Detroit Lions (Last Year: 6-10)
Buy Lions Tickets
2014 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Dan Orlovsky, FB Jed Collins, WR Golden Tate, DE Darryl Tapp, DT Vaughn Martin, CB Cassius Vaughn, S James Ihedigbo.
Early Draft Picks:
TE Eric Ebron, DE/OLB Kyle Van Noy, C Travis Swanson, CB Nevin Lawson, DE Larry Webster, DT Caraun Reid. Lions Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Shaun Hill, WR Nate Burleson, OT Jason Fox, G Leroy Harris, DE Willie Young, DE Israel Idonije, CB Chris Houston, S Louis Delmas.
2014 Detroit Lions Offense:
So much talent, so little production. The Lions’ offense has loads of skilled players, including Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Reggie Bush and former first-rounder Brandon Pettigrew, yet after a hot start, they were limited to 21 points or fewer in six of their final eight contests. The team suffered an epic collapse, starting 6-3, but finishing 1-6.
Multiple players were responsible for this, including Stafford. The former No. 1 overall pick has all the talent in the world, but he has terrible mechanics and refuses to fix his problems. The result is inconsistent play. He was unstoppable at times – he torched a dominant Cincinnati defense for 357 yards and three touchdowns in October, for instance – but he has stretches in which he becomes a turnover machine. For example, he gave the ball away six times in the final four games, throwing just two scores in the process. Those four opponents included the Eagles, Giants and Vikings, all of whom had pedestrian defenses.
Three coaches were brought in to help Stafford’s mechanics. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi told the media at the end of May that he’s pleased with Stafford’s improvement. If Stafford regresses, however, he’ll at least be able to lean on a slightly better supporting cast. The Lions acquired two key offensive pieces this spring. The first was a free-agent signing in Golden Tate. The former Seahawk could be a capable No. 2 target. He was overwhelmed as the top option in Seattle, but still made some big plays. With Calvin Johnson, the top receiver in the NFL, starting across from him, opposing defenses won’t be able to pay much attention to Tate. Also, having Tate around will obviously help when Johnson is injured. Stafford looked completely lost when Megatron wasn’t on the field this past season.
The second key piece was No. 10 overall pick Eric Ebron, an athletic tight end out of North Carolina. Rookie tight ends seldom produce, but Ebron could be an immediate upgrade over Pettigrew, who is very prone to bone-headed mistakes.
All of these new weapons are nice, but the Lions have emphasized that they want to run the ball more often this year. That means more of Joique Bell and less of Bush, who was benched multiple times at the end of the 2013 campaign because of fumbles and other mistakes. More Bell, less Bush was a trend that was going to occur anyway, given Bell’s dependability. Bell has eclipsed the 50-reception plateau in each of the past two seasons, so he’s an effective weapon as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
The Lions at least don’t have to worry about the offensive line very much. The front did a terrific job of protecting Stafford this past season, surrendering just 23 sacks. There was actually just one blocker responsible for more than a single sack, and that would be left tackle Riley Reiff, who permitted seven. However, Reiff, a 2012 Thursday selection, was just a first-year starter, so there’s a good chance he’ll improve. If so, he’ll form a solid tackle tandem with another young player, LaAdrian Waddle, who performed well this past season despite being an undrafted rookie.
Waddle didn’t even start until Week 8, so Detroit’s front has the potential to be much better in 2014 – especially considering that all three starters on the interior will be back. Guards Larry Warford and Rob Sims, as well as center Dominic Raiola, combined to allow just one sack this past season. Warford in particular was excellent; he was completely dominant as a third-round rookie, and he could have easily won Offensive Rookie of the Year. The one concern is Raiola, who turns 36 in December, but the Lions spent a third-round choice on Arkansas’ Travis Swanson as a potential successor.
2014 Detroit Lions Defense:
Detroit fans will be very familiar with the team’s defense, but then again, they may not completely recognize it. That’s because nine of last year’s 11 starters will be back, but the coaching staff will be using a 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme instead of a traditional 4-3 that Jim Schwartz utilized.
