Offseason report - kdutch98's Dynasty

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Offseason report

Posted on September 7, 2022 at 06:00 PM.

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LIONS 2023 PREVIEW

Following their improbable run to a Super Bowl win and a perfect season, the Detroit Lions had very few holes to fill. The Lions lost only three big contributors to their 2022 success, losing S DeShon Elliott, WR D.J. Chark, and LB Alex Anzalone to free agency.

On day 1 of Free Agency, the Lions made two huge signings. First, they replaced Safety DeShon Elliott by signing Safety Derwin James Jr. to a 4 year, $70.8 Million deal. James had 78 tackles, and an interception for the LA Chargers last season, and was widely regarded as the best available free agent. Then, the Lions replaced Anzalone (who led the NFL in tackles in 2022) by signing free agent Tremaine Edmunds away from the BUffalo Bills. Edmunds had 161 tackles (14 for loss) and 5 interceptions for the Bills in 2022.

In the Draft, the Lions traded the Rams first round pick (29th overall) along with their 3rd round selection, to the Titans, in exchange for the 22nd overall pick. With that pick, the Lions chose edge rusher Vontae Mack out of Ohio State. With their 32nd overall choice, they selected linebacker Luther Lavay out of Miami.

With their second round pick, the Lions selected OG Hugh Janus out of USF. The Lions also selected CB Leon Sandcastle (4th round), LB Josh Wroten, and LB George Porter (5th round), HB Darnell Jefferson, and WR Rod Tidwell (6th round)

They also brought in 5 undrafted free agents, DT Steve Lattimer, QB Jonathan Moxon, WR Deacon Moss, FB Ray Griffen, and TE Brian Murphy.

All of them made the opening 53 man roster.

NFL Draft Results/Undrafted Free Agents
Pick	Player	College	Pos	Ht	Wt
1 (22)	Vontae Mack	Ohio State	DE	6"6'	271
1 (32)	Luther 'Shark' Lavay	Miami	LB	6'3"	238
2 (64)	Hugh Janus	USF	OG	6'3"	325
4 (128)	Leon Sandcastle	Florida State	CB	6'1"	205
5 (150)	Josh Wroten	Rutgers	LB	6'2"	240
5 (160)	George Porter	Penn State	CB	6'0"	210
6 (185)	Darnell Jefferson	Florida State	HB	6'1	225
6 (192)	Rod Tidwell	Arizona State	WR	6'0"	186
UD	Steve Lattimer	Michigan	DT	6'2"	330
UD	Jonathan Moxon	Texas A&M	QB	6'1"	208
UD	Deacon Moss	Texas	WR	6'2"	182
UD	Ray Griffen	Iowa	FB	6'1"	220
UD	Brian Murphy	Wisconsin	TE	6'5"	248

QUARTERBACK
Jared Goff returns as the starter. Goff threw for 4929 yards, 35 TDs, with just 6 Ints in 2022. He was second in the NFL in passer rating (117.8) Undrafted Free Agent Jon Moxon surprised everyone by winning the backup job. Nick Mullens was signed to be the backup, but was cut at the end of the preseason. The Lions will go with just 2 QBs on the roster.

RUNNING BACK/FULLBACK
D'Andre Swift cast aside all questions as to if he could be a featured back in the NFL. He rushed for 1543 yards, and 15 touchdowns, and caught 74 passes for 615 yards. He will again be the feature back.

Jamaal Williams returns as the backup. Williams had 575 yards and 8 touchdowns last season, but had some fumble issues. The Lions are very high on rookie Darnell Jefferson. Jefferson provides a good balance of speed and power, and is also a very good kick returner.

Undrafted free agent Ray Griffen beat out Jason Cabinda for the Fullback spot.

RECEIVER/TIGHT END
The Lions return Amon-Ra St. Brown (100 Receptions, 1002 yards, 4 TD) and Jameson Williams (88 Receptions, 1339 yards, 14 TD) Williams will start outside, while St. Brown will start in the slot. The Lions are counting on rookie Rod Tidwell to start on the outside opposite Williams. Josh Reynolds, and rookie Deacon Moss are also in the mix.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson had a career year (79 receptions, 1262 yards, 7 TD). He will again be counted on in the passing game. Devin Funches departed in free agency. He will be replaced by James Mitchell, and rookie Brian Murphy.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Lions return their entire offensive line from 2022. Tackles Taylor Decker, and Penei Sewel, Guards Jonah Jackson, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai, and center Frank Ragnew comprised one of the best offensive lines in the league in 2022. However, rookie Hugh Janus beat out Vaitai and will start at RG.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Rookie Aiden Hutchinson had a monster rookie year, with 21 sacks, and 36 tackles for loss. Charles Harris was second on the team with 9 sacks, but he will be pushed for playing time by rookie 1st round pick Vontae Mack. On the interior, the Lions return Alim McNeil, Levi Onwuzurike, and Michael Brockers. They will all be pushed for playing time by rookie Steve Lattimer. At 6'2", 33o LBS, Lattimer is an imposing run stopper.

SECONDARY
Amani Oruwariye, and Jeff Okudah return at CB, and will start on the outside. Okudah finally showed some of the promise that led to him being drafted 3rd overall just 3 years ago. Rookie Leon Sandcastle expects to start in the slot, but could also push Okudah for time on the outside. Veteran Kyle Fuller was brought in for depth.

The Lions brought in Devin James Jr. in free agency, to replace DeShon Elliott. James is a much better player, an imposing force in the secondary. Tracy Walker will start at Free Safety. Walker had 89 tackels and 4 picks in 2022.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Austin Seibert missed just one kick last season (38 for 39) and his lone miss was from 62 yards. He is about as automatic as they come. John Fox returns as punter. Fox had a bit of a down year, averaging just 39.7 yards per punt, with only 7 of his 29 punts inside the 20.

Rookie Darnell Jefferson is expected to be the primary kick/punt returner, a role he excelled at in college. Leon Sandcastle can also return kicks.