't mind topping all that off with some red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and oregano. Now, that gets my mouth watering!
5.) What is your best bet for the Super Bowl?
Booher: My best bet is going with the over for Patrick Mahomes and the number of passing yards he will throw for. He didn't have great passing numbers in his first two Super Bowls, but I think this is the year that it changes. Philadelphia's run defense is stout, so expect Mahomes to look to the air.
While he's got a plethora of talented targets out wide, I think running back Isiah Pacheco will be an active member of the passing game. If you're looking for some value, check out Pacheco as an anytime-touchdown scorer.
Chirco: My best prop bet is the Jalen Hurts anytime-touchdown scorer bet (+100, according to SI Sportsbook).
Hurts is easily the leader of the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, and I believe he'll find the end zone a couple times Sunday.
I'm willing to bet that he throws for one touchdown and runs for another, en route to an efficient day for the Eagles' offensive unit.