The Lions figure to have an outstanding pass rush regardless of what formation they are using. They are led, of course, by Ndamukong Suh. The former No. 2 overall pick has been inconsistent at times, but he was dominant in 2013. The sack total doesn’t show it – he recorded 5.5 – but he was completely disruptive on the interior. Unfortunately, his running mate Nick Fairley didn’t have as fruitful of a season. He didn’t perform poorly, but he was sluggish at times. Suh and Fairley were also heavily penalized – they combined for 20 infractions – so that number will need to drop. Detroit’s new coaching staff needs to have control over its players, which Schwartz failed to do.
Meanwhile, the Lions figure to be better on the edge. Ziggy Ansah, who led all rookies with eight sacks in 2013, will be entering his second campaign, so he’ll almost certainly upgrade his play. Detroit also added his BYU teammate, Kyle Van Noy, in the second round in May. Meanwhile, Jason Jones figures to be the other starter on the defensive line, but he’s coming off a torn patellar tendon. Players often struggle to bounce back from such an injury, so he’ll probably fail to live up to expectations in 2014.
The two inside linebackers in the 3-4 look will be Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy. It’s unclear how either will transition into the 3-4, but it’s worth noting that both excelled this past season, particularly in pass coverage. Neither player has hit 30 yet, so the scheme fit will be the only potential issue with them.
Detroit’s weakest area on defense was the secondary this past season. The team was expected to make wholesale changes in this area, but the front office only made one move of significance, signing James Ihedigbo over from the Ravens. Ihedigbo isn’t as naturally talented as the player he’s replacing, Louis Delmas, but he’ll be much more dependable; he hasn’t missed a game in three years, while Delmas was always banged up. Besides, Ihedigbo is a decent defensive back, so he and Glover Quin should be a solid safety duo this season.
The cornerback position still will be a huge problem, however. Many thought the Lions would use the No. 10 overall pick on Justin Gilbert, but they never got the chance because Cleveland pounced on him. As a result, the top three corners on the roster will be Rashean Mathis, Darius Slay and Bill Bentley, unless fourth-rounder Nevin Lawson steps up right away. Mathis was the best of the bunch in 2013, which is just sad considering he’ll be 34 in August. Bentley and Slay both struggled mightily, but there’s some hope with them because they are entering their third and second seasons, respectively.
2014 Detroit Lions Schedule and Intangibles:
The Lions, historically, have one of the worst home-field advantages in the NFL, owning a horrendous 64-80 record since 1996. But that’s nothing compared to their 32-113 road mark during that span. They were 4-4 as hosts and 3-5 as visitors in 2013.
Detroit surrendered a ridiculous four special-teams scores in 2012, but the team managed to rectify those issues. The Lions had two touchdowns and allowed none in 2013, though they were still outgained on kickoffs.
Jason Hanson announced his retirement last offseason, so it’s no surprise that the Lions’ kicking game struggled. They made a huge mistake by going with David Akers, who missed some important attempts, over Havard “Kickalicious” Rugland, but they spent a seventh-round pick on Nate Freese.
As a rookie punter, Sam Martin finished 10th in net average, though he didn’t get many kicks inside the 20.
The Lions have an easy schedule. Aside from the Packers (twice), they battle only three teams that made the playoffs last year, and one of them (Carolina) figures to be in severe decline. The Saints (home), Patriots (away), Falcons (away), Cardinals (away) and Bears (twice) will provide a challenge, but the other games are easy.
2014 Detroit Lions Rookies:
Go here for the Lions Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2014 Detroit Lions Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
Quarterbacks |
 |
Offensive Line |
|
Secondary |
|
Running Backs |
|
Defensive Line |
|
Special Teams |
|
Receivers |
|
Linebackers |
|
Coaching |
|
2014 Detroit Lions Analysis: The Lions have plenty of talent on their roster, but that was the case last year when they went 7-9, and the year before that, when they finished 4-12. They’re a team that has tons of potential, but the lack of discipline and a losing mentality constantly derails their chances. Perhaps a new coaching staff will help, but it’s not like Jim Caldwell has a great head-coaching pedigree. Detroit could definitely make a playoff run, but it’s more likely that the team will once again disappoint its fans.
Projection: 7-9 (3rd in NFC North)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings
More 2014 NFL Season Previews
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
NFL Draft Team Grade: B- Grade
Goals Entering the 2014 NFL Draft: The Lions added Golden Tate through free agency, but they still need to obtain a couple of weapons around Matthew Stafford. This can be done via Eric Ebron or Odell Beckham at No. 10 (or trading up for Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans). Detroit also needs to work on its secondary and finding depth for its defensive line. A pass-rushing linebacker is needed as well.
