The Lions were supposed to be strong on defense last season. They ... were not. In fact, they nearly broke the franchise record for defensive futility, surrendering over 400 yards per game.
Suffice to say, they have some fixing to do this offseason.
That will start in free agency this week, and it will continue in the draft next month. Detroit has seven picks overall, and the possibility to add more if they opt to trade down in the first round. However Bob Quinn and Co. approach it, expect them to prioritize defense.
Simmons is very much in play for Detroit. Quinn raved about him at the combine, he boasts the kind of versatility Matt Patricia covets, and the Lions have a need at his position. Patricia was at Clemson's pro day to watch Simmons in person just last week.
After Simmons, the Lions take Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos 35th overall. Per CBS Sports, "Gross-Matos may still have to develop slightly, but he has the length, power and advancing pass-rush moves to eventually be a star." He had 9.5 sacks last season.
In the third round, 67th overall, Detroit picks Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: "The Lions need to give Kenny Golladay a complement on the outside. Aiyuk is a little raw but can hit big plays immediately." Indeed, Aiyuk averaged 18.3 yards per catch in 2019.
The Lions take Texas safety Brandon Jones in the fourth round, "a chippy, assertive safety with some cornerback-like coverage skills." They double down in the secondary with Temple cornerback Harrison Hand in round five.
They add more depth to the defensive line with Baylor product James Lynch with their second pick in the fifth round, and finish out the draft by taking North Carolina offensive lineman Charlie Heck.
If you're keeping score at home, that's five players on defense, versus two on offense. And it's the kind of split that feels realistic for Detroit.