Is it too soon to worry about linebackers?
Vito Chirco and Adam Strozynski, two of the staff writers at Sports Illustrated/All Lions, discuss issues involving the Detroit Lions in the post-draft and early off-season period in this week’s edition of Lions’ Roundtable.
• What storyline will you be following next week for rookie minicamp?
Chirco: Just like Adam, I want to see how the players adjust to life in the NFL. Additionally, I’m going to be on the lookout for which guys come in to Allen Park with a chip on their shoulder and impress the coaching staff during their time in minicamp.
Strozynski: How do these new players transition into their new roles and how do the undrafted free agents look and compare to the guys that were selected before them.
• If you could ask Dan Campbell one question about the 2022 NFL Draft, what would you ask?
Chirco: My one question would be: “Why didn’t you draft a linebacker before the sixth round?”
I think it’s the one major mistake that was made by Campbell and Detroit general manager Brad Holmes during the 2022 draft, and I believe it will come back to haunt them during the upcoming season.
Strozynski: My one question would be the following: “Why was it so important to draft Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft?”
• Is it too early to worry about the Lions’ linebackers?
Chirco: I don’t think so. I think the linebackers are going to be an area of concern for Detroit all season. I don’t see any of the Lions’ projected starting linebackers — Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes and Jarrad Davis — being impact-type players in Aaron Glenn’s defense this season. And, I think this void will end up costing the Lions dearly, especially as the 2022 campaign progresses.
Strozynski: Hell no! I think all of Detroit needs to be in freakout mode about this unit. Who is the go-to guy in the linebacking corps? There isn’t one. I mean you have Jarrad Davis back after a year away, and currently, he is a starter. I don’t need to tell you
that isn’t good.
• Who will have the best rookie season for the Lions?
Chirco: Based on his pedigree, I’m going to go with Aidan Hutchinson.
As much pressure as there will be on him to perform (and right away), I still think he’ll be the most productive Lions rookie this upcoming season.
He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, plus the No. 1 player in the entire draft class for a lot of pundits, for a reason.
And, more often than not, I believe he’ll demonstrate the reason why during the ’22 campaign.
Strozynski: It will be Aidan Hutchinson or Josh Paschal.
It has to be one of the EDGE rushers, right?
I’m going to lean towards Hutchinson, because I expect him to be a day one starter and to get more playing time.
I think he’ll have a good, impactful first season.
• How are you feeling about the Lions’ 2022 defense?
Chirco: I think it’ll be better, because of the additions of guys like Hutchinson and fellow EDGE Josh Paschal, as well as safeties Kerby Joseph and DeShon Elliott.
However, I still think it’s going to be an area of weakness all season long, and because of deficiencies in the team’s aforementioned linebackers unit.
I don’t see a star emerging among the group of players, and I believe that will be troublesome for Detroit throughout the entirety of the season.
As much as I like Glenn, I believe it’s going to be another long season for the Lions’ defense in 2022.
Strozynski: I think it’s improved from last year, but it still has massive holes on it.
The linebackers are the weakest link on this team, and I think the front office was extremely neglectful in addressing this position in free agency and the draft. It will be interesting to see how next season’s coaching staff covers for the unit in 2022.