2014 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Excluding the seventh round, I graded only one of Detroit’s selections higher than a “B,” which was the B+ I posted for fifth-round pick Caraun Reid. Conversely, the Lions had just one pick worse than a C+, so I’d say they had an average draft.
There were two puzzling things about the Lions’ haul, one more so than the other. The minor concern was the first-round pick. Ebron makes sense as a potent intermediate weapon for Matthew Stafford, but with all of the second-round talent at the position, why not wait on a tight end? I get that Anthony Barr and Justin Gilbert were gone, but couldn’t Detroit have traded back? It’s not like any team in the 11-14 range was going to consider Ebron.
The bigger issue is the lack of secondary improvement. The Lions didn’t address the defensive backfield until the end of the fourth round with Nevin Lawson. As a result, they’ll look as helpless as ever while trying to defend Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
10. Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina: C+ Grade
I can’t say I’m crazy about this pick. There’s a reason tight ends have fallen in recent years, and Eric Ebron is viewed as a slightly overrated prospect. I don’t hate this selection though because Matthew Stafford needs more weapons, and Ebron is definitely an upgrade over the disappointing Brandon Pettigrew.
40. Kyle Van Noy, DE/OLB: B Grade
This pick makes a lot of sense. It may seem odd because the Lions have run a traditional 4-3, but they’ll have a hybrid stop unit under Jim Caldwell. With that in mind, Detroit had to find a pass-rushing linebacker, and Kyle Van Noy is arguably the top player available who fits that profile. This is about the area where I expected Van Noy to go.
76. Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas: B Grade
This is a pretty decent pick. Travis Swanson fits the range as a mid third-round selection. He also fills a need because the Lions had to find a long-term answer at the center position. I think I had Swanson mocked to the Lions at this spot at one point, so it obviously makes a lot of sense to me.
133. Nevin Lawson, CB, Utah State: B Grade
This pick makes sense. The Lions have cornerback issues, though they weren’t going to take one as early as No. 10 because they like the young players at the position. They had to take one at some point though, and Nevin Lawson fits this range.
136. Larry Webster, DE, Bloomsburg: C Grade
I had the Lions picking Larry Webster – at No. 189. This is a reach, but Webster fills a need. Detroit lost Willie Young to Chicago via free agency, so it needed to find a defensive end.
158. Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton: B+ Grade
Caraun Reid could have gone in the third round, and no one would have complained very much. The Lions are getting very good value, and it’s not a surprise that they’re taking a defensive tackle. They said they wanted to pick someone who could perhaps push the lethargic Nick Fairley.
189. T.J. Jones, WR, Notre Dame: B Grade
The Lions were expected to pick a receiver earlier. They took a tight end in the first round, but a wideout had to be acquired. T.J. Jones fits the range, so this is a fine pick.
229. Nate Freese, K, Boston College: B+ Grade
Now, here’s a team that needed a kicker. The Lions were hurt by David Akers’ struggles last year, as they screwed up big time by not keeping Kickalicious. Nate Freese was the No. 1 kicker on some boards.
Season Summary:
Once upon a time, the Lions were 5-3 and fresh off sweeping the Bears. Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers were both injured, so the NFC North was gift-wrapped for them. Things quickly fell apart after that, as Detroit suffered inexplicable losses to the Steelers, Buccaneers, Ravens and Giants. That final defeat, which featured Jim Schwartz cursing at the fans in the stands, eliminated the Lions and cost their head coach his job.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Wide Receiver: We’ve all seen what happens to Detroit’s offense if Calvin Johnson is out of the lineup. The front office could spend the No. 10 overall pick on a No. 2 wideout. A secondary option would really help Matthew Stafford. Signed Golden Tate
- Free Safety: The Lions had to cut Louis Delmas to get under the cap. He’ll be missed. A replacement will have to be chosen early in the 2014 NFL Draft. Signed James Ihedigbo
- Cornerback: An indication of how poor Detroit’s cornerback situation is: 33-year-old Rashean Mathis was the team’s most consistent player at the position. Re-signed Rashean Mathis; signed Cassius Vaughn
- Center: Dominic Raiola is a 35-year-old free agent. The Lions may want to get younger at the position anyway. If so, they can take someone on the second day of the draft. Re-signed Dominic Raiola
- Defensive End: Willie Young’s contract has expired. Detroit has 2013 fourth-rounder Devin Taylor to step in as a potential starter. Still, the team will need to add depth here. Signed Darryl Tapp
- Strongside Linebacker: Ashlee Palmer isn’t a major liability, but Detroit can do better than him at strongside linebacker.
