The Detroit Lions had one of their best seasons ever last year and certainly their best season in a very long time. The Lions won the NFC North and hosted a home playoff game last season against the Los Angeles Rams. It was the first playoff win for the Lions in over 30 years, and they got another home playoff game and win after that against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a great season, and the players that Detroit picked in the 2023 NFL Draft helped them out a lot.
A lot of people questioned Brad Holmes and the Lions after the 2023 NFL Draft because of some of their picks, specifically early on. Two picks that people question because of how early they were taken were Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. Holmes ended up looking like a genius after the season because of how well those two rookies ended up playing. They were two of the best rookies in the entire league, and it really showed that Holmes is one of the best GMs in the NFL. That rookie class was crucial to the success that the Lions found last season, and they will be crucial going forward as well. Detroit has a great young core of players.
Those rookies last season were not only huge during the regular season, but they stepped up big time in the playoffs for the Lions as well. It was impressive to see from players that had never been on that stage before. There was no moment that was too big for them, and they played a crucial role in the playoff run that Detroit went on.
After taking down the Rams and the Buccaneers, the Lions were just one win away from going to the Super Bowl. They hit the road to take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, and Detroit came out firing on all cylinders. The Lions dominated the first half and they found themselves with a 17-point lead in the third quarter of the game. Unfortunately for Detroit, things began to unravel after that.
The Lions 17-point lead quickly vanished after a 49ers touchdown followed by an immediate Detroit fumble. San Francisco eventually got the lead and they never looked back, and they ended up going to the Super Bowl. It was a tough way for the season to end for the Lions, but it was still very promising and the future is looking bright.
Lions fans had been waiting for a season like that for a long time, and the city of Detroit needed it badly. The Lions seem poised for success next season as well, and the future as a whole looks bright after their deep playoff run. Detroit has never won a Super Bowl, so while last year was great, the next step is getting over the hump and bringing that trophy back to the Motor City for the first time.
The rookie class was huge for the Lions last season, and they now have their next set of youngsters coming in as the 2024 NFL Draft was a couple weeks ago in Detroit. Lions fan showed out all week and showed how much they care about this team as they broke the record for day one NFL Draft attendance and total NFL Draft attendance. These fans are great, and they are hungry to see their team get to top of the NFL.
After the masterclass that Brad Holmes and co put on last year with their NFL Draft picks, Lions fans are excited to see how their new rookies are going to fare in the NFL. Now, the Lions need to focus on their next batch of talent which could come in free agency. Here are three players that they should have their eyes on.
Hunter Renfrow, WR
It wouldn't hurt the Lions to pick up another talented WR in free agency, and Hunter Renfrow could be a good option for them. Right now would be a good time to get Renfrow for a good deal because his numbers haven't been as good since his breakout season in 2021. Hunter Renfrow had a big year that season as he hauled in 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns.
Hunter Renfrow only played in 10 games the following season and his numbers obviously dropped off as he had played in 17 games the year prior when he put up those numbers. He only had 36 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2022.
In 2023, Hunter Renfrow was back to playing full time as he played in 17 games, but he still had a relatively quiet year. He finished this past season with 25 receptions for 255 yards and zero touchdowns.
The potential is there for Hunter Renfrow to have another big year, and perhaps that could happen if he is in the right offense. The Lions could get him for a good deal, and he could be end up being a big pickup.
Quandre Diggs, S
One area that hurt the Lions last season was their secondary, and so far this offseason, they have done a great job of adding help there. Getting some more wouldn't hurt, and one available free agent is Quandre Diggs, who is very familiar with the Lions. Quandre Diggs played in Detroit for five seasons before he went to the Seattle Seahawks, and he has had a great NFL year.
Last season was Quandre Diggs' best in terms of total tackles as he racked up 95. He didn't have any interceptions, but he still made his presence felt on the field. Quandre Diggs is someone that the Lions could be thinking about bringing home.
Shaq Lawson, EDGE
Another player that the Lions could potentially get a good deal on Shaq Lawson, and it would give them some good help along the defensive line. Shaq Lawson has spent the majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills, and he had some big seasons from 2020-2022 before taking a bit of a step back last season.
Shaw Lawson had over 30 tackles and over three sacks in 2020 and 2o22, but he had just 13 tackles and one sack last season. The potential is more than there for Shaq Lawson to have some more big seasons.
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