By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
After completing the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, which without Scott Morganroth, my Publisher, and his wife, Candy Ebling, I would not have been able to attend. The Lions made their biggest weakness a source of strength on the roster.
After reporting about the OTAs, who stock has risen, fallen, and who’s on the cut bubble for this year. I cannot find a glaring weakness. If there is an injury to be had. I don’t sit here and think that’s the end of the season now. I couldn’t say that ever that I can remember!
Our UDFA we waived on Tuesday was signed within an hour of being waived. I can’t remember that ever happening that fast amidst OTAs before.
2023s Biggest Weakness:
Barn one it was the defense and in particular, the secondary. The loudmouthed vet leader that was only healthy a total of 6 games, including the postseason, did not back up the checks his mouth cashed. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, so he was let to return to free agency (signed by the Eagles…again!!!)
Cam Sutton had legal issues and was cut from the team, amidst the free agency period (He led the league is yards given up by a CB with 858 yards!)
They traded for Carlton Davis III, CB who played his career so far for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Added Amik Robertson of the Oakland Raiders via Free Agency.
Double dipped at CB in the draft with 1st round pick Terrion Arnold, and 2nd round pick Ennis Rakestraw. Both are savvy, quick man coverage CBs, with the best tackling traits coming out of college. And two of the top run defending CBs out of college.
Added some great depth the rest of the draft. With injuries in the NFL. Depth with talent, it’s always a welcome sight to see.
OTA Notes:
Over the past few months, it seems the remainder of the defense that was on the roster all went through a body modification. I don’t see very many that look like they spend the offseason at a buffet. As a matter of fact, they look like they bunked at Amon-Ra St. Brown’s house and trained with his Mr. Universe dad John Brown. A lot of fit and jacked looking men playing on the team this year. When they were asked why, they said last year isn’t going to happen again!
The culture that the coaching staff and front office has built here in Detroit has even seeped into the Owner’s office. Sheila Hamp at the new Uniform reveal (which they got right!), she started off saying something we have never heard out of a Lion’s Owner’s mouth. Our goal is to hoist the Lombardi!”
After signing three of our core players to massive contracts, totaling in 440 million (over the next five years): QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, and RT Penei Sewell. Yet, still managing not to over burden the salary cap. Mike Dissner should get almost as much credit as the rest of the guys we all know.
To top it off, just yesterday the Detroit Lions got an agreement of a two-year deal with Jake Bates (UFL Michigan Panthers kicking phenom). Hadn’t kicked a FG since HS, and literally kicked his way into never leaving Ford Field with hitting a career 64-yard FG for his first game winning field goal there.
At the risk of sounding like an over excited fan. I have illusions of grandeur for the Detroit Lions. They’re not looking back. They’re moving forward with a purpose.
Thanks For Reading!!!
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