- Tight End: Brandon Pettigrew is a free agent, but he was a major disappointment anyway. Joseph Fauria will get a chance to start, but the Lions may want to bring someone else in. Re-signed Brandon Pettigrew
- Kicker: David Akers’ contract has expired. Maybe Detroit can bring Kickalicious back.
- Backup Quarterback: Shaun Hill will be hitting the market in March. If he’s not retained, the Lions will have to find a new No. 2 quarterback. Signed Dan Orlovsky
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2014 NFL Free Agent Signings:
-
Golden Tate, WR, Seahawks. Age: 26. 
Signed with Lions (5 years)
Golden Tate functioned as Seattle’s No. 1 receiver this season, but he’s better served as a secondary option – and just an above-average one at that. Tate recorded 64 catches, 898 yards and five touchdowns in 2013.
-
James Ihedigbo, S, Ravens. Age: 30.
Signed with Lions (3 years)
James Ihedigbo, beat out rookie Matt Elam for one of the safety spots to open the 2013 season, but struggled in coverage to close out the year. He’s great in run support.
- Vaughn Martin, DT, Chargers. Age: 34. — Signed with Lions
- Jed Collins (RFA), FB, Saints. Age: 28. — Signed with Lions (1 year)
- Dan Orlovsky, QB, Buccaneers. Age: 31. — Signed with Lions (1 year)
- Cassius Vaughn, CB, Colts. Age: 26. — Signed with Lions (1 year)
- Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB, Redskins. Age: 29. — Signed with Lions
Detroit Lions Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
-
Louis Delmas, S, Lions. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins (1 year, $3.5 million)
The Lions had to cut Louis Delmas for financial reasons, but they’ll miss him. Delmas played well this past season, appearing in all 16 games for the first time in his career. Delmas is very effective when he’s on the field, but durability is the big issue. He missed a combined 13 contests in 2011 and 2012.
-
Dominic Raiola, C, Lions. Age: 35.
Re-signed with Lions (1 year)
Dominic Raiola surprisingly played well in 2013 after a couple of down seasons. He just turned 35 though, so he’ll regress quickly soon.
-
Willie Young, DE, Lions. Age: 28.
Signed with Bears (3 years, $9 million)
The sack numbers don’t show it, but Willie Young had a solid season both in terms of rushing the passer and stuffing the run. At just 28, he deserves a fairly decent-sized contract.
-
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Lions (4 years, $16 million)
Brandon Pettigrew has great talent, but he’s never been able to live up to his potential. He constantly screws up, whether it’s dropping passes, fumbling or missing assignments. Maybe he can put it together on a new team, but time is running out for him.
-
Joique Bell (RFA), RB, Lions. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Lions (2 years, $7 million)
Joique Bell is a great pass-catching running back. He’s caught at least 50 balls in each of the past two seasons.
-
Rashean Mathis, CB, Lions. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Lions (1 year)
Rashean Mathis was surprisingly effective as a starting corner for Detroit this season. But given that he’ll be 34 in August, things can go downhill quickly.
-
Shaun Hill, QB, Lions. Age: 34.
Signed with Rams
Shaun Hill is one of the top backup quarterbacks in the NFL, but he just turned 34.
-
Israel Idonije, DE, Lions. Age: 33.
Signed with Bears (1 year)
Israel Idonije had a great 2012 campaign, but hasn’t done much in Detroit. He’s been a decent run-stuffer, but he hasn’t put much pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
- Chris Houston, CB, Lions. Age: 29.
- Nate Burleson, WR, Lions. Age: 33. — Signed with Browns (1 year)
- David Akers, K, Lions. Age: 39.
- Leroy Harris, G, Lions. Age: 30.
- Michael Spurlock, WR/KR, Lions. Age: 31.
- Jason Fox, OT, Lions. Age: 26. — Signed with Dolphins
- Dylan Gandy, C, Lions. Age: 32.
- Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Lions. Age: 31.
- Ogemdi Nwagbuo, NT, Lions. Age: 28.
- John Wendling, S, Lions. Age: 31.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
