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detroit1811
Well-known member
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- Aug 4, 2011
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I know it is only week 5, but looking ahead to the off-season is basically an annual Detroit Lions tradition. Once we drop the salaries of Flowers and Vatai, we will be sitting on 50-60mil in cap space for the 2022 off-season. With the money we had and the fact that this year would basically be a wash, 2021 was not a year to spend in FA. That doesn't mean in 2022 we should spend like crazy, but a few key additions will go a long way in building for the future. Below are a few guys I have my eye on that I think are worth spending the money to get.
Marcus Williams, S, New Orleans - New Orleans cap space is going to be a major issue again. I don't see them retaining/tagging Williams again. If that is the case there may not be a better talent/familiarity fit then Williams. We so desperately need a playmaking safety to stabilize the back end of this defense and pairing him with Walker (who we should re-sign), would go a long way in fixing this defense.
Chris Godwin/Allen Robinson/Mike Williams/Courtland Sutton/Michael Gallup, WR - We cannot go into 2022 without a proven #1 WR. The FA class is very deep next year and I think it would be a mistake not to come away with one of the top guys. I think Cephus has shown enough this year to potentially work his way into the #2 spots or at worst be very good depth as the #2/#3. St. Brown has had some moments, but the jury is still out on him. I do think he develops into a quality slot guy. That leaves open a spot for a true #1 and a rookie who can compete for the #2 spot. That would make this group average at least, which is miles ahead of where we are now. I would rank these guys as the top 5 guys I would go after in the order I have them listed.
Josey Jewell/Leighton Vander Esch, LB'er - Neither one of these guys would be high dollar additions, but both would be a worthwhile gamble. Jewell is coming off a very good 2020 season and was having a great start to 2021, but injured his pec and is done for the year. Would be a great one year trial with upside. Vander Esch had a great start to his career, but poor play and injuries have started to mount. I think his upside and play he has put on tape in the past makes him a worthwhile reclamation project too.
Add in 5 picks in the first three rounds and we can start building a nucleous for 2022 and beyond. A key is seeing how these young guys develop throughout this season and who we can build around in the future.
Round 1 (Top 5?)
Round 1
Round 2 (Top 5?)
Round 3 (Top 5?)
Round 3 (Comp)
Round 5 (Comp)
Round 6 (Top 5?)
Round 6 (Comp)
Round 7
Marcus Williams, S, New Orleans - New Orleans cap space is going to be a major issue again. I don't see them retaining/tagging Williams again. If that is the case there may not be a better talent/familiarity fit then Williams. We so desperately need a playmaking safety to stabilize the back end of this defense and pairing him with Walker (who we should re-sign), would go a long way in fixing this defense.
Chris Godwin/Allen Robinson/Mike Williams/Courtland Sutton/Michael Gallup, WR - We cannot go into 2022 without a proven #1 WR. The FA class is very deep next year and I think it would be a mistake not to come away with one of the top guys. I think Cephus has shown enough this year to potentially work his way into the #2 spots or at worst be very good depth as the #2/#3. St. Brown has had some moments, but the jury is still out on him. I do think he develops into a quality slot guy. That leaves open a spot for a true #1 and a rookie who can compete for the #2 spot. That would make this group average at least, which is miles ahead of where we are now. I would rank these guys as the top 5 guys I would go after in the order I have them listed.
Josey Jewell/Leighton Vander Esch, LB'er - Neither one of these guys would be high dollar additions, but both would be a worthwhile gamble. Jewell is coming off a very good 2020 season and was having a great start to 2021, but injured his pec and is done for the year. Would be a great one year trial with upside. Vander Esch had a great start to his career, but poor play and injuries have started to mount. I think his upside and play he has put on tape in the past makes him a worthwhile reclamation project too.
Add in 5 picks in the first three rounds and we can start building a nucleous for 2022 and beyond. A key is seeing how these young guys develop throughout this season and who we can build around in the future.
Round 1 (Top 5?)
Round 1
Round 2 (Top 5?)
Round 3 (Top 5?)
Round 3 (Comp)
Round 5 (Comp)
Round 6 (Top 5?)
Round 6 (Comp)
Round 7
